Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health (PGD-PH)

CHS – PGD PH 1 Curriculum: Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health

Eligibility Criteria:  A 3 year Bachelor’s degree in a health or related social science discipline and completion of a 1 year program or  at least a minimum of 1 year relevant clinical experience  in the health or social sector (post community service).

Duration of the Post Graduate Diploma shall be a minimum of four and a maximum of six semesters of part-time study. The curriculum shall carry 128 credits in total which is made-up of:

(a) Compulsory core modules of 96 credits and

(b) Elective modules of 32 credits

Master of Medicine: (Public Health Medicine)

CHS – MMed PH 1 Eligibility: Masters of Medicine: (Public Health Medicine)

Candidates must be registered with the Health Professional Council of South Africa as Independent Medical Practitioners and have a minimum of two years of experience in an appropriate health service post.

CHS – MMed PH 2 Format of Dissertation

In addition to the format prescribed by CR13, the format of the dissertation may comprise an introductory chapter, a literature review, a publishable paper, a discussion, and appendices comprising at least: the original research proposal, additional results not reported in the paper, guidelines to authors of the journal in which the student intends to publish, and copy of ethics and higher education committee approvals.

CHS – MMed PH 3 Curriculum

Students are required to obtain 720 credits as listed below.

The Discipline of Public Health Medicine offers the following Post Graduate Courses:

Master of Public Health

CHS – MPH 1 Eligibility: Master of Public Health

Candidates are eligible to apply for selection to register provided that they hold:

1. a four-year Bachelor’s degree or honours degree in a health or related social science discipline; or
2. a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health or any Health/Social Science related domain; and
3. at least a minimum of 1 year of relevant clinical experience in the health or social sector (post community service).

CHS – MPH 2 Format of Dissertation

In addition to the format prescribed by Rule CR13, the format of dissertation may comprise an introductory chapter, a literature review, a publishable paper, a discussion, and appendices comprising at least: the original research proposal, additional results not reported in the paper, guidelines to authors of the journal in which the student intends to publish, and copy of ethics and higher education committee approvals.

CHS – MPH 3 Curriculum

1. a) The curriculum shall carry at least 192 credits, comprising compulsory (“core‟) modules, and elective modules chosen by the candidate and approved by the Programme Director, and a research project, which shall contribute 96 credits.
2. b) The approved core and elective modules are those listed in table below.
3. c) Not every elective module listed in Tables, will necessarily be offered every year.
4. d) There shall be no specialization in a particular field
5. e) Credit shall not be granted for for modules that have been successfully completed while registered for the Postgraduate Diploma.

PhD Programme in Public Health

PhD Admission requirement

Closing dates for applications

Applications for the PhD Public Health programme are considered twice a year.

The closing dates for applications are: 

• 31 October (1^st semester intake)
• 31 March (2^nd semester intake)

Applications received after the deadlines will automatically be considered for the next application cycle.

Finding PhD potential supervisor
You need to identify a supervisor before you start the application process. To identify an appropriate supervisor at SNPH you need to browse SNPH’s webpage  to find the members of staff would be most appropriate for  your area of interest. Click through to the disciplines’ website to find staff profiles. You may find it helpful to contact the PhD Programme (PublicHealthPHD@ukzn.ac.za) to help you identify potential supervisors.

Application Process

To apply to the programme, please complete the Application online. http://applications.ukzn.ac.za/Homepage.aspx  The following documents are required and should be uploaded with your application.

• Detailed curriculum vitae (including a list of publications and a description of your role in any unpublished research projects in which you may have participated).
• Personal statement explaining why you want to pursue doctoral study (especially how the PhD fits into your career plan)
• Academic transcripts
• A Two Page Concept note signed by potential supervisor. You can download a two page concept note template here. This should include a brief introduction outlining the rationale for the research, initial research questions, aim and objectives and a brief description of the envisaged methods. The rationale should indicate why you think the research is original, as this is a requirement for doctoral work..
• A sample of written academic work of which you are the primary author e.g. Master’s thesis/research report, journal article

Decision Process

Once the deadline has passed, the PhD Programme Coordinator will convene a selection committee comprising school and disciplines staff members to consider the applications. Successful candidates will be notified by mail.  If you have not heard by after 6 weeks from the closing date then you can take it as you have been unsuccessful.

Registration Process
Successful candidates can then register during the 1^st semester and 2^nd semester enrolment periods respectively.

Concept Sheet for Research Applicants final

For enquiries, please contact PublicHealthPHD@ukzn.ac.za

PhD Programme Coordinator (Acting)

Dr Jabulani Ncayiyana

Tel (w): 031 260 4459

Email: NcayiyanaJ@ukzn.ac.za