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.