Advanced training in infections and immunity, focusing on pathogen-host interactions, antimicrobial resistance, and infectious disease control across Africa.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will gain expertise in microbiological and immunological research methods, pathogen identification, and evidence-based disease prevention strategies.
Comprehensive master's programme in modern drug discovery techniques, including medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and the full drug development pipeline.
Learning Outcomes
Students will develop skills in drug design principles, biological screening, and preclinical development processes.
1–2 years (full-time) or 2–3 years (part-time)
The MSc in One Health and Disease Modelling is a postgraduate programme offered through the Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR) at the University of Port Harcourt. Designed to equip an interdisciplinary team of health professionals with the knowledge and tools to address complex emerging disease challenges, the programme emphasises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health through a trans-disciplinary One Health approach.
The programme is administered in partnership with Corona Management Systems (CMS), and is aligned with a 10-month funded Fellowship in disease modelling supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Participants on the joint Fellowship/MSc route receive both the CMS Fellowship in Malaria Modelling and the University of Port Harcourt master's degree.
The rationale for the programme is grounded in five strategic priorities:
1. Interdisciplinary response — integrating human, animal, and environmental health to address zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental health challenges.
2. Building local capacity in disease surveillance, modelling, and prevention to reduce dependency on external expertise.
3. Strengthening health security through predictive modelling and improved outbreak preparedness.
4. Supporting sustainable development by linking health to environmental and agricultural policies.
5. Enhancing global health research and positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in integrated health solutions.
Learning Outcomes
Admission Requirements
The programme is open to candidates who possess:
• A first degree in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine from a recognised university; OR
• A first degree in a health-related field (nursing, pharmacy, laboratory science, allied health, or administration) with at least a Second-Class Honours Degree and a minimum CGPA of 3.00 on a 5-point scale; OR
• A first degree in biological sciences (animal or plant) with at least a Second-Class Honours Degree and a minimum CGPA of 3.00 on a 5-point scale; OR
• A postgraduate diploma in public health or a related health field with a CGPA of at least 3.50 on a 5-point scale — for candidates from non-health disciplines or with a CGPA below 3.00.
Nigerian applicants must also hold an NYSC discharge certificate or exemption.
Total credit units: 36 credits.
MSc in Healthcare Quality, Leadership and Innovation
1–2 years (full-time) or 1.5–3 years (part-time)
The MSc in Healthcare Quality, Leadership and Innovation is offered through the Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR) at the University of Port Harcourt. The programme is designed to build the skills and capacity for driving excellence in leadership, team management, continuous quality improvement, and patient safety among health professionals and institutions in Nigeria.
The programme addresses five key gaps in the Nigerian healthcare system:
1. Improving Healthcare Quality — trains professionals to enhance patient care, reduce medical errors, strengthen clinical governance, and implement evidence-based practices.
2. Leadership Development — equips healthcare workers with management and leadership skills to drive systemic improvements in resource-constrained environments.
3. Fostering Innovation — encourages creative problem-solving and adoption of new technologies to tackle local healthcare challenges.
4. Capacity Building — strengthens the workforce to meet growing demand for skilled healthcare leaders and improve health system resilience.
5. Global Competitiveness — aligns local healthcare systems with global standards, attracting investment and collaboration.
The programme targets health practitioners — doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, administrators, and allied health professionals — and focuses on the principles and practice of healthcare quality improvement, patient safety, leadership development, translational science, and innovation.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this programme will be able to:
• Apply evidence-based practice in administration and clinical decision-making in healthcare.
• Conduct health systems and services research using qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Use statistical methods to quantify variance in health products and services and establish process control.
• Apply ICT for research, intervention, and innovation in healthcare.
• Develop health policies, strategies, and plans at national and sub-national levels.
• Lead healthcare quality improvement initiatives using methodologies such as PDSA, Lean, and Six Sigma.
• Design and implement healthcare innovations using implementation science frameworks.
