Undergraduate Programme

The Bachelor of Nursing degree is a four year honours equivalent degree which prepares nursing professionals for nursing and midwifery practice. The degree programme includes theoretical study at the Braamfontein and medical school campuses and clinical training at university affiliate hospitals, community clinics and special areas such as specialist units in hospitals and the health care train.

Nursing courses commence in the first year with correlated periods of community based learning activities and in the second semester, hospital-based clinical practice. These become incremental over the next four years of the degree. The curriculum includes a core of knowledge in the biological, natural, physical and social sciences as well as the theory and practice of nursing science. A strong emphasis on the sciences is a characteristic of a Wits Bachelor's degree in Nursing.

Admission Requirements

The Faculty of Health Sciences does not calculate an APS score. Only five subjects are used to derive a matriculation score, which is calculated according to the percentage obtained NOT symbols. These are English, Maths, Physical Science/Life Sciences and the best two other subjects.

The National Senior Certificate (NSC) is the current school-leaving qualification. It is based on the current curriculum for Grades 10 to 12. If you are matriculating in 2012, this is the school leaving certificate you will receive if you pass your exams.
Wits tabulates the points score for all subjects on the following basis:

English is the LOLT (language of learning and teaching) at Wits; a requirement is that English must be taken either as Home Language or the LOLT or as 1st Additional Language. The minimum APS for English is 4 (50 - 59%). Foreign students presenting with English as 2nd Additional Language will have the option of a foreign conditional exemption and / or English proficiency tests.
Maths is compulsory for all numerate programmes in Engineering and Built Environment, Commerce, Law and Management, and Science.

Maths Literacy will be accepted by Law, Education, and Humanities (except Speech and Hearing).
Wits does not distinguish between designated vs. non-designated subjects when calculating the admission point score (APS) The Faculty of Health Sciences allows limited entry with Maths Literacy.

First year
Introduction to Medical Sciences
Chemistry I
Comprehensive Nursing I
Physics I
Introduction to Psychology
Basic Principles of Group and Individual Psychology 1
Human Behavioural Sciences I

Second Year
Comprehensive Nursing II
Anatomy for Nurses
Physiology and Medical Biochemistry

Third Year
Comprehensive Nursing III
Microbiology
Women's Health I
Psycho-Social I
Pharmacology
Health Psychology
Research Design and Analysis

Fourth Year
Comprehensive Nursing IV
Women's Health II
Psycho-Social Health II

Stucture of the Course

The courses are based primarily on small group learning which allows students to complete a series of clinical problems and are carefully structured to cover the whole curriculum.

The learning process is supported by a wide range of educational resources, libraries, laboratories, lecturers and clinicians, workshops, information technology facilities, seminars, fieldwork, and tutorials. Introduction to concepts of health, wellness and illness, in relation to the individual family and community; introduction to professional practice including caring rights, values and beliefs; aspects of trans-cultural care including interpersonal relationships, communication and lifestyle; introduction to research; first aid and clinical skills related to the above.

How do I apply?

Visit the Stundent Enrolment Centre's Pages here