National Diploma in Nursing (Midwifery Nursing)
Develop midwifery knowledge within a formally approved post-basic nursing route.
About the course
Develop midwifery knowledge within a formally approved post-basic nursing route. The proposed outline considers pregnancy, childbirth, the postnatal period and newborn care alongside respectful communication and family support. Southern African cases should connect scientific understanding with referral systems, community needs and the quality of maternity services.
What you'll learn
Explain physiological and care concepts across the maternity period.
Analyse a maternity or newborn case within a supervised role.
Discuss referral, escalation and respectful communication responsibilities.
Prepare a supervised practice reflection or maternity-quality investigation.
Requirements
Entry requires a relevant National Certificate or A Level subjects in the field. English Language is required. A completed National Diploma may support second-year entry to a related degree only after BMIT approves module equivalence and any professional requirements.
Programme-specific checks
This provisional specialist outline assumes a recognised nursing qualification, current professional registration and relevant clinical experience. Exact entry and scope require Nurses Council of Zimbabwe or the applicable national regulator approval. BMIT must resolve whether the catalogue title describes post-basic training or another authorised route.
African Kalanga is a compulsory graduation subject in every year of this programme. BMIT confirms the approved entry route, any recognition of prior learning and access to required practical facilities before enrolment.
Course Content
The subjects are grouped by learning stage, from foundations to specialist study and supervised application. Complete earlier foundations before the related advanced work. Clinical, laboratory, field and workplace subjects use approved facilities and supervision appropriate to the programme.
3 learning levels 25 subjects
Select a subject to read its learning outcomes, main topics, practical task and assessment.
Level 1: Foundations
Africa Indigenous Language: African Kalanga 101Compulsory graduation subject · Year 1
Develop African Kalanga through foundations for medicine and other health sciences. Practise with authentic tasks, feedback and reflection across the programme year.
Learning outcomes
- Use African Kalanga accurately for Year 1 study and practice.
- Explain language choices to the intended audience.
- Revise your work using speaker and facilitator feedback.
Main topics
- Pronunciation
- Everyday vocabulary
- Listening
- Reading and respectful introductions
Practical task
Record a short introduction and explain its meaning to a peer.
Assessment
Submit the practical work, a brief reflection and evidence of language review. Assessment checks meaning, audience fit and improvement after feedback.
Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Innovation 101Compulsory core module · Level 1
Identify a real need, study the people affected and develop a responsible idea for a product, service or process. Apply this learning to National Diploma in Nursing (Midwifery Nursing) through an authentic brief and feedback from an appropriate audience.
Learning outcomes
- Investigate a defined opportunity and explain the evidence behind it.
- Develop and refine a creative response that fits the people and setting.
- Evaluate feasibility, ethical implications and the quality of the result.
Main topics
- Opportunity recognition
- Creative problem framing
- Community and user research
- Ethics and inclusion
- Idea generation and selection
Practical task
Investigate a need related to National Diploma in Nursing (Midwifery Nursing). Interview or observe intended users with consent, compare possible responses and present one justified concept.
Assessment
Submit an opportunity brief, research notes, a concept sketch and a reflection on feedback. Assessment considers the quality of the evidence, the response to feedback, feasibility and your individual explanation.
African History and Pan Africanism 101Compulsory core module · Level 1
Study African history through oral, written and archaeological evidence. Examine the diversity of African societies, knowledge and exchange, then trace the emergence of Pan African ideas about identity, solidarity and self-determination.
Learning outcomes
- Place selected African societies and events within a supported historical timeline.
- Compare historical sources and identify perspective, evidence and uncertainty.
- Explain the foundations of Pan Africanism and the contributions of Africans and the diaspora.
