info.rcevihscm@ur.ac.rw
Home > Academics > Master’s Programmes

1._The Master of Science in Vaccinology

The Master of Science in Vaccinology is a cutting-edge programme designed to address Africa’s critical shortage of skilled professionals in vaccine research, development, and manufacturing. With less than 1% of vaccines currently produced on the continent, this programme responds to the African Union’s ambitious goal of increasing local vaccine production to 60% by 2040. Developed in collaboration with the East African Community Regional Centre for Vaccines, Immunization, and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC-RCE-VIHSCM) and supported by the KfW Development Bank, this programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge in vaccine design, production, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.

Programme Aim

The programme aims to bridge the skills gap in Africa’s vaccine ecosystem by training a new generation of scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers. Graduates will gain expertise in:

  • Vaccine development & manufacturing (including mRNA and emerging technologies)
  • Quality control & regulatory compliance
  • Public health leadership & supply chain management
  • Research & innovation in vaccinology

Why Choose This Programme?

  • Be Part of Africa’s Health Revolution – Contribute to vaccine self-sufficiency and pandemic preparedness.
  • Industry-Ready Skills – Learn from experts and engage in hands-on training in vaccine production.
  • Global Impact – Aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
  • Strategic Partnerships – Backed by the Est African Community, EAC, Africa CDC, and German Development Bank (KfW).
  • Career Opportunities – Join a high-demand field with roles in pharmaceutical industries, research institutions, and public health agencies.

2._ Master of Science in Medical Products Regulatory Affairs

The Master of Science in Medical Products Regulatory Affairs is a pioneering programme designed to strengthen Africa’s regulatory capacity in the oversight of medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and other health products. With only eight African countries (two from the EAC) achieving WHO Maturity Level 3 (as of 2024), there is an urgent need for skilled regulatory professionals to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of medical products. This programme, the first of its kind in the EAC, addresses critical gaps in regulatory workforce capacity, policy development, and harmonization efforts—key factors in advancing Africa’s healthcare systems.

Programme Aim
The programme aims to train a new generation of regulatory experts who can:

  • Apply global regulatory standards to medicines, vaccines, biologics, medical devices, and other health products.
  • Support regulatory harmonization in line with the African Medicines Agency (AMA), AfCFTA, and EAC initiatives.
  • Enhance market surveillance, pharmacovigilance, and compliance to ensure public health protection.
  • Drive innovation while maintaining rigorous safety and efficacy assessments.

Why Choose This Programme?

  • Address a Critical Skills Gap – Become part of Africa’s growing regulatory workforce.
  • Align with Continental Priorities – Contribute to AMA, AfCFTA, and regional regulatory harmonization.
  • Industry-Relevant Expertise – Gain hands-on training in drug approval, quality control, and compliance.
  • Career Opportunities – Work in national regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical firms, and global health organizations.
  • Pioneering Programme – First MSc in Regulatory Affairs in the East African Community.

3._ Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Analysis And Quality Assurance

Course Overview

The Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance provides senior executives, policymakers, and decision-makers with a comprehensive understanding of the complex challenges surrounding access to medicines. The course explores key issues related to affordability, availability, and quality of medicines, and examines strategies to improve access through policy, regulation, and innovation.

This executive-level course focuses on equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to address access to medicines from a holistic perspective. Participants will explore policy frameworks, pricing mechanisms, intellectual property considerations, regulatory pathways, and innovative models for expanding access. The course will also cover ethical considerations, stakeholder engagement, and the role of international organizations in promoting equitable access to medicines.

