SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Midwifery 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
121236  Advanced 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
Advanced Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 010/23  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 Advanced Diploma in Midwifery will adequately prepare learners to become critical-thinking lifelong learners through active social participation in transformative teaching and learning environments, effectively function in various midwifery healthcare settings.

The purpose of this qualification is to produce competent, independent, and critical-thinking midwives who, with an understanding of theories, methodologies and practices in midwifery will provide scientific, safe and comprehensive quality midwifery care to individuals, families and communities within the legal and ethical framework in response to the national burden of disease, focusing on the reduction of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates.

Through the provision of supportive services, the qualification will:
  • Promote equal access to quality nursing education to a diverse Midwifery learner population.
  • Promote scholarly activities to develop and sustain evidence-based decision-making in midwifery practice.
  • Be implemented through appropriately qualified, empowered, and supportive staff towards sustainable competence and innovation.
  • Incorporate the approaches that promote the practice of transparent value-based leadership and management.

    The midwifery learners will acquire and apply a wide variety of skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable them to make a meaningful and sustained contribution to midwifery services.

    A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Apply specific knowledge of Bio- Natural, and Social Sciences including Pharmacology in Midwifery using an integrated approach.
  • Provide safe and quality midwifery and neonatal care in a scientific, integrated and evidence-based approach in all healthcare settings.
  • Practice independently and professionally within an appropriate ethical-legal framework.
  • Improve the quality of midwifery and neonatal care through an analytic, reflective, and problem-solving approach.

    Rationale:
    In compliance with the provision of the Higher Education Act, No. 101 of 1997 as amended, the change in the educational landscape of the country mandates the alignment of the nursing qualifications to the National Qualification Framework (NQF), in accordance with the NQF Act No. 67 of 2008.

    The White Paper on the transformation of the post-school education in South Africa focuses on the promotion of equal access and skills development to post-school qualifications for candidates drawn from the diverse population.

    Learners will contribute to the realization of the Gauteng Provincial Government pillars of radical transformation through community engagement and utilization of health programs and to reduce infant and maternal morbidity and mortality rates in the province by providing quality midwifery and neonatal care to individuals, families, and communities.

    Community engagement in midwifery settings will be a shared vision among the community and partners in society that results in long-term collaborative qualification of action that benefits the whole community equitably from the initial planning phase.

    Community engagement in midwifery education and training entails community projects and evidence-based practice by applying the research process to measure the effectiveness of quality indicators in midwifery settings to solve complex problems. Therefore, responding to the diverse needs of the community influences the development of communities. The utilization of evidence-based knowledge in midwifery education and practice will promote quality improvement.

    The curriculum emphasizes learner-centred, self-directed approaches to teaching and learning for the development of competencies which include transferable life skills such as communication skills, collaboration skills, problem-solving skills, independent critical thinking, leadership skills and technology.

    The qualification is aimed at producing critical-thinking midwives with competencies to respond to priority health needs and issues of women and the newborn within diverse midwifery healthcare settings by providing holistic midwifery and neonatal care that is safe, compassionate, professional, comprehensive, and ethical.

    The midwifery practice will be informed by the best available evidence and sound theoretical knowledge to positively impact the health and quality of life of individuals, families, and communities during the preconception, antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and neonatal periods within the primary health care context to contribute to the reduction of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality (WHO: 2016:6). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 7 totalling 140 Credits.

    Compulsory modules, Level 7, 140 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Midwifery, 8 Credits.
  • Integrated Low-Risk Midwifery, 48 Credits.
  • Integrated High-Risk Midwifery, 76 Credits.
  • Midwifery Unit Management, 8 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit Level Outcomes
    1. Apply specific knowledge of Bio- Natural, and Social Sciences including Pharmacology in Midwifery using an integrated approach.
    2. Provide safe and quality midwifery and neonatal care in a scientific, integrated and evidence-based approach in all healthcare settings.
    3. Practice independently and professionally within an appropriate ethical-legal framework.
    4. Improve the quality of midwifery and neonatal care through an analytic, reflective, and problem-solving approach.
    5. Effectively manage a midwifery unit through appropriate clinical governance strategy. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1.
  • Apply specific knowledge of Bio- Natural, and Social Sciences including Pharmacology in Midwifery using an integrated approach.
  • Illustrate integrated knowledge of bio-natural sciences, including an understanding of and ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories and detailed knowledge of how that knowledge relates to midwifery practice.
  • Illustrate integrated knowledge of pharmacology, including an understanding of and ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories and detailed knowledge of how that knowledge relates to midwifery practice.
  • Apply integrated knowledge of sociology, including an understanding of and ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of midwifery practice and detailed knowledge of and how that knowledge relates to other fields, disciplines, or practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2.
  • Conduct obstetric history taking, and physical examination of the mother in a comprehensive manner, using a variety of available technology.
  • Apply anatomical and physiological changes related to conception, pregnancy and labour in the practice of midwifery.
  • Accurately observe significant changes, interpret laboratory results, and appropriately make referrals where a potential risk to the mother and /or foetus exists.
  • Timeously identify potential and actual emergencies of the mother and foetus, and appropriately manage and refer them.
  • Document, manage, and communicate midwifery data appropriately to support decision-making.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3.
  • Apply knowledge of applicable ethics, professional practice and legal aspects during ethical decision-making in midwifery practice.
  • Advocate for the rights of women, children and their families in the midwifery practice.
  • Illustrate accountability and responsibility for own professional acts and omissions within the relevant legal and ethical parameters.
  • Apply midwifery practice and show respect for human rights as enshrined in the Constitution and translated into the Patients' Rights Charter.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4.
  • Apply efforts towards quality improvement of midwifery practice to illustrate the use of analytic, reflective, and problem-solving skills.
  • Initiate, maintain and utilize methods of inquiry to monitor quality of care.
  • Apply knowledge of own roles and responsibilities, scope of practice and standards of midwifery practice to improve quality.
  • Apply evidence-based practice to inform and improve the standards of midwifery practice.
  • Identify, analyze, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex midwifery problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments to midwifery practice.
  • Illustrate the ability to manage processes in midwifery contexts, recognizing that problem-solving is context and system bound, and does not occur in isolation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5.
  • Illustrate an understanding of the value of communities of practice and clinical leadership and management principles in midwifery practice.
  • Apply knowledge of midwifery practice and show the ability to utilise indicators for quality midwifery care.
  • Promote cost-effectiveness in midwifery practice through utilisation of quality indicators.
  • Apply inter-professional collaboration to reflect respect for diversity within the midwifery context.
  • Manage the midwifery unit and assess and develop self and others to maintain midwifery standards of practice and continuous professional development. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Malaysia
    Institution: MAHSA University College
    Qualification title: Advanced Diploma in Midwifery
    Duration: One year

