Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology
Clinical Epidemiology is the science of applying the best available research evidence to patient care. It uses the methods of epidemiology to find scientifically valid answers to questions concerning diagnosis, prevention, therapy, prognosis and aetiology, thus improving the evidence base for the care of individual patients.
The Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology offers rigorous methodological training for those with a background or experience in a health related discipline who wish to pursue a career in clinical research or evidence-based practice. The programme would also be of interest to potential researchers who require robust training in research techniques, including advanced concepts and methods of epidemiology.
Contact information
Programme overview
More information
When applying
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
• 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 discipline;
o a BScHons degree of this University or another recognised university; or
o an equivalent qualification approved by Senate.
• If you obtained your qualifications at non-South African institutions, these qualifications will be evaluated for comparability by the Postgraduate Office (Stellenbosch campus) to determine if you are eligible to be considered for admission to the programme.
• Mathematics at National Senior Certificate (NSC) level, computer literacy and 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:
o the results of the IELTS test with a minimum IELTS score of 6,5;
o 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
o proof and results of any English courses attended (e.g. English for Medical Students/Englisch für Mediziner).
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.
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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.
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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
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Final school-leaving results
Programme structure
Programme content
The programme consists of modules with a total of 120 credits and a research assignment of 60 credits.
You must complete ten modules (eight compulsory modules with a total of 96 credits and two elective modules with a total of 24 credits). The choice of elective modules depends on meeting relevant prerequisites for the modules and avoiding timetable clashes with core modules. Elective modules require a minimum number of 10 students. You must attend compulsory contact sessions and participate online in e learning sessions.
Compulsory modules
First Year
Fundamentals of Epidemiology* 875(12)
Biostatistics I* 875(12)
Research Proposal Writing and Grantsmanship 875(12)
Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis 875(12)
Biostatistics II 875(12)
*These first-semester modules are pre-requisite modules for the second-semester modules.
Second Year
Diagnosis and Screening 875(12)
Randomised Controlled Trials 875(12)
Writing and Reviewing Scientific Papers 875(12)
Elective modules
Choose two of the following modules.
First or Second Year
Infectious Disease Epidemiology 875(12)
Economic Evaluation 875(12)
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis 875(12)
Second Year
Introduction to Health Systems and Public Health 875(12)
Clinical Guidelines 875(12)
Teaching Evidence-based Healthcare 875(12)
Monitoring and Evaluation 875(12)
Knowledge Translation 875(12)
Research assignment
Research Assignment 875(60)
Assessment and examination
Modules
• Formative and summative assessment of modules (120 credits) will be conducted by means of written examinations, oral presentations, written assignments and participation in discussions.
Formative and summative assessment methods may contribute 50% respectively to the module mark.
• An overall pass mark of 50% is required for each module with a subminimum of 45% including the use of formative as well as summative assessment methods.
• If you achieve less than the subminimum of 45% on completion of formative or summative assessment methods in a module, or if the final mark is less than 50% for a module, you fail the module.
• If you fail any compulsory module more than once, you may be denied the right to reregister for the programme.
• You are required to participate successfully and to integrate knowledge in projects, reports and assignments.
Research assignment
• The completed research assignment must be submitted in the prescribed format and will be assessed by both internal and external examiners.
• You will be allowed to register for the research assignment for a maximum of three years. If you fail to complete the research assignment within this time, your performance will be officially reviewed by the Programme Committee of the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatics, and you may be denied the right to reregister for the programme.