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About the course
This course develops your ability to support the safe use and maintenance of medical equipment through engineering principles and quality assurance. Learning combines technical study with practical tasks relevant to Southern African organisations and communities.
What you'll learn
- Explain the engineering and biological principles relevant to medical equipment.
- Carry out supervised inspection and diagnostic tasks using documented procedures.
- Evaluate equipment records and report defects within an authorised technical role.
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.
- 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
Sections: 4
•Activities: 1
•Resources: 24
Subjects in this programme
The programme combines supporting studies, specialist subjects and practical integration. Each subject below includes its learning focus, outcomes, practice and assessment.
19 subjects are listed below, with a short description of each. The Subject descriptions tab contains the learning outcomes, topics, practical tasks and assessments.
Foundations and shared practice
- Biomedical Engineering Mathematics. Explore mathematical reasoning for interpreting measurements and solving vocational problems. Practice centres on a worked problem portfolio using occupational data, drawing on units, ratios and numerical accuracy and algebraic relationships and equations. You will record findings, justify decisions and check units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
Specialist subjects
- Radiology Equipment. Explore the transfer of information through connected communication systems. Practice centres on a network or link design and controlled test report, drawing on signals, information and transmission paths and network components and addressing. You will record findings, justify decisions and check connectivity, configuration consistency and the meaning of performance measures.
- Biomedical Engineering Embedded Systems 1. Explore the measurement and control of a system through sensors, processing and actuators. Practice centres on a measurement or control-loop investigation, drawing on measured variables and sensor characteristics and signal conditioning and data acquisition. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.
- Monitoring And Life Support Equipment. Explore the technical operation and quality control of equipment used in healthcare. Practice centres on a training-device inspection and maintenance-planning portfolio, drawing on device purpose and physiological interface and operating principles and component functions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check device identification, performance evidence and clear limits on technical action.
- Medical Physics. Explore the structure and function of living systems relevant to technical or care work. Practice centres on a labelled system explanation and technical application case, drawing on cells, tissues and organisational levels and major body systems and their relationships. You will record findings, justify decisions and check anatomical accuracy, correct terminology and appropriate interpretation.
- Biomedical Laboratory Equipment. Explore the technical operation and quality control of equipment used in healthcare. Practice centres on a training-device inspection and maintenance-planning portfolio, drawing on device purpose and physiological interface and operating principles and component functions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check device identification, performance evidence and clear limits on technical action.
- Biomedical Engineering Electronics. Explore the behaviour and interconnection of electrical and electronic circuits. Practice centres on a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio, drawing on electrical quantities and circuit relationships and components, symbols and device behaviour. You will record findings, justify decisions and check measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
- Assistive Physiotherapy Technology. Explore the technical operation and quality control of equipment used in healthcare. Practice centres on a training-device inspection and maintenance-planning portfolio, drawing on device purpose and physiological interface and operating principles and component functions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check device identification, performance evidence and clear limits on technical action.
- Biomedical Engineering Electrical Circuits. Explore the technical operation and quality control of equipment used in healthcare. Practice centres on a training-device inspection and maintenance-planning portfolio, drawing on device purpose and physiological interface and operating principles and component functions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check device identification, performance evidence and clear limits on technical action.
- Diagnostic Medical Equipment. Explore the technical operation and quality control of equipment used in healthcare. Practice centres on a training-device inspection and maintenance-planning portfolio, drawing on device purpose and physiological interface and operating principles and component functions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check device identification, performance evidence and clear limits on technical action.
- Surgical And Therapeutic Equipment. Explore the technical operation and quality control of equipment used in healthcare. Practice centres on a training-device inspection and maintenance-planning portfolio, drawing on device purpose and physiological interface and operating principles and component functions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check device identification, performance evidence and clear limits on technical action.
- Health Care Administration And Quality Assurance. Explore the coordination of people, resources and decisions to deliver a defined service. Practice centres on an operational plan and service-improvement report, drawing on organisational purpose and responsibilities and work planning and resource allocation. You will record findings, justify decisions and check feasibility, accountability and evidence of service performance.
- Research Methods. Explore the design of a focused investigation using traceable evidence. Practice centres on a research proposal and small investigation, drawing on problem definition and research questions and finding and evaluating literature. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the conclusions follow from the evidence.
- Biomedical Engineering Embedded Systems 2. Explore the measurement and control of a system through sensors, processing and actuators. Practice centres on a measurement or control-loop investigation, drawing on measured variables and sensor characteristics and signal conditioning and data acquisition. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.
