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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119088  Bachelor of Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  SAQA 158/22  2022-04-21  2025-04-21 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-04-21   2032-04-21  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to prepare clinically focused and service-orientated independent nurse professionals who will be able to render holistic and emancipatory general nursing and midwifery health care and who are competent to function within a wide range of health services settings in the health system.

The qualification will contribute towards the intended outcome by:
  • Producing competent Professional Nurse and Midwife practitioners to practice within a wide range of health service settings.
  • Provide graduates with a wide range of skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable them to make a meaningful and sustained contribution to health services.
  • Equip graduates with a developed sense of equity, justice and service ethics that will ensure that they work in a responsible and accountable manner, irrespective of their chosen workplace.
  • Offer a wide range of transferable skills for application in other professions, disciplines, and general life, including:
    > A methodical solution-based approach to problem-solving.
    > An empowerment-based approach to the development of self and others.
    > Competence in written and oral communication.
    > Capacity to assess and implement health and other policy.
    > Ability to plan and implement and manage projects of a varied nature.
    > Research capacity.

    The qualification will enable learners to function as clinically focused, service-oriented, independent,
    registered professional nurses, who can render comprehensive care across all spheres of health, as determined by the appropriate legislative framework. In addition, qualifying learners will apply evidence-based research to enhance nursing practice.

    Upon successful completion of this qualification, the learner is eligible for registration with the relevant statutory body, currently the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse and Midwife. Successful registration will license nurses to practice as a Professional Nurse and Midwife. Furthermore, the qualification provides for progression to postgraduate nursing studies and thus has the potential to contribute to the nation's efforts to increase both service and academic nurse practitioners.

    Rationale:
    South Africa has been and continues to experience a serious problem of nursing personnel shortage. A World Health Organization Report in 2017 found that in January of that year there were 401 543 nurses and midwives eligible to practice nursing in South Africa. SANC statistics (2017) indicate that the nurse-patient ratio is 1: 202 people. The changing disease profile, exacerbated by the HIV/AIDS; TB and Corona pandemics and its escalating toll on the lives of South Africans requires nurses who can think independently and solve problems in the workplace. Furthermore, nursing is one of the most sought health professions globally. An undergraduate qualification in nursing contributes to the national and global strategy for increased production of nursing personnel; a category of health personnel that is fast becoming a scarce human resource globally.

    The situational analysis conducted by the institution confirmed the demand for undergraduate nursing education in the province and nationally. The learner is prepared comprehensively and appropriately according to the health needs of the country. Graduates with this qualification work with all patients stabilised and take responsibility for managing nursing care in the health care facilities.

    Learners will be able to work as professional nurses and midwife practitioners in private and public hospitals, clinics or provide individual care to patients The qualification has a research component. This component will enable learners to understand and implement research findings in practice and lift the quality of healthcare by the development and incorporation of best practice guidelines and clinical pathways.

    Upon completion of the qualification, the qualified learner will be able to provide preventive and promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care thus improving the health status of individuals, families, communities, and society. There are increased employment opportunities and one can practise independently as a private nurse practitioner. Successful completion of the qualification would enable both horizontal and vertical articulation with relevant cognate qualifications if they meet the minimum admission requirements. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.
    or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 528 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 68 Credits:
  • Cornerstone: 101, 12 Credits.
  • Information and Communication Technology Literacy and Skills (Institutional General Education), 8 Credits.
  • Biological and Natural Sciences IA: Microbiology and Parasitology, 12 Credits.
  • Biological and Natural Sciences IB: Biophysics and Biochemistry, 12 Credits.
  • Biological and Natural Sciences IC: Anatomy and Physiology, 24 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6,108 Credits:
  • Ethos and Professional Practice, 12 Credits.
  • Fundamental Nursing Science IA, 12 Credits.
  • Fundamental Nursing Science IB, 12 Credits
  • Clinical Nursing Practice: Fundamental Nursing Science IA, 12 Credits.
  • Clinical Nursing Practice: Fundamental Nursing Science IB, 12 Credits.
  • Sociology, 8 Credits.
  • HIV and communicable diseases, 12 Credits.
  • Pathophysiology, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmacology, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 8 Credits (Select one module)
  • Equality and Diversity, 8 credits.
  • The Global Environment, 8 Credits

