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Recognised Qualifications in South Africa
Degree? Undergrad studies? Postgrad studies? NQF Level? Diploma?
Pretty confusing? It is! But once again, research is important. In a nutshell, the following recognised qualifications are available in South Africa.
Degrees
A degree takes three to four years to complete and is offered by universities. These are referred to as undergraduate degrees and may be followed by postgraduate qualifications such as Honours, Masters or Ph.D.
Examples of Available Degree Programs in South Africa | |||
Field | Undergraduate Degrees | Graduate Degrees | Related Careers |
| Medicine | Bachelor of Medicine | Masters in Medical Science | General Medical Practitioner |
| Bachelor of Medical Sciences | Master of Medicine: Surgery | Medical Scientist | |
| Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences | Anatomist / Physiologist | ||
| Bachelor Degree in Emergency Medical Care | Master of Medicine in Pathology | Specialist Pathologist | |
| Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery | Master of Medicine in Anaesthesia | Specialist Anaesthetist | |
| Master of Medicine in Cardiothoracic Surgery | Specialist Cardiologist | ||
| Master of Medicine in Obstetrics & Gynaecology | Specialist Obstetrician/ Gynaecologist | ||
| Master of Medicine in Paediatrics | Specialist Paediatrician | ||
| Master of Medicine in Dermatology | Specialist Dermatologist | ||
| Master of Medicine in Ophthalmology | Specialist Ophthalmologist | ||
| Master of Medicine in Emergency Medicine | Specialist in Emergency Medicine | ||
| Specialist Surgeon | |||
| Dentistry | Bachelor of Dentistry (BDS) | Master in Dentistry Periodontics | Dentist |
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD) | Master of Science in Dentistry | Specialist Orthodontist | |
| Bachelor of Dental Therapy | Specialist Periodontist | ||
| Bachelor of Science in Oral Health | Specialist Prosthodontist | ||
| Dental Hygienist | |||
| Dental Therapist | |||
| Allied Health Sciences | Bachelor of Science in Psychology | Master of Medicine in Psychiatry | Pyschologist, Addictions Counsellor |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) | Master of Clinical Pharmacy | Pharmacist | |
| Bachelor of Emergency Medical Care | Master of Medicine in Emergency Medicine | Ambulance Officer/ Emergency Service/ Paramedic | |
| Bachelor of Nursing | Nurse | ||
| Bachelor of Science in Optometry | Optometrist | ||
| Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science | Medical Laboratory Technician | ||
| Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology | |||
| Bachelor of Audiology | Audiologist | ||
| Bachelor of Technology in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics | Orthotist and Prosthetist | ||
| Bachelor of Health Sciences in Podiatry | Podiatrist | ||
| Bachelor of Technology in Clinical Technology | Dialysis Technician, Anaesthetic Technician, Cardiac Technician, Intensive Care Technician | ||
| Bachelor of Technology in Radiography | Medical Radiation Therapist | ||
| Bachelor of Physiotherapy | Physiotherapist / Physical Therapist | ||
| Bachelor of Biokinetics | Biokineticist | ||
| Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry | Biochemist | ||
| Bachelor of Engineering Science | Biomedical Engineer | ||
| Veterinary | Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs) | Master of Science in Veterinary Tropical Diseases | Veterinary Nurse |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) | Master of Science in Veterinary Industrial Pharmacology | Veterinarian | |
| Bachelor of Technology in Veterinary Technology | Master of Science in Animal/Human/Ecosystem Health | Veterinary Public Health Professional | |
| Master of Science in Veterinary Epidemiology | Veterinary Technician | ||
| Master of Science in Veterinary Reproduction | |||
| Master of Science in Ruminant Health | |||
| Master of Veterinary Medicine: Veterinary Public Health (MMedVet) | |||
| Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Science | |||
| Doctor of Veterinary Science | |||
| Healthcare Administration | Bachelor of Technology in Environmental Health | Master of Technology in Environmental Health | Health and Safety Manager |
| Master of Science in Medical Informatics | Clinic Manager | ||
| Alternative and Complementary Medicine | Bachelor of Complementary Medicine (BSc Complementary Medicine) | Master of Technology in Homeopathy | Acupuncturist, Homeopath, |
| Bachelor of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine( BHSc CM) | Masters of Technology in Chiropractic | Natural Remedy Consultant, Naturopath | |
| Social Work | Bachelor of Social Work | Master of Technology: Child and Youth Care | Professional Social Worker, Auxiliary Child & Youth Care Worker, |
| Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Development | Master of Social Work | ||
| Bachelor of Technology in Child and Youth Care | Child and Youth Care Worker | ||
Advanced Diplomas
An advanced diploma is a type of qualification designed to provide students with more comprehensive vocational or professional training.
