About
The Faculty of Community and Health Sciences (CHS) is an internationally recognised faculty for community-based, interdisciplinary education and research in the health, well-being and social justice fraternity. It has a long history of focusing on promoting equity and community development in its education programmes and training of professionals, and is involved in partnerships with service providers and communities in urban, as well as rural areas within South Africa and other African countries.Our faculty offers a unique opportunity for career opportunities at both undergraduate and postgraduate studies in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, dietetics and nutrition, psychology, social work, sport, recreation and exercise science, complementary health sciences (Chinese medicine and acupuncture, phytotherapy, and naturopathy) and in public health.
The faculty has a dual campus modus operandi whereby physiotherapy, occupational therapy and nursing is based at the Bellville CBD campus, while dietetics, psychology, social work, sport, recreation and exercise science and public health are based on the UWC main campus. We also have niche areas postgraduate studies such as postgraduate diploma in sport, development and peace and Master's in sport for development. These are offered through Interdisciplinary Centre for Sport Science and Development (ICESSD). Furthermore, there is a postgraduate diploma in child and family studies as well as Master's and PhD in child and family studies. It is offered through the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Family and Society (CISCFS) under the Social Work department. However our programmes and administration operate in both campuses and our students and staff travel between both campuses.
Through its excellence in Community Based Education and research the faculty has gained recognition of international organisations such as the Network: Towards Unity for Health (TUFH), WHO, UN and UNICEF. Since 2012, the School of Public Health also has a NRF SARChI Chair in Health Systems research.
Individuals within the faculty also actively contribute towards the national and international arena of publications and conferences in our niche areas of sport for development (ICESSD), scholarship of teaching and learning, social determinants of HIV/AIDS and CDL as well as child, family and community studies. Internationalisation has improved, there is a lot of interest from external partners and institutions internationally and beyond our borders. These are credible, sustainable and mutually beneficial collaborations and partnerships within the health, wellness, community and social justice frame work.
The faculty in all its operations and programmes continues to operationalise the UWC Institutional Operational Plan. The faculty has a total of four B-rated researchers. Currently, the faculty’s community engagement commitments are extensive and growing. We have a multi-lateral agreement with the Western Cape Department of Health, where we place our students in clinical platforms and training. Community outreach projects continue to yield positive results in areas such as Mitchells Plain, Genadendal, Fisantekraal, Klipheuwel and with our presence in Bellville for Mandela Day; we also have activities in Middestad Mall in 2019.
We thus welcome all prospective and returning undergraduate and postgraduate students to our faculty.
Our Mission
Within a social justice paradigm, CHS is an engaged and connected research and learning environment to transform and sustain health and wellbeing of communities through leadership in innovative collaborative IP approaches locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.Our Vision
Using knowledge and research to impact society.Overview
The Faculty of Community & Health Sciences Bellville campus (CHS) is a faculty for community-based, inter-professional education and research in the health and social sciences whose excellence in education and research is recognised globally.It offers qualifications in:
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Nursing
- Dietetics and Nutrition
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Sport, recreation and exercise science,
- Complementary health sciences
- Public health
We also have niche areas postgraduate studies such as:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Studies
- Master's and PhD in Child and Family Studies.
Furthermore, there is:
- Postgraduate Diploma: Sport, Development and Peace
- Masters in Sport for Development.
CHS Faculty operates mainly on two campuses, UWC Main campus at Robert Sobukwe and CHS Bellville campus at 14 Blanckenberg Street (view location and video tour here). The CHS Bellville campus is right in the heart of the Bellville CBD and contributes to urban regeneration by encouraging further consolidation of a health and well-being precinct in the Bellville CBD and the development of student accommodation, stimulating the local economy through student demand for services such as transport and entertainment.
The CHS Bellville Campus houses four skills laboratories that simulate hospital ward environments, a rehabilitation gym and laboratories with treatment rooms and dispensaries.
In addition, there are top-of-the-range computer laboratories, a staff canteen and multi-faith prayer rooms. The building, in one of the Greater Tygerberg Partnership’s priority areas, will make an invaluable contribution to the urban renewal of the Bellville city centre. CHS location in Bellville serves a dual role. The first is to strengthen the student experience by offering a facility conducive to enhanced learning, teaching, research and innovation further enhance community engagement. Being situated in Bellville allows UWC to be a catalytic agent for social change by being part of the reinvigoration of the Bellville CBD.
The City of Cape Town is already investing considerable resources in upgrading services and bulk infrastructure in the area. Access to healthcare for the communities of Bellville and the adjacent Cape Flats will also improve through the planned cooperation between the CHS Bellville campus and the Bellville community health centres. Through prescient investments over the years, UWC is transforming itself into a multi-campus institution.
in the continent.
In order for effective collaboration and improved health outcomes, two or more health professionals from different professional backgrounds must first be provided with opportunities to learn about, from and with each other.