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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
121182  Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery 
ORIGINATOR
Gauteng College of Nursing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0920/23  2023-11-14  2026-11-14 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-11-14   2030-11-14  

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 Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery is to produce independent postgraduate Midwife Specialists who can demonstrate the competencies required to provide Midwifery and Neonatal specialized care and improve reproductive, maternal, neonatal, women and child health, to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates.

The competencies acquired by the Midwife Specialist include reflective practice, clinical judgement, independent decision making and deliberate practice to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. The graduate will be clinically focused and service-orientated, able to deliver specialized care, including preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care, using a wide range of skills such as accountability, service ethics and effective decision-making.

Qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Apply specialist knowledge and principles when communicating, making theoretical arguments, or developing documentation.
  • Engage in policy development at local, regional, national, and international levels to position Midwifery in the health care system at all levels.
  • Assess and implement health and other policies.
  • Affect areas of policy change, development, and implementation.
  • Plan, implement and manage projects of a varied nature.
  • Work independently and as part of a team.

    Rationale:
    Positioning of Nursing Education within the higher education band is a legislative mandate responding to both transformation in the education system of the country and the health care system agenda as indicated below:
  • In compliance with the provisions of the Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 1997 as amended in 2008) the change in the educational landscape of the country mandates the alignment of the nursing qualifications to the National Qualification Framework (NQF).
  • Government Notice No. 801 of 2016, Published in Government Gazette of 6 July 2016 Gazette - Circular 7 of 2016. The circular stipulates information regarding the phasing out of legacy nursing qualifications and implementation of nursing qualifications to be aligned to the Higher Education Qualification Sub Framework (HEQSF).
  • The Nursing Act No. 33 of 2005 provides for training, leading to registration as a Midwife Specialist.
  • SANC Regulation No. 635 of 2020 prescribes the requirements for registration in the category of Midwife Specialist.

    There has been a shift in the tasks performed by professional Midwives because of the local shortage of other health professionals, especially doctors - the trend is to broaden the scope of practice of the professional nurse and expect them to perform tasks that only doctors were allowed to perform in the past. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) make a bold commitment to end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other communicable diseases by 2030. The qualification will contribute to the provision of qualified midwife specialists and the achievement of SDG 3: "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages".

    The National Strategic Plan for Nurse Education, Training and Practice published by the Department of Health in South Africa specifically mentions the shortage of specialist midwives, and therefore the need for training this category of specialist midwives will play a large role in delivering care in the re-engineering of the health care system. The skills expected of specialists in midwifery and neonatal nursing are higher order, they will perform higher-level activities on a strategic level. They will provide leadership to the health team.

    The South African context needs the right skills at the point of service. They contribute to policy changes and help to maintain the excellence of practice. The educational subject matter of this qualification prepares midwives to work as specialist practitioners for the promotion of maternal, reproductive, and neonatal health, and the prevention of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, for individuals, groups, and communities. The qualification was informed by the National Strategic Plan for Nurse Education, Training and Practice: National Department of Health, 2012- 2017 to include instruction in reproductive health, antenatal care, intrapartum care, postpartum care, and neonatal nursing.

    The South African Nursing Council (SANC) has realigned the nursing qualifications to the changes in the NQF Act, 67 of 2008. New nursing education standards and curriculum guidelines have been published and the scope of practice of the envisaged new nursing cadres has been incorporated into this qualification. This qualification is intended to produce a Midwife Specialist with the competencies required to respond to the reproductive, maternal, neonatal, women and child health needs of the country.

    The teaching and learning process incorporates government programmes in reproductive, maternal, neonatal, women and child health needs (HIV/AIDS and TB, Maternal and Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality, Injuries and Violence and Noncommunicable diseases) through a primary and acute care approach. The curriculum uses an outcome-based approach whereby learners are placed for Work Integrated Learning in specialized midwifery practice and other healthcare settings to apply the required competencies. A collaborative teaching and learning approach will promote evidence-based midwifery practice.

    The competencies acquired by the graduates will enable them to be problem solvers, critical, analytical thinkers, and change agents able to identify and analyse needs, contributing meaningfully to the formulation and application of policies and procedures to improve the quality of maternal and neonatal care.

