SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
101502	Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health
ORIGINATOR
Monash South Africa
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Preventive Health
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2021-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The principal aim of the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health is to provide a platform to mainly working professionals for acquiring, strengthening and deepening knowledge to effectively contribute to strengthening public health service delivery systems. The qualification would guide students with a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in the area of public health, providing an opportunity for advanced reflection and development.

On completion of this qualification, learners will have gained the skills, knowledge and insights necessary to manage health systems and to control diseases in the population, thereby improving the health and well-being of people in communities. They will have an in depth understanding of current perspectives in the public health domain and be skilled in public health programme planning, execution and monitoring. They would also be able to evaluate the potential impact of public health interventions.

The qualification is aimed at providing graduates with integrative, holistic understanding of public health in Southern Africa and beyond.

Rationale:
The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health has been developed to provide learners with integrative, holistic understanding of public health in Southern Africa and beyond. Sufficient human resources for public health, in terms of not only coverage and retention, but also adequate education, are critical to all health programmes. In Sub Saharan Africa, which bears the largest burden of disease due to weak health systems, many professionals lack the necessary skills to manage and/or supervise complex public health programmes on national or local levels. Postgraduate education is essential to improve the level of service provision.

The provision of sufficient health services is fundamental to all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations to be achieved by the year 2030. SDG 3 pertains to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. Furthermore, the HIV epidemic which has affected Sub-Saharan Africa more than any other region has continued to drain human and institutional capacities that fuel sustainable development. Curbing the spread of HIV infection and reducing its impact on human development remains a priority for Sub Saharan Africa and South Africa in particular.

The typical learners in this qualification will be able to demonstrate intellectual vitality, demonstrate leadership potential, and personal qualities and contributions. Qualified learners may take jobs with national and international organisations or government that work towards strengthening the overall health and wellbeing of the population. These include the Departments of Health in various countries, the United Nations, local and international non-governmental organisations, bi-and multilateral donors and foundations, etc.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Institution adheres to national requirements for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and has an RPL policy and procedures in place. In this context, the learning institution will allow for an educationally appropriate alternative access to this qualification. In so doing, it will recognise the following fundamentals:

Formal learning, such as a course offered by a professional body, enterprise, private educational institution, or by any other accredited provider recognised by the Institution. These may include professional development or on-the job-training.

Experience of approximately three to five years working within the industry will be considered in conjunction with the academic record of the candidate based on the institutional policy of RPL.

RPL may also be granted for admission to the qualification, where an applicant's previous non-accredited formal study or informal learning is assessed to the prerequisite qualification.

The Institution may grant credit for subjects (modules) passed at other recognised higher education institutions if:

The module is considered to be similar in content and standard to those offered by the Institution.

It is relevant to the planned qualification of study.

The learner satisfactorily complete at least half the qualification units/modules at the Institution in order to be awarded a Degree.

Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry to this qualification is a three (3) year Bachelor's Degree or a cognate qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:

Theory and practice of public health, 15 Credits.

Measuring health and disease, 15 Credits.

Population health and development, 15 Credits.

Health systems research, 15 Credits.

Health policy, management, leadership and governance, 15 Credits.

Managing health systems, 15 Credits.

HIV and AIDS and the sustainable development agenda, 15 Credits.

Monitoring and evaluation of health and HIV and AIDs programs, 15 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Illustrate the effective practice of public health principles.
2. Apply policy, ethical, legal, epidemiological and theoretical frameworks to public health problems.
3. Suggest and motivate improvements to health program performance.
4. Propose methods to address policy, legal and human rights issues affecting marginalised populations and/or vulnerable communities.
5. Identify and analyse factors that affect the health and wellness of communities.
6. Evaluate innovative health policies and programs aimed at the promotion and optimisation of the community health and welfare.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Analyse and explain the relationships among programme managers, programme staff and beneficiaries.

Explain professional values in delivering quality health care services.

Elaborate on the importance of access to and equity of health promotion, disease prevention and disease control interventions.

Apply strategies for the effective and efficient implementation of public health services.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Elaborate on the health determinants in a given population.

Suggest an operational and cost-effective solution to a persisting public health problem.

Justify a research design and methods that include ethical considerations.

Comprehensively analyse, interpret and compare research results with the findings of earlier research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Scrutinise and explain the six building blocks for an effective health system.

Analyse and elaborate on the relationships among health program key stakeholders.

Suggest ways to address weaknesses in community level health systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Investigate and explain policy, legal and human rights issues that hinder access to health, social and other services by the most vulnerable populations in the community.

Examine strengths and weaknesses of health systems using health policy principles and legal determinants.

Apply theory and practice of public health principles to address policy, legal and human rights challenges faced by affected populations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Analyse and communicate the economic, social, political, institutional and developmental factors associated with success or failure of health programs.

Utilise evidence-based approaches in addressing behavioural, social and cultural aspects of common health problems at community level.

Evaluate the Sustainable Development goals of the United Nations and their role in promoting health, curbing the spread of illnesses and reducing mortality.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Utilise cost benefit analyses to determine the effectiveness of health programs.

Interpret and analyse relevant monitoring and evaluation information and results of operational and health system research aimed at strengthening health systems and programs.

Apply inter and multi sectoral approaches to addressing problems and to propose reforms in health services delivery.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated Assessment is core to the design of this qualification. The theoretical and practical components of this qualification are to be assessed in tandem, focusing on theoretical, practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. Assessment of this qualification could be described as:

Open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable, ensuring that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever.

Learning, teaching and assessment of this qualification are inextricably interwoven. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values are be integrated.

Assessment of fundamental principles will be integrated as far as possible with other aspects of public health and will use practical contexts wherever possible. A variety of assessment methods will be used, activities will be appropriate to the context in which the student will work. Simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques will be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment within the parameters of the framework of this qualification.

Continuous assessment will be done through case study simulations; forum discussions; essays; project reports; role play; group assignments; case studies and case presentations; peer evaluations; and on-line assessment activities. Assessment procedures will furthermore ensure that the outcomes and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated in an integrated manner.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification compares with the following qualifications:
Australia, Torrens University offers an online Graduate Diploma of Public Health with similar outcomes and a similar target market. It comprises eight modules, namely Epidemiology; Global and Environmental Health Issues; Health Policy and Advocacy; Health Systems and Economics; Leadership and effecting change in public health; Social, Behavioural and Cultural Factors in public health; Statistics for Public Health; and either Community Health and Disease Prevention or Programme Design, Implementation and Evaluation. It could be completed in a minimum period of two trimesters and is on AQF Level 8 and provides access to a Master Degree.

Conclusion:
This qualification compares favourably with the international qualification. Both qualifications have similar outcomes and targets.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification offers systemic articulation possibilities with the following qualifications offered by other institutions, provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements:

Horizontal Articulation:

An accredited Level 8 qualification registered onto the NQF.

This qualification offers specific vertical articulation possibilities with the following qualifications:
Vertical Articulation:

Master of Business Administration, Level 9.

Master of Philosophy, Level 9.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Public Health, Level 9.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

The accreditation of this qualification was transferred from Monash SA to the Independent Institute of Education (IIE) in November 2018.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

1.	The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd