Master of Science in Epidemiology at Stellenbosch University

Programme overview

The Master of Science in Epidemiology is a completely thesis-based master's programme presented at the Tygerberg campus. It builds competency in epidemiology, the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations and the application of that study to the control of health problems.

Faculty: School for Data Science and Computational Thinking (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tygerberg) | Department: School for Data Science and Computational Thinking | Duration: Two years | Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

Students complete preparatory NQF level 9 modules in epidemiology, biostatistics and research proposal writing before finalising the research protocol, then complete a thesis (Epidemiology 872, 180 credits) assessed by internal and external examination and counting 100% of the final mark. The thesis must be passed with at least 50%.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An NQF level 8 qualification: an MBChB or equivalent, a four-year professional bachelor's degree in a health-related or quantitative sciences discipline, a relevant BScHons degree, or an equivalent qualification approved by Senate. Applicants must also have passed Mathematics at NSC level or equivalent, be computer literate including use of statistical software for data analysis, and be fluent in written and spoken English (international applicants from non-English-speaking countries: IELTS minimum 6.5 or TOEFL 550 paper-based / 213 computer-based, preferably with TWE 4.5). A research concept note must be submitted to the satisfaction of the Programme Committee. Supporting documents: CV, motivational letter, final school-leaving results and a statement of research interest (1-3 page research proposal outline). Selection is competitive.

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.

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