Advanced Diploma in Midwifery
Purpose:
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Advanced Diploma
Credits
120
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
0
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
North-West College of Nursing
Quality assurance functionary
-
Field
Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services
Subfield
Curative Health
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2025-07-10
Registration end
2028-07-10
Last date for enrolment
2029-07-10
Last date for achievement
2032-07-10
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Purpose
The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Midwifery qualification is to develop the professional nurse's knowledge and expertise of and in education, with specific application to the nursing profession. The qualification aims to develop a nurse and produce competent, independent, and critically thinking midwives within a wide range of midwifery services. Produce learners with a wide range of skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable them to make a meaningful and sustained contribution to midwifery services.
Trained midwives with a developed sense of equity, justice and service ethics that will ensure that they work in a responsible and accountable manner irrespective of their chosen workplace. Offer a wide range of transferable skills for application in other professions, disciplines, and general life. These include:
- A methodological solution-based approach to the development of self and others.
- An empowerment-based approach to the development of self and others.
- Competence in written and oral communication.
- Capacity to assess and implement midwifery practice and other policies - the ability to plan, implement and manage projects of varied nature - the ability to use evidence-based practice.
Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able
- Apply specific knowledge, key terms, concepts, and facts of bio-natural and social sciences including pharmacology in midwifery using an integrated approach.
- Provide safe and quality midwifery and neonatal care in a scientific, integrated and evidence-based approach in all health care settings and take decisions and act ethically.
- Practice independently and professionally within an appropriate ethical-legal framework.
- Improve the quality of midwifery and neonatal care through an analytical, reflective, and problem-solving approach.
- Effectively manage a midwifery unit through appropriate clinical governance strategy.
Entry requirements and RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.
RPL for access
- Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
- To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.
RPL for exemption of modules
- Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.
RPL for credit
- Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
- Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is
- Diploma in Community Nursing Science, NQF Level 6.
Or
- Diploma in Nursing, NQF Level 6.
Or
- Diploma: General Nursing, NQF Level 6.
Or
- Diploma: Nursing: Community Health, NQF Level 6.
AND
- Registered Professional Nurse with SANC.
Replacement note
This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7, totalling 120 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 112 Credits.
- Midwifery Professional Practice, 8 Credits.
- Midwifery Pre- Conception and Pregnancy Care, 16 Credits.
- Midwifery Intra- Partum Care, 16 Credits.
- Midwifery Post- Partum and Neonatal Care, 8 Credits.
- Midwifery Practice Research, 8 Credits.
- Midwifery Pregnancy Care, 16 Credits.
- Midwifery Intra- Partum Care, 24 Credits.
- Midwifery Post- Partum and Neonatal Care, 16 Credits.
Elective Modules, Level 7, 8 Credits (Select one module from the following options)
- Applied Bio- Psycho- Social Sciences, 8 Credits.
- Pharmacology, 8 Credits.
Exit level outcomes
- Apply specific knowledge, key terms, concepts, and facts of bio-natural and social sciences including pharmacology in midwifery using an integrated approach.
- Provide safe and quality midwifery and neonatal care in a scientific, integrated and evidence-based approach in all health care settings and take decisions and act ethically.
- Practice independently and professionally within an appropriate ethical-legal framework.
- Improve the quality of midwifery and neonatal care through an analytical, reflective, and problem-solving approach.
- Effectively manage a midwifery unit through an appropriate clinical governance strategy.
Associated assessment criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Apply knowledge of bio-natural sciences and pharmacology during the assessment and care of a mother and neonate.
- Apply knowledge of social sciences in the counselling and advocacy for a mother and baby through the pre-conception, antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal stages.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Prepare woman and family for pregnancy, childbirth, and family changes considering the woman's context/background and facilitate antenatal classes and appropriate health education.
- Conduct the obstetric history-taking and physical examination of the mother in a comprehensive manner, using a variety of available technology.
- Apply the anatomical and physiological changes related to conception, pregnancy, and labour in the practice of midwifery.
- Observe significant changes and laboratory results, accurately interpret, and appropriately refer to where a potential risk to mother and/or foetus exists.
