Program Overview
Epidemiology Program
The MSc in Epidemiology by coursework and research report is offered in the fields of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Field Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Public Health Informatics, Implementation Science, and Biostatistics.
Overview
The Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division of Wits School of Public Health has established itself as a place of choice for the provision of postgraduate training in epidemiology and biostatistics in the sub-Sahara African region and beyond. There are six fields of study within the programme:
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Field Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Public Health Informatics
- Implementation Science
- Biostatistics
Career Opportunities
Graduates enter careers in medical research, public health and community medicine, field-based scientific research, government, NGOs, or international agencies.
Curriculum
The Programme consists of coursework and a research project. The contents of the six fields of study are as follows:
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Introduction to Computing in Biostatistics
- Epidemiology for Health Researchers I
- Biostatistics for Health Researchers I and II
- Research Protocol Development
Additional Core Courses
- Epidemiology for Health Researchers II & III
- Surveillance
- Biostatistics for Health Researchers III
- Introduction to Demographic Methods
- Research Report
Electives
- Communicable Disease Epidemiology
- Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology
- Clinical Trials
- Clinical Epidemiology
- Integration of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
Field Epidemiology
- Introduction to Computing in Biostatistics
- Epidemiology for Health Researchers I
- Biostatistics for Health Researchers II
- Research Protocol Development
Additional Core Courses
- Epidemiology for Health Researchers II
- Surveillance
- Introduction to Demographic Methods
- Longitudinal Data and Event History Analysis
- Applied Field Epidemiology
- Data Management in Clinical Research Studies
- Monitoring and Evaluation for Health Programmes
- Field-Based Research Report
Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Epidemiology for Health Researchers II
- Surveillance
- Communicable Disease Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Modelling
- Introduction to Demographic Methods
- Research Report
Electives
- Biostatistics for Health Researchers III
- Introduction to Demographic Methods
- Introduction to Vector-Borne Diseases
- Vector Control
Public Health Informatics
- Longitudinal Data and Event History Analysis
- Principles and Operations of Relational Databases
- Health and Demographic Surveillance Database Systems
- Introduction to Data Management Systems, Structures and Models
- Programming for Research Data Management I
- Data Management in Clinical Research Studies
- Data Processing, Distribution and Archiving I
- Field-Based Research Report
Implementation Science
- Implementation Science 1
- Quality Improvement Science
- Monitoring and Evaluation for Health Programmes
- Introduction to Health Economics
- Adapting, Implementing & Evaluating Evidence-Based Interventions
- Integration of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
- Field-Based Research Report
Electives
- Spatial Analysis and GIS in Public Health
- Data Management for Clinical Research Studies
Biostatistics
- Introduction to Statistical Theory in Health Research
- Generalized Linear Models in Health Research
- Bayesian Methods in Health Research
- Statistical Issues in Randomised Controlled Trials
- Survey Methods in Health Research
- Modern Biostatistical Methods
- Statistical Consulting in Health Research
- Infectious Disease Modelling
- Applied Spatial Statistics for Health Researchers
- Research Report
Entry Requirements
Eligibility
Students come from a range of disciplinary backgrounds including medical, microbiology, dentistry, statistics, computer science, veterinary science, demography, Nutrition, and Psychology. Applicants must have a four-year honours degree, an MBBCh, or other health-related degree. Relevant work experience will be an advantage.
Application Requirements
- Written motivation by the applicant detailing motivation for applying for the course and how the programme fits with their overall career goals.
- Comprehensive curriculum vitae including a description of relevant research and work experience.
- Two referee reports.
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates.
University Application Process
Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre. Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment.
University Fees and Funding
The Fees site provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, the University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students.
Programme Details
- Programme Code: MCA16
- Faculty: Health Sciences
- School: Public Health
- Qualification: MSc (Epi)
- Duration: 18 months - 3 years
- Study Mode: Full-time; Part-time
- Closing Date: 30 June
- Course Coordinator: Ms Lerato Podile