Main topics
- Historical inquiry, chronology, oral traditions and source evaluation
- African civilisations, states, trade, livelihoods and knowledge systems
- Southern African history, including Mapungubgwe and Great Zimbabwe
- Slavery, the African diaspora and changing ideas about identity
- Origins of Pan Africanism, solidarity, self-determination and cultural expression
Practical task
Create an annotated timeline or digital learning poster on a selected African society or historical development. Compare at least two credible sources and explain one connection with your field of study.
Assessment
Submit the timeline or poster, an annotated source list and a short explanation of the evidence. Assessment considers chronology, historical accuracy, source judgement and the clarity of your interpretation.
Learning resources
Human Anatomy
Examine body organisation, musculoskeletal structures and their relationship within human anatomy. The subject develops thoracic structures and abdominal structures, then examines nervous structures and anatomical relationships. Study approved anatomical models and images in a supervised setting.
Learning outcomes
- Explain body organisation and musculoskeletal structures using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving thoracic structures and abdominal structures.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing nervous structures and anatomical relationships.
Main topics
- Body organisation
- Musculoskeletal structures
- Thoracic structures
- Abdominal structures
- Nervous structures
- Anatomical relationships
Practical task
Study approved anatomical models and images in a supervised setting.
Assessment
Submit an annotated anatomy portfolio and identification assessment.
Human Physiology
Develop your understanding of human physiology through homeostasis and cardiovascular function. The subject develops respiration and renal function, then examines endocrine regulation and nervous function. Interpret physiological teaching data and supervised non-invasive demonstrations.
Learning outcomes
- Explain homeostasis and cardiovascular function using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving respiration and renal function.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing endocrine regulation and nervous function.
Main topics
- Homeostasis
- Cardiovascular function
- Respiration
- Renal function
- Endocrine regulation
- Nervous function
Practical task
Interpret physiological teaching data and supervised non-invasive demonstrations.
Assessment
Submit a function-based case analysis and data interpretation.
Microbiology
Study microbial diversity and cell function as foundations for microbiology. The subject develops growth concepts and microbial ecology, then examines quality controls and biosafety. Use approved images, datasets and low-risk supervised teaching materials.
Learning outcomes
- Explain microbial diversity and cell function using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving growth concepts and microbial ecology.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing quality controls and biosafety.
Main topics
- Microbial diversity
- Cell function
- Growth concepts
- Microbial ecology
- Quality controls
- Biosafety
Practical task
Use approved images, datasets and low-risk supervised teaching materials.
Assessment
Submit a microbiology portfolio explaining evidence and biosafety limits.
Fundamental Nursing
Examine nursing process, person-centred care and their relationship within fundamental nursing. The subject develops basic needs and observation, then examines documentation and infection prevention. Practise approved nursing skills in simulation under qualified supervision.
Learning outcomes
- Explain nursing process and person-centred care using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving basic needs and observation.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing documentation and infection prevention.
Main topics
- Nursing process
- Person-centred care
- Basic needs
- Observation
- Documentation
- Infection prevention
Practical task
Practise approved nursing skills in simulation under qualified supervision.
Assessment
Complete observed skills assessments and a reflective portfolio.
Health Ethics and Professional Practice
Develop your understanding of health ethics and professional practice through consent and confidentiality. The subject develops scope of practice and equity, then examines professional accountability and ethical reasoning. Discuss a simulated ethical dilemma with attention to patient rights.
Learning outcomes
- Explain consent and confidentiality using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving scope of practice and equity.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing professional accountability and ethical reasoning.
Main topics
- Consent
- Confidentiality
- Scope of practice
- Equity
- Professional accountability
- Ethical reasoning
Practical task
Discuss a simulated ethical dilemma with attention to patient rights.
Assessment
Submit a justified ethical decision and professional reflection.
Clinical Communication
Study listening and plain language as foundations for clinical communication. The subject develops cultural context and shared information, then examines team handover and documentation. Practise communication in supervised simulation using fictional cases.
Learning outcomes
- Explain listening and plain language using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving cultural context and shared information.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing team handover and documentation.
