Nursing at (WITS) University of the Witwatersrand
Nurses work collaboratively with physicians, therapists, patients and families and focus on treating illness to improve quality of life. The degree prepares professionals for general nursing and midwifery practice.
Programme overview
The Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs) degree is a 4 year, full-time course.
The degree programme includes theoretical study at the Braamfontein and Medical School campuses and clinical training at University affiliate hospitals, community clinics and special areas such as specialist units in hospitals and the health care train.
The curriculum includes a core of knowledge in the biological, natural, physical and social sciences as well as the theory and practice of nursing science. A strong emphasis on the sciences is a characteristic of a Wits Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
Nursing courses commence in the first year with correlated periods of community based learning activities and in the second semester, hospital-based clinical practice. These become incremental over the next four years of the degree.
Nursing is one of the health care professions that is diverse and uniquely rewarding. Nursing combines compassion, knowledge and sophisticated health technology to achieve its goals: to restore, maintain and promote the health of individuals, groups or communities.
Nursing is both a science and an art: The science component is the development and application of nursing knowledge and techniques. The art of nursing is the establishment of a caring, compassionate relationship through which nurses apply knowledge and skill in a discerning and ethical manner.
Wits nurses study in a rigorous, vibrant multidisciplinary environment that stimulates intellectual inquiry and professional responsiveness. Small group learning is the main teaching / learning strategy- students engage in cooperative learning to systematically work through carefully constructed real-life health scenarios, deciding what learning is needed to access information, discerning which information produces the best evidence into the management of health issues.
Nurses practice in a range of contexts and health care settings, some of these include: hospitals, community clinics, industry, the military, private practice, homes in specialised areas such as hospice, rehabilitation and aged care facilities.
Career Opportunities
- General nursing
- Child nursing
- Intensive care nursing
- Nursing education
- Nephrology nursing
- Oncology and palliative nursing
- Psychiatric nursing
- Research
- Trauma and emergency nursing
- Midwife
Entry Requirements
English Home Language OR First Additional Language
Level 4
Life Sciences AND/OR Physical Science
Level 4
Mathematics
Level 4
The Faculty of Health Sciences uses a composite index score to guide applicant selection. This includes:
- Your matric academic results for five subjects: English, Mathematics, Physical Science/Life Sciences, and the best two other subjects. We consider the percentage achieved, not the symbol.
- National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores
All applicants – excluding those who are applying to the Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) only – must write the NBT.
Apply now
Applications close: 30 June 2019
Residence applications close 30 September 2019
Application Process
- The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
- Please click here for an overview of the application process.
- Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply.
- Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
- Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
- If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.
Course Costs
The average course costs for local students range from R34 000 to R62 000, depending on the course and the number of years of study.
Tuition fees are payable for each course for which a student is registered.