Master of Science in Biostatistics at Stellenbosch University

Programme overview

The Master of Science in Biostatistics is a two-year coursework programme at the Tygerberg campus that develops biostatisticians able to address public health problems, apply statistical reasoning to public health and biomedical questions, lead data management and statistical analysis of research studies, and prepares students for doctoral study.

Faculty: Data Science and Computational Thinking | Department: School for Data Science and Computational Thinking | Duration: Two years | Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

Compulsory modules: causal inference, survival data, biostatistical consulting, categorical data and generalised linear models, data management and statistical computing, epidemiology, linear models, longitudinal data, mathematical statistics, statistical inference and a 60-credit research assignment. Two electives from Bayesian data analysis, clinical biostatistics, clinical trials, multivariate statistics and systematic reviews and meta-analysis (offered with at least five students).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

National Senior Certificate with Mathematics (or equivalent) and, at NQF level 8, an honours degree in Mathematics, Statistics or Biostatistics, an honours degree in a biomedical field, an MBChB, or another qualification deemed adequate by Senate; additional work or proof of competency may be required. Selection requires an average of at least 65% for the last qualification and a pass of at least 65% in a short bridging course in Linear Algebra and Calculus. Documents: CV, one-page motivation letter and final school-leaving results.

The application fee is R100 for South African citizens, permanent residents and refugee, asylum seeker and diplomatic status holders, and R400 for international applicants. Stellenbosch Business School applicants pay R1050 for the MBA and R850 for other SBS programmes. Some applicants are exempt; application fees are non-refundable.

Explore more study programmes

STEM