- Use a variety of available technology to monitor the well-being of the foetus, foetal movement, heart rates and growth.
- Apply the physiology of labour and technology used to monitor and manage the mother during labour and delivery.
- Illustrate management and understanding of changes taking place in a newborn baby.
- Identify, accurately manage, and refer to potential and actual emergencies of the mother and or fetus timorously.
- Deliver intra-labour care to the mother and baby and comply with generally accepted regional, national, and provincial treatment guidelines and promote the safety of both for example Campaign for Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA), Basic Antenatal Care (BANC) protocol, Essential Steps in the Management of Obstetric Emergencies (ESMOE), saving mothers, etc.
- Integrate care delivered post-natally and provide the long-term wellbeing of mother and child, in line with the accepted Scope of Practice for Midwife.
- Document, manage and communicate midwifery data to support decision-making.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Apply knowledge of applicable ethics, professional practice, and legal aspects during ethical decision-making in midwifery practice.
- Evaluate advocacy for the rights of women, children, and their families in midwifery practice.
- Take accountability and responsibility for own professional acts and omissions within the relevant legal and ethical parameters.
- Promote human rights as enshrined in the constitution and translated into the patients' rights in midwifery practice.
- Identify and respond to human rights issues pertaining to nursing and midwifery practice within the various health care settings.
- Apply relevant legislation within nursing and midwifery practice demonstrating sensitivity to contextually relevant ethical values.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
- Apply analytic, reflective, and problem-solving skills towards the quality improvement of midwifery practice.
- Initiate, maintain and utilize methods of enquiry, to monitor the quality of care.
- Define a quality improvement plan within the scope of practice and standards of midwifery practice.
- Participate in the development, review, and implementation of a midwifery quality improvement plan.
- Utilize evidence-based practice to inform and improve the standards of midwifery practice.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5
- Discuss the value of communities of practice and clinical leadership management principles in midwifery practice.
- Access benchmarks and best practices and develop and utilise indicators in midwifery care.
- Provide and develop indicators to account for the quality and cost-effectiveness of midwifery care.
- Review the existing and develop new unit philosophy, vision, mission, goals, policies, procedures, and protocols for midwifery care.
- Manage diversity and collaborate with all stakeholders within the midwifery context.
- Assess and develop self and others to maintain midwifery standards of practice and continuous professional development.
Integrated Assessment
Integrated Assessment in the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they can integrate concepts, ideas, and actions across this qualification to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent with the purpose of this qualification. Integrated assessment will show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome as described in the Exit Level Outcomes.
Integrated Assessment will judge the quality of the observable performance, and the quality of the reasoning that lies behind it. Assessments tools will encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. The South African Nursing Council (SANC) guidelines for assessment and the competency framework are used as a reference for assessing clinical competence. Both formative and summative assessments will be used in this qualification to evaluate learner competence and performance.
Formative Assessment
The goal of formative assessment is to provide ongoing feedback that can be used by learners to improve their learning and by lecturers to improve their teaching. More specifically, formative assessments:
- Help learners identify their strengths and weaknesses and target areas that need improvement.
- Help educators recognize where learners are struggling and address problems immediately.
In this qualification formative assessment will be provided through
- Clinical performance assessment.
- Peer review.
- Case study.
- Projects.
- Assignments.
- Role-play.
Summative Assessment
Summative assessment is used to recognise the attainment of outcomes at a certain level of education. For all modules, written assignments or project reports throughout the academic year and written examinations, including Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE), will constitute summative assessment. All summative practical assessments must be conducted in actual clinical practice or care settings, or clinical laboratories. A minimum of 50% must be obtained to satisfy the requirements for awarding the certificate.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation
- Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing, NQF Level 7.
- Advanced Diploma in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science, NQF Level 7.
- Advanced Diploma in Trauma and Emergency Nursing, NQF Level 7.
- Advanced Diploma: Operating Theatre Nursing, NQF Level 7.
- Bachelor of Nursing Science in Education, Management and Community, NQF Level 7.
- Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing, NQF Level 7.
- Bachelor of Nursing in Education and Administration, NQF Level 7.
Vertical Articulation
- Bachelor of Health Sciences in Nursing, NQF Level 8.