Main topics
- Listening
- Plain language
- Cultural context
- Shared information
- Team handover
- Documentation
Practical task
Practise communication in supervised simulation using fictional cases.
Assessment
Complete an observed communication exercise and reflective record.
Level 2: Technical and applied subjects
Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Innovation 201Compulsory core module · Level 2
Turn a promising idea into a testable proposal using evidence, creative methods and basic resource planning. Apply this learning to National Diploma in Nursing (Midwifery Nursing) through an authentic brief and feedback from an appropriate audience.
Learning outcomes
- Investigate a defined opportunity and explain the evidence behind it.
- Develop and refine a creative response that fits the people and setting.
- Evaluate feasibility, ethical implications and the quality of the result.
Main topics
- Co-design and prototyping
- Value proposition
- Feasibility and costs
- Risk and responsible practice
- Testing and iteration
Practical task
Develop a small prototype or service model for a National Diploma in Nursing (Midwifery Nursing) problem. Test it with relevant users, record feedback and revise the proposal.
Assessment
Submit a prototype, a feasibility note, user feedback and a record of revisions. Assessment considers the quality of the evidence, the response to feedback, feasibility and your individual explanation.
General Pathology
Examine cell injury, inflammation and their relationship within general pathology. The subject develops repair and neoplasia, then examines circulatory disturbances and disease mechanisms. Analyse de-identified teaching cases using approved pathology images.
Learning outcomes
- Explain cell injury and inflammation using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving repair and neoplasia.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing circulatory disturbances and disease mechanisms.
Main topics
- Cell injury
- Inflammation
- Repair
- Neoplasia
- Circulatory disturbances
- Disease mechanisms
Practical task
Analyse de-identified teaching cases using approved pathology images.
Assessment
Submit a mechanism-based pathology report.
Pharmacology
Develop your understanding of pharmacology through drug action and pharmacokinetics. The subject develops therapeutic classes and adverse effects, then examines interactions and responsible medicine use. Analyse de-identified medicine teaching cases within authorised learner scope.
Learning outcomes
- Explain drug action and pharmacokinetics using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving therapeutic classes and adverse effects.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing interactions and responsible medicine use.
Main topics
- Drug action
- Pharmacokinetics
- Therapeutic classes
- Adverse effects
- Interactions
- Responsible medicine use
Practical task
Analyse de-identified medicine teaching cases within authorised learner scope.
Assessment
Submit a pharmacological reasoning report and knowledge assessment.
Midwifery Foundations
Study reproductive science and maternity assessment concepts as foundations for midwifery foundations. The subject develops respectful care and maternal wellbeing, then examines newborn transition and professional responsibilities. Practise approved midwifery simulation and case discussion.
Learning outcomes
- Explain reproductive science and maternity assessment concepts using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving respectful care and maternal wellbeing.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing newborn transition and professional responsibilities.
Main topics
- Reproductive science
- Maternity assessment concepts
- Respectful care
- Maternal wellbeing
- Newborn transition
- Professional responsibilities
Practical task
Practise approved midwifery simulation and case discussion.
Assessment
Complete knowledge assessments and observed simulation records.
Low-Risk Midwifery
Examine antenatal care, physiological labour and their relationship within low-risk midwifery. The subject develops postnatal care and newborn support, then examines family communication and documentation. Complete approved supervised low-risk maternity learning.
Learning outcomes
- Explain antenatal care and physiological labour using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving postnatal care and newborn support.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing family communication and documentation.
Main topics
- Antenatal care
- Physiological labour
- Postnatal care
- Newborn support
- Family communication
- Documentation
Practical task
Complete approved supervised low-risk maternity learning.
Assessment
Submit an authenticated maternity competence portfolio.
Complex Midwifery and Referral
Develop your understanding of complex midwifery and referral through maternal complications and fetal concerns. The subject develops newborn concerns and deterioration, then examines team coordination and referral. Use approved simulation and supervised complex maternity case learning.
