List of SMU Courses and Requirements - A Detailed Guide

Advertisements

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, established in 2015, focuses on providing students with relevant, practical, and theoretical knowledge in various fields of health sciences. It aims to produce graduates who are well-equipped to work in health services, research, and teaching across South Africa and globally.

SMU is structured into several faculties that offer a variety of programs:

Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
Faculty of Pharmacy
Faculty of Medical Sciences

SMU is known for its world-class infrastructure, top-notch research facilities, and commitment to community service, making it one of South Africa’s leading universities in the field of health sciences.

2. List of SMU Courses

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These programs prepare students for careers in health, medicine, and the associated fields. Below is a list of some of the prominent programs offered at SMU:

a. Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) The MBChB program at SMU is designed to train medical professionals who are equipped to meet the health challenges in South Africa and internationally. Students will receive comprehensive medical education, including practical skills and exposure to clinical settings.
- Duration: 6 years
- Key Modules: Human Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Clinical Medicine, Surgery
- Admission Requirements:
  - A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 60% in Mathematics, 60% in Physical Science, and 50% in English.
  - Meeting the university’s selection criteria for MBChB (which includes interviews and possibly additional entrance assessments).
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) The BDS program at SMU offers students a comprehensive education in dentistry, equipping them to become dental professionals capable of practicing independently or in health institutions.
- Duration: 5 years
- Key Modules: Dental Anatomy, Oral Pathology, Surgery, Clinical Dentistry, Prosthodontics
- Admission Requirements:
  - A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with 60% in Mathematics, 60% in Physical Science, and 50% in English.
  - Successful completion of a selection process (interviews and/or an entrance exam).
Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) The BPharm program trains students in pharmaceutical sciences, focusing on the preparation and dispensing of medicines, patient care, and pharmaceutical research.
- Duration: 4 years
- Key Modules: Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacy Practice
- Admission Requirements:
  - A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with 60% in Mathematics, 60% in Physical Science, and 50% in English.
  - Additional selection criteria may apply, including academic performance and interviews.
Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (BSc Physiotherapy) The Physiotherapy program prepares students to become professionals who can assess, treat, and prevent physical disabilities resulting from illness or injury.
- Duration: 4 years
- Key Modules: Human Anatomy, Exercise Therapy, Kinesiology, Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Practice
- Admission Requirements:
  - A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with 60% in Mathematics, 60% in Physical Science, and 50% in English.
  - Meeting the university’s specific selection criteria for Physiotherapy.
Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP) This program trains students to become clinical medical practitioners with a focus on diagnosing and managing health conditions. It is ideal for those who wish to work in primary healthcare.
- Duration: 4 years
- Key Modules: Clinical Practice, Primary Health Care, Community Medicine, Medical Ethics, Pathophysiology
- Admission Requirements:
  - A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with 60% in Mathematics, 60% in Physical Science, and 50% in English.
  - A competitive selection process.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing) The Nursing program is designed to prepare students for a career in healthcare by developing practical and theoretical knowledge about patient care, healthcare systems, and nursing leadership.
- Duration: 4 years
- Key Modules: Anatomy and Physiology, Health Assessment, Nursing Care, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Community Health Nursing
- Admission Requirements:
  - A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with 50% in Life Sciences, 50% in Mathematics (or Mathematics Literacy), and 50% in English.
  - Specific selection criteria apply.
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BSc Occupational Therapy) The Occupational Therapy program at SMU trains students to help individuals regain their ability to perform daily tasks following injury, illness, or disability.
- Duration: 4 years
- Key Modules: Human Anatomy, Occupational Therapy Practice, Rehabilitation, Mental Health, Pediatrics
- Admission Requirements:
  - A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with 60% in Mathematics, 60% in Physical Science, and 50% in English.
  - Selection may involve interviews and assessments.
Bachelor of Radiography (BSc Radiography) The Radiography program prepares students to work with diagnostic imaging equipment and assist healthcare providers in diagnosing diseases.
- Duration: 3 years
- Key Modules: Radiographic Anatomy, Patient Care, Imaging Techniques, Radiobiology, Radiology
- Admission Requirements:
  - A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with 50% in Mathematics, 50% in Physical Science, and 50% in English.
  - Selection criteria may include assessments and interviews.

b. Postgraduate Programs

Master of Medicine (MMed) The MMed program is designed for medical professionals who wish to specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as pediatrics, surgery, or psychiatry.
- Duration: 2-4 years (depending on specialization)
- Key Modules: Advanced Medical Practice, Research Methodology, Clinical Specialization
- Admission Requirements:
  - A relevant medical degree (e.g., MBChB) and work experience in the field of medical practice.
  - A research proposal and a selection interview.
Master of Public Health (MPH) The MPH program is for those who want to work in public health management, policy-making, and community health interventions.
- Duration: 2 years
- Key Modules: Epidemiology, Health Systems, Public Health Policy, Health Promotion
- Admission Requirements:
  - A relevant undergraduate degree, typically in health or social sciences, with a strong academic record.
  - Work experience in the health sector may be required.
Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) The MPharm program offers advanced training in the practice and research of pharmacy, enabling students to pursue careers in pharmaceutical industries or academia.
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Key Modules: Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology, Advanced Pharmacology, Research in Pharmacy
- Admission Requirements:
  - A Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (BPharm) with a minimum of 60% in the final year of study.
Master of Science in Physiotherapy (MSc Physiotherapy) This program allows graduates to specialize further in various aspects of physiotherapy, including orthopedic, neurological, or pediatric physiotherapy.
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Key Modules: Advanced Physiotherapy Practice, Rehabilitation Techniques, Clinical Research
- Admission Requirements:
  - A relevant Bachelor’s degree (BSc Physiotherapy) and work experience in the field of physiotherapy.

3. Admission Requirements for SMU Courses

The general admission requirements for undergraduate programs at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University are as follows:

National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 50% in key subjects such as English and relevant courses (e.g., Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences).
For postgraduate programs, applicants must have a relevant undergraduate degree with a minimum average of 60%.

Note that specific courses, such as medicine or pharmacy, may have additional requirements or selection criteria, including interviews, entrance exams, and work experience.

4. How to Apply for SMU Courses

Applying to SMU is a simple process that can be done online. Here’s how you can apply:

Visit the Official SMU Website: Go to the official Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University website to browse the available courses and check

their specific admission requirements. 2. Create an Account: Register for an application account on the SMU online application portal. 3. Complete the Application Form: Fill in the online application form with your personal details, academic history, and program choice. 4. Submit Required Documents: Upload the necessary documents, including your NSC results, identification, and other supporting documents. 5. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the required application fee using the available payment methods. 6. Submit Your Application: Once you’ve completed the form and uploaded the documents, submit your application. 7. Wait for Notification: After the application has been processed, you will be notified about the status of your admission.

For more information on how to apply, visit the official SMU website: www.smu.ac.za.