- Bachelor of Nursing Honours in Adult Critical Care Nursing, NQF Level 8.
- Bachelor of Nursing Honours in Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing, NQF Level 8.
- Bachelor of Nursing Honours in Education, NQF Level 8.
- Post Basic Diploma: Nursing: Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Science, NQF Level 8.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Psychiatric Nursing, NQF Level 8.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing, NQF Level 8.
International comparability
South Africa is an active member of the International Council for Nursing (ICN) as well as the International Labour Organization (ILO), a member of the African Union (AU), South African Development Community (SADC) and the Commonwealth. The South African (SA) qualification would meet recognition requirements in most of the member countries of these organizations throughout the Sub-Saharan countries. In the South African context, dating back to the 1960s, to become a midwife a person first had to qualify as a nurse and further be subjected to an additional period of training as a midwife.
The SA qualification is aligned closely with the 2016 World Health Organisation's Africa regional prototype curriculum for Midwifery that all WHO African region countries follow. The qualification is aligned with the Global standards in the midwifery practice of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM). On successful completion of this qualification and on successful registration with the South African Nursing Council as a midwife, they will be internationally recognised.
Global standards compared
The purpose of the midwifery education programme is to produce a competent midwife who
- Has attained/demonstrated, at a minimum, the current ICM Essential competencies for basic midwifery practice.
- Meets the criteria of the ICM Definition of a Midwife and regulatory body standards leading to licensure or registration as a midwife.
- Is eligible to apply for advanced education; and
- Is a knowledgeable, autonomous practitioner who adheres to the ICM International Code of Ethics for Midwives, standards of the profession and established scope of practice within the jurisdiction where legally recognized.
The sequence and content of the midwifery curriculum enables the learner to acquire essential competencies for midwifery practice in accordance with ICM core documents. The midwifery curriculum includes both theory and practice elements with a minimum of 40% theory and a minimum of 50% practice.
Country: Malaysia
Institution: Malaysian Allied Health Sciences Academy (MAHSA).
Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma in Midwifery.
NQF Level: Malaysian Qualifications Framework, (MQF) Level 5.
Similarities
The Malaysian Allied Health Sciences Academy (MAHSA) qualification is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in the following criteria.
Duration
Both the MAHSA and SA qualifications are offered over a period of one-year full-time study.
Entry Requirements
The MAHSA and SA qualification require candidates who
- Possess a Diploma in Nursing from a recognized institution with a minimum of two years of clinical working experience and 3 months of experience in the midwifery field.
AND
- Registered with Nursing Board Malaysia (NBM) (Local Candidates)/ Nursing Council from the country of origin (International Candidates).
Purpose/Rationale
Midwifery is a healthcare profession in which providers offer care to child-bearing women during pregnancy, labour, and birth and during the postpartum period. It requires different approaches to care in accordance with the diversity of cultures worldwide, to assist mothers, new-borns, other members of the family and the community to achieve the highest potential in health. A nurse-midwife is a person who is trained in both nursing and midwifery, and in Malaysia is certified by the Midwifery Board of Malaysia and SANC in SA. To practise, a nurse-midwife must pass an examination for certification by a national board. Nurse-midwife training focuses on the management of women's health care, par
The qualification provides theoretical learning in the classroom and practical sessions in the simulation ward using the latest simulation delivery model. The midwifery learners are provided with learning opportunities to develop communication, counselling, cross-cultural sensitivity, and technical skills relevant to normal and complicated pregnancies, childbirth, postpartum care, and family health promotion.
On successful completion of both the MAHSA and SA qualifications, it is anticipated that qualifying learners will be able to:
- Provide safe and effective application of scientific principles to the provision of midwifery care.
- Employ interpersonal and communication skills to meet the individual needs of the childbearing family through effective education and counselling.
- Incorporate theoretical knowledge of midwifery practice into clinical midwifery practice.
- Relate research evidence to clinical midwifery practice.
- Integrate and promote a consumer focus in the practice of midwifery.
- Exercise a health-promoting midwifery role.
- Incorporate the principles of Primary Health Care into midwifery practice.
- Employ sound problem-solving skills in decision-making.