If you do not have a bachelor’s degree yet, an advanced diploma can be used to gain admittance into a bachelor’s degree program.
On the other hand, if you already have a bachelor’s degree and are looking to pursue more specialised careers, an advanced diploma can provide you with the qualification you need to gain admittance into a postgraduate diploma program or find employment as a specialist in your chosen field.
Examples of Advanced Diploma Programs in South Africa | |
Field | Program |
| Nursing | Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing |
| Advanced Diploma in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science | |
| Advanced Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing | |
| Advanced Diploma in Preoperative, Operating Room and Surgical Nursing | |
| Advanced Diploma in Trauma and Emergency Nursing | |
| Advanced Diploma: Operating Theatre Nursing | |
| Dentistry | |
| Advanced Diploma in Community Dentistry | |
| Allied Health Sciences | Advanced Diploma in Hearing Aid Acoustics |
| Advanced Diploma in Health Services Management and Leadership | |
| Advanced Diploma in Occupational Health | |
| Advanced Diploma in Pharmaceutical Sciences | |
| Advanced Diploma in Public Health | |
| Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Services | |
| Advanced Diploma in Applied Physiology | |
| Healthcare Administration | Advanced Diploma in Health Management |
| Advanced Diploma in Health Services Management and Leadership | |
| Social Services | Advanced Diploma in Social Work |
National Diplomas
A National Diploma, that combines both theoretical and practical training takes three years to complete and is offered by a University of Technology. After obtaining a National Diploma, students may enrol for a Bachelor of Technology degree that takes a year to complete.
Examples of Available National Diploma Programs in South Africa | ||
Field | Program | Related Careers |
| Nursing | National Diploma in General Nursing | |
| National Diploma in Nursing | ||
| Dentistry | National Diploma in Dental Therapy | Dental therapist |
| National Diploma in Dental Technology | Dental technician | |
| Allied Health Sciences | National Diploma in Occupational Safety | Health and Safety manager |
| National Diploma in Orientation and Mobility Practice | ||
National Diploma in Community Health | ||
| Veterinary | National Diploma in Animal Health | Veterinary technician |
| National Diploma in Animal Production | ||
| Healthcare Administration | National Diploma in Business Studies: Medical Secretary | Medical Secretary |
| Social Services | National Diploma in Early Childhood Development | Child care worker |
Diplomas
Diploma qualifications are offered by an accredited higher education provider. The duration of the courses may vary according to the field(s) of study.
Examples of Available Diploma Programs in South Africa | ||
Field | Program | Related Careers |
| Nursing | Diploma in Nursing | Nurse |
| Diploma in Nursing Education | ||
| Diploma in Community Nursing Science | ||
| Dentistry | Diploma in Oral Hygiene | Dental hygienist |
| Allied Health Sciences | Diploma in Clinical Technology | |
| Diploma in Biomedical Technology | ||
| Diploma in Opticianry | ||
| Diploma in Radiography in Nuclear Medicine | ||
| Diploma in Radiography Therapy | ||
| Diploma in Emergency Medical Care | Paramedic | |
| Diploma in Environmental Health | ||
| Veterinary | Diploma in Veterinary Technology | |
| Healthcare Administration | Diploma in Health Services Administration | |
| Alternative and Complementary Medicine | Diploma in Holistic and Natural Therapies | |
| Social Services | Diploma in Community Extension | |
Certificates
A certificate takes one year or less to finish at further or higher education level and is offered by an accredited provider.
You can use the tool below to find examples of accredited courses and their corresponding qualifications. Just type in the field you are interested in then hit “search.”