Practical integration
- Project. Bring together the programme's technical learning in a focused project. Choose a manageable problem involving biomedical engineering mathematics, radiology equipment. Define the required output, gather evidence and develop a justified response. Present the completed work with its method, results and limitations, then explain the improvements made following feedback.
- Skills Proficiency. Demonstrate the practical skills developed across the programme. Tasks integrate biomedical engineering mathematics, radiology equipment within an agreed work brief. You will prepare resources, carry out the authorised task and check the result. Your evidence should show consistent performance, accurate records and an explanation of decisions within your learner role.
African History and Pan Africanism
- African History and Pan Africanism 101 (Level 1, compulsory core module): 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.
- African History and Pan Africanism 201 (Level 2, compulsory core module): Examine colonial change, resistance and liberation across Africa, with attention to Zimbabwe and South Africa. Compare Pan African movements, organisations and debates, including contributions from women, workers and diaspora communities.
- African History and Pan Africanism 301 (Level 3, compulsory core module): Evaluate the legacy of Pan Africanism in continental and regional cooperation, culture and public life. Apply historical inquiry to a heritage, community or professional issue, recognising both achievements and contested interpretations.
Assessment and practical learning
- Suggested learning checks: analyse applied problems and justify your decisions using relevant evidence.
- Suggested practical assessment: complete a supervised project or portfolio with a clear method, results and evaluation.
- Present and defend your recommendations, then revise the work in response to assessor feedback.
Practical application
Develop a biomedical equipment portfolio with inspection procedures, supervised measurements and a maintenance record. Use training equipment and approved clinical placements.
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.
- African History and Pan Africanism 201: Develop a comparative case study of a liberation issue or Pan African debate relevant to Southern Africa. Use a historical document alongside a scholarly account and explain differences in purpose and interpretation.
- African History and Pan Africanism 301: Prepare a sourced heritage or civic-learning project connected with your field or a Southern African community. Explain its historical basis, audience, permission needs and limits. Obtain consent if you conduct interviews.
Subject descriptions
Each subject below includes its purpose, learning outcomes, main topics, practical task and assessment approach.
Biomedical Engineering Mathematics
Foundations and shared practice
Explore mathematical reasoning for interpreting measurements and solving vocational problems. Practice centres on a worked problem portfolio using occupational data, drawing on units, ratios and numerical accuracy and algebraic relationships and equations. You will record findings, justify decisions and check units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
Learning outcomes
- Select a mathematical method suited to a stated problem.
- Show calculations with consistent units and clear assumptions.
- Check the result against an independent estimate or known constraint.
Main topics
- Units, ratios and numerical accuracy
- Algebraic relationships and equations
- Graphs, tables and interpretation
- Geometry and measurement applications
- Descriptive statistics and variation
- Model assumptions, checking and technical reporting
Practical task
For Biomedical Engineering Mathematics, prepare a worked problem portfolio using occupational data in a biomedical engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Radiology Equipment
Specialist subjects
Explore the transfer of information through connected communication systems. Practice centres on a network or link design and controlled test report, drawing on signals, information and transmission paths and network components and addressing. You will record findings, justify decisions and check connectivity, configuration consistency and the meaning of performance measures.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the information path through a defined network or link.
- Interpret configuration and performance measurements.
- Recommend a supported service or reliability improvement.
Main topics
- Signals, information and transmission paths
- Network components and addressing
- Wired, radio and optical media
- Capacity, delay and service quality
- Installation records and controlled testing
- Fault reasoning, reliability and reporting
Practical task
For Radiology Equipment, prepare a network or link design and controlled test report in a biomedical engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of connectivity, configuration consistency and the meaning of performance measures.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Biomedical Engineering Embedded Systems 1
Specialist subjects
Explore the measurement and control of a system through sensors, processing and actuators. Practice centres on a measurement or control-loop investigation, drawing on measured variables and sensor characteristics and signal conditioning and data acquisition. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.
Learning outcomes
- Select a measurement or control approach for a defined variable.
- Configure or analyse a supervised training loop.
- Evaluate response and document a justified adjustment.
Main topics
- Measured variables and sensor characteristics
- Signal conditioning and data acquisition
- Calibration, uncertainty and records
- Feedback, set points and response
- Controllers, interfaces and communication
- Testing, faults and operating limits
Practical task
For Biomedical Engineering Embedded Systems 1, prepare a measurement or control-loop investigation in a biomedical engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Monitoring And Life Support Equipment
Specialist subjects
Explore the technical operation and quality control of equipment used in healthcare. Practice centres on a training-device inspection and maintenance-planning portfolio, drawing on device purpose and physiological interface and operating principles and component functions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check device identification, performance evidence and clear limits on technical action.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the purpose and operating principles of a training device.
