Bachelor of Nursing at Durban University of Technology

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Nursing is a four-year NQF level 8 degree that qualifies graduates as general nurses and midwives (community, psychiatry). The first two years provide a foundation in basic medical and social sciences, and the final year includes nursing research with a primary health care focus, with more than 50% of clinical placements in community and primary care settings. A community and case-based learning approach uses authentic clinical case studies. Participants sign a contract to practise in South Africa for four years after graduation, including one year of community service.

Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences | Department: Department of Nursing | Duration: 4 years (mainstream, full-time); 5 years (extended curriculum) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

What you will study

First-year modules include Anatomy and Physiology IA/IB, Microbiology and Parasitology, Biophysics and Biochemistry, Fundamental Nursing Science IA/IB, Clinical Nursing Practice IA/IB, Ethos and Professional Practice, Information and Communication Literacy and Skills, Sociology and Cornerstone 101. Later study covers medical-surgical nursing, maternal and child health, mental health and community nursing.

Career pathways

Graduates work as general nurses in any clinical setting, can pursue postgraduate specialisation in clinical nursing, management or academia, and may take on leadership roles in the nursing profession.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

NSC degree entry; applicants with 28 points or more (excluding Life Orientation) are considered. English (rating 3), Life Sciences (4), Mathematics (4) or Mathematical Literacy (6) or Physical Science (4), and two further 20-credit subjects (4, only one of which may be an additional language). Senior Certificate: endorsement or equivalent, with English at HG E or SG C and Biology plus Mathematics or Physical Science at HG D or SG B. NCV Level 4: English, Biology and Mathematics at 60% (Physical Science at 70%), plus three vocational subjects and one fundamental subject at 60%. The Standardised Assessment Test for Access and Placement (SATAP) and an interview complement NSC results. Recognition of Prior Learning is available through portfolios and/or challenge assessment, with first priority to the latest matriculants and applicants with no previous study history. Places are limited, so meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-time undergraduate applications for the 2027 academic year must reach the CAO by the closing date of 30 September 2026; some programmes close earlier. Applications are made online through the CAO (www.cao.ac.za). The application fee is R250 (South African citizens) or R300 (international applicants), paid when submitting; the application is active only once payment is received.

Apply through the official page: https://onlineapps.dut.ac.za/

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