Program Overview

Master of Science in Infectious Disease Emergencies

The Master of Science in Infectious Disease Emergencies (MSc IDE) is a coursework-based programme designed to develop outbreak responders for future infectious disease emergencies. Led by faculty at the Centre for Infectious Disease Emergency Response (CIDER), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, and partnered with local and international experts, this programme offers comprehensive skills and knowledge to lead in this evolving field.

Programme Director's Message

Welcome to the NUS Master’s Degree Programme in Infectious Disease Emergencies (MSc IDE). Our programme is designed for early to mid-career professionals, at national, subnational, or institutional levels, as well as specialists in various aspects of outbreak response. We aim to deliver a world-class, first-of-its-kind programme to develop outbreak responders for future infectious disease emergencies.

Overview

The MSc IDE is a coursework-based programme that can be completed in 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time). To graduate, students must complete 40 units of coursework. The curriculum includes key components such as leadership, ethical and legal frameworks relevant to this area, adding unique advantages and preparing students to be agile and enterprising with management strength.

Programme Structure

• The full-time track spans two semesters, each starting with three weeks of intense in-person engagement, followed by virtual sessions, faculty support, and self-directed study.
• Each semester then concludes with two weeks of in-person learning to consolidate knowledge.
• The programme emphasises adult learning styles supported by conventional didactic methods, facilitating engagement and network building.

What Makes MSc IDE Unique?

The MSc IDE programme integrates critical topics relevant to preparedness and response to infectious disease emergencies. We leverage experience from local and global outbreaks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, to provide unique perspectives. Coursework is contextualised to students’ home countries, and our faculty boasts experts of regional and international repute eager to share their experience and knowledge.

Novel Programme Schedule

• The programme combines in-person and virtual learning opportunities, supporting students in balancing at-home commitments with the MSc IDE.
• This hybrid approach enables interaction with expert international and local faculty, fosters practical skills, and facilitates professional networking.

Graduate Career Opportunities

Our graduates will be well-positioned to pursue a variety of meaningful and impactful career paths, including:

• Roles in policymaking and emergency planning within government agencies and health ministries
• Leadership positions in public health departments, hospitals, and healthcare systems
• International roles that require specialised expertise in pandemic preparedness and global health security
• Opportunities in academia, research institutions, and universities

Skills and Training

• Skills in surveillance, modelling, and interventions, coupled with strong leadership and communication training, equip graduates for diverse roles within health systems management.

CIDER Faculty Assistant (CFA) Programme

The CIDER Faculty Assistant (CFA) Programme is an initiative designed for individuals from low- to middle-income countries to gain exposure to the MSc IDE. While the CFA pathway does not confer a Master’s degree, it provides participants with an opportunity to engage directly in the programme as facilitator assistants, supporting delivery, interacting with faculty and students, and acquiring practical knowledge in infectious disease emergency response.

Programme Details

• The programme carries no student fees and enables selected participants to strengthen their expertise while contributing to the MSc IDE’s success.