E-Learning

Master of Medical Sciences in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine

Programme Description

The Master of Medical Sciences in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine (M. MedSc SRH) programme offers progression from the Postgraduate Diploma for individuals who are interested to gain an advanced education and practical training within the context of a medical issue that affects one in six couples wishing to start a family. The curriculum is rigorous and consists of focused reproductive science courses, laboratory instruction, and professional development to provide students with academic and research skills that are used in academia and the clinic and how these can be applied to the development of new therapies.

Programme Mission Statement

The mission of the M. MedSc SRH programme is to provide a uniform training for doctors, pharmacists, nurses, biomedical scientists, and other health professionals working in the area of Sexual and Reproductive Health (or planning to do so), to acquire knowledge and skills that can be applied to reduce reproductive mortality and morbidity through a multi-dimensional and team approach.

Programme Goals

The main goal of the M. MedSc SRH programme is provide students with an in-depth understanding of the biological basis of sexual and reproductive health, and a broad understanding of the complex factors affecting reproductive health care delivery at primary care level.

The programme takes a broad approach to sexual and reproductive health while addressing issues related to contraception, family planning, assisted reproductive technologies, and various related public health emergencies and bio-surveillance.

Programme Objectives

The M. MedSc SRH programme curriculum is designed to provide students with:

  • The research skills necessary to conduct policy-relevant research into sexual and reproductive health.
  • A non-clinical foundation in family planning, sexually-transmitted infections and fertility.
  • High level of knowledge and appropriate skills in dealing with the psychosocial contexts, effective prevention strategies and management techniques for sexual and reproductive health issues.
  • The ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams on the practical challenges faced by professionals working in the area of reproductive health.
  • The ability to critically evaluate relevant research and contribute to the growing body of evidence-based, effective interventions.

Programme Expected Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this degree programme, students will be able to;

  • Describe sexual and reproductive health in terms of epidemiology and impact on public health
  • Develop and implement programmess and interventions to enhance female reproductive health and wellbeing.
  • Appraise strategies for addressing various issues in sexual and reproductive health using evidence-based and ethical reasoning.
  • demonstrate a good understanding of the socio-cultural, political and ethical issues surrounding reproductive and sexual health
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of evidence based approaches to research of reproductive and sexual health issues.
  • Demonstrate the ability to carry out key research skills and activities, including literature review, research study design, and critical analysis and application of research findings.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a collaborative and multidisciplinary team to integrate and apply concepts in reproductive medicine within the workplace.

Admission Requirements

  • Admission to the M. MedSc SRH degree programmerequires:
    1. Successful completion of an embedded Postgraduate Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine; or
    2. A Bachelor’s degree in a health or science-related discipline (with at least second-class lower division) or equivalent (including international qualifications); or
    3. A Bachelor’s degree plus a postgraduate medical specialist training program (e.g. General practice, obstetrics & gynaecology); or
    4. A Bachelor’s degree in a health or science-related discipline plus a minimum of 12 months relevant work experience in the field of sexual and reproductive medicine.
  • In addition to meeting the standard admissions requirements, international applications must meet the requirements below:
    1. Translated Certificate: Transcripts or other supporting documents submitted by international applicants in a language other than English must be translated and certified as copies of the original document(s).
    2. Evidence of English Language proficiency: International students for who English was not a language of instruction during high school, must submit evidence of English language proficiency.
  • Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account.
  • In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.

Duration of the Programme

MedSc SRH programme will run for two (2) academic years (approximately 72 weeks) and is composed of three segments that coincide with four semesters (each semester extends over a period of 18 weeks). The first two segments (each 36 weeks in length) form the ‘core’ theoretical and practical component of the course. The final segment (approximately 36 weeks in length) provides the students with an opportunity to undertake a research project that will lead to the submission of a dissertation.

Students who complete the first two segments (equivalent to 32 credit units i.e. first and second semester) and who do not wish to, or are unable to, continue with the master’s program will be offered the opportunity to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma of Sexual and Reproductive Health (PGD SRH).

Mode of Educational Delivery

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to help all students to express their full potential through a combination of online or face-to-face teaching and directed student-centred learning.

To develop cognitive and intellectual skills, the programme involves discussion of key issues, analysis and interpretation of resource material and practice in applying concepts and solving problems. Group work develops students’ abilities to work co-operatively, promotes creativity, provides opportunities to reflect critically and enables participants to take more responsibility for their own learning, as well as learn from each other. Practical skills are developed through opportunities to practice activities in the laboratory and in the field.