• Identify and reduce patient safety risks and lead safety improvement in healthcare organisations.
Admission Requirements
• A first degree in a health-related field (medicine, nursing, pharmacy, laboratory science, administration, allied health) with a CGPA of at least 3.00 on a 5-point scale; OR
• A postgraduate diploma in public health or a health-related field with a CGPA of at least 3.50 — for candidates from non-health disciplines or with CGPA below 3.00.
• Nigerian applicants must hold an NYSC discharge certificate or exemption.
Total credit units: 36 credits.
The MSc in Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Port Harcourt equips students with advanced theoretical, conceptual, and technical knowledge in pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry. The programme aims to:
i. Equip students with the knowledge base in pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry.
ii. Develop skills and competencies applicable to the field.
iii. Produce high-calibre professionals who will play leading roles in pharmaceutical and allied industries — particularly in drug discovery and development (DDD), drug quality control and assurance (DQCA), and drug efficacy and action.
iv. Provide advanced knowledge and skills to meet national and international manpower needs in pharmaceutical education and research.
In the first year, students cover advanced organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, chemistry of natural products, modern analytical techniques, advanced pharmacokinetics and metabolic chemistry, pharmaceutical analysis and quality evaluation, and drug design and synthesis. Special emphasis is placed on drug discovery from medicinal plants targeting global diseases such as malaria, hypertension, diabetes, and microbacterial and inflammatory diseases. ICT, biostatistics, entrepreneurship, and research methods are also integrated. Teaching is delivered through problem-based learning, interactive lectures, laboratory practicals, self-directed learning, and seminar presentations.
In the second year, students conduct supervised research on approved topics in pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry, culminating in a thesis examined internally, externally, and through an oral examination.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the programme, students will have acquired advanced knowledge in medicinal chemistry, modern analytical techniques, natural products chemistry, pharmaceutical analysis, and drug design and synthesis. They will also have developed skills and competencies in:
a) Analytical techniques — basic and advanced
b) Novel drug discovery approaches
c) Biostatistics and research methodology
d) ICT and research methods
e) Entrepreneurship and management
Assessment is through written examinations, terminal papers, writing assignments, seminar presentations, and practical scores. Students present their research proposals at the end of Year 1 before a scientific board, then pass all Year 2 progress seminars before submitting their thesis.
The Master's programme in Human Physiology is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of physiological processes and pathophysiological mechanisms. The programme aims to:
• Equip students with the knowledge of human physiology, including molecular and systemic aspects.
• Develop competencies in biomedical research, emphasising experimental techniques and scientific analysis.
• Provide a solid foundation for further doctoral studies or a career in academic teaching, research, and healthcare.
• Enhance research skills, including statistical analysis, bioinformatics, and the ability to conduct scientific writing and presentations.
MSc in Biological Sciences (Histology, Embryology, and Cytogenetics)
2 years
The course is intended for medical, pharmacy, dentistry, and science students seeking to enhance their expertise in this domain. The training prioritizes a functional methodology inside a cohesive framework of techniques, concepts, and disciplines. Histology, Embryology, and Cytogenetics are fundamental disciplines crucial for all medical and paramedical education and are essential for all healthcare.
The Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Biotechnology) aims to train professionals capable of playing a key role in research, development, production and marketing of biotechnology products for human health, such as drugs, innovative treatments and advanced therapeutic solutions. The main objectives for the trainees are:
a) Gain advanced knowledge of the concepts of biotechnology, molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry, bioinformatics and molecular modeling tools.
b) Master biotechnological processes applied to the production of biomedicines, such as vaccines, gene therapies or monoclonal antibodies.
c) Gain technical skills on fermentation, cell culture, bioprocesses, quality control and validation methods in the pharmaceutical industry.
d) Understand international regulations related to the development and production of biotech drugs.
e) Be prepared for careers in the pharmaceutical industry, biotech companies, academic research laboratories or regulatory bodies.