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 100 Credits.
  • Medical and Surgical Nursing I, 24 Credits.
  • Clinical Nursing Practice: Medical and Surgical Nursing I, 48 Credits.
  • Ethics and Medical Law, 12 Credits.
  • Sociology II, 8 Credits.
  • Restorative Justice Approach, 8 Credits

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8,244 Credits:
  • Medical and Surgical Nursing II, 28 Credits.
  • Clinical Nursing Practice: Medical and Surgical Nursing II, 32 Credits.
  • Nursing Research, 12 Credits.
  • Leadership and Supervisory Development, 12 Credits.
  • Clinical Nursing Practice: Health Care services, 16 Credits.
  • Clinical Research Project, 24 Credits.
  • Midwifery I, 24 Credits.
  • Midwifery II, 36 Credits.
  • Clinical Nursing Practice: Midwifery I, 24 Credits.
  • Clinical Nursing Practice: Midwifery II, 36 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to identify and address ethical and legal issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value (and legal) systems to the nursing and midwifery practice within the legal framework.
    2. Apply knowledge of biological and natural sciences, psycho-social sciences, and pharmacology in the provision of safe nursing and midwifery care, throughout the life span, in a variety of health care settings and communities in response to population needs.
    3. Manage a health care unit and health facility based on the understanding of the roles and relationships within the multidisciplinary team.
    4. Access, produce and manage information effectively to a range of audiences, including health information systems
    5. Conduct research in investigating nursing and health-related problems to improve the quality of care.
    6. Apply learning strategies effectively to address own and others' professional and personal ongoing learning needs in a self-critical manner.
    7. Apply knowledge of theories, methods, and techniques in the practice of safe clinical nursing that is responsive to the needs of the individual, the family, and the community, in accordance with national legislative and policy frameworks at all levels of health care.
    8. Provide safe and quality midwifery and neonatal care in a scientific, integrated and evidence-based approach in all health care settings. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they can integrate concepts, ideas, and actions across this qualification to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent with the purpose of this qualification. Integrated assessment will show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome as described in the Exit Level Outcomes.

    Integrated Assessment will judge the quality of the observable performance, and the quality of the reasoning that lies behind it. Assessments tools will encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. Learning and assessment shall be integrated. The scheme of work includes tests and assignments, clinical laboratory work and competency assessment of clinical skills. A variety of assessment strategies and approaches will be used. Formative and Summative assessments will be done to ensure that the exit level outcomes of the qualification are achieved.

    Formative assessment:
    Several modules especially clinical modules will use continuous assessment. Continuous Assessment is governed by the principles of assessment as outlined in the institution's assessment policy. In line with this policy, a variety of assessment instruments to assess the various components of learning within the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains will be conducted at regular intervals over the course of each module and will be premised on a developmental approach. Consistency will be ensured regarding the types, number, and weighting of assessments as well as re-assessments.

    Formative assessment will include but not limited to:
  • Tests.
  • Assignments.
  • Projects.
  • Demonstrations and/or clinical assessments.
  • Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation.
  • Continuous Clinical Assessment.
  • Workbooks.
  • Logbooks.

    Summative assessment:
  • Summative assessment will take the form of oral, written, and practical examinations as per the institution's assessments policy. Learners will prepare portfolio exit levels of evidence in the form of a workbook (record of cases) and logbook (record of clinical hours).
  • Summative assessments for theory modules will be externally moderated and that for all other clinical modules will be internally moderated.
  • A minimal pass mark of 50% shall be required for both Theoretical and Practical Assessments.
  • Examinations will be written for selected theory modules.

    The number and types of assessments will be determined by the learning outcomes for both theoretical and clinical learning. Formative and summative assessments will be developed based on one formative assessment for every four (4) credits allocated for both theory and clinical modules. In addition, one summative assessment will be conducted. For continuous assessments minimum 60% of the assessments will be moderated.