    Entry requirements:
  • Degree in Nursing
    Or
  • Possess a Diploma in Nursing

    And
    Registered with Nursing Board Malaysia (NBM) (Local Candidates)/ Nursing Council from country of origin (International Candidates).

    Purpose:
    This one-year Advanced Diploma in Midwifery course at MAHSA University is designed to introduce registered nurses to the provision of care to the woman and her family throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.

    The emphasis is on treating the woman and child as individuals with unique needs, expectations and aspirations. The qualification provides theoretical learning in the classroom and practical sessions in the simulation ward using the latest simulation delivery model.

    The midwifery learners are provided with learning opportunities to develop communication, counselling, cross-cultural sensitivity, and technical skills relevant to normal and complicated pregnancies, childbirth, postpartum care and family health promotion.

    On successful completion of the subject, it is anticipated that the student at an intermediate
    level will be able to:
  • Provide safe and effective application of scientific principles to the provision of
    midwifery care.
  • Employ interpersonal and communication skills to meet the individual needs of the childbearing family through effective education and counselling.
  • Incorporate theoretical knowledge of midwifery practice into clinical midwifery practice.
  • Relate research evidence to clinical midwifery practice.
  • Integrate and promote a consumer focus in the practice of midwifery.

    Qualification structure:
    Modules
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Normal Pregnancy
  • Normal Labour
  • Normal Puerperium
  • Perinatal & Neonatal
  • Nutrition
  • Nursing Practice
  • High Risk & Obstetrical Emergencies, compares with Integrated High-Risk Midwifery
  • Pregnancy with Associated Medical Conditions & Problems
  • Planned Parenthood
  • Research Methodology & Statistics
  • Personal & Professional Development

    Similarities:
  • The MAHSA University College (MUC) qualification and the South African (SA) qualification (SA) are both offered over one year.
  • The MUC qualification accepts learners who have completed a diploma in nursing and are registered with the Nursing Board Malaysia (NBM) (Local Candidates)/ Nursing Council from the country of origin (International Candidates).
  • The SA qualification also accepts learners who have completed a diploma in nursing and is a registered professional nurse with SANC.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as integrated high-risk midwifery.
  • The MUC qualification emphasizes treating the woman and the child as individuals, similarly, the SA qualification is aligned with the community-based approach to prepare midwifery learners who are responsive to diverse population needs in maternal, neonatal and child health care system,

    Differences:
  • The MUC qualification has a research component in its curriculum.

    Country: Ireland
    Institution: Trinity College Dublin
    Qualification title: Higher Diploma in Midwifery
    Duration: 18 months full-time
    NCQ Level 08

    Entry requirement:
  • Relevant academic qualification, preferably to degree level
    And
    Must be a registered general nurse on the General Nurse Division of the register maintained by An Bord Altranais Agus.

    Purpose
    The qualification aims to develop midwives with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become competent, analytical, and reflective practitioners thus enabling them to provide care in a manner that benefits women, their babies and families. The learner will be registered as a midwife who is equipped with clinical skills and theoretical knowledge to provide high-quality woman-centred care both in Ireland and internationally. The qualification is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and accredited by Irish Qualifications Authority (IQA).

    Qualification structure:
    Modules
  • Being a Midwife - Personal and Professional Development
  • Foundation Skills for Midwifery Practice and Sharing the Woman's Experience
  • Health Promotion and Infant Feeding
  • Midwifery Clinical Practice 1
  • Core Midwifery Practice and Adaption in Pregnancy
  • Midwifery Practice: Pathophysiology and Unexpected Outcomes of Pregnancy and Childbirth
  • Midwifery Research - Evidence for Midwifery Practice
  • Midwifery Clinical Practice 2

    Similarities:
  • The Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and the South African (SA) qualification accepts learners who have completed a relevant nursing qualification.
  • The TCD requires learners to be registered general nurses on the General Nurse Division of the register maintained by An Bord Altranais Agus.
  • The SA qualification requires learners to be registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) for the duration of learning.
  • Both qualifications are offered over one year.
  • The TCD qualification aims to develop midwives with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become competent, analytical, and reflective practitioners.
    Similarly, the SA qualification aims to produce competent, independent, and critical-thinking midwives.

    Differences:
  • The TCD has a research component in its curriculum.
  • The SA qualification has a management focus. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Trauma and Emergency Nursing, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Nursing Science in Education, Management and Community, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Nursing in Education and Administration, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences in Nursing, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Nursing Honours in Adult Critical Care Nursing, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Nursing Honours in Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Nursing Honours in Education, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Psychiatric Nursing, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing, NQF Level 8.

    Diagonal Articulation:
    Diagonal articulation options 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.