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Master of Science in Epidemiology

The Master of Science in Epidemiology is a completely thesis-based master’s programme. 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 the study to the control of health problems.

Kontakbesonderhede
Prof Taryn Young
Programme leader

Programoorsig

Duur
Two years
Kampus
Tygerberg
Type
Full thesis

Meer inligting

Vou alles toe

Wanneer jy aansoek doen

When applying for a postgraduate programme, some may require you to upload additional supporting documents beyond completing the standard application form online. Where such documents are required, more information will appear under the section below titled “Supporting Application Documents.”

Please note that selection for postgraduate programmes is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the programme.

Minimum toelatingsvereistes

Specific admission requirements
• You must have one of the following qualifications at NQF level 8:
o an MBChB or equivalent degree;
o a four-year professional bachelor’s degree in a health-related or quantitative sciences discipline;
o a relevant BScHons degree of this University or another recognised university; or
o an equivalent qualification approved by Senate for this purpose, or you must have otherwise attained a standard of competence in your field of study deemed adequate for this purpose by Senate.
• You must also have:
o passed Mathematics at National Senior Certificate (NSC) level or equivalent;
o computer literacy, including the use of statistical software for data analysis; and
o fluency in written and spoken English. If you, as an international candidate, are from a non English speaking country, you must submit official documentary evidence with your application of your competence in English. This may include, among other things:
- the results of the IELTS test with a minimum IELTS score of 6,5;
- the results of the TOEFL test with a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper based) or 213 (computer based), preferably with a TWE score of 4,5; and/or proof and results of any English courses attended (e.g. English for Medical Students/Englisch für Mediziner).
• You must also submit a research concept note to the satisfaction of the Programme Committee.

Supporting application documents

Curriculum vitae (CV)
A document that outlines your educational level, employment history, description of work experience, especially that is relevant to your application to study and contact details of three referees.

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Curriculum vitae (CV)

Motivational letter
One-page document explaining what factors are motivating you to apply for the specific programme(s) and describing what makes you a suitable candidate.

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Motivational letter / Essay

Final school-leaving results
Certificate awarded upon completion of High School displaying the percentage or grade symbol awarded for each subject passed

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Final school-leaving results

Statement of research interest
This is a brief summary of the master's research proposal (1-3 pages in length) which outlines your area of research, aims of the research project and the research methodology you plan to use.

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Research project / Outline / Proposal

Programstruktuur

Programme content
You must complete preparatory modules at NQF level 9 on epidemiology, biostatistics and research proposal writing prior to the finalisation of your research protocol.
Thesis: Epidemiology 872(180)

Assessment and examination
• You must complete a thesis that is assessed according to University guidelines through a process of internal and external examination.
• The thesis counts 100% towards the final mark. You must pass the thesis with at least 50% to obtain the degree.

Last updated 01 April 2026
Vrywaring:
The University reserves the right to amend the information on this webpage at any time. While every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete, it may be subject to change or become outdated. It remains the responsibility of prospective students to verify all details against the relevant faculty yearbook or directly with the relevant department.

Aansoekdatums

Suid-Afrikaanse studente
Aansoeke open:
1-Apr 2026
Aansoeke sluit:
30-Sep 2026

Internasionale studente
Aansoeke open:
1-Apr 2026
Aansoeke sluit:
31-Aug 2026