Programme convenor: Dr Colleen Saunders
The MSc (MED) Emergency Medicine degree offered by UCT is a full research degree completed by dissertation only. The MSc dissertation is approximately 40,000 to 50,000 words in length, comprising one to two publishable papers. Candidates will be required to undertake an advanced, approved research project under the guidance of a supervisor. This degree is not regarded as a basis for registration as a specialist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, but can be registered as an additional qualification.
From 2024, the MSc (MED) Emergency Medicine is a structured programme which begins in February each year. Applications close on 30 September in the preceding year (see application process below). We aim to notify applicants of the outcome of their application by the end of October. Successful applicants will be expected to:
- Attend a compulsory 1 week introductory contact session at UCT in Feb/March
- Have a research concept note (EMDRC.A) submitted, with their supervisors approval, to the EMDRC by the April meeting
- Complete their registration for the MSc no later than 30th April in their first year of registration
- Complete re-registration before the start of the academic year in each subsequent year of candidature until completed
- Develop a full research proposal and obtain research ethics approval within one year of registration
- Attend online quarterly seminars throughout the course of their candidature.
It is a requirement for completion of the MSc that you are registered for a minimum of one full academic year, and you must be registered by the end of April each year in order for that year to count as a full academic year. Please be aware that students generally take 2 – 3 years to complete the MSc, and it is highly unlikely that you will be able to complete your MSc in one academic year.
If after the first year of work on the dissertation, the supervisor and programme convenor feel that there is good reason to upgrade the MSc to a PhD this will be considered by Senate upon application.
Academic requirements
Eligibility for the MSc requires a minimum of a NQF level 8 degree (i.e. a 4-year Bachelor's degree, or 3-year Bachelor's + Honours) in the natural or health sciences.
As a research degree, it is expected that students applying for the MSc have a good understanding of basic research concepts and principles.
Advantageous:
- Registration as a medical practitioner, ECP or nurse with the HPCSA
- In date Advanced Life Support course status (ACLS, ATLS and APLS/PALS)
How much does it cost?
All information relating to fees, methods of payment and payment schedules is available in the UCT Fees Handbook. The MSc (MED) in Emergency Medicine is listed under the “Master of Science in Medicine” by dissertation, MM095.
Please note the additional administration fee payable by students who are not South African citizens nor permanent residents.
Dependant on your proposed research project and the funding that your supervisor has available, there may be additional research related costs.
APPLICATION PROCESS
You will need to apply online (http://applyonline.uct.ac.za) for the Master of Science in Medicine using the course code: FCE7055W. Applications close strictly on 30 September.
Acceptance into the MSc programme is a competitive process as the programme has limited capacity. We have a rigorous review process and we will review each applicant, considering the qualifications, experience, research literacy and motivation.
In order for your application to be considered, you must include the following when you apply online:
- Curriculum Vitae
- A cover letter outlining your motivation for registering for the MSc degree (max 2 pages)
- A fully referenced, brief literature review on a topic related to your research interests (max 1000 words). We suggest that you review the research interests of potential supervisors here and ensure that your broad research interest aligns with at least one of their interests.
- Copies of your academic transcript(s) and degree certificate(s) (translated if not in English)
- (for non-SA students - copy of passport front page)
International (non-South African) Students will need to engage with UCT's International Academic Programmes Office. Please refer to the IAPO website for further information.
For non-South African students you will require clearance from IAPO before you will be allowed to register - in most cases this will require pre-payment of fees for the year, and a copy of your passport. If you will be resident in Cape Town for more than 3 months as a student, you will require a study visa which has more requirements and takes longer to process (contact IAPO directly.)