These regulations should be read in conjunction with the General Academic Regulations of National University of Science and Technology (NUST) for undergraduate degrees at NUST.

The Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Midwifery ((MWB- Hon) is offered by the Department of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, Faculty of Medicine at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) and leads to a midwifery practitioner.

The program is specifically designed to develop a graduate midwifery practitioner capable of applying the recommended essential competencies for midwifery practice. The graduate midwife should develop critical analytic skills necessary for making informed decisions in the provision of evidence based practice. He/she is capable of providing woman-centred care and respectful care in both hospital and community settings; and promote culturally sensitive care as well as apply reflective thinking.

The aim of the Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Midwifery is to upgrade midwifery diploma holders. The course recognises prior learning experiences as a registered nurse and midwife and provides a framework with which one can enhance his/her professional practice. The degree programme has been developed to build upon and enhance midwifery practice; it also supports career pathways for the midwife in clinical practice, education, research as well as leadership and management.

The graduate should demonstrate the following competencies:

1. Professional competence and use of evidence in practice through critical  and analytical thinking as well as informed decision making
2. Apply the requisite knowledge and skills from obstetrics, neonatology, the social sciences, public health and ethics in the provision of culturally and relevant, appropriate care for women, newborns, and childbearing families.
3. Provide high quality, culturally sensitive health education and services to all in the community in order to promote healthy family life, planned pregnancies and positive parenting.
4. Provide high quality care including detection and management of complications during pregnancy, labour, childbirth and the peurpeium.
5. Provide comprehensive care for the newborn up to six weeks post delivery
6. Facilitate abortion-related care.
7. Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams and to practice in all the levels of health practice  to meet the needs of different populations including the vulnerable groups
8. Demonstrate leadership ability, client advocacy and health service marketing skills.

 
DURATION OF THE PROGRAMME                             

The duration shall be 3 years on a four-week block release instruction sessions in each semester adding up to a total of six (6) semesters. The programme recognises prior knowledge and experience in that the prospective candidates are already employed in the midwifery settings and they have obtained a basic qualification in midwifery but would like to enhance their knowledge and skills through acquiring a formal undergraduate degree qualification in midwifery.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for admission the candidate must:

• Have at least 5 ‘O’ level passes including English, Mathematics and Science subject  (Biology and Chemistry or Physics).
• An ‘A’ level qualification will be an added advantage.
• Have a midwifery qualification (Registered General Nurse with a diploma in midwifery or a Registered  Midwife with a diploma certificate).
• Be registered with the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe and have a current Practising Certificate.   
• Have at least  2 years  work experience post midwifery qualification.