Start main page content
Wits University Faculty of Health Sciences

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) Health Systems Sciences track is a 3 year, full-time ENTRY LEVEL DEGREE. Postgraduate study is required to qualify for the job market.

 

The course content for the Health Systems Sciences plan includes Health Systems, Informatics, Public Health, and Management and a combined Physiology/Anatomy module.

The first year curriculum includes Biology, Chemistry, Physics, System Dynamics for Health and Health System Sciences. The curriculum at first year is common to all the BHSc plans (Biomedical Sciences, Health Systems Sciences, and Biokinetics). First year courses are taught on the Braamfontein Campus. In second year, students choose their plan of study, and their curriculum becomes more specialised. Second and third year courses are taught on the Health Sciences Campus in Parktown.

After completing the degree, honours study options include Public Health, Human Biology, Bioethics and Health, Epidemiology, Implementation Science and Health Economics.

Back to top

Career Opportunities

Careers opportunities exist in Public Health, Health Management, Epidemiology, Implementation Science and Health Economics. Further study is required.

Back to top

Entry Requirements

Health Sciences - View the  Wits University Revised Health Sciences Admissions Policy

Programme Minimum Admission Requirements  Selection procedures
APS Subjects & achieved scale
Bachelor of Health Sciences BHSc 
(3 years)
  • Biomedical Sciences      
  • Biokinetics 
  • Health Systems Sciences 
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
MBBCh (6 years)

Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy 
BSc (Physiotherapy)
(4 years) 

Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) 
(4 years)
The Faculty of Health Sciences does not calculate an APS score. Academic performance and National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores are used for consideration.
 
There are two points of entry into the MBBCh degree:
  • 1st year MBBCh for applicants currently completing Matric 
  • 3rd year MBBCh (i.e. the Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) for applicants who have completed a prerequisite degree. Click here for more info.
 English HL or 1st Add Lang - 5
Mathematics - 5
Life Sciences and/or
Physical Science - 5
If you are applying to the Faculty of Health Sciences, you will not be selected solely on your school leaving results, although they are very important. A composite index is calculated, taking into consideration 
(1) your academic results for FIVE subjects and (2) National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores.
 
Only five subjects are used to derive a matriculation score, which is calculated according to the percentages obtained, NOT symbols. These are English Language, Mathematics, Physical Science/ Life Sciences and the best two other subjects. (Dentistry requires Physical Science and Life Sciences and the best other subject).
  • ALL applicants (excluding applicants who are applying to the Graduate Entry Medical Programme - GEMP only) are required to write the National Benchmark Test (NBT).
  • GEMP applicants may be invited to the Wits Additional Placement Test (WAPT) and all applicants are advised to prepare in the event that they are invited. For more information on the WAPT please refer to: www.wits.ac.za/health/gemp 
  • ALL GEMP applicants who are invited to the WAPT will be expected to complete a Biographical Questionnaire on the day of the test.
  • ALL applicants to BSc (Occupational Therapy) and/or BSc (Physiotherapy) must spend time (16 hrs) observing and/or assisting an Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist and complete a certificate of attendance. Only observation hours completed between 1 July 2017 and 31 July 2018 will be accepted as valid.
Bachelor of Dental Science 
BDS (5 years)
 English HL or 1st Add Lang - 5
Mathematics - 5
Life Sciences and 
Physical Science - 5
Bachelor of Nursing BNurs 
(4 years) 

Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy- BSc (OT) (4 years) 		 English HL or 1st Add Lang - 4
Mathematics - 4
Life Sciences and/or
Physical Science - 4
Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP) (3 years)

Bachelor of Oral Health Sciences (BOHS) (3 years)		 English HL or 1st Add Lang - 4
Mathematics - 4 or
Mathematical Literacy - 7
Life Sciences and/or
Physical Science - 4

 

Back to top

Application Process

Your application

  • You may apply for three programmes (degrees).
  • Applications to Wits must enclose a non-refundable application fee of R100 (for international applicants, R700).

Documentation / Checklist

  • Submit your Grade 11 report which must be signed and stamped by your school principal.
  • If you have already matriculated, attach a copy of your matric certificate.

Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.

Back to top

Apply now

Closing Dates

30 June 2018
Faculty of Health Sciences (All programmes)
Bachelor of Architecture
Bachelor of Audiology
Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology

30 September 2018
All other University programmes
Residence applications 

Online applications
  • Complete an online application to study at Wits
Apply now
Course Costs

The average course costs for local students range from R34 000 to R62 000, depending on the course and the number of years of study.
Tuition fees are payable for each course for which a student is registered. 

Back to top

Related courses

Back to top