The Diploma Program in Research Methodology and Biostatistics consists of two phases. The first phase covers the theoretical knowledge on research and biostatistics. This is coupled with practical sessions and in-class training by means of exercises that cover almost all aspects of research methodology and biostatistics.

The practical training also includes discussing previous research through published scientific articles. This helps the students in getting acquainted with different research strategies and identifying potential research plans that will help them in their future projects. Criticism of published literature also enables the students in identification of the strengths and weaknesses of these projects and will help them in overcoming such challenges in the future.

During this phase, students are trained to identify research problems and they are required to develop specific research protocols to investigate the problems identified and answer their research questions. The development of these protocols is facilitated by experienced research assistants and tutors in the field of health research.

This is followed by implementing the research project as described in their proposals, and this comprises Phase two of the program. During this phase, the students are required to go to the field and collect data as proposed. The students will also be trained on how to process the collected data, analyze it and come up with results and conclusions regarding their research projects.

The final step is the writing process. Here, the students are required to produce thesis and scientific articles of international standard. They are also required to present their findings and conclusions to an audience of researchers and health professionals from within UMST and invited guest speakers, in the form of power-point presentations and poster presentations.

The program content is delivered by qualified and experienced tutors and visiting international renowned scientists.

The main strength of this program is that it does not only cover the theoretical aspect of research methods and biostatistics, as provided by other courses and programs, but it focus on providing practical experience and an insight on obstacles that might arise throughout the course of a research project.