    Work Integrated Learning (WIL)/Clinical Modules assessment:
    Clinical assessments for work-integrated learning (WIL) will be competency-based using a range of assessment types, carried out at various clinical learning sites such as skills laboratories, health units and communities. Clinical assessments will include a mix of simulated (skills laboratory) and actual (real) clinical practice or care settings. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The following international qualifications were found to be comparable with this qualification in terms of entry requirements, duration, purpose, rationale, modules and articulation options.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of Monash (UM)
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Nursing and Midwives
    NQF Level: 8
    Duration: Four years

    Similarities:
    The University of Monash (UM) qualification is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in the following aspects.

    Duration:
    Both qualifications are offered in four years and are at registered at NQF Level 8.

    Entry requirements:
    The entry requirements for both the Australian and the South African qualifications are the same in that UM qualification requirement is equivalent to Grade 12.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Both the UM and SA qualifications aim to produce dynamic graduate nurses who will be leaders in healthcare in the 21st century. They prepare nurses with the requisite knowledge and skills to be effective and perceptive communicators, graduating with the capabilities and attributes to have a positive impact on the future of the nursing profession and the quality of peoples' lives. Both qualifications will equip learners with excellent and innovative practice as they identify, and effect change in health care. This care will reflect contemporary knowledge, practice, research, and technology.

    Both qualifications will prepare learners for increasingly complex health care situations nationally and internationally.
    Learners will develop knowledge for the safe practice of clinical skills in a variety of health care facilities and services and develop a broad range of knowledge in relevant disciplines, enabling learners to critically analyse health care situations, concepts, and perspectives.

    Successful completion of the UM qualification will lead to eligibility for registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and the South African Nursing Council (SANC) for the SA qualification. The nursing degree creates local, national, and international opportunities in a range of health service areas, such as acute hospital care, mental health, rehabilitation, aged care, community-based care, and rural and remote services. Both qualifications also provide an excellent foundation for further education and practice in specialist areas of acute medical/surgical nursing, emergency nursing, intensive care, midwifery, paediatrics, peri-operative, mental health, palliative care, oncology, wound care, and other areas.

    Upon successful completion of both UM and SA qualifications it is expected that learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attributes appropriate for a competent entry-level professional registered nurse.
  • Apply critical reasoning skills to explain biomedical and social sciences concepts underpinning nursing practice.
  • Recognise the intrinsic value of people irrespective of culture, values, beliefs, and socioeconomic status.
  • Demonstrate nursing practice that is ethical, respectful, and collaborative, and assume leadership, supervisory and management roles as appropriate.
  • Plan, implement and critically evaluate nursing care activities that encourage individuals and groups to achieve independence or self-manage in achieving and maintaining optimal levels of health.
  • Create personal strategies to maintain high standards in professional life and contribute to the professional nursing community and the multidisciplinary health care team and engage in lifelong learning.
  • Demonstrate safe nursing practice as described in the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and SANC National Registered Nurse Standards for Practice for the registered nurse.

    The Bachelor of Nursing can be taken in combination with the Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours). This will lead to the award of two degrees, the Bachelor of Nursing, and the Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours). The requirements for the award of the Bachelor of Nursing degree are the same whether the award is earned through a single or a double degree course.

    Similar to the four SA Bachelor of Nursing, the UM the Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours) will allow qualifying learners to:
  • Demonstrate achievement of the skills and competencies related to the Bachelor of Nursing course outcomes.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attributes appropriate for a competent entry-level registered midwife.
  • Apply critical reasoning skills to explain biomedical and social sciences concepts underpinning midwifery practice.
  • Create personal strategies to maintain high standards in professional life and contribute to the professional midwifery community.
  • Ability to learn independently and be innovative in your approach to analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving and evaluation in relation to midwifery practice.
  • Appreciate the value of research and be skilled at accessing, critically appraising and applying the best available evidence to your everyday midwifery practice.
  • Demonstrate research literacy, critical appraisal skills, and the ability to conduct a quality research project.
  • Demonstrate safe midwifery practice in collaboration with the multidisciplinary maternity care team as described in the ANMC and SANC National competency standards for the midwife.

