Message from the Dean
A message from the Faculty of Health Sciences' Dean
Welcome to the Faculty of Health Sciences
We offer a variety of educational, training and academic career options within the context of health care and research - from clinical and public health to health and rehabilitation sciences. We are a Faculty of choice for those seeking world-class training - owing to our strong reputation for having trained some of the best health practitioners and scientists globally, and for our Clinical achievements and cutting-edge research.
In 2012 we had two reasons to celebrate: our centenary as the first medical school in sub-Saharan Africa, and our rating among the top 50 health sciences faculties worldwide (by Times Higher Education) - a first for any university in Africa and the developing world.
The Faculty has 14 academic departments, over twenty multi-disciplinary research groupings, and more than 5000 students. Our programmes are embedded in four main themes, namely undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, clinical services and research.
We play a vital role in responding to South African problems in the context of African and global health challenges through supporting training and research. We prepare our students with the appropriate skills for health service, while our clinical exchange programmes, education and extensive research collaborations span Africa and the world.
Research is high on our agenda. Exceptional academics drive research in cross-disciplinary and international collaborations - amongst us are 12 of UCT's 33 A-rated scientists and 8 of the 29 UCT SARCHI Research chairs. Our growing numbers of postgraduate students, many from Africa and beyond, reflect our commitment to building research capacity and growing our next generation of academics. Postgraduate registrations now exceed undergraduate, highlighting the attraction of our research environment.
Our commitment to demographic transformation continues to enrich the Faculty. I am also pleased at our enthusiastic participation in many non-academic spheres like sport, politics and arts, all activities which tremendously enhance campus life.
It takes hard work and dedication to become a competent caring health practitioner and scientist, but the rewards are tremendous. If you are passionate about positively impacting the health and life of others, then UCT's Faculty of Health Sciences is the place for you.
I trust that you will find our site informative - whether you are a student seeking information about undergraduate degrees or postgraduate study and research opportunities, a member of the public or a potential collaborator.