The MSc in Cytopathology at Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is a two-year specialist programme that aims to:
• Equip you with advanced knowledge of and deeper insight into a chosen subject within cytopathology.
• Promote mastery of the chosen topic through higher levels of analysis of new information, and develop the ability to handle complexities and find solutions.
• Enable you to undertake independent research.
• Prepare you, if aspiring to higher levels of academic research, for doctoral study, and foster an approach based on academic integrity and ethics.
• Contribute to the pool of academics and professionals with the requisite capabilities and critical intellectual skills to ensure the healthy continuance of the discipline.
• Prepare you to utilise your skills to help solve the problems and challenges of the country that fall within the scope of cytopathology.
Learning Outcomes
Specific Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must meet one of the following criteria:
• An MBChB/BChD degree with a postgraduate qualification in Anatomical Pathology or Oral Pathology; or
• An MBChB/BChD degree with at least two years' experience in a cytology laboratory supervised by a specialist cytopathologist or histopathologist with experience in cytopathology.
• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa is required (not applicable for international applicants).
This is a thesis-based programme with no study modules. The programme consists of a research project, thesis, and project presentation. The subject of the research project is selected to support the Faculty's research focus areas.
The following overarching objectives are set for the programme:
• To equip you with advanced knowledge and a deeper insight into your chosen subject within the field of study.
• To promote mastery of the chosen topic, with the aid of higher levels of analysis of new information, and to develop the ability to handle complexities and to find solutions to such problems.
• To enable you to do advanced and independent research through rigorous training in research methods and to familiarise you with the skills needed for academic communication.
• To prepare you, if aspiring to higher levels of academic research, for doctoral study and to foster an approach marked by academic integrity and ethics.
• To contribute to the pool of academics and professionals through the development of capabilities and critical intellectual skills aimed at ensuring the healthy continuance of the relevant discipline or profession.
• To prepare you to utilise your skills to help solve the problems and challenges of the country that fall within the scope of your particular field.
Learning Outcomes
General Admission Requirements
For admission to the MSc programme, you must have an honours degree in Science from this University or another honours degree approved by Senate, or have attained a standard of competence deemed adequate by Senate.
If you hold a BTech qualification:
• You will be considered for admission if you passed the BTech degree with a minimum of 60%; and
• You will be admitted if you pass the BScHons examination in the relevant field as a preliminary examination with a minimum mark of 60%.
The initial research proposal is approved by a departmental research committee and the Health Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty. Where research involves animals, the proposal is also approved by the Committee for Experimental Animal Research.
The PhD degree at Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is awarded in recognition of high-quality, original research. The programme will normally require three to four years of full-time study, with a minimum duration of two years and a maximum of five years.
The PhD degree is assessed based on a dissertation. In addition, it may be obtained in an alternative format primarily based on published scientific articles. An oral examination is a general requirement, though exemption may be granted in specific cases with Senate approval.
For enquiries: Tygerberg Doctoral Office — Tel: 021 938 9813 | Email: tyg-phd@sun.ac.za | Website: www.sun.ac.za/fmhsdoctoraloffice
Learning Outcomes
Specific Admission Requirements
Admission to the PhD degree requires that:
• A minimum of two years has passed since obtaining an MBChB or BChD degree; or
• You have obtained a relevant honours degree in Medical Sciences directly following an MBChB or BChD; or
• You have obtained a relevant MSc degree from this University or another university approved by Senate; or
• You have obtained another qualification deemed sufficient by Senate.
Selection rests with the academic environment; the infrastructure and capacity of the environment are also taken into account.
At the time of submission, you must:
• Have been registered for the PhD at the University for at least two academic years.
• Give written notice of your intended submission date to the Tygerberg Doctoral Office at least six months prior to the desired graduation date.
• Submit a dissertation providing proof of advanced, original work contributing to fundamental, theoretical and/or clinical knowledge in the relevant field.
• Include a declaration confirming the dissertation is your own work and has not been submitted elsewhere for a degree or diploma.
