Preamble

The BSc (Honours) Degree in Midwifery is a three year part-time trek for post State Certified Midwifery graduants who want to upgrade the midwifery diploma to degree level.  The programme will be divided between academic study and practical experience exposure. Student will be taught to critically evaluate and analyse the evidence based learning and research findings underpinning midwifery practice. Students will study a broad range of scientific and midwifery topics in the first part of the programme and pursue these topics in depth in the second semester. The focus will be on the normal childbearing experience, the knowledge and skills needed to set the foundation for preceding courses. As the programme proceeds students will be introduced to complicated midwifery practice. In the third year, the student is prepared to work as an autonomous proficient midwife. The graduants will have a strong clinical orientation, able to make critical decisions in the care plan, implementation and evaluation of care of women, their families and communities.

The Faculty strives to develop a competent midwife who is able to utilize evidence based practice, is committed to life-long learning and able to practice safely, effectively and efficiently as laid down by the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe Midwives Practice

Programme Aim

The aim of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Midwifery program is to educate and prepare competent, compassionate, and autonomous midwives who possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide high-quality, woman-Centred care throughout the reproductive continuum. Upon graduation, students will be equipped to:

• Provide holistic, evidence-based care to women, newborns, and families across diverse settings
• Demonstrate expertise in normal childbirth and pregnancy, as well as complicated cases requiring collaborative care
• Apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in complex midwifery practice
• Integrate leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to work effectively with healthcare teams and communities
• Contribute to the advancement of midwifery practice, education, and research
• Advocate for women’s and newborns’ health and well-being, promoting health equity and social justice

This program prepares graduates to register as professional midwives, eligible to practice autonomously and collaboratively within healthcare systems, and to pursue further education and specialization in midwifery and health related fields

Objectives

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) Midwifery Degree programme will:

• Prepare the learner to become a competent midwife with a scientific knowledge base.
•  Inculcate in the learner attitudes that will enable them to deliver quality and effective and efficient midwifery care in all settings.
• Equip the learner with knowledge and skills in the management of women, their children and families.
• Equip the learner with leadership and governance skills in the delivery of maternity care.
• Equip the learner with knowledge and skills to provide health education for informed decision making
• To enable the learner to apply socio-cultural concepts in the care of women, their children and their families.

Admission Entry Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the BSc in Midwifery programme, the applicant must fulfil the general requirements of the University and the following specific programme requirements:

• Two years post diploma in Midwifery qualification experience
• Registered with the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe as a midwife
• Minimum of 5 ‘O’ Level passes with a Grade C or better. English language, Maths and a Science subject are a must.

Duration of Programme

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) midwifery shall take three (3) years to complete.  Courses will be offered through block release and weekend classes. Each academic year shall consist of two (2) semesters. According to the Zimbabwe Qualification Framework (ZQF), the Degree is offered at level 8.

Assessment Of Students

• There shall be a set of formal examinations at the end of each semester.
• Coursework shall account for 30% while the formal examination shall account for 70% of the overall assessment.
• Courses for each semester shall be assessed through a 3-hour written examination and continuous assessments.
• The examiners may, at their discretion, require candidates to present themselves for an oral examination.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of the Degree Programme will lead to the award of a BSc Honours Degree in Midwifery. The degree holder will be an academic and community resource, providing leadership in the administration,  management, educational and research roles, public health  advocacy of Maternal and child health programmes in private,  government and non-governmental Organisation Therefore, a qualified practitioner is a communicator, a collaborator, manager, health advocate, scholar and a professional.

The course aims to equip the learner with the skills required for reflective practice. The principles of continuing education within the midwifery profession  must be upheld. Individuals seeking career advancement in the field of midwifery may enrol for further studies in at Masters and PhD levels.

Additional Information

• The Research Project shall be done by all the students and done during the second year of the programme at an approved site after approval of the proposal.
  • The Department of Family and Health Sciences shall approve at least one academic member of staff to supervise the student’s dissertation.
  • There shall be a minimum 40 hours consultation time between the student and the supervisor during the period of the research project.
  • The student must submit two spiral bound copies of the Research project to the Department for marking at a date determined by the WUA.
  • The assessment of the Research Project shall be based on the format prescribed by the Faculty Board.
  • The Research Project shall be assessed by two examiners.
  • The Faculty Board of Examiners shall consider the two examiners’ assessments and decide on the final mark for the Research Project.