- Interpret inspection or performance-check evidence.
- Prepare a technical report identifying defects and required referral.
Main topics
- Device purpose and physiological interface
- Operating principles and component functions
- User requirements and equipment records
- Performance checks and calibration concepts
- Fault reporting and maintenance planning
- Patient safety, infection control and technical boundaries
Practical task
For Monitoring And Life Support Equipment, prepare a training-device inspection and maintenance-planning portfolio in a biomedical engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of device identification, performance evidence and clear limits on technical action.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Medical Physics
Specialist subjects
Explore the structure and function of living systems relevant to technical or care work. Practice centres on a labelled system explanation and technical application case, drawing on cells, tissues and organisational levels and major body systems and their relationships. You will record findings, justify decisions and check anatomical accuracy, correct terminology and appropriate interpretation.
Learning outcomes
- Describe a body structure and explain its normal function.
- Relate a measurement or device purpose to the relevant system.
- Communicate observations accurately using appropriate terminology.
Main topics
- Cells, tissues and organisational levels
- Major body systems and their relationships
- Normal function and physiological regulation
- Structure-function links in technical applications
- Variation, measurement and interpretation
- Terminology, communication and scope of practice
Practical task
For Medical Physics, prepare a labelled system explanation and technical application case in a biomedical engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of anatomical accuracy, correct terminology and appropriate interpretation.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Biomedical Laboratory Equipment
Specialist subjects
Explore the technical operation and quality control of equipment used in healthcare. Practice centres on a training-device inspection and maintenance-planning portfolio, drawing on device purpose and physiological interface and operating principles and component functions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check device identification, performance evidence and clear limits on technical action.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the purpose and operating principles of a training device.
- Interpret inspection or performance-check evidence.
- Prepare a technical report identifying defects and required referral.
Main topics
- Device purpose and physiological interface
- Operating principles and component functions
- User requirements and equipment records
- Performance checks and calibration concepts
- Fault reporting and maintenance planning
- Patient safety, infection control and technical boundaries
Practical task
For Biomedical Laboratory Equipment, prepare a training-device inspection and maintenance-planning portfolio in a biomedical engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of device identification, performance evidence and clear limits on technical action.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Biomedical Engineering Electronics
Specialist subjects
Explore the behaviour and interconnection of electrical and electronic circuits. Practice centres on a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio, drawing on electrical quantities and circuit relationships and components, symbols and device behaviour. You will record findings, justify decisions and check measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
Learning outcomes
- Explain circuit behaviour using a diagram and relevant quantities.
- Measure a supervised training circuit and compare results with predictions.
- Locate a fault using a documented sequence of checks.
Main topics
- Electrical quantities and circuit relationships
- Components, symbols and device behaviour
- Analogue and digital signal concepts
- Circuit construction and measurement
- Fault isolation and interpretation
- Documentation, reliability and safe testing
Practical task
For Biomedical Engineering Electronics, prepare a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio in a biomedical engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Assistive Physiotherapy Technology
Specialist subjects
Explore the technical operation and quality control of equipment used in healthcare. Practice centres on a training-device inspection and maintenance-planning portfolio, drawing on device purpose and physiological interface and operating principles and component functions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check device identification, performance evidence and clear limits on technical action.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the purpose and operating principles of a training device.
- Interpret inspection or performance-check evidence.
- Prepare a technical report identifying defects and required referral.
Main topics
- Device purpose and physiological interface
- Operating principles and component functions
- User requirements and equipment records
- Performance checks and calibration concepts
- Fault reporting and maintenance planning
- Patient safety, infection control and technical boundaries
Practical task
For Assistive Physiotherapy Technology, prepare a training-device inspection and maintenance-planning portfolio in a biomedical engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of device identification, performance evidence and clear limits on technical action.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Biomedical Engineering Electrical Circuits
Specialist subjects
Explore the technical operation and quality control of equipment used in healthcare. Practice centres on a training-device inspection and maintenance-planning portfolio, drawing on device purpose and physiological interface and operating principles and component functions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check device identification, performance evidence and clear limits on technical action.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the purpose and operating principles of a training device.
- Interpret inspection or performance-check evidence.
