- Masters in Health Informatics -

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) jointly with the College of Computing and Information Sciences -Makerere (CoCIS) most especially the School of Computing and Informatics Technology (CIT) are offering a Masters degree in Health Informatics (MHI) as a fulltime program. The program is designed for individuals who desire to be trained to identify constraints in health information flow and design innovative automated systems to solve them in the shortest time possible to aide timely decision making.

Mission: To produce practical, gender sensitive health Informaticians who are able to evaluate health systems, and develop innovations to improve information management and utilization in health.

Goal: To produce gender sensitive graduates with skills and competences in application of information and computer science to improve health practice.

The programme is open to Ugandans and Non-Ugandans who fulfil the admission requirements. The requirements described below are only the minimum academic conditions for admission and only make one eligible for consideration. Only graduates from universities recognized by the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE) will be considered for admission to the MHI training programme. All applicants must satisfy Makerere University admission requirements for graduate programmes. SPH may conduct interviews for eligible candidates so as to ascertain their suitability for the program.

A candidate is eligible for admission to the MHI program if he/she satisfies any of the following;

A degree in the health sciences(for example medicine human/ veterinary, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, radiography, biomedical laboratory, computer science, information science or related degrees)and a demonstrated interest in computing. Demonstrated interests include a short course, diploma, degree or a working experience in health information systems.

A degree in computing (for example information technology, computer science, information systems, software engineering) or related degrees such as mathematics, statistics, engineering and geography and demonstrated interest in health. Demonstrated interest includes a working experience in health field or program, short course training, and consultancy.

At least a bachelor’s degree in any other field but with an additional training in health or computing. The training must have been done in a accredited institution and the trainee must have passed. The course for the additional training should have assigned credit units.
Strategies will be undertaken to encourage and enroll female students in the programme.

Year I Semester I

Introduction to Health Care & Health Systems
Introduction to Information Technology
Foundations of Health Informatics
Information Systems Development
Principles of Public Health
Applied Epidemiology I
Research Methods in Health Informatics

Year I Semester II

Applied Biostatistics I
Health Information Systems
Health Informatics Standards and Terminology
Enterprise Architecture for Health Info. Systems
Gender, Law, Ethics, Equity, Policy and Governance in relation to informatics
Scientific Writing & Communication Skills

Year I Recess Term

Practicum and Field Report

Year II Semester I

Track Specific Courses
Track 1 - Health Informatics Track (General)
Clinical Informatics
Security in Health Information Systems
Advanced Programming
Health Analytics
Clinical Decision Support Systems and Workflows in Health
Seminar Series I
Track 2 - Public health informatics track
Applied Biostatistics II
Applied Epidemiology II
Health systems Management and health Informatics
Occupational health and Informatics
Environmental Health and Informatics
Seminar Series I

Year II Semester II

Dissertation
Seminar Series II

A multifaceted approach, employing mainly those methods that encourage a student-centered approach, active learning and acquisition of practical competencies. Integration of knowledge with practical skills and the transfer of concepts from one situation to the other is emphasized. Professional identities, Attitudes and Teamwork skills are developed by working as members of multi-professional teams with graded responsibilities. Competencies are developed through practical exposure and discussions (experiential learning), reflecting on their own experiences and role modeling.

Other teaching and learning methods include; Didactic lectures; tutorials and small group discussions; Seminars and Large group presentations; practical sessions and computer/skills laboratories; Computer Assisted Learning & Practicum Attachment.

Tuition fees are: Ug. Shs. 5m/= per year for Ugandans, or US $5000 per year for foreign students. Makerere University reserves the right to revise tuition fee rates whenever found necessary. In addition to the tuition fees, students must also meet all other expenses related to: registration fees to the university, examination fees, library and administration, travel and accommodation, a personal computer, stationery, books, field studies, and research costs for the dissertation.

The MHI programme is open to both Ugandan and international applicants with a background in a quantitative discipline or a health-related field that includes coursework in statistics or mathematics. Only graduates from universities recognised by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) will be considered for admission. All applicants must also meet Makerere University’s general admission requirements for graduate programmes. Applications should be submitted online according to the instructions provided below. Apply