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SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Midwifery 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125040  Master of Midwifery 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Rehabilitative Health/Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0836/25  2025-11-13  2028-11-13 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-11-13   2032-11-13  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Master of Midwifery is to educate graduates who are equipped with specialist knowledge, skills and values necessary to practice as autonomous and socially responsible advanced midwife practitioners, in accordance with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) scope of practice. Further, graduates are equipped with advanced research and academic knowledge and skills in Midwifery to contribute to knowledge production (epistemology) in this discipline in a variety of settings and at a level such that they are prepared for advanced clinical practice (ontology and praxis) and specialised professional employment in the National Health System.

Rationale:
This qualification will offer an opportunity that currently does not exist for specialist midwives to develop their research, clinical, and leadership skills to take up clinical leadership roles in institutional, district, provincial, or national levels of the health service, or to pioneer the advanced midwife specialist role, which is accommodated on the national Human Resources for Health Plan. Previous graduates have wanted to pursue a master's degree in the Midwifery field but have not had this opportunity and have been limited to either undertaking a dissertation-only master's degree or a coursework and minor-dissertation master's degree in nursing. This qualification will offer a more focused option in their area of expertise, which could enable them to pursue their career in a clinically focused setting.

The qualification is intentionally designed to prepare advanced midwife specialists to contribute and provide clinical leadership in pioneering roles in the redesigned South African National Health Service. The qualification is aligned with the National Department of Health's Human Resource Strategy and Occupation-Specific Dispensation (OSD) policy: Midwives employed at an advanced practitioner level are required to have a clinical master's qualification. Currently, there is no such qualification available in the country.

Graduates are expected to display an ability to engage the complexities of current Health Care systems in their region and country of origin, in innovative ways to enhance creative utilisation of a variety of resources. The professional Master of Midwifery degree aims to prepare clinical midwife leaders and scholars for South Africa, the rest of Africa, and beyond. The programme is committed, through innovative research and scholarship, to grappling with the key issues in health at individual, family, community, and public health levels.

At the end of 2021, the number of people registered with the SANC with the post-basic Midwifery qualification (specialist midwife) was 5176. The opening up of the career ladder, which is in the National Department of Health's Human Resources for Health 2030 strategy, would place at the forefront of preparing graduates to step into this pioneering role in South African health care.

This qualification will offer an opportunity that currently does not exist for specialist midwives to develop their research, clinical, and leadership skills to take up clinical leadership roles in institutional, district, provincial, or national levels of the health service, or to pioneer the advanced midwife specialist role, which is accommodated on the national Human Resources for Health plan. Previous graduates have wanted to pursue a master's degree in the Midwifery field but have not had this opportunity and have been limited to either undertaking a dissertation-only master's degree or coursework and a degree. This offers a more focused option in their area of expertise, which could enable them to pursue their career in a clinically focused setting.

(ii) The programme is intentionally designed to prepare advanced midwife specialists to contribute and provide clinical leadership in pioneering roles in the re-designed South African National Health Service. The proposed Professional Master of Midwifery qualification is aligned with the National Department of Health's Human Resource strategy - Occupation-Specific Dispensation (OSD) policy: midwives employed at an advanced practitioner level are required to have a clinical master's degree qualification. Currently, there is no such qualification available in the country.

Graduates are expected to display an ability to engage the complexities of current Health Care systems in their region and country of origin, in innovative ways to enhance creative utilisation of a variety of resources. The qualification will prepare clinical midwife leaders and scholars for South Africa, the rest of Afrika and beyond. The qualification is committed, through innovative research and scholarship, to grapple with the key issues in health at individual, family, community and public health levels.

At the end of 2021, the number of people registered with the SANC with the post-basic Midwifery qualification (specialist midwife) was 5176. The opening up of the career ladder, which is in the National Department of Health's Human Resources for Health 2030 Strategy, would place the institution at the forefront of preparing graduates to step into this pioneering role in South African health care.

The qualification will attract registered midwives who have completed the PGDip (Midwifery), or equivalent, which leads to recognition with the SANC as a specialist midwife. Midwives from primary, secondary or tertiary levels of the health service will be welcome as specialist midwives' function at each level of the health service, which is different from medical doctors where specialists operate virtually exclusively in the tertiary level space. The qualification will also attract specialist midwives from Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. The qualification will produce graduates whose qualifications are internationally recognised and locally relevant, underpinned by values of engaged citizenship and social justice. Selection of applicants will ensure diversity and transformation and will grow the next generation of academics and knowledge workers. The qualification will equip learners with broad specialist knowledge that goes beyond the immediate requirements of their professional degree or major discipline. Learners will be equipped to compete in a globalised workplace; who will have a spirit of critical enquiry through research-led teaching; and who will understand the role they can play in addressing social justice issues.

On completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be eligible to apply for Doctoral studies.
(The intentional focus is on Midwifery interventions that affect health outcomes and address relevant Sustainable Development Goals (specifically goal 3 - good health and wellbeing; goal 5 - gender equality; and goal - 13 climate action). The re-engineered South African healthcare system requires and makes provision for knowledgeable, well prepared advanced specialist midwife practitioners to provide clinical leadership and improved patient outcomes. While this currently applies particularly in primary care contexts, a primary health care approach will also be applied in the management of pregnancies which present with complex challenges. Expert knowledge is an essential element for quality midwifery care and should be based on the scholarship of discovery, teaching, service and integration best practice in a variety of contexts with varied resources. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for access:
Alternative access through recognition of prior learning.: However, after significant discussion, it was decided that
  • According to SANC's requirements, RPL for access is not allowed for the qualification.
  • RPL for access is accommodated for the PGDip Midwifery, which is a prerequisite for the master's degree
  • Only 10% of applicants may be admitted via this route

    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Nursing Honours, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing in Midwifery; NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Care Nursing; NQF Level 8.
    And
  • Registered with SANC as a general nurse and specialist midwife.
  • At least two years' clinical nursing experience in Midwifery post-SANC registration. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at the National Qualifications Framework, Level 9, totalling 198 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 9: 198 Credits
  • Clinical Research, Level 9, 30 Credits.
  • Clinical Leadership, 30 Credits.
  • Advanced Midwifery Practice I 40 Credits.
  • Advanced Midwifery Practice II, 48 Credits.
  • Midwifery Research Project, 50 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit Level Outcomes:
    1. Demonstrate the ability to critically engage with and independently resolve complex issues in midwifery practice, applying advanced theoretical knowledge systematically and creatively.
    2. Critically appraise current research and make sound judgements about the applicability to enhance evidence-based practice.
    3. Critically appraise and interpret service level data to independently identify where improvements or interventions may be necessary or desirable.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to lead and manage interdisciplinary teams to advance care for pregnant women, newborns, and families.
    5. Communicate complex ideas and clinical reasoning clearly, coherently, and appropriately to a range of audiences using a range of media.
    6. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in addressing and solving complex clinical and systemic problems.
    7. Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks, demonstrating ethical reasoning, advanced clinical judgement, and professional accountability.
    8. Demonstrate commitment to personal lifelong learning, fostering a learning culture, and supporting this practice among colleagues. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Critique, integrate, and apply advanced knowledge and skills to enhance Midwifery practice
  • Demonstrate critical practice guided by good outcomes in a multi-logical clinical environment informed by advanced theoretical frameworks.
  • Critically engage with clinical complexity, requiring a high level of theoretical engagement and creative ways of utilising local and Afrocentric knowledge to provide context-responsive solutions.
  • Engage critically with the principles, theories, issues and debates emerging nationally and globally in women's, maternal and newborn rights and health, and in Midwifery, in particular, the Framework for Quality Maternal and Newborn Care.
  • Design and apply creative solution-focused and strengths-based approaches to working with pregnant women, newborns, families, adolescents and community groups, and with professional colleagues in various community contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Critique, integrate, and apply advanced knowledge and skills to enhance Midwifery practice.
  • Demonstrate mastery of the research process and be able to use this to critique published articles to inform practice innovation.
  • Critically appraise information and systems, and design clinical improvement strategies in collaborative ways.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Appropriately incorporate principles of economics and financial planning to lead clinical governance and resource management.
  • Apply advanced systems thinking, monitoring, and evaluation strategies to ensure and enhance quality care provision.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Design and develop a research proposal for a basic research project relevant to creative media design and production.
  • Collect and analyse data relevant to a defined research problem
  • Produce a mini dissertation to report the findings of the research project in an academically appropriate manner.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Communicate advanced clinical reasoning confidently using a variety of media: electronic and interpersonal to both specialist and nonspecialist audiences, as well as with communities and users of health services.
  • Creatively model and lead through engagements and clinical practice a commitment to respectful maternity care which acknowledges and respects a multicultural population and people with disabilities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Contribute to and lead multiprofessional/disciplinary teams to optimise health care in various settings.
  • Provide creative leadership to drive practice/system improvement and innovation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Demonstrate personal attributes and behaviour that conform to the relevant code of ethics and scope of practice of a specialist midwife.
  • Use critical decision-making and moral reasoning models and principles to make clinical judgements to resolve ethical dilemmas within their practice and contribute to the ongoing development of ethical standards in the field of Midwifery.
  • Demonstrate autonomy and professional accountability for own professional judgement, actions, outcomes of care, and maintain advanced competence.
  • Creatively lead and innovate clinical governance strategies in various health care settings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Critique, integrate and apply advanced knowledge and skills in to enhance Midwifery practice.
  • Actively foster a positive practice environment, particularly in relation to advancing learning among other midwives and clinicians.
  • Demonstrate autonomy and professional accountability for own professional judgement, actions, outcomes of care, and maintain advanced competence
  • Develop learning strategies to sustain independent learning for academic and professional development.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Assessment is regarded as integral to learning rather than an endpoint. Assessments are geared to be phased so that foundations are well established and there is increasing complexity towards the summative assessment, by which time the learner would have had opportunities to master the skills and knowledge for the summative assessment. Assessments are largely projects in nature which facilitate creativity, exploration, and deep learning.