    On successful completion of the qualification, the graduate will be registered as a Midwife Specialist with the SANC to practice as defined by the Nursing Act No. 33 of 2005. 
    		•

    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 advanced standing 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 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 from 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:
  • Bachelor of Nursing, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Midwifery, NQF Level 7.
    And
  • Registered Professional Nurse and Midwife with SANC. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 144 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 144 Credits:
  • Research in Service Dynamics, 16 Credits.
  • Health Sciences Research, 12 Credits.
  • Midwifery Specialty Care I, 27 Credits.
  • Midwifery Specialty Care II, 19 Credits
  • Midwifery Specialty Work Integrated Learning, 70 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Practice and facilitate specialised midwifery care within the ethical and legal parameters of the profession.
    2. Apply the knowledge of and facilitate evidence-based practice in the specialised midwifery field to solve contextual problems and develop policies and guidelines.
    3. Appraise and develop self, peers, and Midwife Specialist learners by facilitating self-directedness/leadership and lifelong learning to maintain competence.
    4. Facilitate advocacy for the profession and provision of specialised midwifery professional support for personnel, patients, families, and communities.
    5. Engage in planning, commissioning, and managing specialised midwifery units.
    6. Engage in scholarly activities to inform evidence-based practice in specialised midwifery units.
    7. Utilize, manage, and communicate data to support decision-making and research.
    8. Render and coordinate patient care specialised midwifery practice within a continuum of care using the scientific approach, integrating biomedical and psychosocial sciences including advanced pharmacology.
    9. Mobilize appropriate resources to implement standards of practice relevant to midwifery specialisation, to ensure quality patient care and safety.
    10. Collaborate within the inter-professional team by engaging in health dialogue, shared leadership, decision making and sound clinical judgment.
    11. Participate in the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of midwifery policies, programmes, and projects.
    12. Develop and implement policies, protocols, and guidelines in midwifery practice, utilizing the process of change management in the improvement of quality of care. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Conform to the relevant code of ethics and behaviour in the practice of specialised midwifery care.
  • Apply critical decision-making and moral reasoning models and principles to make clinical judgements and resolve ethical dilemmas within the specialised midwifery practice.
  • Account for own professional judgement, actions, and outcomes of specialised midwifery care and provide continued competence.
  • Identify and apply the relevant current legislation, policies, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to specialised midwifery practice.
  • Document accurately, comprehensively, and timeously all specialised midwifery care activities considering the legal requirements for record keeping.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the Midwife Specialist role in the management of professional misconduct and risks taking into consideration the institutional protocols and ethical-legal framework.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Engage in specialised midwifery practice and the process of evidence-based practice.
  • Apply the evidence-based specialised midwifery practice, and appropriate methodology of gathering evidence for the practice, for example, systematic or scoping reviews, appraisal of articles, practice-based research, and publication.
  • Use the evidence-based specialised midwifery practice, and critically analyse the various levels of evidence.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply the leadership skills appropriate to the leadership styles, principles, and theories.
  • Effectively facilitate Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for self and others as well as for lifelong learning by creating a positive learning climate in the workplace through the processes of mentorship, preceptorship, supervision, performance appraisal, etc.
  • Conduct the performance appraisal and processes of the performance management and development system.
  • Utilise the feedback gained from self-reflection, peers, learners, management, and other relevant stakeholders to improve effectiveness in the Midwife Specialist's role.
  • Examine various risk factors that impact health and wellness within the workplace and apply strategies to care for self, peers, employees, and learners.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Discuss the purpose of the advocacy role for a Midwife Specialist.
  • Apply advocacy principles to ensure safe and quality care/ in various midwifery care settings.
  • Use of appropriate communication skills and channels in facilitating advocacy.
  • Lobby and or participate in interest groups to influence legislation and policy affecting role performance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Analyse the levels and or classification of the respective specialised midwifery units.
  • Delegate the task considering the burden of diseases and priority services as determined by current events.
  • Participate in the evaluation of the existing specialised midwifery unit and develop the guidelines for provisioning a specialised midwifery unit.
  • Analyse the roles and responsibilities of specialised midwifery in planning and commissioning within inter and intra-professional teams.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Practice in the respective specialised midwifery setting; demonstrates knowledge of appropriate search engines and databases for review of the literature to inform evidence-based practice in specialised midwifery care.
