The Bachelor of Health Sciences in Health Systems Sciences at Wits is a three-year degree exploring the organisation, financing, management, and policy of health systems, with a focus on South Africa's complex public and private healthcare landscape. All applicants must write the National Benchmark Tests. Students examine primary healthcare, social determinants of health, health economics, and health policy, developing skills to improve health system performance and equity. This degree is particularly relevant given South Africa's National Health Insurance reform, which will reshape how healthcare is funded and delivered across the country, creating demand for professionals who understand systems-level health challenges.
English Home Language or English First Additional Language: Level 5
Mathematics: Level 5
Life Sciences or Physical Sciences: Level 5
APS: 36 (composite index)
Health Systems Analyst – Evaluates health programme performance, resource allocation, and service delivery for the South African Department of Health, WHO, and health-focused NGOs.
Health Policy Researcher – Investigates the impact of South African health policies including NHI, primary healthcare expansion, and HIV treatment programmes, working for academic institutions and think tanks.
Hospital Manager – Oversees operations, clinical governance, and financial management for South African public or private hospitals, applying health systems expertise to improve patient care.
Health Economist – Analyses the cost-effectiveness of health interventions and advises on resource allocation decisions for South African healthcare funders including medical schemes and government.
Global Health Programme Manager – Manages health development programmes for international organisations including the WHO, PEPFAR implementing partners, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in South Africa.