    Clinical Research:
  • In-course assessment - 40% consisting of three assessments: research summarising skills (28%); identifying clinical practice guidelines through a structured search strategy (4%); participation in and contribution to learning dialogues (8%)
  • End-of-course assessment - 60% - consisting of a literature review based on a robust search strategy and an assessment of the level of evidence of the sources found.

    Clinical Leadership:
  • In-course assessment - 40% - consisting of a written assignment on legal, regulatory and ethical frameworks of practice (20%), and participation and completion of self-directed learning activities (20%)
  • End-of-course - 60% - consisting of a written assignment on legal, regulatory and ethical frameworks of practice and the scope for delegation of responsibility (40%), and an oral examination presenting findings from the written assignment.

    Advanced Midwifery Practice I
  • In-course assessment - 50% - consisting of family attachment study (15%), comprehensive clinical assessment (15%), and clinical portfolio (20%)
  • End-of-course - 50% - consisting of a portfolio-based oral assessment

    Advanced Midwifery Practice II
  • In-course assessment - 50% - consisting of two comprehensive clinical assessments (25%) and a clinical portfolio oral (25%)
  • End-of-course - 50% - consisting of a clinical case presentation (25%) and portfolio-based oral assessment (25%)

    Midwifery Research Project:
  • Ongoing iterative process during the development of the project.
  • Written project report - 80% of final mark.
  • Presentation and oral examination of the research project - 20% of final mark. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    UCT has pioneered the introduction of a Master's degree in a Nursing Specialisation, the Master of Nursing in Child Nursing and currently is the only university in South Africa to offer the qualification.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: University of Cincinnati
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Midwifery
    Credits: 57 US credits
    Duration: 2 years

    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    And
  • Registered Nurse (RN) licensure with no disciplinary action
  • A minimum of one year of RN experience in the United States, with labour and delivery experience strongly preferred.


    Purpose:
    The purpose of the Master of Science in Midwifery is to develop qualifying learners who can provide comprehensive, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive care to women throughout their lifespan, with a focus on reproductive and sexual health. The qualification will cultivate nurses who are sensitive to the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of women and their families.

    The qualification explores the complexities of providing primary care to women throughout the birthing process and focuses on cultivating nurses who are sensitive to the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of the women in their care.

    Learning Outcomes:
    On completion of the qualification, graduates will be able to:
  • Integrate expert clinical knowledge into best practice models, analyze midwifery outcomes, and identify gaps between evidence and practice.
  • Demonstrate leadership within interprofessional teams, advocate for policy changes to improve healthcare access, and promote health equity and social justice.
  • Critically appraise research, utilise evidence to improve care, and initiate change in midwifery practice.
  • Provide culturally sensitive, ethical, and financially sound care to diverse populations.
  • Develop a commitment to lifelong learning and contribute to the advancement of the midwifery profession.

    Qualification structure:
  • Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice
  • Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
  • Conceptual Frameworks for Nurse Midwifery
  • Advanced Health Assessment comparable to Clinical Leadership
  • Advanced Reproductive Dynamics
  • Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses
  • Primary Care of Episodic Illnesses in Women Practicum comparable to Advanced Midwifery Practice
  • Primary Care of Episodic Illnesses in Women comparable to Advanced Midwifery Practice
  • Women's Health Care for Nurse Midwifery
  • Nurse Midwifery Practicum and Capstone comparable to Midwifery Research Project
  • Antepartum Care for Nurse Midwifery
  • Theoretical Basis for Clinical Reasoning comparable to Clinical Research

    Similarities
  • University of Cincinnati (UCC) and the South African (SA) qualification require applicants who completed the bachelor's degree in nursing and must be registered Nurse
  • The purpose of UCC is to prepare nurses to become registered nurse-midwives who will provide comprehensive primary care to women throughout their lifespan, with a focus on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.
  • Graduates from the UCC and SA qualification will be able to evaluate and apply expert clinical knowledge into best practice models using relevant data to analyze midwifery outcomes and identify gaps between evidence and practice and consider potential solutions to bridge those gaps.
  • Both qualifications lead to the Doctoral Degree in Midwifery and related field.

