This Postgraduate Certificate in Field Epidemiology (PGCFE) programme is designed in respond to the call from the Pacific Island Health Ministers (2013) for strengthening Health Information Systems (HIS) and enabling health staff to generate the evidence base for strategic decision-making and for informing health policies, programs and services related to three key challenges: (a) controlling the extremely high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), (b) preparing for, preventing and responding effectively to endemic and epidemic communicable diseases (CDs); and (c) responding to the accelerating effects of climate change on health. The purpose of this programme is to address the recognized urgent need for field epidemiologists in the region, by providing training in field epidemiology and its application to health problems mainly through workplace –based model of ‘learning at work, from work, for work’. Its purpose is to produce competent staff who can analyse health information systems data to inform interventions, decisions and policy development, and advocate for changes in population health. This programme targets health staff at all levels in the region, active or interested in field epidemiology, and include staff in public health and in the primary health care services and hospitals. It is completed over a minimum of one year (full time study equivalent) and a maximum of 2 years (part-time study equivalent).

1.	A bachelor’s degree; or
2.	A minimum of three years’ experience in the health sector (demonstrated on their curriculum vitae) with three positive and written references from a supervisor.
3.	Applicants may also be admitted to the programme who may not meet the requirement on the years of continuous education progression, but who are able to demonstrate their ability to succeed in programmes at these levels on the basis of their maturity, work experience or prior learning. The Dean may require such an applicant to sit for any specific or general examination as a prerequisite for any such enrolment or may restrict enrolment only to certain prescribed courses that must be passed to progress further.
4.	All admissions into the PGCFE programme must be endorsed by the HoD, and HoS of the SPHPC, CMNHS.