University Of Pretoria Nursing Department

The Department of Nursing Science at the University of Pretoria was a pioneer in the field of nurses’ training and introduced the first undergraduate course for nurses in South Africa in 1956. Since then trail-blazing work has been done to keep abreast of new technology and changes in the profession. The Department of Nursing Science strives for excellence in its teaching and research programs, and the focus is on the promotion of the intellectual, cultural, and personal development of all our nursing students. A considerable number of our graduates currently occupy managerial posts in South Africa.

What does the degree entail?

Being a nurse means being part of a multi-professional team of healthcare workers dedicated to rendering health services to the community. The name of the course (BNurs) refers to caring, and nurses must be prepared to understand and accept people whose way of life, beliefs, values, and cultures may differ from their own and to serve them and care for them by using their knowledge and personal aptitude. Nursing Science equips students to serve others and enrich their lives. The course requires full-time study for a period of four years. During the course, students are prepared for two career fields, namely general nursing and midwifery.

General nursing

General nursing involves caring for people with different needs in different environments, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Midwifery

In this field, the emphasis is on meeting the unique physical, psychological and mental needs of a mother and her baby within the family and community.

The clinical learning experience is gained mainly at Steve Biko Academic Hospital. Students are also placed with other healthcare services for appropriate and extensive exposure to practical nursing. Consequently, students have to work fixed hours during the semester and also spend time nursing during certain holiday periods. Students have to register with the South African Nursing Council as student nurses.

The syllabus consists of subjects that form the basis for nursing, namely social, biological, and nursing sciences. The subjects within are presented by experts employed by the University of Pretoria. A modular outcomes-based approach is followed.

Overview of course

First year: Anatomy, Nursing Studies, Dynamics of Nursing Practice, Medical Terminology, Language Skills, Physiology, Nursing Practice Education and Computer Literacy

Second year: Community Development, Psychology, Integrative Health Care, Microbiology, Nursing Studies, Physiology, Dynamics of Nursing Practice and Nursing Practice Education

Third year: Pharmacology, Nursing Studies, Dynamics of Nursing Practice and Nursing Practice Education

Fourth year: Nursing Studies, Dynamics of Nursing Practice and Nursing Practice Education

Integrated Health Leadership and Health Research form part of all four study years.

What can I do with my degree?

You can work in various hospitals and clinics in the community, or run a private nursing practice. The state and the private sector offer a wide variety of opportunities. The following fields of nursing specialisation are available:

• General medical and surgical nursing
• Trauma nursing
• Theatre nursing
• Community nursing
• Psychiatric nursing
• Midwifery
• Paediatric nursing
• Neonatal nursing
• Nursing management
• Nursing education

What are the admission requirements?

• A valid National Senior Certificate
• English (4)
• Recommended subjects are Mathematics, Physical Science, Biology of Physiology.
• A personal interview is conducted with every applicant.
• A minimum Admission Point Score (APS) of 28

Selection:

For selection purposes, the sum of six subjects, including English, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences, is calculated. Life Orientation is excluded from the calculation of the APS. Selection is based on Grade 11 results, the National Benchmark Test, the Value-added Questionnaire, and an interview.

Closing date:

Applications close 31 May

Contact Details