- Prepare a technical report identifying defects and required referral.
Main topics
- Device purpose and physiological interface
- Operating principles and component functions
- User requirements and equipment records
- Performance checks and calibration concepts
- Fault reporting and maintenance planning
- Patient safety, infection control and technical boundaries
Practical task
For Biomedical Engineering Electrical Circuits, prepare a training-device inspection and maintenance-planning portfolio in a biomedical engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of device identification, performance evidence and clear limits on technical action.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Diagnostic Medical Equipment
Specialist subjects
Explore the technical operation and quality control of equipment used in healthcare. Practice centres on a training-device inspection and maintenance-planning portfolio, drawing on device purpose and physiological interface and operating principles and component functions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check device identification, performance evidence and clear limits on technical action.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the purpose and operating principles of a training device.
- Interpret inspection or performance-check evidence.
- Prepare a technical report identifying defects and required referral.
Main topics
- Device purpose and physiological interface
- Operating principles and component functions
- User requirements and equipment records
- Performance checks and calibration concepts
- Fault reporting and maintenance planning
- Patient safety, infection control and technical boundaries
Practical task
For Diagnostic Medical Equipment, prepare a training-device inspection and maintenance-planning portfolio in a biomedical engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of device identification, performance evidence and clear limits on technical action.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Surgical And Therapeutic Equipment
Specialist subjects
Explore the technical operation and quality control of equipment used in healthcare. Practice centres on a training-device inspection and maintenance-planning portfolio, drawing on device purpose and physiological interface and operating principles and component functions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check device identification, performance evidence and clear limits on technical action.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the purpose and operating principles of a training device.
- Interpret inspection or performance-check evidence.
- Prepare a technical report identifying defects and required referral.
Main topics
- Device purpose and physiological interface
- Operating principles and component functions
- User requirements and equipment records
- Performance checks and calibration concepts
- Fault reporting and maintenance planning
- Patient safety, infection control and technical boundaries
Practical task
For Surgical And Therapeutic Equipment, prepare a training-device inspection and maintenance-planning portfolio in a biomedical engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of device identification, performance evidence and clear limits on technical action.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Health Care Administration And Quality Assurance
Specialist subjects
Explore the coordination of people, resources and decisions to deliver a defined service. Practice centres on an operational plan and service-improvement report, drawing on organisational purpose and responsibilities and work planning and resource allocation. You will record findings, justify decisions and check feasibility, accountability and evidence of service performance.
Learning outcomes
- Translate a service objective into responsibilities and work steps.
- Use records and performance measures to identify an operating problem.
- Recommend an improvement with clear actions and ownership.
Main topics
- Organisational purpose and responsibilities
- Work planning and resource allocation
- Procedures, records and internal controls
- Team coordination and problem solving
- Performance measures and service quality
- Accountability, review and improvement
Practical task
For Health Care Administration And Quality Assurance, prepare an operational plan and service-improvement report in a biomedical engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of feasibility, accountability and evidence of service performance.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Research Methods
Specialist subjects
Explore the design of a focused investigation using traceable evidence. Practice centres on a research proposal and small investigation, drawing on problem definition and research questions and finding and evaluating literature. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the conclusions follow from the evidence.
Learning outcomes
- Formulate a question suited to the available evidence and resources.
- Collect and analyse information using a documented method.
- Present conclusions supported by findings and stated limitations.
Main topics
- Problem definition and research questions
- Finding and evaluating literature
- Sampling and data-collection choices
- Consent, confidentiality and research integrity
- Organising and analysing evidence
- Interpreting results and reporting limitations
Practical task
For Research Methods, prepare a research proposal and small investigation in a biomedical engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of whether the conclusions follow from the evidence.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Biomedical Engineering Embedded Systems 2
Specialist subjects
Explore the measurement and control of a system through sensors, processing and actuators. Practice centres on a measurement or control-loop investigation, drawing on measured variables and sensor characteristics and signal conditioning and data acquisition. You will record findings, justify decisions and check calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.
Learning outcomes
- Select a measurement or control approach for a defined variable.
- Configure or analyse a supervised training loop.
- Evaluate response and document a justified adjustment.
Main topics
- Measured variables and sensor characteristics
- Signal conditioning and data acquisition
- Calibration, uncertainty and records
- Feedback, set points and response
- Controllers, interfaces and communication
- Testing, faults and operating limits
Practical task
For Biomedical Engineering Embedded Systems 2, prepare a measurement or control-loop investigation in a biomedical engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of calibration evidence, response behaviour and stated operating limits.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Project
Practical integration
Bring together the programme's technical learning in a focused project. Choose a manageable problem involving biomedical engineering mathematics, radiology equipment. Define the required output, gather evidence and develop a justified response. Present the completed work with its method, results and limitations, then explain the improvements made following feedback.