Key Topics Covered:

  1. Introduction to Access to Medicines: Understanding the global landscape of access challenges, the social and economic impact of limited access, and the ethical imperative of ensuring equitable access to medicines.
  2. Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Analyzing policy and regulatory approaches to enhance access to medicines, including intellectual property rights, patent systems, generic medicines, and regulatory harmonization.
  3. Pricing Strategies: Examining pricing mechanisms and strategies to ensure affordability of medicines, including differential pricing, value-based pricing, cost-effectiveness analysis, and pooled procurement.
  4. Supply Chain Considerations: Exploring supply chain management approaches, procurement strategies, distribution networks, and innovative last-mile delivery models to improve access to medicines.
  5. Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation: Understanding the importance of R&D in addressing unmet medical needs, fostering innovation, and promoting access to new and improved medicines.
  6. Health Technology Assessment (HTA): Utilizing HTA frameworks and evidence-based decision-making to optimize resource allocation, prioritize medicines, and improve access in healthcare systems.
  7. Intellectual Property and Access: Analyzing intellectual property rights, patent laws, compulsory licensing, and trade agreements in the context of access to medicines.
  8. Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with diverse stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, industry, healthcare providers, and patient groups, to foster collaboration and address access barriers.
  9. Ethics and Equity: Addressing ethical considerations in access to medicines, ensuring equity in access, and promoting social justice and human rights principles.
  10. Global Initiatives and Partnerships: Exploring global initiatives and partnerships aimed at improving access to medicines, such as the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines List, the Medicines Patent Pool, and global health funding mechanisms.

Program duration and mode of attendance

The Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance is a two-year program delivered under a blended learning approach to cater for in-service status of students. Studies are organized through face-to-face (on site) learning, off campus learning, field placement and dissertation writing.

Fees structure

Master in Health Supply Chain Management ................ ........ ............ 6000 Euro
Registration (Rwandans & EAC Citizens) new students .............. ............. 95,000 RWF
Registration (Rwandans & EAC Citizens) continuing students..................... 60,000 RWF
Registration (Non-EAC Citizens) new students .............. .............. .......... 114,000 RWF
Registration (Non-EAC Citizens) continuing students ............ ........... ....... 77,000 RWF

4._ Master In Health Supply Chain Management

Course Overview

The Global Health Supply Chain Management short course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and challenges involved in managing supply chains for essential healthcare products on a global scale. This course is designed for professionals and students interested in the field of public health, logistics, pharmaceuticals, or international development.

During this course, participants will delve into the intricacies of global health supply chain management, exploring key concepts, strategies, and tools necessary for effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of supply chains. Through a combination of interactive lectures, case studies, and practical exercises, participants will gain practical skills and knowledge to tackle real-world supply chain challenges.

Program duration and mode of attendance

The master’s in Health Supply Chain Management is a two-year program delivered under a blended learning approach to cater for in-service status of students. Studies are organized through face-to-face (on site) learning, off campus learning, field placement and dissertation writing.

Course Objectives:

  1. Understand the importance of global health supply chain management in addressing public health challenges and improving health outcomes worldwide.
  2. Explore the components of a global health supply chain, including procurement, inventory management, warehousing, transportation, and information management.
  3. Learn essential techniques for forecasting and supply planning to ensure the availability and accessibility of healthcare products.
  4. Examine strategies for reducing stockouts, minimizing wastage, and improving product quality assurance within the supply chain.
  5. Explore the role of technology, data analytics, and innovation in optimizing supply chain processes.
  6. Understand the unique challenges and considerations involved in managing supply chains during public health emergencies and humanitarian crises.
  7. Gain insights into best practices, case studies, and success stories from global health supply chain management initiatives.
  8. Develop practical skills through hands-on exercises and simulations that simulate real-world supply chain scenarios.

Fees

Description Costs
Master in Health Supply Chain Management ................ ........ ............ 6000 Euro
Registration (Rwandans & EAC Citizens) new students .............. ............. 95,000 RWF
Registration (Rwandans & EAC Citizens) continuing students..................... 60,000 RWF
Registration (Non-EAC Citizens) new students .............. .............. .......... 114,000 RWF
Registration (Non-EAC Citizens) continuing students ............ ........... ....... 77,000 RWF

Target Audience

  • Professionals working in public health, logistics, procurement, and supply chain management.
  • Students and researchers interested in global health, pharmaceuticals, or international development.
  • Government officials and policymakers involved in healthcare planning and implementation.
  • Non-governmental organization (NGO) staff working in the healthcare sector.
  • Individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in global health supply chain management.
    Prerequisites: There are no specific prerequisites for this course. However, a basic understanding of healthcare systems and logistics concepts would be beneficial.