This programme prepares students for the professional field of diagnostic radiography which entails the production of x-ray images of the human body in order to diagnose disease. The theoretical and practical components of the course are covered concurrently. The practical component is undertaken at an accredited training hospital. Graduates are required by law to undertake one year of community service. This is a prerequisite for registration with the HPCSA as a radiographer.

This programme aims to develop eager individuals through facilitation of a strenuous learning experience, based on international best practice guidelines. Graduates will become highly skilled, knowledgeable and independent paramedics registered with the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Emergency Care Practitioner – the highest register for paramedics. The EMC programme aims to meet the needs of South Africa, by producing well balanced practitioners with a thorough understanding of rescue principles and advanced patient care in the most diverse and adverse conditions.

The programme prepares students for their profession as a Medical Laboratory Scientist and aims to facilitate training in the following disciplines: • Clinical Chemistry (diagnostic biochemical analysis); • Haematology (study of blood cells and blood diseases); • Medical Microbiology (study of microorganisms); • Clinical Pathology (combination of: clinical chemistry, haematology and microbiology); • Cytology (study of normal and abnormal human cells); • Histopathology (the study of normal and abnormal human tissues); • Immunohematology (blood transfusion). Students are required to complete a National Board Exam in their area of specialisation before they graduate and each student is required by law to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a student Medical Laboratory Scientist.

The programme covers four main subject areas: • Pharmacology and Applied Therapeutics, • Pharmaceutical Chemistry, • Pharmaceutics, and • Pharmacy Practice. Research elective courses are offered in the final year of study. In order to register as a pharmacist with the South African Pharmacy Council, after obtaining the BPharm degree, students must successfully complete a one year internship and a one year compulsory community service. The internship year may be done in hospitals, community (retail) pharmacies, the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, or in academia if continuing with postgraduate studies.

The purpose of Nelson Mandela University’s MBChB programme is to train caring, competent and committed medical doctors who will work as members of inter- professional teams, to practice comprehensive primary health care in holistic and culturally sensitive ways. The programme focuses on training students to provide preventive, promotive, therapeutic and rehabilitative health services and will develop medical doctors who are able and willing to serve and improve the health of individuals, families and communities in urban, peri-urban and rural areas of the Eastern Cape in particular, and South Africa as a whole. To be allowed to register as a doctor (medical practitioner), a student must obtain the MBChB degree, followed by a two-year internship, and one year of community service. It is essential that students who enter the programme are prepared for, and suited to, the training which aims to produce graduates who are primary health care-oriented practitioners. Closing date for applications: A date will be stipulated by which applications will close in the year prior to registration. Only a limited number of students are selected annually for the first year of study of the MBChB and meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee a place. Selection guidelines that consider academic and non-academic merit are approved annually by the Medical Programme Selection Committee.

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) apply their skills to identify, assess and manage various risks to human health. They are able to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of control measures in order to make necessary improvements. In addition they will be able to apply research skills and interpret and apply legislation, regulations and policies related to environmental health and to advise/ educate role players on specific issues within their scope of practice.

This programme provides training for students who want to develop psychological knowledge and skills for use in people-oriented careers in helping settings as well as in business settings. It also provides the foundation from which a professional qualification in either clinical/counselling psychology or industrial & organisational psychology can be built. The core modules cover the following broad areas: health psychology, gender and social psychology, traumatology, crosscultural psychology, neuropsychology, research methodology, relationship psychology, psychopathology, psychological assessment and intervention, career psychology, human resource management, organisational behaviour and consumer behaviour.

Social work plays an important role in society, with the social worker helping people to overcome obstacles, ranging from family counselling, criminal offences, drug abuse, abuse or physical/mental disabilities. A social worker should be able to handle stress and act compassionately when dealing with others. This programme is made up of compulsory fundamental and core modules, as well as a choice of elective modules which can be selected according to the student’s interests. Practical work is an integral part of the degree from second year level. Graduates qualify for registration as social workers with the Council for Social Service Professions.

With nutrition acknowledged as a key to the future of modern medicine, dietetics is one of the world’s fastest-growing professions. The BSc (Dietetics) degree at Nelson Mandela University trains competent and ethical dietetics professionals who will contribute to the medical therapeutic, community nutrition and specialised food services sectors. Graduates are required to register with the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) before they can practice as a Dietitian.

This programme equips students with the knowledge, attitudes and skills which are essential for a successful career in sport management. The programme also provides the opportunity for the students to fully realise their potential in the one sport in which they chose to specialise. Students are required to belong to a club of their specialist sport, approved by the Human Movement Science department, and to involve themselves in the administration of the club. Apart from the academic programme, students are expected to attend special courses and excursions and involve themselves in projects that are arranged for their benefit. These activities are not necessarily accommodated in the academic fee structure.