  • Use appropriate methods to generate evidence for utilisation in specialised midwifery practice such as research and systematic reviews.
  • Use peer-reviewed journals for sharing the evidence.
  • Base activities in the specialised midwifery practice on scientifically proven evidence.
  • Actively participate in inter and interprofessional dialogues, debates, or discourses in quality improvement.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Gather all data/information in the context of the specialised midwifery practice, for utilisation and storage in accordance with the set standards.
  • Use comprehensive data, information, and emerging evidence pertinent to the respective specialised midwifery practice.
  • Base the problem identification, diagnoses, and opportunities for improvement on gathered and critically analysed assessment data from the patients/clients, families, communities, learners, or employees including current scientific evidence.
  • Documentation demonstrates respect for intellectual property and is without plagiarism.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Explain the position of specialised midwifery service within the health care system.
  • Perform the full range of services within the specialised midwifery practice.
  • Render the specialised midwifery care that integrates promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care in a healthcare continuum.
  • Apply knowledge, skill, and attitudes in rendering specialised midwifery care according to the national and international standards and protocols of the specialised midwifery field.
  • Formulate midwifery diagnoses congruent with the patient's/client's clinical manifestations/data and based on accurate analysis and interpretation of data obtained from scientific, laboratory, diagnostic, technological and psycho-sociocultural assessment including consultation of relevant/current literature/evidence.
  • Plan individualized midwifery interventions considering patient's/client's needs, values, beliefs, preferences, culture, and contextual variables, for example, disease burden, health risks and national priorities.
  • Base the planned midwifery interventions on formulated midwifery diagnoses, and application of specialised knowledge and skills, competencies including advanced pharmacology in collaboration with inter and intra-professional teams.
  • Implement timeously, accurately, safely, and effectively the planned midwifery interventions in accordance with set evidence-based standards, guidelines, protocols, algorithms etc. specific to the specialised midwifery field.
  • Plan the health care interventions in collaboration with the patient or client, family, and relevant members of the health care team.
  • Prepare the midwifery interventions which include preparation of patients/clients, families, and midwives in the lower-level care for continued care in the hospital and community in accordance with the health status and health literacy of the patient/client.
  • Document and revise timeously and effectively midwifery interventions based on critical analysis of the monitoring and evaluation data and reaching a sound clinical judgement.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Discuss the infrastructure and equipment required in the specific area of midwifery specialization.
  • Render care to operate and monitor the equipment used in the Midwife Specialist area.
  • Employ sound asset management principles to ensure appropriate, adequate, well-maintained, and up-to-date equipment.
  • Assign staff to midwifery care considering the Midwife Specialist's qualification and competencies, experience, standard nurse-patient ratios for the area of midwifery specialisation, job description and skill mix.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Identify, share, and collaboratively solve practice problems in the specialised midwifery area by informed decisions and sound clinical judgement.
  • Consult and provide appropriately and timeously holistic care in a healthcare continuum through awareness of one's competence.
  • Carry out patient referrals appropriately and timeously as dictated by the patient's condition and in accordance with the referral guidelines.
  • Promote participation in the inter- and interprofessional team, visible and recognised by the members of the team.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Explore the steps in and or levels of the development of policies, programmes, and projects within inter and interprofessional policy/project teams.
  • Participate in the development of policies, programmes, and projects.
  • Participation in policy development, programme and project development demonstrates advocacy for the midwifery profession and patients/clients, families, and communities in the Midwife Specialist area.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
  • Explore the process and or steps of development of policies, standards, guidelines, and protocols.
  • Involve the relevant and pre-determined stakeholders in the development of policies, standards, protocols, and guidelines.
  • Use the appropriate methods and processes in the development and evaluation or testing of guidelines and protocols.
  • Implement the new policies, protocols, and guidelines for the specialist area change process.
  • Collaboratively revise at appropriate intervals and approve the developed policies, protocols, and guidelines as per the institutional policy for the Midwife Specialist area. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was aligned closely with the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) Africa regional prototype curriculum for Midwifery that all WHO African region countries follow. The qualification is aligned with the Global standards in the midwifery practice of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM). On successful completion of this qualification and successful registration with the South African Nursing Council as a midwife, they will be internationally recognised.