    Differences:
  • the UCC qualification consists of 57 US credits whereas the SA qualification has 198 credits.
  • The SA qualification is offered in one full year study whereas the UCC qualifications takes two years full time study.
    The UCC qualification requires applicants who have a minimum of one year of Registered Nurse experience in the United States while the SA qualification requires applicants who have a minimum of two years of Registered Nurse experience.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: University of Otago Polytechnic
    Qualification Title: Master of Midwifery
    NQF Level: NZQF Level 9
    Credits: 180
    Duration: 2 Years Full-time

    Entry Requirements:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery with a B grade average, or equivalent.
    And
  • Registered midwife
  • Midwifery experience, which could include an extensive practice history, including project work undertaken during self- or institutional employment.

    Purpose:
    The Otago Polytechnic Master of Midwifery aims to develop graduates who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in midwifery practice, leadership, research, and critical thinking. Key graduate attributes include the ability to conduct independent research, apply advanced communication skills, and exhibit leadership within the profession. Furthermore, graduates are expected to be proficient in evidence-based practice, critical reflection, and to contribute to the development of midwifery services.

    Learning outcomes:
    On completion of the qualification, graduates will be able to:
  • Critically evaluate and apply research findings to inform their practice and ensure the delivery of high-quality care.
  • Develop in-depth understanding of normal and complex pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care, including the management of various medical conditions that may impact these processes.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in essential midwifery skills like antenatal care, labour and birth management, newborn care, and breastfeeding support.
  • identify and manage emergency situations and make appropriate referrals when necessary.
  • Take on leadership roles within their practice, influencing and shaping midwifery services.
    Collaboration:
  • Working effectively with women, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
  • Understand the importance of collaborative practice within a multidisciplinary healthcare setting.
  • Conduct original research, demonstrating higher-order skills in analysis and critical evaluation.
    Critical reflection:
  • Utilise self-reflection and critical analysis to enhance their own clinical practice and contribute to the development of the profession.
  • Apply research findings and critical thinking to make sound clinical judgments.
  • Communicate effectively with women, their families, and colleagues.
  • Committed to ongoing professional development and maintaining high standards of practice.
  • Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and a commitment to ethical conduct in all aspects of their work.

    The Midwifery Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) is the regulatory body for New Zealand midwives. It is responsible for the health and safety of women and babies during the childbirth process by providing mechanisms to ensure that midwives are competent and fit to practise midwifery
    Graduates of this qualification may be able to progress into doctoral studies.

    Qualification structure:
    Thesis or dissertation
    There are two options for completing this qualification.
  • Complete a 120-credit midwifery thesis or in some instances a 60-credit midwifery dissertation.

    The thesis option enables learners to complete a piece of original research based on higher order skills of analysis and critical evaluation.

    Both pathways also require the completion of two compulsory modules
  • Knowledge and Theory in Midwifery
  • Research Methods in Midwifery comparable to Clinical Research.

    Similarities
  • The University of Otago Polytechnic (UOP) and the South African (SA) qualifications are registered at NZQF/SA NQF Level 9.
  • Both qualifications have a minimum of 180 credits.
  • The UOP and the SA qualification accept applicants who have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery and proof of registration as a registered midwife with MCNZ/SANC.
  • The purpose of UOP and SA qualifications is to develop graduates who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in midwifery practice, leadership, research, and critical thinking.
  • The UOP and the SA qualification share similar outcomes, such as conducting original research, demonstrating higher-order skills in analysis and critical evaluation.
  • Both qualifications enable graduates to progress into the Doctor of Midwifery and related field.

    Differences:
  • UOP is offered over 2 years full-time study, whereas the SA qualification is offered over one year full-time study
  • There are two options for completing the UOP qualification: namely Thesis or a dissertation, whereas the SA qualification has one method: namely, coursework and the Midwifery Research Project, and not a dissertation/thesis. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides for the following articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Nursing in Child Nursing, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Nursing Science in Maternal and Child Nursing, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Nursing in Maternal and Child Health, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Public Health, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Nursing, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Nursing Science, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science, NQF Level 10.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is diagonal articulation across NQF sub-frameworks, as Nursing and Midwifery qualifications are only located on the HEQSF. Progression and mobility in nursing qualifications are further regulated by the South African Nursing Council, which sets professional requirements for practice. Within the HEQSF, this qualification allows for vertical progression to doctoral studies and limited horizontal articulation, as described. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of Cape Town 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.