    Qualification Structure:
    The UM Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours) qualification builds on the fundamental skills and knowledge required for nursing and on the clinical nursing practice developed through the Bachelor of Nursing, adding the specialist knowledge to provide continuous care to mothers and babies from pregnancy through to after birth in any situation, including emergencies and the knowledge and skills to locate, interpret and critically evaluate research relevant to advanced practice in midwifery. The qualification develops through themes addressing your personal and professional development; understanding of society, population, health, and illness; translation of knowledge for clinical nursing and midwifery practice; clinical nursing skills; and advanced clinical midwifery practice.

    Both the UM and SA qualifications have the following similar modules:
  • Law, ethics and leadership in nursing and midwifery.
  • Introduction to Midwifery.
  • Primary health care and health promotion in nursing and midwifery contexts.
  • Fundamental skills and knowledge for nursing and midwifery practice 1.
  • Nursing practice contexts 1.
  • Advanced midwifery theory and practice.

    Different modules:
  • Indigenous health for nursing and midwifery practice.
  • Mental health nursing practice contexts.

    Articulation:
    Graduates of both the UM Bachelor Nursing and Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours) and the SA qualifications are eligible to apply to enrol in Master of Nursing or Master of Advanced Health Care Practice specialising in clinical midwifery.

    Country: Finland
    Institution: Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (MUAS)
    Qualification Title: Degree Programme in Nursing
    Duration: Four years full time

    Similarities:
    The Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (MUAS) qualification is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in the following aspects.

    Duration:
    Both the MUAS and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered in four years.

    Entry requirements:
    Eligibility to apply to both the MUAS and SA qualifications requires learners to complete at least one of the following:
  • The Finnish/South African matriculation examination.
  • Finnish general upper secondary school syllabus.
  • Vocational qualifications of three years or more in duration.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Both the MUAS and SA qualifications are aimed at learners who enjoy working with people in a multi-professional environment, relish responsibility, are willing to develop professionally and are looking to pursue a meaningful career in nursing. Both qualifications aim to train competent nurses with good knowledge of encountering, supervising, and caring for patients with different levels of health issues within the health care context.

    Qualified learners will be registered as professional nurses and midwives with European Union. The nurse's profession is regulated by Finland's Act on Health Care Professionals (559/1994) and the Decree on Health Care Professionals (564/1994). Only a person that has a professional exam and has been registered as a professional practitioner can work as a registered nurse in Finland. After graduating you will receive the title of¿Bachelor of Health Care¿(Registered Nurse) and can apply from Valvira, the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health, for the right to work as a professional practitioner in Finland. Similarly, after the completion of the SA qualification, the qualifying graduates register with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as professional registered nurse and midwifery practitioners.

    Qualification Structure:
    Both the MUAS and SA qualifications offer the following similar compulsory modules:
  • Law, ethics and leadership in nursing and midwifery.
  • Introduction to Midwifery.
  • Primary health care and health promotion in nursing and midwifery contexts.
  • Fundamental skills and knowledge for nursing and midwifery practice 1.
  • Nursing practice contexts 1.
  • Advanced midwifery theory and practice.
  • Translation of nursing knowledge to complex acute care practice.

    Different Modules:
  • Indigenous health for nursing and midwifery practice.
  • Mental health nursing practice contexts.

    Country: South Arabia
    Institution: University of Damman
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    Duration: Five years

    Similar Modules:
    Both qualifications have the following similar modules:
  • Fundamentals of nursing, medical and surgical nursing
  • Psychiatric and mental health nursing
  • Community health nursing and administration and leadership nursing
  • Obstetrics and gynaecology nursing

    Different Modules:
  • Paediatric nursing and critical care nursing.

    Differences:
    The University of Damman is offered over five years whereas the South African qualification takes four years of full-time study. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Nursing Science, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing and Health Services Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Health Care, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Nursing Honours, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Nursing, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Nursing Science, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.