Faculty of Health Sciences
- About Faculty of Health Sciences
- Message from the Dean
- History of Faculty of Health Sciences
- Programmes
- PhD in Health Sciences
- Academic Health Service Complex
- Teaching Platform
- Community Engagement
- Research
- Linkages - National and International
- Prospective Students
- Regulations for Registered Students
- General Information
- Health Sciences Resource Centre
- Degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas offered by Faculty
- Undergraduate Degrees
- Postgraduate Dip & Degrees
- Postgraduate Diploma in Chemical Pathology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Promotion
- Honours Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Science (HONOURS) (Medical Microbiology)
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)(Biochemistry)
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)(Physiological Sciences)
- Master of Science in Medical Microbiology
- Master of Science in Medical Biochemistry
- Master of Science In Physiological Sciences
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Nursing
- Master of Science in Health Promotion
- Master of Medicine (M Med)
- Special Programmes
Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion
Purpose of the Programme
The programme prepares individuals in attaining scientific knowledge of empowering people to have ability of managing and improving their health. The graduating student should be able to:
Involve population as a whole in promoting health, rather than only focusing on people at risk of specific disease
Target individuals, groups and communities in prevention of diseases affecting them, focusing mainly on behavioural and environmental adaptation
Work with people to assess community needs.
Plan, design, implement and evaluate health promotion programmes in the communities
Integrate health promotion activities into Primary Health Care
Empower communities to enhance community development and promote health through advocacy, mediation and enablement
Promote health and prevent diseases at a primary level, thereby reducing the cost of treatment of diseases at secondary and tertiary levels
Facilitate health promotion programmes towards action on the causes or determinants of health to ensure that the total environment which is beyond the control of individuals is conducive to health
Combine diverse, but complementary, methods and approaches including communication, education, legislation, fiscal measures, organizational change, community development and spontaneous local activities against health hazards
Aim at effective public participation supporting the principle of self-help movements and encouraging the people to find their own ways of managing the health of their community
Work in partnership with relevant stakeholders across many professions and sectors, government, non- governmental organisations for the attainment of better health for all
Empower people to gain understanding and control over personal, social, community, economic and political forces in order to take action and improve their life situation
The course embraces Social Accountability as an underlying philosophy. Health promotion programme is embedded into the community through its practical component.
Delivery Mode: Full-time contact
The programme will be delivered in a format that will be accessible to full-time students. It will be in the form of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and self-directed learning.
Course Entry Requirements / Prerequisites
National Senior Certificate (NSC)
Compulsory Subjects
4(50-59%) in English at First Additional language level
4(50-59%) in isiXhosa or any home language
3(40-49%) in Maths or
4(50-59) Mathematical Literacy
4(50-59%) in Life Sciences
Not Compulsory Subjects (but advantageous)
4(50-59%) in Physical Science 4(50-59%) in Agricultural Science
4(50-59%) in Life Orientation
Minimum statutory NSC requirements for degree entry should be met and all candidates subjected to the selection process
Matriculation Requirements
Matriculation Exemption with the following subjects:
English E (HG) or D (SG)
Biology E (HG) or D (SG)
Mathematics E (HG) or D (SG)
Person above age 23 years with Senior Certificate and Conditional Exemption from SAHE (South African Higher Education). Failure to obtain Mature Age Exemption (MAE) will disqualify student from registration.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Applicants with undergraduate diploma in Health Promotion or Health Education qualifications from recognized institutions are considered after selection and interviews. Credits of some modules are granted after proper assessments with relevant departments and/or institutions. Applicants may be allowed to commence at second year level after due consideration as applicable. Relevant Professional Certificates will required including proof of verification by SAQA for the appropriate NQF level where relevant.
Attendance – Theory and Practical
Students are advised to attend all scheduled lectures, tutorials, practical sessions and seminars. All the theoretical and practical sessions are compulsory.
Duration of the Course Three (3) years, full time.
Admission/Selection Procedure
A selected number of candidates will be short-listed for an interview, after which, recommendations for final selection for admission will be made. The closing date for applications will be 30 September each year.
Orientation
All students are expected to attend the Faculty Orientation Programme at the beginning of the study year for their course.
Declaration All students are expected to attend the Declaration Ceremony.
Registration
Students are expected to be fully registered with the University for admissions to sit for any tests and exams. The department facilitated the establishment of Health Promotion Professionals Association of South Africa (HPPASA). Currently, the Health Promotion Practitioners are not registered with the HPCSA. The faculty is in the process of registering health promotion practitioners and students with HPCSA.
Course Organisation
The course is designed to develop appropriate knowledge and skills in the principles and the process of planning, implementing and evaluating health promotion programmes in various settings including the community, school, workplace and correctional services. Studies are in health promotion, primary health care, public health, nutrition, human biology, behavioural sciences, communication, epidemiology and biostatistics. Professional practice and research project studies are part of the course.