- Work effectively as a beginning collaborative member of an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary team.
- Accept responsibilities and obligations.
- Advocate the rights of self and women in her care.
- Assess and monitor within the context of the family unit, the physiological, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of the woman during pregnancy, labour, and the postnatal period.
- Assess and monitor the well-being of the foetus/neonate during pregnancy, labour, and the neonatal period.
- Organise and modify appropriate care as required in partnership with the woman in his/her care.
- Distinguish among the differences in the multicultural nature of society and respect the woman's and her family's cultural beliefs and values.
- Apply legal and ethical parameters to the practice of midwifery.
- Initiate referrals to appropriate social agencies concerned with the needs of the child-bearing family.
- Evaluate and apply the principles of management to the planning and provision of midwifery practice.
Learners will be trained and given clinical exposure in the highly specialised medical divisions of gynaecology, obstetrics, neonatal care, family and culture, antepartum and postpartum nursing, psychology in motherhood, preventive medicine, recognition of the early signs of medical complications in birthing, and the education for girls and women. Learners will be able to provide skilled midwifery nursing; give quality care to newborns, their mothers, and their families; recognize, mitigate, and eliminate problems pertaining to various aspects of pregnancy, birth, and antenatal situations. Because birthing and babies are some of the major concerns of life, skilled midwives will always be in great demand, and MAHSA and SA aim to provide the very best of them.
Graduates from both qualifications will be able to pursue careers as
- State Registered Nurse and Midwife recognized by the Midwifery Board Malaysia and Ministry of Health Malaysia and SANC.
- Midwifery Manager supervising a team of midwives.
- Clinical Instructor in a higher education institution.
- Self-employed and independent midwife providing maternity services.
Qualification structure
The MAHSA qualification consists of four integral strands in the curriculum.
Strand One: Nursing science core (theory and practical).
Strand two: Heath science (anatomy and physiology).
Strand Three: Planned parenthood, delivery, home visiting and child health.
Strand Four: Behavioural science, professional role of midwives and excellent service skills and applied research and statistics.
Compulsory Modules
- Anatomy and Physiology.
- Normal Pregnancy.
- Normal Labour.
- Normal Puerperium.
- Perinatal and Neonatal.
- Nutrition.
- Nursing Practice I.
- High Risk and Obstetrical Emergencies.
- Pregnancy with Associated Medical Conditions and Problems.
- Planned Parenthood.
- Research Methodology and Statistics.
- Personal and Professional Development.
- Nursing Practice II.
- Nursing Practice III.
- Nursing Practice IV.
Similarities
Both the MAHSA University and the South African qualifications are designed to introduce registered nurses to the provision of care to the woman and her family throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. The emphasis is on treating the woman and child as individuals with unique needs expectations and aspirations.
The MAHSA qualification shares similar compulsory modules with the SA qualification.
- Anatomy and Physiology.
- Normal Pregnancy.
- Normal Labour.
- Normal Puerperium.
- Perinatal and Neonatal.
- Research Methodology and Statistics.
- Nursing Practice I.
Teaching and assessment
Both the MAHSA and SA qualifications use a variety of teaching methods and assessment methods (formative and summative assessments) that promote creativity and lifelong learning among learners such as face-to-face lectures, problem-solving approaches, self-directed study-online discussions, blackboards, and tutorials, case-study presentations (evidence-based practice) and international exposure.
Articulation: The MAHSA and SA qualification articulate vertically into Postgraduate Diploma and/or Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery or related field.
Both the MAHSA and SA qualifications are recognised and accredited by the country's professional bodies and Quality Councils. The Advanced Diploma in Midwifery is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia and recognized by the Midwifery Board Malaysia and Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
Differences
The MAHSA qualification is registered at MQF Level 5 of eight level frameworks while the SA qualification is registered at NQF Level 7 of ten level frameworks. The MAHSA qualification carries 40 credits learning load which generally requires one-year full-time study whereas the SA qualification carries 120 credits.
The MAHSA has additional minimum entry requirements that candidates must
- Possess Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) (Local Candidates) / Temporary Practicing Certificate (TPC) from NBM before clinical placement (International Candidates).
