Master of Science in Infectious Disease Emergencies
Programme Director's Message
Welcome to the NUS Master’s Degree Programme in Infectious Disease Emergencies (MSc IDE). Led by faculty at the Centre for Infectious Disease Emergency Response (CIDER), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, and partnered with local and international experts, we will deliver a world class, first of its kind programme to develop outbreak responders for future infectious disease emergencies. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a global demand for improved systems to build resilience to future infectious disease emergencies. Our programme is designed for early to mid-career professionals, at national, subnational, or institutional levels, as well as specialists in various aspects of outbreak response, offering comprehensive skills and knowledge to lead in this evolving field.
Take the next step in your career by becoming part of our first cohort in August 2025 and help shape the future of global health.
Professor Dale Fisher
Programme Director
MSc Infectious Disease Emergencies
Overview
The MSc IDE is a coursework-based programme that can be completed in 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time). To graduate, students must complete 40 units of coursework.
The curriculum includes key components such as leadership, ethical and legal frameworks relevant to this area. This adds unique advantages and prepare students to be agile and enterprising with management strength.
This programme blends both in-person and virtual learning opportunities. The full-time track spans two semesters, each starting with three weeks of intense in-person engagement, followed by virtual sessions, faculty support, and self-directed study. Each semester then concludes with two weeks of in-person learning to consolidate knowledge. The programme emphasises adult learning styles supported by conventional didactic methods, facilitating engagement and network building.
For more details about the curriculum and the list of courses, please visit the curriculum page.
Click to watch our first virtual information session!
Inaugural Intake
July/August 2025
Application Period
1 Nov 2024 - 30 Apr 2025
Duration
1 year (full-time), or
2 year (part-time)Study Mode
Coursework-based
✔ Get the latest updates and details on upcoming information sessions
✔ Receive an application guide via email to help with your next steps
What Makes MSc IDE Unique?
The MSc IDE programme integrates critical topics relevant to preparedness and response to infectious disease emergencies. We will leverage on experience from local and global outbreaks including the COVID-19 pandemic to provide unique perspectives. Coursework will be contextualised to students’ home countries. Our faculty boasts experts of regional and international repute eager to share their experience and knowledge.
Our novel programme schedule combines in-person and virtual learning opportunities which supports students in balancing at-home commitments with the MSc IDE. This hybrid approach enables interaction with expert international and local faculty, foster practical skills, and facilitate professional networking.
Graduate Career Opportunities
Our graduates will be well-positioned to pursue a variety of exciting and impactful career paths. They may take on roles in policymaking and emergency planning within government agencies and health ministries or step into leadership positions in public health departments, hospitals, and healthcare systems. Graduates will also be well-prepared for international roles that require specialised expertise in pandemic preparedness and global health security. For those interested in academia, research institutions and universities provide further opportunities. Skills in surveillance, modelling, and interventions, coupled with strong leadership and communication training, equip graduates for diverse roles within health systems management.
