Purpose statement
The purpose of this qualification is to enhance the capacity of people working in the health field to practice Public Health in order to improve the health status of the people of South Africa and other developing countries. Successful candidates will provide the skills and expertise to assess, plan, monitor, implement, and manage relevant health programmes at district, regional and provincial levels. The focus of the qualification is on health measurement to enable students to assess the health status of populations, plan appropriate interventions and monitor the outcomes of intervention strategies. Important determinants such as infectious disease, including HIV and Aids and populations trends will be an integral part of the programme. A module on the principles and theory of health research will ensure that students will obtain the skills to provide evidence-based solutions to health priorities.
| Qualification code: | 90161 |
| NQF level: | 8 |
| Total credits: | 120 |
| SAQA ID: | 111554 |
| APS/AS: | 60 |
| Maximum time to complete this qualification: | 3 years |
Please note:
An appropriate Health profession and Clinical Sciences related qualification at NQF 7 from an accredited provider of higher education. A minimum of 60% or more in the qualification.
Unsuccessful applicants may submit an appeal on the application portal at https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Apply-for-admission/Apply-for-admission-to-study:-application-tool and will be required to provide a motivation for special admission. The motivation must incorporate the following:
* academic motivation offering evidence of your ability to study a postgraduate qualification,
* work experience relevant to the qualification and courses completed since graduating with a Bachelor's degree or Advanced Diploma.
These appeals will only be considered if the enrolment target of the qualification has not been met and/or additional enrolment spaces are available.
Pay the application fee of R150 once you've received your student number.
Please note:
Click here to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.
Apply for admission to honours degrees or postgraduate diplomas for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025.
Please note:
Successful applicants should visit the registration website in January 2026 for updated registration information (eg qualification rules, curriculum/transitional arrangements, pre-requisites and co-requisites): www.unisa.ac.za/register