• The curriculum at the Faculty of Health Sciences of Walter Sisulu University is an innovative problem-based and community-based education programme.
• This curriculum extends over at least six academic years of full-time study.
• All new entrants into the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery training programme shall follow the new six-year curriculum.
• The old five-year curriculum will apply to pipeline students who are in level 5 of the programme.

Admission Procedure

• Due to the structure of this curriculum, admission to MBChB can only be at MBChB I level.
• However, under special circumstances, students coming from other medical schools that offer integrated problem-based and community- based programmes, may be considered at levels other than MBChB I, on a case-by-case basis.

National Senior Certificate (NSC)

NSC achievement rating, at the first attempt:

Compulsory Subjects

• 5 (60-69%) in English at Home Language or First Additional Language
• 5( 60-69%) in Mathematics 5(60-69%) in Physical Sciences
• 5 (60-69%) in Life Sciences
• 5 (60-69%) in two non Life Orientation subjects
• Good performance in Grade 11 end-of-year examinations and Grade 12 mid-year/trial examinations will be a recommendation.
• Matric must be passed at the first attempt within two years of the closing date of the application.
• Applicants with qualifications from countries other than the Republic of South Africa will have their qualifications evaluated by the Joint Matriculation Board (JMB).
• The University Admissions Office will communicate with the JMB on this issue.
• Candidates with A-levels should have obtained a minimum of 3 principal passes at grades D or better.

Post-Matric Applicants

• A limited number of students with appropriate degrees may be considered for admission.
• Graduate students are assessed on the basis of their post-matric results as well as their matriculation results.

Matric Compulsory Subjects

• 4 (50-59%) in English at Home Language or First Additional Language
• 4 (50-59%) in Mathematics 4(50-59%) in Physical Sciences
• 4 (50-59%) in Life Sciences
• 4 (50-59%) in two non Life Orientation subjects
• Applicants are assessed with a scoring system that includes the NQF level of post-matric qualification, CESM category of the qualification and the time taken to complete the course (vis-a-vis the duration of the course).

Selection Procedure

• A selected number of candidates will be recommended to the Faculty Admissions Committee.

Final Selection for Admission

• Academic results and/or performance, as well as sociodemographic scores, will be used for the final selection for admission.
• The recommendations of the Faculty Admissions Committee for admission will be final.
• The closing date for MBChB applications is 30 September.
• It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the University with official results. No applications will be processed without results.
• Grade 11: End-of-year results; Grade 12: June.
• Grade 12 final results.
• Diploma/Degree end-of-year results.

Registration

• All students must register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) at the beginning of their first year of study.
• Students will not be allowed to proceed to the second year without HPCSA Registration.
• Students who resume their professional studies after an interruption of more than one year are required to renew their registration with the Council.

CURRICULUM – RULES AND DELIVERY

• There are small group tutorials, laboratory classes, projects, clinical clerkships, patient presentations, bedside clinical teaching, clinical procedures, grand round presentations, seminars and a few lectures.
• The curriculum is student-centred, problem-based, integrated, community-based, has electives and has self-directed learning.
• There is early exposure of students to clinical practice, diagnostic disciplines (Chemical Pathology, Haematology, and Radiology) and community-based education.
• For more details, please refer to the Faculty's Prospectus.