- International Learners must have the additional language proficiency: English Proficiency: IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL 515/215/80.
- Able to converse in Bahasa Melayu.
Country: Republic of Maldives.
Institution: The Maldives National University.
Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma in Midwifery.
Duration: Five Semester.
NQF Level: Maldives National Qualifications Framework (MNQF) Level 6.
Similarities
The Maldives National University (MNU) qualification is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in the following criteria.
Entry Requirements
Diploma in Nursing AND Registration at Registered Nurse level from the Maldives Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Advanced Diploma in Midwifery program provides opportunities for nurses to upgrade their qualifications to become skillfull midwives who are important members of the health care team. They learn to provide safe, effective, and comprehensive care to mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and post-natal period. They will be able to demonstrate their abilities in critical thinking and identify best practices in providing midwifery care
To work in reproductive health clinics, labour rooms, and areas where postnatal and antenatal care is provided.
Compulsory Modules
- Anatomy and Physiology, 10 Credit Points.
- Nursing Principles and Practices 1A, 20 Credit Points.
- Nursing Principles and Practices 1B, 15 Credit Points.
- Communication for Nurses, 15 Credit Points.
- Community Health Nursing I, 6 Credit Points.
- Paediatric Nursing I, 6 Credit Points.
- Paediatric Nursing Practice I, 6 Credit Points.
- Medical and Surgical Nursing 1, 15 Credit Points.
- Medical and Surgical Nursing Practice I, 15 Credit Points.
- Pharmacology for Nurses, 12 Credit Points.
- Anatomy and Physiology II, 15 Credit Points.
- Microbiology for Nursing, 12 Credit Points.
- Nursing Principles and Practices IIA, 0 Credit Points.
- Nursing Principles and Practices IIB, 15 Credit Points.
- Paediatric Nursing II, 0 Credit Points.
- Paediatric Nursing Practice II, 0 Credit Points.
- Medical and Surgical Nursing Studies II, 12 Credit Points.
- Medical and Surgical Nursing Practice II. 0 Credit Points.
- Medical and Surgical Nursing Practical III, 15 Credit Points.
- Mental Health Nursing, 12 Credit Points.
- Community Health Nursing II, 15 Credit Points.
- Nursing Leadership and Management, 12 Credit Points.
- Nursing Leadership and Management Practice 10 Credit Points.
- Reproductive Health Nursing, 12 Credit Points.
- Reproductive Health Nursing Practice, 12 Credit Points.
- Care of Neonate, 10 Credit Points.
- Midwifery Theory, 20 Credit Points.
- Midwifery Practicum I, 0 Credit Points.
- Midwifery Practicum II, 0 Credit Points.
- Ethical and LegaI Issues in Nursing, 10 Credit Points.
Similarities
The MNU qualification shares similar compulsory modules with the SA qualification. The content of the modules is covered in the Exit Level Outcomes and the Associated Assessment Criteria of the SA qualification.
The following modules are similar to the SA qualifications.
- Anatomy and Physiology.
- Microbiology for Nursing.
- Pharmacology for nurses.
- Reproductive Health Nursing.
- Reproductive Health Nursing Practice.
- Paediatric Nursing.
- Paediatric Nursing Practice.
- Midwifery Theory.
- Midwifery Practicum.
- Care of Neonate.
- Community Health Nursing.
- Nursing Principles and Practices.
Differences
The duration of the MNU is two years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification is offered over a period of one-year full time.
The MNU qualification is registered at MNQF) Level 6 whereas the SA qualification is registered at the NQF Level 7.
The MNU qualification has 287 credits whereas the SA qualification has 120 credits.
The SA qualification consists of both compulsory and elective modules whereas the MNU consists of only compulsory modules and no electives.
The comparative analysis reveals that the South African trainee compares favourably with similar qualifications offered by the above-cited international countries.
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
No provider listing was captured on this qualification record.
Related Qualifications
Explore other relevant certificates and degrees in this field.
Purpose:
Purpose:
Purpose:
Purpose:
Use this qualification in your readiness workflow
Once the qualification identity is clear, your institution can structure the readiness work around the right title, NQF level, dates, and supporting records instead of rebuilding that story later.