Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice [BCMP]
Programme code
10130012
A clinical associate is a trained healthcare professional who plays an important role in South Africa's
district health system. They work under the supervision of doctors and are involved in a range of
medical activities, including taking medical histories, examining patients, ordering diagnostic tests,
providing treatments and delivering other healthcare services, based on their education, training
and experience.
Clinical Associates work mostly in primary healthcare, including community healthcare programmes,
clinics, private practices and hospitals. They also have opportunities for postgraduate studies such
as:
Honours in Emergency Medicine
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health
Postgraduate Diploma in HIV/AIDS Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Addiction Care
Masters in Community-Oriented Primary Care
The Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice [BCMP] is a three-year, full-time programme. It focuses on
practical, patient-oriented learning, with training taking place in the health services in four South
African provinces.
The ideal candidate is a self-directed learner who is passionate about helping people in under-
serviced communities. Students who are disciplined and hard-working are most likely to succeed.
The Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice [BCMP] stands out because of its early patient contact and
hands-on practical training in the health service. The programme is also accredited by the Health
Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.
Career opportunities
Clinical associates, academics and researchers
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Faculty notes
Modules will be presented only in English, which is the University's official language of tuition,
communication and correspondence.
The Faculty of Health Sciences continues to exemplify and build on the University of Pretoria’s
vision of being a leading research-intensive university in Africa: it is recognised internationally for
its quality, relevance and impact, as well as for creating knowledge, developing people and making a
difference locally and globally.
The Faculty is home to 5 500 undergraduate and 1 500 postgraduate students, including medical
and dental fellowship training in more than 40 disciplines.
The Faculty’s research output has grown, in response to the need for research that is relevant to the
improvement of health and health care and advancing medicine in South Africa, Africa and globally.
Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the
University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from
time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information
contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always
subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information
with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any
nature against the University by any party whatsoever.
Minimum duration
3 years, full-time
Admission requirements
Important information for all prospective students for 2027
The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria
with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB)
qualifications. âClick here for this Faculty Brochure.
Minimum requirements
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Achievement level
English Home
Language or English Physical Sciences or
Mathematics
First Additional Life Sciences APS
Language
NSC/IEB NSC/IEB NSC/IEB
4 4 4 28
For advice on a second-choice programme, please consult a Student Advisor. To make an
appointment, send an email to [Link]@[Link].
Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.
Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification
results.
Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.
Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.
Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the International
undergraduate prospectus 2027: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi
(South Africa), available at click here.
International students: Click here
A limited number of places are made available to citizens from countries other than South Africa
(applicants who are not South African citizens), with those from SADC countries being given
preference. Applicants who have multiple citizenships, including South African citizenship, will be
considered to be South African.
Transferring students
A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP)
is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered
for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.
Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will
not be considered for admission to UP.
Closing dates: Same as above
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Returning students
A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a
registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be
considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic
performance.
Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance
may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific
requirements.
Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the
availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.
Closing date for applications from returning students is the same as the above
Note: Any deliberate ommission of information, or false information provided by an applicant in the
application may result in the immediate cancellation of the apllication, admission or registration.
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