Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Science in Medicine (MSc Med) in Virology

The Division of Virology at the University of the Witwatersrand offers a Master of Science in Medicine (MSc Med) by dissertation. This program focuses on the study of viruses and their pathogenesis, the host's immune response, and the application of this knowledge to develop preventive measures and treatment against viral infections and diseases.

Overview of the Program

The field of Virology addresses viral disease surveillance and response to mitigate the effects of viral epidemics and pandemics for national health security through public health measures. This course equips candidates with the necessary skills required in the field of diagnostic and research virology.

Career Opportunities

• Enables candidates to pursue a career as Medical Scientists
  • Researcher or Lecturer
  • Technical or Field Specialist
• Further postgraduate studies (PhD)

Entry Requirements

• A bachelor's in health sciences degree or a bachelor's degree in any relevant field or equivalent
• Followed by Honours degree with a minimum average of 65% is required for entry
• A letter from the applicant's proposed supervisor confirming willingness and availability to supervise the applicant
• Approval letter from the Head of Department confirming that the applicant has been accepted in the Division of Virology, to pursue the MSc by dissertation
• Confirmation of Supervision form

List of Potential Supervisors

• Prof Raveen Parboosing
• Prof Penelope Moore
• Prof Marietjie Venter
• Dr Florette Treurnicht
• Dr Nishi Prabdial-Sing
• Dr Kerrigan McCarthy
• Dr Jacqueline Weyer
• Dr Sandrama Nadan
• Dr Mukhlid Yousef
• Dr Jinal Bhiman
• Dr Kathleen Subramoney
• Dr Nonhlanhla Mbenenge
• Dr Bhaveshan Reddy
• Dr Nombuso Nxele
• Dr Nadia Harris

University Application Process

Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once the application is complete in terms of requested documentation, the application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment.

• Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
• Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalize the application at the end of the application cycle.

University Fees and Funding

The Fees site provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once applied, candidates will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

• 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.
• The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies.

Programme Details

• Programme Code: MRA05
• Faculty: Health Sciences
• School: Pathology
• Qualification: MSc (Med)
• Duration: 1-2 years full-time, 2-3 years part-time
• Study Mode: Full-time; Part-time
• Course Coordinator: Hloniphile Mthiyane/Florette Treurnicht