Qualification Type: the Higher Certificate in African Traditional Medicine Science
NQF Level: 5
Credits: 120 (1 year, full-time)

📌Purpose:
The Higher Certificate in African Traditional Medicine Science equips students with an introduction to the history, philosophy, and foundations of African Traditional Medicine.

📌Rationale:
Traditional medicine is an integral part of South Africa’s health system. This
qualification strengthens the professionalization of practitioners, ensuring graduates
have the necessary theoretical, ethical, and practical competencies. It creates a
pathway from foundational Higher Certificate to Diploma levels.

📌Programme Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:

1. Describe the origins, principles, and worldviews underpinning ATM
2. Identify the role of healers in traditional African communities
3. Discuss ethical and cultural issues in ATM practice
4. Provide foundation in identification, classification, and uses of medicinal plants
5. Explore traditional concepts of health, illness, and causes of disease
6. Develop communication, academic literacy, and interpersonal skills for healthcare
7. Provide basics of drug action, dosage, and interactions

Qualification Type: Diploma
NQF Level: 6
Credits: 360 (3 years, full-time)

📌Purpose:
The Diploma equips students with intermediate applied knowledge and skills in
African Traditional Medicine Science, combining indigenous healing practices with
scientific foundations. Graduates will be able to practice under supervision,
contribute to research, and support community healthcare services.

📌Rationale:
Traditional medicine is an integral part of South Africa’s health system. This
qualification strengthens the professionalization of practitioners, ensuring graduates
have the necessary theoretical, ethical, and practical competencies. It creates a
pathway from foundational (Higher Certificate) to advanced (Degree and
postgraduate) levels.

📌 Programme Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:

1. Apply scientific and traditional knowledge to diagnose and manage common
health conditions.
2. Demonstrate competence in the preparation, administration, and safe use of
medicinal plants.
3. Integrate cultural, ethical, and legal considerations in practice.
4. Conduct applied research and documentation in traditional medicine.
5. Collaborate with other healthcare providers in a multi-disciplinary context.
6. Manage small-scale herbal enterprises and community health projects.

Qualification Type: Bachelor of African Traditional Medicine Science
NQF Level: 7
Credits: 300 (3 year, full-time)

📌Purpose:
The Bachelor of African Traditional Medicine Science is to provide the foundational understanding of human anatomy and physiology. It equips students with an understanding of Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Herbal Pharmaceutics and Comparative indigenous systems of African Traditional Medicine.

📌Rationale:
Traditional medicine is an integral part of South Africa’s health system. This
qualification strengthens the professionalization of practitioners, ensuring graduates
have the necessary theoretical, ethical, and practical competencies. It creates a
pathway from Bachelor level to Honours levels.

📌Programme Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:

1. Provide foundational understanding of human anatomy and physiology for ATM practice
2. Understand biochemical concepts relevant to herbal medicine
3. Develop advanced knowledge in formulation and dosage forms of herbal medicine
4. Explore indigenous healing systems globally and their relation to ATM
5. Conduct supervised research in ATM

Qualification Type: Bachelor of African Traditional Medicine Science Honours
NQF Level: 8
Credits: 120 (1 year full-time, or 2 years part-time)

📌Purpose:
The Honours degree deepens specialist knowledge in African Traditional Medicine
Science and equips students with advanced research skills. Graduates are prepared
to become researchers, clinical specialists, and leaders in traditional medicine, while
also being eligible for entry into a Master’s degree.

📌Rationale:
There is a growing need for advanced knowledge production in African Traditional
Medicine to address health challenges, integrate with public health systems, and
preserve indigenous knowledge. This Honours qualification provides the academic
and research foundation for postgraduate progression and professional
specialization.

📌 Programme Learning Outcomes

SADC INSTITUTE OF AFRICAN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

Graduates will be able to:
1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of African Traditional Medicine in a chosen
area of specialization.
2. Critically evaluate and apply diagnostic and therapeutic practices.
3. Conduct independent and ethically sound research within indigenous
knowledge frameworks.
4. Apply advanced methods of documentation, preservation, and transmission of
indigenous knowledge.
5. Engage critically with global debates on traditional medicine and health
integration.
6. Prepare for postgraduate study at Master’s and PhD levels.

Qualification Type: Master’s Degree (Professional/Research-based)
NQF Level: 9
Credits: 180 (Typically 2 years full-time, or up to 3–4 years part-time)

📌 Purpose
The Master’s degree develops advanced expertise and independent research
capacity in African Traditional Medicine Science. Students conduct original research
and produce a dissertation that contributes to the development, preservation, and
integration of indigenous knowledge systems in healthcare.

📌 Rationale
South Africa’s higher education and health systems increasingly require
postgraduate-qualified specialists who can advance African Traditional Medicine
research, validate indigenous practices, and shape policy. This degree prepares
graduates for PhD study, advanced clinical practice, and leadership roles.

📌 Programme Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:
1. Demonstrate mastery of theoretical frameworks and practices in African
Traditional Medicine.
2. Design and execute original research contributing to indigenous knowledge
and health science.
3. Apply advanced diagnostic, therapeutic, and medicinal plant knowledge in
professional contexts.
4. Critically evaluate ethical, legal, and cultural issues in African Traditional
Medicine.
5. Contribute to national and global discourses on indigenous healing and
integrative healthcare.

Qualification Type: Doctorate (PhD)
NQF Level: 10
Credits: 360 (3–4 years full-time; 5–6 years part-time)

📌 Purpose
The PhD prepares scholars and practitioners to become thought leaders,
researchers, and innovators in African Traditional Medicine Science. Candidates
generate original knowledge that contributes to the preservation, advancement,
and global recognition of indigenous healing systems.

📌 Rationale

South Africa’s integration of African Traditional Medicine into the national health
system requires highly qualified experts who can lead policy development,
research innovation, curriculum design, and international collaboration. This
PhD ensures African Traditional Medicine is preserved, validated, and advanced
within academic and professional contexts.

📌 Programme Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:
1. Produce an original and significant contribution to African Traditional
Medicine Science.
2. Demonstrate expert knowledge at the forefront of indigenous medicine,
health, and culture.
3. Apply advanced, innovative methodologies to research indigenous knowledge
systems.
4. Critically evaluate and apply ethical, legal, and cultural frameworks in
research and practice.
5. Provide academic leadership through publications, teaching, and policy
engagement.
6. Advance African Traditional Medicine in both local and global health contexts.