    The qualification is comparable to the similar qualifications offered in the following international countries.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Deakin University
    Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma in Midwifery
    NQF Level: 8
    Credits: 80 credit points
    Duration: One year full-time
    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent.
  • Registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia with no conditions or restrictions.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    This qualification prepares learners to provide high-quality woman-centred care. Midwives play an invaluable role in supporting women across the continuum of pregnancy, labour, birth and the first weeks following birth.

    Deakin's Graduate Diploma of Midwifery is developed in consultation with our healthcare partners, ensuring learners are always connected to those at the forefront of the industry. The course is accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), enabling clear career outcomes upon graduation.

    Core modules:
  • Academic Integrity Module
  • Partnerships in Midwifery 1: Pregnancy Care compares with Midwifery Specialty Care
  • Partnerships in Midwifery 2: Labour and Birth Care compares with Midwifery Specialty Care
  • Partnerships in Midwifery 3: Postnatal Care compares with Midwifery Specialty Care
  • Complex Midwifery Care compares with Midwifery Specialty Care
  • Neonatal Challenges in Midwifery Practice
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' History, Culture and Health
  • Emergency Midwifery Care
  • Contemporary Midwifery Practice

    Similarities:
  • The Deakin University (DU)and the South African (SA) qualifications take one full-time study.
  • Both qualifications are registered at Level 8.
  • Both qualifications have the same entry requirements.
  • The DU qualification is accredited by the ANMAC similar to the SANC in the SA qualification.

    Differences:
  • The DU qualification has 80 credits while the SA qualification has 144 credits.

    Country: Namibia
    Institution: University of Namibia
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Science with specialisation in Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Care
    NQF Level: 08
    Credits: 120
    Duration: One year full time
    Entry requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Nursing (NQA level 7) from a recognized institution.
    Purpose:
    The qualification aims at preparing graduates to be highly skilled midwives, through the acquisition and application of knowledge and right professional attitudes. After completion of this qualification, graduates will be able to assume responsibilities as professional midwives who provide promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services.

    Nursing and midwifery education in the African region has been plagued by many weaknesses which include the weak linkage between the curricula and priority health problems, lack of clearly defined competencies, theory-practice gaps and consequently, insufficiency to produce graduates competent enough to respond to the health needs of the population. To address these inadequacies, the World Health Organisation (WHO) African region developed several prototypes, competency-based, pre-service, integrated curricula to guide countries in their efforts to improve the quality of nursing and midwifery education.

    Curriculum structure:
    The Namibian qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Introduction to Health Research compares with Health Sciences Research
  • Health Services Management Theory compares with Health Sciences Research and Midwifery Specialty Care
  • Health Services Management Clinical compares with Midwifery Specialty Work Integrated Learning
  • Ethos and Professional Practice in Nursing compares with Midwifery Specialty Work Integrated Learning
  • Midwifery 4 Theory: Community Midwifery compares with Midwifery Specialty Care
  • Midwifery 4 Clinical: Community Midwifery compares with Midwifery Specialty Work Integrated Learning
  • The Sick Neonate Theory compares with Midwifery Specialty Care
  • The Sick Neonate Clinical compares with Midwifery Specialty Work Integrated Learning
  • Community Health Nursing 3 Theory compares with Midwifery Specialty Care
  • Community Health Nursing 3 Clinical compares with Midwifery Specialty Work Integrated Learning

    Similarities:
  • The University of Namibia (UNAM) and the South African (SA) qualifications are registered at Level 8 and have a minimum of 120 credits.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who completed the Bachelor of Nursing, at Level 7 or equivalent qualification.
  • Both qualifications share the same purpose and are endorsed by the Nursing Councils.
  • Both qualifications consist of compulsory modules.

    Country: United Kingdom (UK)
    Institution: London South Bank University
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery
    NQF Level: 7
    Duration: Two years full-time

    Entry Requirements:
  • A registered adult nurse (level 1) with current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
  • A Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 2:2: with a minimum qualification of a Diploma in Higher Education with evidence of study at Level 6.
  • At least six (6) months post-qualification clinical experience as an adult nurse on the NMC register in the UK.

