91¿´Æ¬Íø

Overview

This full-time course, spanning 2 to 4 years, requires the student to design a research protocol, carry out laboratory experiments, and present the results in a thesis for assessment.

Students are expected to publish their research findings. Through the course, they will gain in-depth knowledge of a specific infectious disease, as well as develop laboratory techniques and research skills.

Research areas in the School

Our research spans key priority areas in infectious diseases and public health, with a strong focus on tuberculosis (TB), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). We also lead work in infection prevention and control (IPC), including healthcare-associated infections such as Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) and the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of cryptococcal infections. Our portfolio further encompasses vaccine-preventable diseases and broader respiratory infections, drawing on clinical, laboratory and epidemiological approaches to improve patient care, strengthen surveillance and inform policy and practice.

Entry Requirements

Successful completion of an MSc degree in Medical Microbiology is required. Please note that the entry requirements serve as a guideline—meeting them does not guarantee admission. Final selection is subject to the availability of supervisors, interviews, and any other applicable pre-admission criteria.

• MSc must be completed, have Microbiology as a subject at an undergraduate, honours or master's level.
• Students must approach a relevant supervisor to secure a topic and supervision before application.
• Confirmation of Supervision form

Supervisors list

• Prof Nazir Ismail | nazir.ismail@wits.ac.za  | nazir.ismail@nhls.ac.za  | Unit: CMID | Research interests: TB, AMR, NGS, Tuberculosis diagnostics
• Dr Michelle Lowe | michelle.lowe@wits.ac.za  | Unit: CMID | Research interests: AMR, ESCKAPE Pathogens, NGS, Plasmid transfer, AMR genes
• Prof Lizette Koekemoer | lizette.koekemoer@wits.ac.za  | Unit: WRIM | Research interests: Malaria, vector control, vector biology, molecular biology
• Dr Mignon du Plessis | mignond@nicd.ac.za  | Unit: NICD | Research interests: respiratory pathogens, meningitis, laboratory diagnostics, molecular epidemiology
• Prof Mrudula Patel | mrudula.patel@wits.ac.za  | patelmrudula11@gmail.com  | Unit: CMID | Research interests: Candida, infection control, disinfectants, antimicrobial activity, environmental pathogens
• Prof Nelesh Govender | nelesh.govender@wits.ac.za  | Unit: 91¿´Æ¬Íø Mycology | Research interests: Mycology, fungal and bacterial AMR, advanced HIV disease, neonatal infections
• Prof Anthony Smith | anthonys@nicd.ac.za  | Unit: NICD | Research interests: Enteric bacterial pathogens, surveillance, epidemiology, whole genome sequencing, metagenomics
• A-Prof Clare Cutland | clare.cutland@wits.ac.za  | Unit: 91¿´Æ¬Íø-Alive | Research interests Vaccinology
• A-Prof Olga Perovic | olgap@nicd.ac.za  | olgap@global.co.za  | Unit: CMID/NICD | Research interests: AMR, surveillance, bacterial pathogens, diagnostic/antimicrobial stewardship, laboratory quality
• Dr  Hlambani Shirinda | hlambani.shirinda@wits.ac.za  | hlambani.shirinda@nhls.ac.za  | Unit: CMID | Research interests: C.difficile, Healthcare Associated infections, bacterial AMR, Infection control, whole genome sequencing, surveillance, molecular epidemiology, One Health
• Dr Nicole Wolter | nicolew@nicd.ac.za  | Unit: NICD | Research interests: respiratory pathogens, laboratory diagnosis, molecular epidemiology, epidemiology, public health
• Dr Tsidiso Maphanga | tsidisom@nicd.ac.za  | Unit: NICD/91¿´Æ¬Íø | Research interests: Mycology, Medical Mycology, endemic mycoses, molecular epidemiology, genomics, antifungal resistance, laboratory diagnostics
• A-Prof David Lawrence | david.s.lawrence@lshtm.ac.uk  | Unit: 91¿´Æ¬Íø Mycology | Research interests: Medical mycology, HIV, advanced HIV disease, cryptococcal disease, cryptococcal meningitis, CD4 testing
• Dr Sabelle Jallow | sabellejallow@yahoo.com  | sabellej@nicd.ac.za  | Unit: CMID | Research interests: AMR, molecular diagnosis (viral, bacterial, fungal), ESKAPE pathogens, molecular genetics, viral pathogens, neutralisation assays, next generation sequencing, immunology, vaccinology, HIV, RSV, wastewater surveillance, one health surveillance

University Application Process

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. The University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available to 91¿´Æ¬Íø postgraduate students. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities.  The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies.  The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.