Nursing at (SMU) Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Nursing at (SMU) Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

The Nursing Science Department is one of the biggest departments in the School of Health Care Sciences. The Department was established in 1979 and became the first in South Africa to provide the BCUR programme for young black matriculants wishing to study the basic nursing programme at university level to become registered nurses.

The Department has contributed immensely towards the health care of society by producing graduate nurses of a high calibre.

Undergraduate Programmes

BCUR/BNSA

Degree: Bachelor of Nursing Science and Art

The B Cur/BNSA is a degree programme leading to registration as a Nurse (general, psychiatric, community) and midwife in accordance with R425. The BCUR/BNSA curriculum consists of both theory which is taught in the classroom and clinical practice which is done in an approved hospital/clinic depending on the level of study.

A clinical schedule, to which students must adhere, is compiled in collaboration with the approved institutions. The duration of the degree programme is four (4) academic years. The curriculum consists of the Nursing and Midwifery courses and the relevant clinical practice, pharmacology, biological and social sciences.

Duration: Full time, 4 year programme in accordance with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

Postgraduate Programmes

BNSc/BANS

The course is a post-registration degree program presented in modules with clinical and non-clinical pathways in line with the South African Council R212.  Non-clinical pathways include Nursing Education, and Nursing Management.

Clinical pathways include Community Health Nursing Science, Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Science, Medical and Surgical Nursing Science, Child Nursing, Occupational Health Nursing Science, Clinical Nursing Science, Health Assessment, Treatment and Care, Psychiatric Nursing Science: NOTE:  All pathway subjects will be registerable with the SA Nursing Council for additional qualification. Relevant practical work is done during university vacation and if necessary, over weekends

DIPLOMA IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSING

The Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing is offered by the Department of Nursing Science and Environmental and Occupational Health in Public Health.

HONOURS DEGREE

The programme shall be comprised of two core subjects namely Research Methodology and Nursing Dynamics. At least two papers should be chosen from the following electives: Nursing Education, Health Services Administration, Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Science, Advanced Community Health Nursing Science, Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Science, Advanced Medical and Surgical Nursing.

800 Hours of appropriate and/or prescribed practica in an approved post for a clinical B Cur Honours degree

Presentation: The course can be presented on a part-time or full-time basis

The major course shall be selected in collaboration with the head of the Department and in relation to the degree and qualifications held by the student.

MASTERS DEGREE

M Cur

The M Cur programme for both clinical and non-clinical courses shall consist of course work and a minor dissertation.  Students who have completed an honours degree and have fully or partly complied with the requirement for course work shall be exempted accordingly, and can proceed with the research aspect of the Masters degree.  This will be a minor dissertation.

Students who do not wish to undertake coursework can register for a Masters degree by research and submit a full dissertation.

All students registered for M Cur regardless of focus must register for:

MCDS801          Dissertation

BARE801          Research Methodology

Electives for all students pursuing a clinical or non-clinical Masters degree by course work must be on a major subject of the basic degree or completed coursework for the Honours degree

Duration: Minimum 2 years; Maximum 4 years for all students

DOCTORAL STUDIES

Doctoral degree studies are by research only.

Duration: No longer than five years

Note:  Except where otherwise stated, the General Rules for postgraduate studies shall apply to the honours degree

Contacts:

Department of Nursing Science

PO Box 142

MEDUNSA

0204

Tel:  012 521 4305/4664

Fax:  012 521 3820

Secretary: Ms Kgomotso Malebye

Email: kgomotso.malebye@smu.ac.za