Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics
The Perspective:
There is a high unmet need for highly skilled researchers in Uganda and in East Africa
broadly. In the past, most of the research in East Africa has been driven by external
sponsors and researchers. As the governments of East Africa increase funding for research,
there is need for highly qualified East Africans who will direct the research programmes in
the region.
Makerere University College of Health Sciences Clinical Epidemiology Unit was established
in 1989 in the then Faculty of Medicine of Makerere University with support from
Rockefeller Foundation and the International Clinical Epidemiology Network (INCLEN).
The primary objective of the unit was to foster training and research in Clinical
Epidemiology in the Faculty of Medicine in order to improve the health of Ugandans. The
unit has fulfilled this mandate through three main activities, namely; the Master of Science
in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics programme, the Epidemiology, Biostatistics and
Research Methods course for Masters Students, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Health
Sciences.
The MSc.CEB program commenced in 2000/2001 with support from World Health
Organization.
The MSc. CEB Graduate:
The MSc.CEB programme is designed to build the capacity of health and health related
professionals who can conduct research that;



defines the population at risk of health problems
shows the efficacy of health interventions
critically examines the functioning of the health systems
The Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics graduate is expected to be
able to critically assess and analyze the health care system; bring about improved health
service delivery; efficient utilization of resources; and ultimately improvement in the
health of the people of East Africa.
The MSc.CEB program is designed to produce graduates able to demonstrate competency
at Master’s level in:





Leadership and management in health research.
Teaching and learning of health research in higher institutions.
Formulation of evidence-based health policies.
Research and development in the health sector.
Safeguarding the rights, safety and wellbeing of research participants and the
scientific integrity of data.
Admission Requirements:
The Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics programme is open to all
competent candidates with a good first degree (CGPA 3.60 and above; OR Upper Second
and above) from a recognised university or institution in any of the following:





Health Sciences e.g. medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, etc.
Nutrition Sciences
Veterinary Sciences
Social Sciences (e.g. Social Work, Sociology, Economics, Demography)
Statistics
Application Procedure:
All applicants for postgraduate diplomas and higher degrees have to satisfy the
requirements of the relevant courses and University regulations. Application forms may be
obtained from the School of Postgraduate studies after payment of an application fee at the
Stanbic Bank, Makerere University Branch. Applicants should contact the Director, School
of Graduate Studies for application forms.
Unless otherwise stated, all applications are made in March and April of each academic
year. The closing date for receiving applications is normally 30th April of the year in which
admission is sought.
All completed application forms must be accompanied by relevant copies of certificates and
certified copies of academic transcripts. Forms, which are not completed properly, cause
delays in processing of applications.
Program Duration:
The duration of the MSc.CEB programme is two years and includes four semesters and one
recess term. Each semester is 17 weeks and the recess term is 10 weeks. There is a break of
4 weeks between semesters.
Program Structure:
The Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics programme has a
maximum capacity of 20 students and a minimum capacity of 6 students per year.
The Master of Science (Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics) is offered by Course work
and Dissertation.
All the courses in the MSc.CEB programme are core courses. There are no elective courses.
Course Load:
The course work shall be conducted on the Credit Unit (CU) basis.
One Credit Unit shall be equivalent to one contact hour per week over a semester or
a series of 15 contact hours.
One contact hour is equivalent to one hour of lecture or two hours of tutorial or
practical.
Total Course Units required at the end of the Semester II of Year II
=11
Total Course Units required at the end of the MSc CEB programme
=64
Course Outline
Year One, Semester I
Core Courses
LH
TH
PH
CH
CU
CEB 7121
Principles of Epidemiology
12
24
72
60
4
CEB 7122
Clinical Epidemiology
10
20
20
30
2
CEB 7123
Principles of Biostatistics
15
30
60
60
4
CEB 7124
Observational Studies
10
20
50
45
3
CEB 7125
Clinical Trials
10
20
Total Course Units required at the end of First Semester of Year One
50
45
=
16
3
Year 1, Semester II
Core Courses
LH
TH
PH
CH
CU
CEB 7221
Computer Skills and Data Management
10
20
50
45
3
CEB 7222
Epidemiological Analysis
15
30
60
60
4
CEB 7223
Regression Analysis
15
30
60
60
4
CEB 7224
Health Economics
10
20
50
45
3
CEB 7225
Principles of Qualitative Research
10
20
20
30
2
=
16
Total Course Units required at the end of the Second Semester of Year One
Year One, Recess Term
Core Course
CEB 7322
Practical Health Research
LH
TH
PH
CH
CU
2
12
134
75
5
=
5
Total Course Units required at the end of the Recess Term
Total Course Units required at the end of the First Year
=
37
NOTE:
LH
=
Lecture hours per Semester
TH
=
Tutorial hours per Semester
PH
=
Practical hours per Semester
CH
=
Contact hours per Semester
CU
=
Credit Units
Year Two, Semester I
Core Courses
LH
TH
PH
CH
CU
CEB 8121
Designing Health Research
10
20
80
60
4
CEB 8122
Bioethics and Good Clinical Practice
10
20
50
45
3
CEB 8123
Analysis of Survival and Longitudinal Data
10
20
50
45
3
CEB 8124
Public Health and Preventive Medicine
10
20
50
45
3
CEB 8125
Management of Health Services and Research 10
20
50
45
3
=
16
Total Course Units required at the end of the First Semester of Year Two
Year Two, Semester II
Core Courses
CEB 8221
Dissertation (fieldwork, report, defence)
10
30
100
75
5
CEB 8222
Scientific writing and dissemination
10
30
100
75
3
CEB 8223
Grants writing and management
10
30
100
75
3
Total Course Units required at the end of the Second Semester of Year Two
=
11
Total Course Units required at the end of the MSc CEB programme
=
64
Assessment
Progressive course work assessment consists of at least two assignments per course
per semester contributing up to 40% towards the final mark in each course.
Final examinations are written in 15 courses in the programme.
The final examinations accounts for 60% and course work 40% of the final mark in
each course.
The pass grade is grade point average of 3.0.
All candidates registered for the MSc.CEB programme must be subjected to Viva Voce
examination in order to assess the candidate’s in-depth knowledge of his/her research and
attach ownership to the dissertation or thesis.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
Audio Visual facilities are available
Essential textbooks
Books and journals are accessed from relevant departments and Sir Albert Cook
Medical Library.
Internet access is available through Makerere University.
Fees and Finances:
UGX
3,700,000 per year
Please Note:
1. Application fees are paid at the time of collection of application forms
2. University fees (i.e. Registration, Administration, and Library, Examination, and
Tuition fees) must be paid to the University before registration.
3. Graduation, Certificate, Convocation and Academic Transcript fees are paid on
completion of the course.
4. University fees may be paid in form of cash or Bank draft to Makerere
University Council.
5. Non-Ugandans may pay fees in US Dollar equivalent to Uganda Shillings.
6. The student may be government sponsored, Aid agency sponsored or selfsponsored.
7. Other requirements like books, stationary & materials, accommodation, food,
research expenses, etc; the sponsor should pay directly to the Student
8. The funds for research are paid to the student at the beginning of the research
Project.
Employment Opportunities: