Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery

Specific admission requirements
• One of the following qualifications:
o A bachelor’s degree in Nursing (Regulation 174) and/or the Diploma in Nursing: General Nurses (Regulation 171) with the Advanced Diploma in Midwifery (Regulation 1497); or
o A two-year diploma (bridging course) leading to registration as General or Psychiatric Nurse offered under Regulation 683 of 14 April 1989, as amended, followed by a one-year Diploma in
Midwifery offered under Regulation 254 of 14 February 1975, as amended; or
o A four-year Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery offered under Regulation 425 of 22 February 1985, as amended; or
o A four-year bachelor's degree offered under Regulation 425 of 22 February 1985, as amended.
• Current registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse and Midwife, or a General Nurse with a Midwifery qualification.

Two years’ experience as a Registered/Professional Nurse and Midwife, which includes experience in the field of the speciality within the last two years, is recommended.

Computer literacy is highly recommended.

Curriculum vitae (CV)
A document that outlines your educational level, employment history, description of work experience, especially that is relevant to your application to study and contact details of three referees.

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Curriculum vitae (CV)

Proof of indemnity
Each student is responsible for obtaining their own personal insurance cover, which includes, amongst others: personal accident and medical cover, cover for damage to or loss of personal possessions/property, including cover for loss, damage, injury or death arising from the use of any own motor vehicle used for training, clinical work, community service or official purposes, and cover for personal legal liability arising from the injury or death of another person or damage to or loss of personal possessions/property of another person.

Should a student be negligent during training, clinical work and/or service in the community, she/he will be liable for (and should therefore insure against) consequences such as the injury or death of another person, or damage to or loss of personal possessions/property of another person.

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Proof of indemnity

Copy of ID
A copy of your South African identity document. This is required for South African citizens and permanent residents as part of the application.

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Copy of ID

Copy of passport
A copy of your valid passport. This is required for international applicants as part of the application.

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Copy of Passport

Matric certificate
Certificate awarded upon completion of High School displaying the percentage or grade symbol awarded for each subject passed.

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Matric certificate

Letter of support from employer
Upload a signed letter from your employer confirming their support for your application. The letter should indicate your current position, approval to undertake the programme (where applicable), and any support to be provided (e.g. study leave, flexible working arrangements, or financial assistance). The letter must be on official company letterhead and signed by an authorised representative.

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Letter of support from employer

Additional assessment documents (Optional)
For applicants who are applying to the programme with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Additional certificates: Basic Life Support, and Advanced Life Support.
Computer literacy (highly recommended) (any supporting document/certificate).

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Additional assessment documents

Presentation
Theory is presented using a blended-learning approach in block periods as per the academic calendar on the Tygerberg campus. Work-integrated learning comprises of simulation learning, clinical practice for experiential learning, and role-taking at clinical facilities in the Western Cape Province that SANC has specifically accredited for Stellenbosch University (720 hours as stipulated by SANC).

Programme content
Evidence-based Practice 721(8)
Leadership and Development in Specialist Practice 743(8)
Maternal and Neonatal Care Pharmacology 732(8)
Maternal Care Specialisation 733(28)
Neonatal Care Specialisation 734(20)
Praxis of Specialist Practice 746(8)
Specialist Midwifery Practice 735(40)

Assessment and examination
• A variety of formative and summative assessment methods are used. You will be assessed based on:
o assignments;
o the application of research principles and methods;
o patient case presentations;
o case studies;
o clinical skills;
o portfolios of evidence; and
o written tests and examinations.
• Each module is assessed separately, and you must achieve at least 50% in a module to pass.
• If you fail a first-semester module, you will be allowed a second assessment opportunity in June of the same year. If you fail the second opportunity, you will not be permitted to continue with your studies in the programme.
• If you fail a year module, you will be allowed a second assessment opportunity in January of the following year. If you fail the second opportunity, you will not be permitted to continue with your studies in the programme.