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Bachelor of Science Honours in Infectious Disease Pathology and Immunology

Honours degree
ID:
0584_100_G106

The Bachelor of Science Honours in Infectious Disease Pathology and Immunology forms part of continued efforts to create a learning culture for students and researchers capable of making a significant contribution to the field of Medical Virology. Medical Virology offers practical research experience, focusing specifically on research relevant to Africa.

Contact information
Ms Jennifer Adams
Departmental administrator
+27 21 938 4032

Programme overview

Duration
One year
Campus
Tygerberg
Type
Coursework

More information

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When applying

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 admission requirements

Specific admission requirements
• A recently obtained BSc or other science degree (NQF level 7) with majors in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics or a similar field of study.
• A pass mark of 60% or higher in the final semester/year.

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)

Letter of motivation
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

Statement of research interest
This is a brief summary of your research interest which outlines your area of research.

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

Programme structure

Programme content
Theory of Medical Virology 771(60)
Practical Research Project (Medical Virology) 772(60)

Assessment and examination
• Assessment of the theoretical module is done by means of:
o seminars (5% of the final mark);
o five block tests (20% of the final mark);
o a final examination (2 papers) (20% of the final mark) and
o an oral examination (5% of the final mark).
• The practical research module is assessed by means of:
o the research portfolio and project workbooks (5% of the final mark);
o assignments (10% of the final mark); and
o a research assignment (35% of the final mark).
• You must obtain a subminimum of 50% for both modules to pass the degree.

Academic Exclusion
If you fail both modules, or achieve < 45% in any of the modules, automatic exclusion will apply.
If you pass one module and achieve 45-49% in the other, you will be allowed to repeat the failed module in the subsequent year. A module may only be repeated once, before automatic exclusion will apply.

Last updated 01 April 2026
Disclaimer:
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.

Application dates

South African students
Applications open:
1-Apr 2026
Applications close:
30-Sep 2026

International students
Applications open:
1-Apr 2026
Applications close:
31-Aug 2026