Teaching & Learning

Virology staff are involved with lectures and other forms of teaching for MBChB and undergraduate health science students, predominantly in the modules "Being and Becoming", "Health and Wellness", "Dysfunction", "Medical Detective" and "Interventions". 

We offer competitive opportunities for postgraduate study within our Division, from Honours level to PhD degrees in Medical Virology. In addition to supervising research degrees, our academic staff contribute virology expertise across a range of postgraduate programmes and short courses. These include the Postgraduate Diploma in Infectious Diseases, the short course in Laboratory Management, modules on Infection Prevention and Control, the Short Course in Global Health, and several others

Bachelor of Science Honours (BScHons) in Medical Virology

Postgraduate virology degrees include the Bachelor of Science with Honours (BScHons) in Medical Virology. This is organised in close collaboration with the sister Division of Medical Microbiology and will be renamed BScHons in Infectious Disease Pathology and Immunology, pending approval by the Council on Higher Education. It provides the foundation for subsequent postgraduate studies in either discipline and equips students with basic knowledge and skills, providing a learning culture for young scientists who want to make a worthwhile contribution in the field of molecular and diagnostic virology or viral immunology. The BScHons course is mostly taught but includes a research component, through which students will be acquainted with scientific methodology, proposal writing, planning and conducting laboratory experiments, as well as presenting and eventually writing up their results.

Master of Science (MSc) in Medical Virology

The MSc in Medical Virology is a full research-based degree designed to develop advanced competencies in virological research. Students undertake research projects that are typically aligned with the Division’s ongoing thematic programmes, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in medical virology and related public health domains.

Candidates work within established research groups under the supervision of senior academic staff, who serve as principal investigators. Collaborative supervision may also involve co-investigators from other departments or institutions, fostering interdisciplinary engagement and broader scientific exposure.

Master of Medicine (MMed) in Virological Pathology

The degree of Master of Medicine (MMed) in Virological Pathology is the postgraduate medical specialisation on medical virology. The course trains specialist virologists that will be able to lead and guide virology laboratories in performing clinically appropriate, cost-effective diagnostic tests reliably and interpret them within a clinical and epidemiological framework, manage quality assurance of a diagnostic virology laboratory, act as consultants in the clinical management of viral diseases (including monitoring and treatment), provide guidance in the prevention and control of viral diseases, explain viral diseases and complications with reference to the pathogenesis thereof, partake in regional and national surveillance of viral diseases and conduct and manage clinically relevant research. Students enrolled in the MMed programme must at the same time be employed as registrars by the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). Vacant posts are advertised by the NHLS. Supernumerary registrars from outside South Africa can be admitted, subject to a screening and interview process, if positions are available; supernumerary registrars still need to have employment contracts with the NHLS even though they will not receive a salary.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Virology

The PhD in Medical Virology is a research-intensive degree focused on advancing knowledge in virology through original investigation. Research topics are typically aligned with the Division’s established thematic areas and may contribute to broader translational or public health goals.

Primary supervision is provided by senior academic staff within the Division, with opportunities for co-supervision from other departments at Stellenbosch University or collaborating institutions nationally and internationally.

Interested in joining us?

For more information about the postgraduate courses offered, please consult the current version of the relevant parts (Medicine and Health Sciences and General Parts) of the Stellenbosch University Yearbook and acquaint yourself with the information for prospective and current postgraduate students provided by the Faculty and the University. Students from outside South Africa should furthermore consult with the Faculty's International Office.

Important: While bureaucratic application requirements and administrative procedures are highly relevant and need to be followed strictly, students interested in pursuing postgraduate degrees in medical virology in our Division should also contact relevant staff members in the Division via the divisional secretary (Mrs Sal van Zyl; [email protected]). Those with an advanced specific scientific interest should approach the academic staff member whom they would like to supervise their postgraduate MSc or PhD studies.