Program Overview

Introduction to the Postgraduate Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

The Postgraduate Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene is a one-year full-time program designed for medical doctors with an interest in tropical medicine and infectious diseases. This diploma integrates the rich tradition of tropical disease studies with contemporary knowledge, equipping healthcare practitioners to tackle modern-day challenges in tropical health.

Overview of the Program

The Postgraduate Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (DTM&H) is the longest-standing course of its type in Africa. It offers students up-to-date insights into tropical medicine and infectious diseases. The program is open to doctors who hold a medical qualification from a recognized medical school in any country and are registered for medical practice in that country. The use of online webinars and self-directed learning ensures the syllabus is covered with flexibility. Weekly live webinars facilitate ongoing interaction and accommodate the diverse schedules of participants.

Curriculum

The teaching program is divided into four courses, each comprising several units. Each course is delivered over 8 weeks and structured into approximately four 2-week learning units. The four courses that make up the program are:

• CMID5010A: Key Concepts in Tropical Health, NQF level 8, Credits: 30
• CMID5011A: Vector-borne and other Tropical Infectious Diseases, NQF level 8, Credits: 30
• CMID5012A: Important Communicable and Non-communicable Conditions in the Tropics, NQF level 8, Credits: 35
• CMID5013A: Prevention and Control of Diseases in the Tropics, NQF level 8, Credits: 25

Each learning unit in a course includes:

• Pre-recorded on-demand video lectures and online activities
• Weekly live facilitated, problem-based learning sessions
• End-of-unit online quizzes

The assessments for each course are cumulative, including:

• End-of-unit online quizzes
• Scored group activity (presentations, assignments, etc.)
• Final exam - proctored online

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a medical degree and be registered with the HPCSA (or equivalent). They must also have a good standard of written and spoken English and English comprehension.

University Application Process

Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once the application is complete, it will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications and must meet the entry requirements, although meeting these does not guarantee a place.

University Fees and Funding

The current average tuition fees can be found on the university's fees site, which also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. The university offers postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award. The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies.

Program Details

• Programme Code: MXA15
• Faculty: Health Sciences
• School: Pathology
• Qualification: DTM&H
• Duration: 1 year online
• Study Mode: Full-time
• Closing Date: 31 January 2026
• Course Coordinator: Prof. NA Ismail
• Course Dates: The course starts in March 2026 and ends by mid-November 2026.