Program Overview

Programme Overview

The Master of Science in Infectious Disease Emergencies programme 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.

Programme Structure

Our user-friendly programme combines face-to-face (F2F) and virtual learning opportunities. Each semester includes F2F sessions at the start and end, with flexibility in between for continued learning either on campus or online. Each semester begins with approximately three weeks of F2F instruction. This is followed by a flexible period where students can attend live virtual classes or continue learning from a space provided on campus. While teaching during this period is often delivered virtually by global authorities based abroad, students staying in Singapore can participate from the shared space alongside peers, with support from the team. Virtual learning is available but entirely optional, with no advantage to either option. Each semester concludes with two weeks of F2F sessions to consolidate learning. Adult learning styles will predominate over traditional didactic learning, facilitating engagement and network building.

F2F Learning Activities

• Sem 1: Mon, 20 Jul'26 - Fri, 7 Aug'26 (3 weeks intensive)
• Sem 2: Mon, 11 Jan'27 - Fri, 29 Jan'27 (3 weeks intensive)
• Sem 1: Mon, 16 Nov'26 - Fri, 27 Nov'26 (2 weeks intensive)
• Sem 2: Mon, 19 Apr'27 - Fri, 30 Apr'27 (2 weeks intensive)

Virtual Learning Activities and Supported Self-Directed Study

• Sem 1: Mon, 10 Aug'26 - Fri, 13 Nov'26 (14 weeks)
• Sem 2: Mon, 1 Feb'27 - Fri, 16 Apr'27 (11 weeks)

Courses Offered

These courses each have rich evidence-based and practical content as well as cross-cutting threads of leadership, ethics, and law, which add unique insights and prepare candidates with skills valid beyond infectious disease emergencies.

Core Courses

Students are required to complete all 3 core courses (4 units each, 12 units in total).

1. IDE5001: Leadership and Coordination - Leaders facing outbreaks need to coordinate the many pillars of response in the health and non-health sectors (public and private). Learners will have the opportunity to engage with international experts and will be enabled to develop their own leadership skills by understanding different styles of leadership and how they can be applied. (Sem 2)
2. IDE5002: Surveillance and Epidemiology - This course will explore the cause, prevention, and control of infectious disease emergencies (IDEs) through considering the epidemiologic triad of host, agent, and environment. Learners will acquire knowledge of field epidemiological methods used for outbreak data analysis and understand how this informs public health interventions. (Sem 1)
3. IDE5003: Communications and Engagement in a Crisis - This course provides coverage of the key elements of preparing for and delivering effective and comprehensive communications in a health crisis, including risk communication and community engagement (RCCE), information management, stakeholder engagement, media management, and media training. (Sem 1)

Elective Courses

Students are required to choose and complete 7 electives (4 units each, 28 units in total).

1. IDE5004: Clinical Management, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), and Facility Infrastructure - In this course, learners will acquire knowledge to effectively prepare for and safely respond to a surge in demand for clinical case management during infectious disease emergencies (IDEs), and understand the role of well-considered facility infrastructure in outbreak preparedness. (Sem 2)
2. IDE5005: Interventions for Outbreak Control - This course focuses on strategic public health emergency interventions, including both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions, evidence-based approaches, and adaptability to different settings. (Sem 1)
3. IDE5006: Research in a Pandemic - This course examines the central role of research to inform and enhance various outbreak response strategies during different phases of an outbreak. (Sem 2)
4. IDE5007: Mental Health and Support for the Vulnerable - This course will provide insights into strategies for protecting vulnerable populations such as children, women, and minority and disadvantaged groups in society, who are at risk of exploitation, abuse, or neglect, especially during an outbreak. (Sem 2)
5. IDE5008: Laboratory - This course will provide the learners with an appreciation of the role laboratory has to play during and after an outbreak response. (Sem 2)
6. IDE5009: Training for Outbreak Response - In this practical immersive course, learners will experience the design, implementation, and evaluation of various training methods for preparedness and response to infectious disease emergencies (IDEs). (Sem 2)
7. IDE5010: Outbreak Prone Pathogens - Learners will gain knowledge on emerging and re-emerging pathogens with outbreak potential. (Sem 1)
8. IDE5011: Infectious Disease Emergency Response Modelling - This course is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of infectious disease modelling. (Sem 1)

Study Plan

The study plan outlines the courses to take each semester and the expected workload for both full-time and part-time students. Plan and pace your course selections wisely across the semesters to ensure timely graduation.