Learning outcomes
- Explain maternal complications and fetal concerns using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving newborn concerns and deterioration.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing team coordination and referral.
Main topics
- Maternal complications
- Fetal concerns
- Newborn concerns
- Deterioration
- Team coordination
- Referral
Practical task
Use approved simulation and supervised complex maternity case learning.
Assessment
Complete directly observed assessment and reasoned case reviews.
Newborn Health and Nursing
Study adaptation and feeding as foundations for newborn health and nursing. The subject develops observation and common concerns, then examines family support and escalation. Practise approved newborn simulation and supervised learning.
Learning outcomes
- Explain adaptation and feeding using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving observation and common concerns.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing family support and escalation.
Main topics
- Adaptation
- Feeding
- Observation
- Common concerns
- Family support
- Escalation
Practical task
Practise approved newborn simulation and supervised learning.
Assessment
Submit an authenticated newborn-care learning portfolio.
Community Health Nursing
Examine community assessment, primary care and their relationship within community health nursing. The subject develops prevention and home context, then examines family support and service coordination. Undertake authorised supervised community nursing learning.
Learning outcomes
- Explain community assessment and primary care using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving prevention and home context.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing family support and service coordination.
Main topics
- Community assessment
- Primary care
- Prevention
- Home context
- Family support
- Service coordination
Practical task
Undertake authorised supervised community nursing learning.
Assessment
Submit a community case study and authenticated practice record.
Clinical Skills Foundations
Develop your understanding of clinical skills foundations through patient interaction and structured assessment. The subject develops observation and documentation, then examines infection prevention and escalation. Practise approved skills in simulation before authorised clinical exposure.
Learning outcomes
- Explain patient interaction and structured assessment using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving observation and documentation.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing infection prevention and escalation.
Main topics
- Patient interaction
- Structured assessment
- Observation
- Documentation
- Infection prevention
- Escalation
Practical task
Practise approved skills in simulation before authorised clinical exposure.
Assessment
Complete observed assessments and a supervisor-authenticated skills portfolio.
Level 3: Supervised practice and integration
Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Innovation 301Compulsory core module · Level 3
Plan and evaluate the practical introduction of an innovation in a relevant organisation or community. Apply this learning to National Diploma in Nursing (Midwifery Nursing) through an authentic brief and feedback from an appropriate audience.
Learning outcomes
- Investigate a defined opportunity and explain the evidence behind it.
- Develop and refine a creative response that fits the people and setting.
- Evaluate feasibility, ethical implications and the quality of the result.
Main topics
- Implementation planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Resources and finance
- Monitoring and impact
- Learning from a pilot
Practical task
Prepare and defend a pilot plan for an innovation relevant to National Diploma in Nursing (Midwifery Nursing). Set measures of success, identify risks and explain how results will guide improvement.
Assessment
Submit a pilot plan, budget assumptions, evaluation measures and an individual rationale. Assessment considers the quality of the evidence, the response to feedback, feasibility and your individual explanation.
Clinical Reasoning and Evidence
Study problem representation and differential reasoning as foundations for clinical reasoning and evidence. The subject develops evidence appraisal and diagnostic uncertainty, then examines referral and reflective practice. Analyse de-identified cases within the approved professional learner role.
Learning outcomes
- Explain problem representation and differential reasoning using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving evidence appraisal and diagnostic uncertainty.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing referral and reflective practice.
Main topics
- Problem representation
- Differential reasoning
- Evidence appraisal
- Diagnostic uncertainty
- Referral
- Reflective practice
Practical task
Analyse de-identified cases within the approved professional learner role.
Assessment
Submit case analyses and an oral reasoning assessment.
Quality and Patient Safety
Examine care quality, patient experience and their relationship within quality and patient safety. The subject develops safety incidents and clinical governance, then examines improvement methods and measurement. Review a de-identified service-quality case using approved data.
