“You won’t just study theories. You’ll learn directly from the people who’ve been in the trenches,” said Prof Fisher.
IF the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that the world wasn’t ready. Hospitals were overwhelmed, misinformation spread like wildfire, and despite decades of warnings from health experts, governments scrambled to respond. And here’s the reality: pandemics aren’t once-in-a-lifetime events – outbreaks occur far more frequently than many assume.
National University of Singapore (NUS)’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine Professor Dale Fisher explains, “With ongoing threats like avian influenza, Ebola, and antibiotic-resistant infections, the risk of future pandemics remains high.”
What if, next time, you were one of the experts leading the charge? That’s exactly what NUS’s MSc in Infectious Disease Emergencies prepares you for. This hands-on, real-world training programme equips professionals to detect, manage, and contain outbreaks before they spiral out of control.
Prof Fisher emphasises that global complacency is not an option. This programme arms graduates with the critical skills needed to respond swiftly and effectively to infectious disease threats, ensuring they’re ready to step up when needed.
A programme built for the real world
While most public health courses offer lessons on theoretical concepts, this programme stands out by introducing real-world skills needed to tackle outbreaks head-on. From pandemic preparedness to risk communication, every aspect of the curriculum is built to equip students to become professionals with hands-on expertise.
“You won’t just study theories. You’ll learn directly from the people who’ve been in the trenches,” Prof Fisher says.
Students can expect to gain insights from top experts at the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) and global health agencies, who have led emergency response teams in real-world events from the Tokyo Olympics to the Haj pilgrimage, where managing infectious disease risks is a monumental challenge.
The learning doesn’t stop there. Students will step into the role of outbreak investigators, simulating pandemic scenarios, analysing real-time health data, and designing containment strategies. They will work with AI-driven surveillance tools, navigate the legal and policy frameworks that shape pandemic responses, and combat misinformation – one of the biggest threats to public health today.
Graduates of this programme will not only earn a degree but also step into high-impact roles across international health organisations, health ministries, public health agencies and NGOs. Whether it’s epidemiology, disease surveillance, healthcare crisis management, or policy development, this programme opens doors to careers that truly make a difference.
Who should apply?
“This programme isn’t just for doctors,” Prof Fisher says. While healthcare professionals, nurses, and epidemiologists would benefit from this programme, so will public health officials, policymakers, researchers, and even journalists covering global health.
“Even if you don’t have a medical background, but work in data analytics, law, crisis management or health policy, this programme will equip you with the expertise to make a real impact.”
Financial support
But what if finances are holding you back? NUS understands that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to building a safer future. That’s why the university partners with donors and organisations to offer financial support to students in need of assistance.
While the full programme fee is S$50,000, there are government funding options and local scholarships available. Plus, financial aid is offered on a case-by-case basis to ensure talented candidates get the support they need.
The next pandemic isn’t a matter of if, but when. The world needs experts who can prevent and manage outbreaks and not just react to them. Be at the forefront of global health and work towards a safer and healthier future.
Take the next step in shaping global health security. Click here to apply today.
