Open and distance learning MSc Epidemiology
Since 1992, CIET has offered a Master of Science in Epidemiology (MSc Epidemiology) programme through the University of Guerrero in Mexico. The main teaching is face-to-face and in Spanish, although the university recognises equivalent learning via modules completed outside Mexico, taught in English by CIET faculty.
CIET is now developing an open and distance learning (ODL) version of the MSc Epidemiology programme in collaboration with the University of South Africa (UNISA), which has extensive skills and experience in delivering ODL programmes to students in Africa and beyond. It is being piloted with groups of trainees in Nigeria and Southern Africa.
There is a serious lack of skills in epidemiology in Africa and in developing countries worldwide. The ODL MSc Epidemiology thus fulfills an educational need in Africa. The curriculum will be specifically relevant to the needs of health researchers, health planners, and health service managers in African countries and other developing countries. Its modules will apply theoretical and methodological concepts to contemporary areas of concern in health in Africa and worldwide.
Evidence-based planning at district level is difficult; it matters more where resources are scarce. The dearth of evidence-management and planning skills at district level reinforces dependence on the poorly functioning, even arbitrary, top-down planning and resource allocation. Without a strong local voice on the importance of evidence, resources at best follow where they went in previous years.Many health development initiatives in African countries have invested in training subnational planners and managers. Almost invariably, these trainees are drawn in to a major city and trained, equally invariably, by people whose focus is urban or even international public services. Not surprisingly, many if not most trainees leave their local government jobs once qualified, to seek employment in the situation for which they were trained. The ODL modality of the Msc Epidemiology means trainees working at subnational level can undertake the MSc Epidemiology while remaining in their place of work.
The MSc Epidemiology programme targets people working in health services in Africa and other developing countries. It aims to equip them with the knowledge and skills to interpret and use epidemiological evidence and to undertake epidemiological research, especially in resource poor settings. Qualifying students will be competent to implement evidence-based planning of improved health and related services in their own settings.
Return to the Human Capital page or visit our Course in Epidemiology and Evidence-based Planning page.
For more information on CIET short courses and academic programmes, visit the teaching and training page on the main CIET website.