Learning outcomes
- Explain care quality and patient experience using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving safety incidents and clinical governance.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing improvement methods and measurement.
Main topics
- Care quality
- Patient experience
- Safety incidents
- Clinical governance
- Improvement methods
- Measurement
Practical task
Review a de-identified service-quality case using approved data.
Assessment
Submit a measurable quality-improvement proposal.
Research Methods
Develop your understanding of research methods through research questions and literature review. The subject develops study design and data collection, then examines ethics and interpretation. Prepare a feasible investigation proposal with a defined evidence need.
Learning outcomes
- Explain research questions and literature review using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving study design and data collection.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing ethics and interpretation.
Main topics
- Research questions
- Literature review
- Study design
- Data collection
- Ethics
- Interpretation
Practical task
Prepare a feasible investigation proposal with a defined evidence need.
Assessment
Submit a proposal, methods rationale and ethics considerations.
Integrated Supervised Clinical Practice
Study approved clinical roles and care coordination as foundations for integrated supervised clinical practice. The subject develops case reasoning and observed competence, then examines professional feedback and reflection. Complete an approved placement with qualified clinical supervision and authenticated records.
Learning outcomes
- Explain approved clinical roles and care coordination using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving case reasoning and observed competence.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing professional feedback and reflection.
Main topics
- Approved clinical roles
- Care coordination
- Case reasoning
- Observed competence
- Professional feedback
- Reflection
Practical task
Complete an approved placement with qualified clinical supervision and authenticated records.
Assessment
Pass direct clinical assessments and submit a reflective competence portfolio.
Project Development and Feasibility
Examine problem definition, evidence review and their relationship within project development and feasibility. The subject develops requirements and method selection, then examines feasibility and evaluation criteria. Develop an approved discipline-specific project proposal with a supervisor.
Learning outcomes
- Explain problem definition and evidence review using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving requirements and method selection.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing feasibility and evaluation criteria.
Main topics
- Problem definition
- Evidence review
- Requirements
- Method selection
- Feasibility
- Evaluation criteria
Practical task
Develop an approved discipline-specific project proposal with a supervisor.
Assessment
Submit a proposal, evidence review and evaluation plan.
Integrated Project and Technical Report
Develop your understanding of integrated project and technical report through implementation and evidence collection. The subject develops analysis and verification, then examines limitations and communication. Complete the approved project and maintain an auditable evidence record.
Learning outcomes
- Explain implementation and evidence collection using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving analysis and verification.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing limitations and communication.
Main topics
- Implementation
- Evidence collection
- Analysis
- Verification
- Limitations
- Communication
Practical task
Complete the approved project and maintain an auditable evidence record.
Assessment
Submit the final project, report and individual oral defence.
Practical Learning
Authentic e-learning at BMIT
BMIT uses Authentic E-Learning to connect your studies with practical problems in your field. You use digital resources to investigate a realistic brief, make decisions and produce work for a defined purpose and audience. Your qualification's activities below put this approach into practice.
How you will learn
The approach draws on nine elements of authentic learning:
- Realistic contexts: Work with situations relevant to your profession or community.
- Purposeful tasks: Investigate a substantial problem with more than one possible solution.
- Expert examples: Examine demonstrations and examples of professional reasoning.
- Different perspectives: Compare sources and consider the needs of different people.
- Collaboration: Share ideas and review work with peers, while showing your own contribution.
- Reflection: Record what worked, what changed and what needs improvement.
- Explanation: Present your reasoning and support your decisions with evidence.
- Guidance: Use tutor feedback and structured support as you develop independence.
- Authentic assessment: Demonstrate learning through the task and its practical outcome.
From a brief to a practical outcome
Start by identifying the problem, intended audience and assessment criteria. Investigate relevant evidence, plan your response and develop an initial solution. Use discussion and feedback to test your ideas, then revise your work and explain your choices.
