Emergency Medicine

Emergency Medicine at the University of Cape Town offers a comprehensive postgraduate training programme designed to equip medical professionals with the skills, knowledge, and clinical expertise necessary to provide high-quality emergency care in diverse and challenging environments. This programme is structured to develop practitioners who are capable of managing a wide range of medical emergencies, from trauma and critical illness to acute medical conditions, with a focus on patient-centered care, clinical excellence, and effective resource management. The curriculum combines rigorous theoretical instruction, hands-on clinical practice, and research opportunities, fostering a dynamic learning environment that encourages innovation and critical thinking.

Participants in the programme engage with multidisciplinary teams across various hospital departments, gaining exposure to real-world emergency scenarios and advanced medical interventions. The training emphasizes the importance of rapid assessment, decision-making under pressure, and effective communication within multi-professional teams. Additionally, the programme incorporates training in health systems management, public health considerations, and the ethical dimensions of emergency medical practice, preparing graduates for leadership roles within emergency medicine and related fields.

The University of Cape Town’s Emergency Medicine programme is accredited by relevant medical boards and continuously updated to reflect the latest developments in emergency care, including advancements in pre-hospital trauma management, resuscitation techniques, and technological integration. Graduates are well-prepared to work in university hospitals, regional medical centers, and emergency response teams both locally and internationally. The programme also encourages research activities aimed at improving emergency care delivery, health outcomes, and policy development in South Africa and beyond.

Overall, the Emergency Medicine postgraduate programme at UCT is dedicated to developing skilled, compassionate, and innovative emergency healthcare practitioners committed to improving patient outcomes and strengthening health systems through exemplary clinical practice, education, and research.

Clinical Emergency Care specialisation

Year 1 - Compulsory courses: 

• CHM6005F Clinical Research Methods I
• CHM6007F Emergency Care I
• CHM6008S Emergency Care II

Plus two elective courses from the following:

• CHM6012F Disaster Medicine
• CHM6013S Education and Training in Emergency Care
• CHM6028S Management and Leadership in Healthcare
• CHM6029S Disaster Medical Response Training
• CHM6030S Ambulatory Care and Travel Medicine

Year 2 - Compulsory courses

• CHM6006F Clinical Research Methods II
• CHM6009S Healthcare Systems
• CHM6010F Resuscitation and Critical Care
• CHM6016W Emergency Medicine Minor Dissertation

African Emergency Care specialisation

Year 1 - Compulsory courses

• CHM6005F Clinical Research Methods I
• CHM6018S African Emergency Care

Plus two elective courses from the following:

• CHM6012F Disaster Medicine
• CHM6013S Education and Training in Emergency Care
• CHM6028S Management and Leadership in Healthcare
• CHM6029S Disaster Medical Response Training
• CHM6030S Ambulatory Care and Travel Medicine

Year 2 - Compulsory courses

• CHM6006F Clinical Research Methods II
• CHM6009S Healthcare Systems
• CHM6019W Emergency Medicine Minor Dissertation

Patient Safety and Clinical Decision-making specialisation)

Year 1 - Compulsory courses

• CHM6005F Clinical Research Methods I
• CHM6009S Healthcare Systems
• CHM6031F Patient Safety and Flow
• CHM6026S Critical Thinking in Emergency Care

Year 2 - Compulsory courses

• CHM6006F Clinical Research Methods II
• CHM6013S Education and Training in Emergency Care
• CHM6016W Emergency Medicine Minor Dissertation
• CHM6032S Continuous Quality Improvement
• CHM6028S Management and Leadership in Healthcare

Patient Safety and Clinical Decision-making (B specialisation)

Year 1 - Compulsory courses

• CHM6005F Clinical Research Methods I
• CHM6009S Healthcare Systems
• CHM6031F Patient Safety and Flow
• CHM6026S Critical Thinking in Emergency Care 

Year 2 - Plus one elective course from the following

• CHM6013S Education and Training in Emergency Care
• CHM6032S Continuous Quality Improvement
• CHM6028S Management and Leadership in Healthcare

Compulsory courses

• CHM6006F Clinical Research Methods II
• CHM6019W Emergency Medicine Minor Dissertation

• Certified copies of official academic transcripts in ENGLISH (full transcripts for each tertiary institution attended)
• Certified copies of degree certificates in ENGLISH (for each tertiary institution attended where applicable)
• Applicants from universities situated in non-English speaking countries: TOEFL/IELTS certificate OR letter from previous tertiary institution stating “English as medium of instruction” for the programme
• Curriculum vitae (include work experience)
• A recent score (obtained within 3 - 5 years before application for admission) of at least 570 (paper-based test) or 230 (computer-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• A recent overall band score of 7.0 (with no individual element of the test scoring below 6.0) on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• OR, noting that this may only be written at certain designated venues within South Africa, a score of at least 65% on the university's Placement Test in English for Educational Purposes (PTEEP).

Scholarships

• International & refugee scholarships
• Merit awards

The University of Cape Town offers a comprehensive postgraduate programme in Emergency Medicine designed to equip medical practitioners with specialized skills necessary to provide high-quality emergency care. The programme focuses on developing advanced clinical skills, management abilities, and research competencies pertinent to emergency medicine practice within diverse healthcare settings. It aims to prepare graduates to handle a broad spectrum of acute medical conditions efficiently and effectively, ensuring optimal patient outcomes. The curriculum incorporates theoretical knowledge through structured coursework, case-based learning, and practical training in emergency departments and simulation laboratories. Students gain exposure to critical decision-making processes, trauma management, resuscitation techniques, and emergency procedures, fostering competence in real-world scenarios. Additionally, the programme emphasizes research methodology, enabling students to contribute to the evidence base within emergency medicine through thesis projects or research initiatives. The training is aligned with global standards and tailored to address the specific healthcare challenges faced in South Africa, including managing emergencies in resource-limited environments. The degree is suitable for medical practitioners seeking specialization in emergency medicine, including doctors looking to advance their careers or to integrate emergency care expertise into broader medical practice. The programme collaborates with various clinical departments, hospitals, and emergency services to ensure students receive diverse and comprehensive clinical exposure. Upon completion, graduates are equipped to take on leadership roles within emergency departments, participate in policy development, and contribute to teaching and training of future healthcare professionals. The course duration, admission requirements, and mode of delivery (full-time or part-time) are structured to support the professional commitments of working practitioners. Overall, the University of Cape Town’s Emergency Medicine programme is designed to produce well-rounded specialists capable of advancing emergency healthcare services both locally and internationally.