The University of South Africa (Unisa) offers several programmes related to nursing, aimed at providing comprehensive education and training for those pursuing a career in the nursing field. Below are the key nursing-related programmes offered by Unisa.
Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science (BANS)
Duration: Typically 4 years
Overview: This undergraduate degree programme is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for professional nursing practice. It covers various aspects of nursing, including general nursing, community health, psychiatric nursing, and midwifery.
Career Opportunities: Graduates can work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community health centres, or pursue further studies in nursing specialisations.
Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing
Duration: 1 to 2 years, depending on the study plan
Overview: This programme is for registered nurses who wish to advance their qualifications and specialise in areas such as nursing education, nursing administration, or a specific clinical field.
Specialisations: Unisa offers postgraduate diplomas with specialisations in various fields like community health nursing, psychiatric nursing, and healthcare management.
Master of Arts in Nursing Science
Duration: 2 years (full-time) or up to 4 years (part-time)
Overview: This advanced degree is designed for nurses who want to take on leadership roles, engage in research, or teach nursing at a tertiary level. The programme includes coursework and a research component.
Career Opportunities: Graduates can work as nurse educators, clinical specialists, or researchers.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing
Duration: Varies based on research progress
Overview: The PhD programme is research-focused and intended for nurses who wish to contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge and practice through original research.
Career Opportunities: Graduates often pursue careers in academia, research, and high-level consultancy roles in the healthcare sector.
Short Learning Programmes (SLPs)
Unisa also offers a range of Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) that cater to specific areas of nursing and healthcare. These courses are designed for professional development and may focus on advanced wound care, nursing ethics, or primary healthcare.
Entry Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree: Typically requires a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with appropriate subject combinations and scores.
- Postgraduate Programmes: Usually require a relevant bachelor's degree in nursing and registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
- PhD Programme: Requires a master’s degree in nursing or a related field and a strong research proposal.
Unisa's nursing programmes are structured to provide flexibility, allowing students to study while continuing their professional practice. This makes them a popular choice for working nurses seeking to advance their education and careers.
