MASTER OF EPIDEMIOLOGY.


Programme Overview

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastic health and socioeconomic impacts on all realms of the society. It has also shed light on the important role of epidemiologists in decision making and resource allocation in public health.Even before the pandemic, the growing aging populations, longer life expectancies and increased number of populations with chronic diseases pose challenges to the country, and burden the public health system.To this end, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics had predicted that epidemiology will be the fastest growing career in the next 10 years, driven by a high demand following the COVID-19 pandemic (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/22/upshot/jobs-future-pandemic-.html?smid=url-share).In the ever-evolving field of medical science and age of misinformation, the evidence-based, epidemiological approach is necessary to solve medical mystery and make critical public health decision quickly.


The SPM department is now offering a new Master program for those who are aspiring to work in the field of epidemiology at the local, national and international level. A postgraduate training in epidemiology will provide the opportunity to work in diverse settings including academia, government departments, international health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, non-governmental organizations, and contract research organizations. The 1-year full time Master of Epidemiology with a minimum of 42 credits will be offered in two concentrations to suit the needs of different disciplines, encompassing Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health Epidemiology. It has been designed for applicants with a background in epidemiology, quantitative research or health.


Our Master of Epidemiology will provide a solid foundation in epidemiological, analytical, and critical appraisal skills for those who aim to develop their understanding of the epidemiological and biostatistical theories and methods that underpin clinical medical research, public health practice, and health care evaluation to investigate the causes of disease, and to evaluate interventions to prevent or control diseases.


  • Full-Time Duration: 2 Semesters + 1 Special Semester, (Coursework)

Programme Structure

Core Courses (12 credits)
  1. Research Method.
  2. Principles and Methods of Epidemiology.
  3. Principles of Biostatistics.
  4. Principles of Management in Health.

Specialization Courses (15 credits)
  1. Study Design in Casual Research
  2. Concepts and Methods in Casual Inferences
  3. Statistical Methods for Health Data Analytics
  4. Clinical Epidemiology
  5. Epidemiology in Public Health Practice

Elective Courses (6 credits)
  1. Screening and Diagnostic Research
  2. Prognostic Research
  3. Clinical Trials
  4. Data Management
  5. Survival Analysis
  6. Field Attachment in Epidemiology
  7. Producing Better Evidence
  8. Health Economics
  9. Qualitative Inquiry in Public Health
  10. Social Determinants of Health
  11. Nutritional Epidemiology

Research Courses (9 credits)
  1. Research Project

Career Prospects

Epidemiologist, Clinical Epidemiologist, Public Health Epidemiologist, Biostatistician, Research Scientist in Epidemiology, Health Data Analyst, Study Design Specialist, Casual Inference Expert, Health Data Analyst, Clinical Trials Coordinators, Epidemiology Consultant, Health Research Manager, Screening and Diagnostic Research Specialist, Prognostic Research Specialist, Survival Analysis Expert, Data Management Specialist, Health Economics Analyst, Social Determinants of Health Researcher, Nutritional Epidemiologist, Field Epidemiologist.

Tuition Fee

Local

RM41,300 (Full-Time)

International

RM61,700 (Full-Time)

Intake

Semester 2 (March) Intake, Academic Session 2025/2026

Entry Requirement

General Entry Requirements

For applicants with a CGPA of not less than 3.00:
  • Possess a Bachelor’s Degree with a CGPA of not less than 3.00; or

For applicants with a CGPA of 2.50 – 2.99 (must fulfill at least one of the following):
  • Graduate from University Malaya; or
  • Accumulate at least one (1) year of work experience in related fields; or
  • Produce publications in related field; or
  • Receive a scholarship; or
  • Serve as a staff member of a government agency; or
  • Pass an interview by Faculty; or
  • Pass a Special evaluation by Faculty.

Specific Entry Requirements
  • General University Requirements: Fulfill the General University Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree Qualification: Possessed a Bachelor's Degree as below -
    1. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery or equivalent medical qualification approved by the Senate.
    2. Bachelor of Dental Surgery
    3. Bachelor's Degree in field related
  • Equivalent Qualification: N/A
  • Related Fields: Fields related to Public Health/Allied Health and its equivalent.
  • Special Requirements: N/A

English Requirements
  • Malaysia University English Test (MUET): Band 4.0; or
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Band 6.0; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Paper-Based Test (PBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Internet-Based Test (IBT) (Centre-Based): Score 60; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Computer-Based Test (CBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Essential Online: Score 8.5; or
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Score 59; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests – Linguaskill Online: Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests – B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: Score 169; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests – B2 Business Vantage, C1 Business Higher: Not applicable; or
  • Occupational English Test (OET) (Conventional / Online): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: First (FCE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Not applicable