Master of Science (Community Medicine) by Research Mode is an advanced graduate program focused on the study and research of public health, epidemiology, disease prevention, and health promotion within communities. This program is ideal for students interested in addressing community health challenges, promoting public health interventions, and conducting research that improves the well-being of populations.

Students can choose to focus their research on various topics within Community Medicine, such as:

• Epidemiology: Investigating the distribution, determinants, and patterns of diseases within communities, and developing strategies for disease prevention and control.
• Health Promotion: Researching strategies to improve public health through education, behavioral change, and health policies that target populations at risk.
• Public Health Policy: Studying how health policies are developed, implemented, and evaluated, and their impact on community health outcomes.
• Environmental Health: Exploring the relationship between environmental factors (e.g., pollution, climate change) and public health, and researching sustainable practices to protect the environment and health.
• Social Determinants of Health: Investigating the social, economic, and cultural factors that influence health outcomes in populations, including socioeconomic status, education, and access to healthcare.
• Health Systems and Management: Focusing on the effectiveness of health systems, the role of healthcare infrastructure, healthcare delivery models, and strategies to improve healthcare access in underserved communities.
• Maternal and Child Health: Researching public health issues that affect mothers and children, including maternal mortality, child nutrition, vaccination programs, and early childhood development.
• Infectious Diseases: Studying the prevalence and control of infectious diseases within communities, with a focus on prevention strategies and vaccination programs.
• Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs): Addressing the growing burden of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer in community populations.
• Mental Health: Investigating mental health challenges in communities, including access to care, stigma, prevention, and public health interventions.
• Health Inequalities and Access to Care: Focusing on healthcare disparities and access to health services, particularly in marginalized or rural populations.
• Global Health: Studying global health challenges, including pandemics, health inequities, and international public health policies.

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