    Purpose:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery aims to:
  • Develop midwives who meet the Standards of proficiency for midwives (NMC 2019) and become eligible for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
  • Build upon existing knowledge, skills, and experience, recognising the diversity, richness, and relevance of nursing knowledge to enhancing midwifery practice.
  • Develop midwives who embrace cultural safety, recognise equality, diversity and inclusion and acknowledge the need to address their own biases and prejudices to challenge racism and inequality.
  • Develop midwives who will act as leaders and change agents, aware of the significance of innovation, creativity and best available evidence in the evaluation and development of woman-centred care and maternity services.
  • Promote collaborative working with service users and interdisciplinary and multiagency teams in contemporary midwifery practice.

    Curriculum structure:
    Learners are expected to be in theory block 50% and practice block 50% each year.
    Year 1
  • Universal care needs of the woman and newborn infant compares with Midwifery Specialty Care.
  • The Midwife and Public Health compares with Midwifery Specialty Care.
  • Additional care for women with complications compares with Midwifery Specialty Care.
  • Developing competent midwifery practice (Year 1 Practice) compares with Midwifery Specialty Work Integrated Learning.

    Year 2
  • Care and management of the newborn infant with additional care needs compares with Midwifery Specialty Care.
  • Leading and promoting excellence in Midwifery Practice: Applying the evidence compares with Midwifery Specialty Care.
  • Emergency care and management of mother and newborn infant compares with Midwifery Specialty Care.
  • Proficient midwifery practice (year 2 practice) compares with Midwifery Specialty Work Integrated Learning.

    Placements:
    During the course, you will spend 50% of your time involved in academic study and 50% in clinical practice within a broad variety of healthcare settings. A clinical practice placement allows you to put theory into practice by working with a range of health professionals in clinical situations to develop the skills, knowledge and experience required to become a competent midwife. Although sometimes initially challenging, practice learning is one of the most interesting and exciting aspects of learning to be a midwife.

    Assessment:
    Assessment methods are specified in each module descriptor with details in the individual module guides; these are designed to test the module and course learning outcomes. These are mapped to the professional standards outlined in the Future Midwife: Standards of proficiency for midwives (NMC, 2019) and will be assessed through either coursework and/or clinical proficiencies.

    The types of assessments adopted include:
  • Written assignments: such as narrative and reflective essays, case studies, evidence-based scenarios, and critical analysis assignments, to develop the integration of theory and practice and to critically examine selected aspects of care and suggest strategies for quality improvement.
  • Care studies: to develop skills in articulating knowledge and decision-making processes.
  • Oral and poster presentations: to enable the learner to demonstrate their ability to identify relevant information and articulate practice-focused decisions based on their assessment and interpretation.
  • Literature searching and critical appraisal: to identify and examine the evidence for the quality of midwifery care.
  • Examinations: to test underpinning knowledge and decision-making.

    A variety of assessment methods are used to assess practical skills. These include.
  • Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), modified viva, and practice scenarios to provide a simulated experience in which knowledge and skills can be demonstrated.
  • Case reviews, history taking and assessment skills.
    The achievement of identified proficiencies is assessed in practice with the use of the practice assessment document - Midwifery on-going record of achievement (MORA).

    Similarities:
  • The London South Bank University (LSBU) and the South African (SA) qualifications require applicants who completed the Bachelor of Nursing and are registered with the Nursing Council.
  • Both qualifications share the same aims/purposes to develop skilled, knowledgeable, respectful, and compassionate midwives, able to provide woman-centred care across a range of settings to ensure the provision of safe and effective care for women their families and the wider community.
  • Both qualifications consist of the same compulsory modules.
  • The LSBU and the SA qualifications use the same assessment methods.

    Differences:
  • The LSBU qualification takes two years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes one year full-time study.
  • The LSBU qualification is registered at Level 7 while the SA qualification is registered at Level 8 on the NQF. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Nursing Honours: Advanced Practice
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Critical Care Nursing NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Nursing, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Nursing Science, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Nursing Science in Ethos and Professional Practice, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Health Sciences in Nursing, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation
    Diagonal Articulation options are not available. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. Gauteng College of Nursing 


    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.