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
125269	Advanced Diploma in Midwifery
ORIGINATOR
Mediclinic (Pty) Ltd - Corporate Office
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		Promotive Health and Developmental Services
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 0637/26	2026-01-30	2029-01-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-01-30		2033-01-30

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 offers a career path for general nurse learners who wish to specialise and seek recognition as experts in the field of maternal health care in South Africa. The qualification aims to produce "competent, independent and critical thinking midwives who will provide scientific, safe and comprehensive quality midwifery care to individuals, families and communities within the legal and ethical framework" (SANC 2014:1) in both private and public healthcare environments. The learner will be equipped with a broad skill set, knowledge, and a developed sense of justice, service ethics, and equity, ensuring they can work in a responsible and accountable manner.

Rationale:
The increasing maternal and infant mortality demands specialists who are able to "render comprehensive midwifery care from the pre-natal stage to the postnatal stage" (SANC, 2014:3). The Advanced Diploma in Midwifery is based on a need in society for Midwives. The qualification will help alleviate the burden on healthcare created by the shortage of Registered Midwives; it will supply highly skilled Registered Midwives for both the private and public sectors in South Africa.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning is applicable for entry selection within the context of the institutional policies and guidelines. The RPL process incorporates a holistic approach and complies with the current regulations of SAQA and CHE.

Learners may be granted access through RPL:
Evidence of prior learning must be provided by employing a portfolio and other appropriate evidence, including challenging theoretical and clinical examinations. Clinical and work-based experience must be relevant to the qualification for which the learner is applying. A registered assessor will do the assessment(s), and a registered moderator will validate the assessment process.

Credit accumulation transfer (CAT):
Credit accumulation transfer (CAT) may be granted in accordance with the current institutional policy and guidelines of the relevant statutory health council, the CHE, and SAQA. Credit accumulation transfer will only be considered for a student with an accredited and registered qualification. The credits transferred must be on the same level as the module the credits are transferred towards; the content and outcomes of the module(s) correspond with the module(s) presented by the institution, and the learner passed the additional assessments if required. All credits transferred will be submitted as part of the completion of training/academic records.

Entry Requirements:

Diploma in Nursing (General Nurse), NQF Level 6.
Or

Diploma in General Nursing (Bridging course), NQF Level 6.
And

Registered with the SANC as a General Nurse.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The qualification comprises of compulsory modules at NQF Level 7, totalling 120 credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7,120 Credits:

Nursing Research, 6 Credits.

Ethical, Legal & Unit Management, 8 Credits.

Maternal Anatomy and Physiology, 1 Credit.

Antepartum Care (normal & abnormal) and Integrated Pharmacology, 34 Credits.

Intra-partum Care (normal & abnormal) and Integrated Pharmacology, 37 Credits.

Postpartum Care and Infant Development (normal & abnormal) and Integrated Pharmaco- logy, 34 Credits.

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 health care settings.
3. Practice independently and professionally within an appropriate ethical-legal framework.
4. Improve quality of midwifery and neonatal care through an analytical, reflective and problem-solving approach.
5. Effectively manage a midwifery unit through clinical governance strategy.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Apply knowledge of bio-natural sciences and pharmacology during assessment and care of a mother and neonate.

Apply knowledge of social sciences in the counselling and advocacy for a mother and baby through the preconception, antenatal, intra-partum and postnatal stages.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Facilitate the preparation of a woman and family for pregnancy, child, and family changes appropriately, takes into consideration the woman's context / background by means of antenatal classes and appropriate health promotion through education.

Conduct obstetric history-taking and physical examination of the mother comprehensively, using a variety of available technology.

Apply anatomical and physiological changes related to conception, pregnancy and labour is evident in the practice of midwifery.

Accurately interpret and appropriately refer observations of significant changes and laboratory results where potential risk to mother and / or foetus exists.

Ensure the well-being of the foetus by monitoring foetal movement, heart rate and growth using a variety of available technology.

Monitor and manage mother during labour and delivery comprehensively, evidencing an understanding of the physiology of labour, use technology to monitor the mother and the well-being of the foetus.

Demonstrate the management of the newborn understanding the changes taking place in a newborn baby.

Identify timeously and manage appropriately and refer potential and actual emergencies of the mother and or foetus.

Deliver Intra-partum care to the mother and baby complies with generally accepted regional, national and provincial treatment guidelines and promotes the safety of both, for example, CARMMA, BANC protocol, ESMOE, saving mothers, etc.

Deliver care delivered, integrate postnatal and provide the long-term well-being of mother and child, in line with the accepted Scope of Practice for Midwives.

Document, mange and communicate Midwifery data to support decision-making.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Demonstrate knowledge of applicable ethics, professional practice and legal aspects during ethical decision making in midwifery practice.

Demonstrate advocacy for the rights of women, children and their families in midwifery practice.

Demonstrate accountability and responsibility for one's own professional acts and omissions within the relevant legal and ethical parameters.

Demonstrate Midwifery practice respect for human rights as enshrined in the Constitution and translated in the patients' rights.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Illustrate the efforts towards quality improvement of midwifery practice use of analytic, reflective and problem-solving skills.

Initiate, maintain and utilise methods of inquiry to monitor quality care.

Demonstrate Quality improvement plan knowledge of own roles and responsibilities, scope of practice and standards of midwifery practice.

Utilise evidence-based practice to inform and improve the standards of midwifery practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Demonstrate an understanding of the value of communities of practice and clinical leadership and management principles in midwifery practice.

Demonstrate Midwifery practice ability to utilise indicators for quality midwifery care.

Promote cost effectiveness in Midwifery practice through utilisation of quality indicators.

Direct existing unit philosophy, vision, mission, goals, policies, procedures and protocols midwifery care.

