Our Story

The School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH) provides opportunities for advanced education, research, and consultancy in the many fields of public health. Our programmes are designed for individuals and organisations whose work affects on health.

In 1998, the School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH) was established by the University to enhance its ability to engage one of society's most valued goals: health. The SHSPH, now marking the 25th Anniversary of its existence, grew out of the Department of Community Health and was tasked with preventing disease, and promoting and restoring health.

The SHSPH is a University-wide, "horizontal" School: it accesses and strengthens any area relevant to the health system and to public health. Its structure and functions are outcomes- oriented: a better health system and greater health that is more equally distributed. Its nature is, by definition, multidisciplinary; staff is recruited from many departments and faculties throughout the University, as well as from outside institutions and organisations.

The School is based in the Faculty of Health Sciences, which comprises four Schools. The Department of Public Health Medicine remains the link between clinical medicine and public health, and forms an integral part of the SHSPH.

In line with the University of Pretoria’s goal of 'becoming the university of choice for students and staff', the SHSPH attracts high-quality students both locally and internationally. In line with the School's vision of serving Africa and South Africa, it is pleasing that students now come from other countries on the continent.

Enrolment in our postgraduate programmes gives students the opportunity to become a part of this exciting institution. We trust that the students' educational experience with the SHSPH will prove worthwhile, and that it will be the start of a long relationship.

- Author Tiaan Eksteen

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