Masters and Doctoral Programmes in Public Health
Postgraduate Programmes
Masters In Public Health Degree (MPUA01)
About the Programme
This qualification is presented using online and distance learning system
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Qualification code: |
MPUA01 |
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NQF level: |
9 |
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Total credits: |
200 |
Who can register? An applicant must have
- A relevant 4-year bachelor’s degree (NQF 8) in a health-related or social science field; or
- a three-year bachelor’s degree (NQF 7) PLUS a relevant honours’ degree in a health-related or social science field; or
- A 3-year bachelor’s degree (NQF 7) PLUS a Postgraduate Diploma in a health-related or social science field; and
- An average of 60% in an NQF8 academic transcript in a health- related or social sciences field.
- Selected students will be required to write the online screening aptitude test conducted by the Department of Public Health to finalise the acceptance.
- A minimum of two years’ experience in the relevant field
- The selection of applicants will be based on a scoring and ranking system that considers previous academic performance as reflected in the academic records, work experience (minimum of two years is required), previous health and/or social work-related experience, the area of specialization
For international students, the following additional requirements also apply:
- A certificate of evaluation of their qualifications by the South African Qualifications Authority stating the equivalence of their qualifications for admission and selection requirements for study purposes
- Proof of proficiency of the English language
DURATION
The minimum duration of the degree programme is 2 years, and the maximum is 4 years
Curriculum for this qualification
FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
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Module Code |
Module name |
Credits |
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MPBA090 |
Master of Public Health Research Project |
100 |
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Purpose: |
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MPBA191 |
Principles of Public Health Education and Health Promotion |
12 |
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Purpose: This is an introductory course in the areas of health education, health promotion, and behavioural health sciences. It equips the student with knowledge and skills that will enable him/her in development and implementation of public health education to promote positive health behaviours for prevention of disease and illness in groups of people and promote health and well-being. |
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MPBB191 |
Principles of Health Systems Management |
12 |
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Purpose: This is an introductory module in the areas of health policy and policy analysis. It equips the student with knowledge and skills that will enable him/her in development of health management concepts. The learners or health managers will acquire advance knowledge and skills to solve the problems and improve the performance of health systems. |
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MPBC191 |
Research Methods in Public Health |
16 |
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Purpose: This module offers an introduction to the theory and practice of research methods in public health. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to develop a research proposal suitable for public health related research. |
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SECOND SEMESTER
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Module Code |
Module name |
Credits |
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MPBC192 |
Principles of Environmental Health |
12 |
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Purpose: This module offers an overview of principles and major issues in contemporary environmental health; air, food, water, waste disposal, rodents and insects; radiation, toxicology; disaster response; setting environmental standards; monitoring environmental hazards; risk assessment. |
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OR |
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MPBD192 |
Principles of Occupational Health |
12 |
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Purpose: The course focuses on the principles and practices of occupational health and safety (i.e. work and health, occupational injuries and diseases, workplace hazards identification and risk assessment, psychosocial factors and violence in the workplace, ergonomics, occupational health and safety laws and workplace health promotion). It equips the student with the knowledge and skills that will enable him/her to effectively develop, implement, monitor and evaluate the various aspects of occupational health and safety management systems which will promote the quality of work life for all employees in the workplace.
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AND |
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MPBA192 |
Principles of Epidemiology |
12 |
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Purpose: This module introduces the basic principles and methods of epidemiology, with an emphasis on critical thinking, analytic skills, and application of epidemiological methods in research. |
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MPBB192 |
Introduction to Biostatistics |
12 |
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Purpose: A qualifying student will be able to apply knowledge of biostatistics to identify and conduct appropriate statistical tests based on the data and analysis objectives using STATA software. |
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SECOND YEAR
SEMESTER ONE (Only two modules)
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Module Code |
Module name |
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MPBF191
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Introduction to Health Policy |
Pre-Requisite: MPBB191 Credit:12 |
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Purpose: To provides an overview of health policy. It defines key terms related to health policy, reviews the frameworks of health determinants, and outlines the concept of health policy formulation. |
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MPBD191 |
Theoretical Foundations of Public Health Education |
Pre-Requisite: MPBA191 Credit:12 |
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Purpose: This module aims to introduce variety of theoretical in shaping research and public health practice; ongoing interaction between health education and applied social science; intra-personal, interpersonal, group and institutionally applicable theories; limitations of theory; Cultural aspects of health promotion and health education theories. |
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The Department is currently re-examining the curriculum of the following modules to be offered in 2026. |
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MPBG191 |
Theoretical Foundations of Epidemiology
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Pre-Requisite: MPBA192 Credit: 12 |
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OR |
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MPBG192 |
Theoretical Foundations of Health System Management |
Pre-Requisite: MPBB191 Credit: 12 |
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OR |
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MPBE192
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Evaluation of Public Health Programs
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Pre-Requisite:MPBA191 Credit:12 |
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OR |
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MPBE192 |
Evaluation of Public Health Programs |
Pre-Requisite:MPBA191 Credit:12 |
Visit the School Calendar for more details: Postgraduate Students | SMU
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health - (DHC005)
About the Programme
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Qualification code: |
DHC005 |
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NQF level: |
10 |
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Total credits: |
360 |
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Thesis code |
MPHT100 |
A candidate for the DPH degree must have the following qualifications.
- Master’s degree in a health-related field and social sciences; and
- An average of 60% across is required from both dissertation and coursework., and
- at least two years’ experience after obtaining a master’s degree in health-related field and practicing in that field.
For international students, the following additional requirements also apply:
- A certificate of evaluation of their qualifications by the South African Qualifications Authority stating the equivalence of their qualifications for admission and selection requirements for study purposes
- Proof of proficiency of the English language
Thesis
A candidate for the PhD must undertake research under a supervisor appointed by the Senate and submit a thesis that meets the requirements for a doctoral degree as provided for in the General rules.
Visit the School Calendar for more details: Postgraduate Students | SMU
Doctor of Public Health – (DPU01) Not offered in 2026
About the Programme
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Qualification code: |
DPU01 |
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NQF level: |
10 |
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Total credits: |
360 |
THE DEGREE
The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) programme is designed to prepare leaders in the public health profession who are equipped to address complex health issues in society. Graduates will be able to combine advanced analytic and research skills with a comprehensive understanding of the political, scientific, medical, statistical, psychosocial, ethical, and economic factors contributing to public health challenges. The DrPH curriculum emphasizes intensive practical instruction and offers opportunities for experiential learning in various public health institutions. This hands-on approach ensures that students gain real-world experience alongside their theoretical knowledge. The programme culminates in a professional dissertation showcasing students’ ability to apply their knowledge to a significant public health issue. The programme entails coursework, experiential learning rotation through various institutions, fieldwork, and seminar presentations.
The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) is a doctoral program culminating in submitting a thesis on a public health topic. Based on an original research project approved by the Senate, this thesis is the primary component of the examination process. Admission to the DrPH program is highly competitive. Preference is given to applicants who have previous experience in public health, particularly those with an M.P.H. degree or an equivalent qualification, such as a master’s degree in Epidemiology or a health-related degree with substantial public health content, from an accredited institution.
Admission requirement
A candidate for the DrPH degree must have the following qualifications.
- Master’s degree in a health-related field or social sciences; or equivalent NQF level 9 master’s degree.
- An average of 60% across is required from both dissertation and coursework.
- At least two years of experience after obtaining a master’s degree in public health and practising as a health practitioner.
DURATION
The minimum duration of the degree programme is 3 years, and the maximum is 5 years
Thesis
Visit the School Calendar for more details: Postgraduate Students | SMU