Master of Science (Medical Parasitology) by Research Mode is a graduate program designed for students who wish to focus on the study of parasitic diseases that affect humans. This program emphasizes research in medical parasitology, covering a wide range of parasitic infections, their transmission, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and the development of therapeutic and preventive strategies.

Students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of research topics in Medical Parasitology, such as:

• Helminthology: Researching parasitic worms, including roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes, and their role in human diseases such as schistosomiasis, malaria, ascariasis, and hookworm infections.
• Protozoology: Investigating protozoan parasites such as Plasmodium (malaria), Leishmania (leishmaniasis), Trypanosoma (sleeping sickness), and Entamoeba histolytica (amoebiasis).
• Parasitic Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Studying how parasitic infections affect immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS or cancer.
• Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases: Analyzing the distribution, determinants, and transmission dynamics of parasitic infections across different populations and regions.
• Vector-borne Parasitic Diseases: Focusing on diseases transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes (e.g., malaria, dengue) or sandflies (e.g., leishmaniasis).
• Molecular Parasitology: Using molecular biology techniques such as PCR, genomic sequencing, and bioinformatics to study the genetics, resistance mechanisms, and evolutionary relationships of parasitic organisms.
• Parasitic Immunology: Investigating the immune responses of humans and animals to parasitic infections, and understanding how parasites evade or manipulate host immunity.
• Parasitic Diagnostics: Developing new diagnostic tools for detecting parasitic infections, including molecular and immunological techniques, as well as improving traditional methods like microscopy and serology.
• Control and Treatment of Parasitic Infections: Researching the development of antiparasitic drugs, vaccines, and other strategies to control or eliminate parasitic diseases.
• Global Health and Public Health: Studying the impact of parasitic diseases on global health, including the socio-economic factors influencing their transmission and control.

Expertise available in the following School:
School of Medical Sciences
https://medic.usm.my/

Applicants should possess the following:

A MBBS/MD or equivalent degree, BSc in Medical Sciences/Biotechnology/Biology/ Chemistry/Physics or other related fields from a recognised university.

A) CGPA of at least 2.75/4.00; or
B) CGPA of 2.50 - 2.74/4.00 with; or

• Research experience – 1 year; or
• Professional experience in related field- 1 year; or
• One(1) academic publication in related field; or
• Grade B for major/ elective courses; or
• Grade B+ for final year project.

C) CGPA of 2.00 - 2.49/4.00 (Honours degree) with; or

• Research experience - 5 years; or
• Professional experience in related field - 5 years, AND
• One (1) academic publications  in related field; or
• Grade B for major/elective courses; or
• Grade B+ for final year project.

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

• A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
• A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
• A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
• A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English: Advance (CAE)/Proficiency (CPE) /Preliminary (PET) /First (FCE)/ Linguaskill Online; or
• A minimum score of 47 for Pearson Test of English (PTE); or
• A minimum of Band 107 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
• A minimum of Band 3.5 for Malaysian University English Test (MUET)

Exemption CAN BE CONSIDERED to candidate if:

• English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
• Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required)

• Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters
• Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters

** Fees are subject to change

** New fees to be imposed starting from Academic Session 2025/2026 (October 2025 intake onward)

** Fees are subject to change