Jan
24
Author: Manaini Rokotuivuna
Jan
08
UniFiji Introduces Bachelor of Nursing Honours Programme
The University of Fiji will commence the Bachelor of Nursing with Honours programme from Semester 1, 2020.
This was confirmed by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sushila Chang during the press conference on December 17, 2019.
Speaking at the Conference, Professor Chang stated that the programme was initiated after reviewing the needs of the stakeholders in the country and linking it to the national priorities.
“I have spoken to the medical superintendant of Lautoka Hospital, to the nursing fraternity and members of the Fiji Nursing Council, to the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services who have said that there is a need for more nurses in Fiji. Our nursing programme will be unique as we will be working very closely with the hospitals and the communities and, our nurses will be trained to provide evidence based solutions to health problems and they will have a strong research focus ” she explained.
Nursing Department coordinator, Mrs. Iloi Rabuka highlighted that the Bachelor of Nursing with Honours programme was designed to specially train nursing students to adopt and acquire the role of a professional nurse with prerequisite knowledge and skills, compassion and commitment.
“A major portion of the programme will include practical work where specific nursing competencies are to be attained and mastered. Students will also have the opportunity to undertake research projects to solve health problems using evidence based science. To provide other necessary skills we will also incorporate Information Technology, English for Health Professional, and Legal frame work for Practice into the curriculum” she said.
Science students who have achieved 250 marks or above in Fiji Year 13 Examination or completed Foundation programme with a B grade or above are encouraged to apply for the programme.
In addition, the University will also commence the Master of Nursing programme in the 2020.
Professor Chang stated that the graduates of the Master of Nursing programme would be trained to practise advanced nursing knowledge and skills in specialised Health Care.
“They will be trained to critically assess and provide relevant and practical nursing solutions. They will apply knowledge, skills, and evidence based science research to meet the ever changing health needs of the population. Our graduates will be able to work in any global setting and will be prepared to take up roles as senior and executive nurses,” she noted.
Practicing nurses who hold a Bachelors Degree in Nursing with a GPA of 3.0 or above are encouraged to apply.
Jan
08
New Programmes in Law
The University of Fiji will offer the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with Honours and Certificate in Fundamentals of Law in 2020.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sushila Chang stressed that the Bachelor of Law programme will be offered at both the Saweni and Samabula Campuses in 2020.
“Saweni Campus will be a campus of growth.’ she explained.
Professor Chang further stated that the Honours programme is an addition to the Bachelor of Law Programme. The Honours programme is an year long programme. The students who wish to undertake LLB Honours programme have a choice of doing all specialist courses or specialist courses plus research.
Professor Shaista Shameem, Dean of the Justice Devendra Pathik School of Law said that the Bachelor of Laws with Honours programme furnished candidates with knowledge and skills at a more advanced level than the normal LLB (which is a 4 year programme) to gain an advantage in future legal practice.
“Graduates will be more equipped to approach challenges in a competitive legal environment. The programme provides extensive study through 4 additional and advanced law subjects and helps candidates obtain broader viewpoints for professional applications,” she explained.
Students who have completed Year 2 of the Bachelor of Laws programme with an average grade of B+ or above are encouraged to apply.
The Certificate in the Fundamentals of Law provides a pathway into the LLB programme. It is designed at the Year 13 level and will prepare students for future legal studies by focusing on law-specific subjects. It provides a solid foundation in subjects such as introduction to law, legal research, English for legal purposes and law and technologies by using alternative teaching and learning methodologies to make learning easier, practical and more appropriate for students’ competencies. The programme will encourage students to take up internship opportunities to have first-hand experience of a real life legal environment.
Students who have attained an aggregate mark of 200 with a minimum of 50% in English in the Year 13 Examination are encouraged to apply for the Certificate in the Fundamentals of Law programme.
