Program Overview

Bachelor of Health Sciences in the field of Nursing Systems Science

This fully online qualification has been specifically designed for practising nurses who want to grow their academic qualification and obtain a degree as a pathway to further academic achievement and specialisation.

Requirements

• Admission requirements:
  • South African applicants:
    • Senior Certificate (SC) with Endorsement, or National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelors degree pass.
    • A diploma or higher certificate in nursing, and registration with the regulatory body in one of the following categories: General Nurse, Staff Nurse, or Auxiliary Nurse.
  • International applicants:
    • Certificate from the Nursing Education Institution indicating the qualification obtained.
    • Relevant Matriculation Exemption from the SA Matriculation Board (USAf).

Programme Details

• The programme consists of 35 modules.
• Total programme credits: 360.
• SAQA ID: Not specified.
• Total tuition fees: R144,330.

Programme Structure

The programme is designed to deepen academic knowledge and skills, with no practical component. It covers various themes, including:

• Level 5: Sociological and psychological foundations of health, biological foundations of health, and health and wellness.
• Level 6: Patients and problems, applied microbiology, clinical therapeutics for health.
• Level 7: Health care infrastructure, quality in health care, and a Capstone module.

Modules and Credits

The programme includes the following modules:

• Culture and Identity (10 credits, R4,010)
• Medical Sociology (10 credits, R4,010)
• Stratification and Differentiation in HC (10 credits, R4,010)
• Healthcare Communication (10 credits, R4,010)
• Human Body Organisation (10 credits, R4,010)
• Human Body: Integration and Control Systems (10 credits, R4,010)
• Human Body: Regulation and Maintenance (10 credits, R4,010)
• Human Survival and Development (10 credits, R4,010)
• Physical Health (10 credits, R4,010)
• Emotional Health (10 credits, R4,010)
• Social Health (10 credits, R4,010)
• Environmental Health (10 credits, R4,010)
• Endocrine System (10 credits, R4,010)
• Nervous System (10 credits, R4,010)
• Acid-base Balance (10 credits, R4,010)
• Cellular Regulation (10 credits, R4,010)
• Microscopic Life (10 credits, R4,010)
• Microbial Diversity and Human Interaction (10 credits, R4,010)
• Epidemiology of Infection (10 credits, R4,010)
• Disease Outbreak Management (10 credits, R4,010)
• Pharmacodynamics (10 credits, R4,010)
• Pharmacokinetics (10 credits, R4,010)
• Medication Management (10 credits, R4,010)
• Medication Safety (10 credits, R4,010)
• Healthcare Systems (10 credits, R4,010)
• Governance in Healthcare (10 credits, R4,010)
• Healthcare Economics (10 credits, R4,010)
• Coordinating Community Care (10 credits, R4,010)
• Quality Management in Healthcare (10 credits, R4,010)
• Healthcare Law and Policy (10 credits, R4,010)
• Customer Care in the Health Services (10 credits, R4,010)
• Patient Safety (10 credits, R4,010)
• Clinical Judgement (15 credits, R6,000)
• Evidence-based Practice (15 credits, R6,000)
• Professional Practice and Development (10 credits, R4,010)

FAQs

• Does the SA Nursing Council (SANC) recognise the qualification? No, this is a degree for nurses, not a nursing degree.
• Once I am qualified, can I register for a Post Graduate Diploma in the field of Nursing? Although you will have a level 7 qualification, the SA Nursing Council currently requires all applicants for PG Dip to have a midwifery qualification.
• What qualifications do I need to apply for this programme? You must hold a certificate or diploma from an accredited nursing education institution.
• If I am registered as an enrolled nurse, can I apply for this programme? Yes, you will be required to complete all three years of the programme and will not be entitled to credits.
• If I am not a South African and/or not a resident of South Africa, may I apply to do this programme? Yes, you can follow this programme from anywhere worldwide if you can access the internet.
• How much does the programme cost? For specific information, you need to contact the Registrars office. The programme is made more affordable as you pay for the module you register for when the specific module is offered.
• How many modules are there in the programme? There are 35 modules for the full programme.
• Can I apply for credit/recognition of prior learning for any module? If you have a Diploma in Nursing (either from the D4 programme or the Bridging programme), you may be granted credit for the first year of the programme.
• How long will it take me to complete the programme? This depends on how many modules you take at a time. We advise working students not to attempt more than two modules simultaneously.
• Do I have to be physically present in classes? No, the entire programme is online, including the assessments and examinations.
• Do I have to be employed as a nurse to do the programme? You need to be registered with the nursing council and be a practising nurse to apply for this programme.
• Do I need to be IT savvy to do the programme? You must know your way around a computer and be familiar with basic computer programs.
• Do I need to own a laptop or computer? You are strongly advised to have access to a laptop or computer, as it makes submitting assignments much easier.
• What areas will I learn about in level 5 of the programme? The first-year themes are sociological and psychological foundations of health, biological foundations of health, and health and wellness.
• What areas will I learn about in level 6 of the programme? The second-year themes are patients and problems, applied microbiology, clinical therapeutics for health.
• What areas will I learn about in level 7 of the programme? The third-year themes build on professional practice subjects you studied in your Diploma Programme at college.
• Is there financial sponsorship available to assist me with the fees? No, not through the University or from NSFAS, but some employers grant a scholarship for further study.
• Can I take a break from my studies without losing credit? Yes, the programme is designed around a carousel, and you can pick up on the next module available when you resume your studies.
• How long will it take me to complete my degree? It will take at least two years if you have been granted credit for your first year, provided you do not take a break (except over the December period) and do not have to repeat any modules.
• How will having this qualification help me in my career? As a graduate with a Bachelors degree in Health Sciences, you have opened opportunities beyond nursing.