Reflect inter-professional collaboration respect for diversity within the midwifery context.

Reflect the management of the midwifery unit ability to assess and develop self and others to maintain midwifery standards of practice and continuous professional development.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated Formative Assessment
The institution adheres to qualification and subject policies to assess learners effectively. The goal is to create an interactive learning environment that supports learners in achieving the desired outcomes. Through this approach, learners demonstrate competence in a practical context, meeting the specific exit-level outcomes and their associated assessment criteria, as well as theoretical knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes.

Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Work-integrated learning (WIL) is fundamental to the teaching and learning process, seamlessly incorporating workplace relevance into the classroom, simulation laboratory and on-site workplace training. Students spend designated WIL hours in the workplace settings, where they complete a portfolio of evidence (PoE), which is an essential component of the assessment process.

Assessments include formative and summative methods aligned with work-based integrated learning objectives. Various assessment forms are employed, with an integrated assessment approach that includes cognitive, psychomotor, and affective aspects.

Integrated Summative Assessment:
Take the form of:

Case presentations.

Written assignments and/or projects.

Portfolio of Evidence/workbook.

Tests (written and electronic).

Oral presentations by individuals.

Demonstrations.

Direct observation in simulation and/or the clinical environment.

Formative assessment of all clinical procedures is conducted to monitor students' progress, identify areas needing improvement, and evaluate the standard of work. Progress is documented in student records through monthly reports from unit (ward) managers or mentors in the clinical setting, as well as quarterly reports written by the educators.

A monthly progress report is requested from the employer in the clinical environment to monitor competence, affective skills, and characteristics of professionalism, such as honesty, integrity, reliability, and caring.
Students must obtain a minimum of 50% average in a system of theoretical continuous assessment, and 70% for the clinical (practical) aspects, in order to obtain examination admission.

Integrated Summative Assessment:
Take the form of:

Portfolios of Evidence/Clinical workbook.

Written and oral examinations.

Clinical skills assessment.

To pass a module, the learner must obtain a minimum of 50% for the theoretical examination and a minimum of 50% for the clinical (practical) examination.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Equivalents of the South African Advanced Diploma in Midwifery are offered abroad. In the following paragraphs, comparisons are made between the South African programme, based on the qualification framework promulgated by the South African Nursing Council (SANC), and those offered in other countries.

Country: United Kingdom (UK)
Institution: London South Bank University
Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery
Duration: 6 Months
NQF Level:

Entry requirements:

An NQF Level 6 qualification.

Registered with the professional body as a registered adult nurse.

Purpose/ Rationale:
The qualification aims to develop skilled midwives who can provide women-centred care to patients, their families, and the broader community as part of a multi-disciplinary team. The qualification builds upon the existing knowledge, skills, and experience of the nurse to enhance the midwifery practice.
The curriculum comprises eight modules that focus on the theory and skills necessary to practice as a midwife.
Learners spend 50% of their time in class and the other 50% in simulation (utilising high- and low-fidelity equipment) and in practice across a broad variety of healthcare settings.

Modules:

Universal care needs of the woman and newborn.

Midwife and public health.

Care for women with complications.

Midwifery practice.

Care and management of the newborn with additional care needs.

Leading and promoting excellence in Midwifery Practice.

Emergency care and management of the mother and newborn.

Similarities:

Both qualifications focus on similar theory and practice required for a midwife to provide competent, independent, scientific, safe, and comprehensive quality care to individuals, families, and communities within a legal and ethical framework, as well as theory-practice integration in simulation and practice.

Both qualifications accept learners who have completed a qualification at level 6.

Differences:
The duration of the qualifications and the work-integrated learning (WIL) time spent in practice differ (in South Africa, the learner spends 40% on theory and 60% on WIL), the purpose of the UK and Mediclinic programmes are similar.

Country: The Republic of Ireland
Institution: Trinity College Dublin (The School of Nursing and Midwifery)
Qualification: Higher Diploma in Midwifery
NQF Level:
Duration: 18-month

Entry requirement:

Bachelor's degree.
And

Registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).

Employed at one of the two hospitals accredited for the programme.

Purpose/Rationale
Higher Diploma in Midwifery, which combines theoretical and practical learning, equipping Registered General Nurses to provide care that benefits the mother, fetus, newborn, and family. The learners are equipped with advanced knowledge, skills, attitudes and professional values to perform comprehensive assessments and provide care to pregnant women and newborns.

Modules:
The qualification consists of eight modules.

Personal and professional development.

Foundations of Midwifery.

Midwifery clinical practice 1.

Core midwifery practice and adaption in pregnancy.

Pathophysiology and unexpected outcomes of pregnancy and childbirth.

Health promotion and infant feeding.

Research - Evidence of midwifery practice.

Midwifery clinical practice 2.

Assessment:
Assessments include written examinations, assignments, presentations, independent and group work, skills assessment, and OSCE (Trinity College Dublin, s.a. Higher Diploma in Midwifery.

Similarities:

The South African qualification shares a similar focus on labour and delivery, as well as women's health, content (except for the level of research and chemistry), and exit-level outcomes.

Both qualifications offer learners a research module in midwifery practice.

Both qualifications share similar assessment methods.

Conclusion:
The South African Nursing Council qualification meets recognition requirements in most member countries of the International Council for Nursing, International Labour Organisation, African Union, Southern African Development Community and the Commonwealth, as well as throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. The qualifier is globally highly employable.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.

Horizontal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Health Services Management and Leadership, NQF Level 7.

Possible horizontal articulation options between subframeworks for this qualification reached the registration end date in December 2025.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Adult Critical Care Nursing, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Nursing, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Perioperative Nursing, NQF Level 8.

Diagonal Articulation:

National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4.

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.	Mediclinic (Pty) Ltd - Corporate Office