Learning outcomes
- Define a feasible project with clear success criteria.
- Develop and evaluate a response using technical evidence.
- Present the completed project and defend its conclusions.
Main topics
- Project problem, purpose and scope
- Review of relevant technical evidence
- Plan, resources and milestones
- Implementation or structured investigation
- Testing, interpretation and limitations
- Final report, demonstration and reflection
Practical task
Develop a biomedical equipment portfolio with inspection procedures, supervised measurements and a maintenance record. Use training equipment and approved clinical placements.
Assessment
An approved brief, progress evidence, the final output and an individual presentation are assessed against the stated project criteria.
Skills Proficiency
Practical integration
Demonstrate the practical skills developed across the programme. Tasks integrate biomedical engineering mathematics, radiology equipment within an agreed work brief. You will prepare resources, carry out the authorised task and check the result. Your evidence should show consistent performance, accurate records and an explanation of decisions within your learner role.
Learning outcomes
- Plan and complete an integrated task to agreed criteria.
- Demonstrate safe and consistent practical performance.
- Explain the result and correct identified weaknesses.
Main topics
- Interpreting an integrated work brief
- Preparing tools, information and resources
- Demonstrating the required technical skills
- Checking output against agreed criteria
- Responding to faults and assessor feedback
- Presenting evidence and explaining decisions
Practical task
Develop a biomedical equipment portfolio with inspection procedures, supervised measurements and a maintenance record. Use training equipment and approved clinical placements.
Assessment
Direct observation, the completed output, a quality-check record and oral questions provide the evidence for this subject.
African History and Pan Africanism 101
Compulsory 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
African History and Pan Africanism 201
Compulsory core module · Level 2
Examine colonial change, resistance and liberation across Africa, with attention to Zimbabwe and South Africa. Compare Pan African movements, organisations and debates, including contributions from women, workers and diaspora communities.
Learning outcomes
- Analyse the effects of colonial rule on land, labour, institutions and social relations.
- Compare liberation movements and Pan African arguments using contextual evidence.
- Explain how different groups shaped independence, solidarity and debates about freedom.
Main topics
- Colonial rule, land, labour, education and forms of resistance
- Nationalism, liberation and the end of colonial rule and apartheid
- Pan African congresses, organisations and contrasting interpretations
- Women, labour movements and diaspora participation
- The Organisation of African Unity and debates about unity, sovereignty and development
Practical task
Develop a comparative case study of a liberation issue or Pan African debate relevant to Southern Africa. Use a historical document alongside a scholarly account and explain differences in purpose and interpretation.
Assessment
Submit the case study, a source comparison and a reflection on your conclusions. Assessment considers context, evidence, recognition of different perspectives and the quality of your argument.
Learning resources
African History and Pan Africanism 301
Compulsory core module · Level 3
Evaluate the legacy of Pan Africanism in continental and regional cooperation, culture and public life. Apply historical inquiry to a heritage, community or professional issue, recognising both achievements and contested interpretations.
Learning outcomes
- Evaluate continuity and change from the Organisation of African Unity to the African Union.
- Assess a contemporary Pan African issue using historical evidence and contrasting views.
- Develop an ethical, well-sourced project connecting African history with your field or community.
Main topics
- The African Union, regional cooperation and Southern African integration
- Agenda 2063, development and debates about continental priorities
- Citizenship, migration, diaspora connections and cultural exchange
- African knowledge, heritage, public history and contested narratives
- Research ethics, source attribution and evaluation of a community or professional project
Practical task
Prepare a sourced heritage or civic-learning project connected with your field or a Southern African community. Explain its historical basis, audience, permission needs and limits. Obtain consent if you conduct interviews.
Assessment
Submit a project brief, an annotated source portfolio, a public-facing learning resource and an evaluation of your interpretation. Assessment considers evidence, ethical practice, historical reasoning and usefulness to the intended audience.
Learning resources
Instructors
Enrolment options
National Diploma in Biomedical Engineering
Course modified date: 13 October 2026
This course develops your ability to support the safe use and maintenance of medical equipment through engineering principles and quality assurance. Learning combines technical study with practical tasks relevant to Southern African organisations and communities.
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