Digital tools support research, collaboration, simulation and the presentation of evidence. Your output depends on the module. Examples include a business proposal, technical design, tested program, investigation report or community resource. Keep drafts, calculations, test results and reflections to show how your work developed.
The module brief sets the required tasks, individual and group responsibilities, submission format and assessment criteria. The practical activities and supervision requirements for this qualification are set out below.
Research informing this approach
- Herrington, J. Authentic Learning: nine elements of authentic learning.
- Lombardi, M. M. (2007). Authentic learning for the 21st century: An overview. EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative.
- Parker, J., Maor, D. and Herrington, J. (2013). Authentic online learning: Aligning learner needs, pedagogy and technology. Issues in Educational Research, 23(2), 227–241.
Use guided online cases and simulations to practise decisions. Clinical or patient-facing tasks require approved facilities and supervision.
What you will practise
- Fundamental Nursing: Practise approved nursing skills in simulation under qualified supervision.
- Complex Midwifery and Referral: Use approved simulation and supervised complex maternity case learning.
- Integrated Supervised Clinical Practice: Complete an approved placement with qualified clinical supervision and authenticated records.
Applied project
Maternity and newborn learning requires approved facilities, qualified midwifery supervision and direct competence assessment. The learner must remain within the authorised professional role. Online study alone is insufficient. Any initial-entry alternative must be separately approved and must not be assumed from the National Diploma wording.
Evidence and feedback
- A completed practical task with an explanation of the method, evidence and decisions.
- Observed simulation followed by assessed practice at an approved clinical site, with an authenticated competence portfolio.
- An applied service or evidence-review project. Clinical and final assessment requirements must be approved by the education provider and relevant regulator.
Assessment considers the practical work you submit, the evidence behind your decisions and how you respond to feedback.
African History and Pan Africanism practical learning
- African History and Pan Africanism 101: Create an annotated timeline or digital learning poster on a selected African society or historical development. Compare at least two credible sources and explain one connection with your field of study.
Career Prospects
These examples show work across this qualification pathway, from support roles to specialist and management posts. Your entry point depends on your study, experience and employer requirements. Regulated roles require separate recognition or registration.
Top Career Paths and Job Titles
- Maternity care support worker: Prepares equipment and supports non-registered tasks under supervision.
- Registered midwife: Provides maternity care within a recognised qualification and current registration.
- Maternal health educator: Supports evidence-based pregnancy and newborn education.
- Maternity quality coordinator: Reviews care records, outcomes and referral processes.
- Midwifery service lead: Guides staff, safety and maternity service improvement.
Growth and Leadership Trajectory
- Starting practice: After meeting entry and any registration requirements, begin with the work represented by Maternity care support worker. Build supervised experience and keep a record of reliable work.
- Specialist progression: Relevant study and evidence from more complex projects support a move towards Registered midwife or Maternal health educator.
- Leadership: With substantial experience, a role such as Midwifery service lead adds responsibility for people, quality, budgets or service decisions.
Further Education to Boost Prospects
- Next study step: A related bachelor’s degree in midwifery and maternal care is a possible next level. Advanced standing depends on a formal credit and admissions assessment.
- Continue at BMIT: Bachelor of Nursing Science in Midwifery Nursing Admission and any credit transfer are assessed separately.
Professional Certifications and Registrations
- SANC: Nursing or midwifery practice in South Africa requires registration in the appropriate category after an accredited programme and other prescribed requirements. Check official requirements.
- Nurses Council of Zimbabwe: Nursing practice in Zimbabwe requires council registration and a current practising certificate for the relevant nursing category. Check official requirements.
Potential Government and Industrial Employers
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management: Start or manage a small venture related to this field. Regulated work still requires the relevant professional registration or licence.
- Private and commercial organisations: Hospitals and clinics.
- Specialist employers: Community and maternity services.
- Research and community organisations: Health NGOs.
- Government departments and public bodies: Public hospitals and health departments.