SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Cardiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101836  Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Cardiology 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  300  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification is designed to deliver professional and specialist medical practitioners who will be able to:
  • Demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge in the field of Paediatric Cardiology.
  • Use a wide range of specialised skills and competency in identifying, conceptualising, critiquing and implementing methods of inquiring and diagnoses to address medical challenges that demand high levels of expertise.
  • Apply specialist knowledge and theory in reflective, original, creative ways to solve complex practical and theoretical problems.
  • Create new knowledge and research initiatives.
  • Create new clinical applications and practise, based upon independent scholarship.
  • Independently reflect scholarly on theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in the field of Paediatric Cardiology.
  • Implement improved competences in the administration and management of Paediatric Cardiology.

    Rationale:
    The Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Cardiology qualification endeavours to provide Postgraduate Education in a specialised field of Medicine that is characterised by high quality, excellence, relevance to the community needs and the development of scarce skills and highly specialised capacity needed in the African continent in general and in the South Africa specifically. This qualification intends to train registered specialists to become subspecialists (or "post-or super-specialists") in Paediatric Cardiology, one of a range of sub disciplines officially recognised by the Health Professions Council of South Africa. This recognition underscores the investment in and necessity for scarce skills development, the building of specialised capacity and advanced competency in the field of Medicine, in particular Paediatric Cardiology, within the context of advanced learning and in depth research.

    The qualification is proficiently developed by experts, within the framework of international comparability, occupational demands and requirements, and community needs. It is also aligned with the national priorities in the Health Sector and complies with the criteria, norm and standards set by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Therefore, the programme has met all the prerequisites of the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a qualification in the independent sub-speciality of Paediatric Cardiology. The programme is aligned with the requirements of the Higher Education Qualifications Framework. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Possible exemption, fully or partially, on the basis of comparable training and experience gained at another institution could be granted by the University. Based on the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy of the University, candidates may be granted exemption from applicable components of the programme. This will be done in consultation with the particular Head of Department, the Head of the School of Medicine and Appropriate structures within the Faculty of Health Sciences.

    Entry Requirements:
    Candidates may register for the Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Cardiology if he/she:
  • Complies with the stipulations of the General Regulations for Master's Degrees and the regulations of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
  • Is registered as a specialist in a clinical discipline with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
  • Is in possession of a Master of Medicine (MMed) or College Fellowship or equivalent qualification in any clinical discipline. Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is compulsory. Prospective candidates should have completed their internship and community service obligations. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 300 Credits.
  • Echocardiography, 60 Credits.
  • Percutaneous Interventions and Angiography, 60 Credits.
  • Anatomy, 30 Credits.
  • Physiology, 30 Credits.
  • Health Care Practice, 30 Credits.
  • General Cardiology and Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 30 Credits.
  • Mini-dissertation, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge in the sub-specialty of paediatric cardiology.
    2. Create new knowledge and research initiatives in the study of paediatric cardiology.
    3. Make autonomous ethical decisions and contribute to the development of ethical standards in a paediatric cardiology context.
    4. Appoint, train and supervise specialised personnel. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Engage with and critique current practices.
  • Select and apply creative methods, techniques, processes and technologies to complex clinical and theoretical problems.
  • Diagnose and manage diseases and disorders of the cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary systems of infants, children and adolescents.
  • Provide guidance in the co-ordination, evaluation and supervision of an intensive care unit.
  • Make interventions at an appropriate level and address the intended and unintended consequences of such interventions.
  • Design, select and apply the required technical and procedure skills in a paediatric unit.
  • Systematically assess priorities of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with co-ordination into an integrated patient management strategy.
  • Operate independently and take full responsibility for own work within the paediatric cardiology environment.
  • Proficiently assess, plan and implement surgery systems that are acceptable and affordable for the country.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Evaluate and independently reflect current processes of knowledge production and choose appropriate processes of enquiry for the area of paediatric cardiology practice.
  • Conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in the subspeciality.
  • Interrogate and evaluate multiple sources related to theoretical knowledge and clinical examination of the neonate.
  • Use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the paediatric cardiology practice.
  • Design, implement and manage strategies in the use of medical statistics.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Develop own learning strategies and demonstrate the use of academic discourse in exposure to and conduct of clinical research.
  • Communicate the appropriate use of imaging techniques, special investigations and laboratory tests.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Manage a paediatric cardiology registry.
  • Use the appropriate evaluation systems for quality assurance.
  • Establish the required protocols to improve efficiency and minimise fatalities.
  • Actively participate in local, national and international seminars, Postgraduate courses.
  • Implement improved competences in the administration and management of the subspecialty.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) (Paediatric Cardiology) endorses excellence and academic integrity of postgraduate research and assessment are accordingly arranged by means of clearly stipulated assessment procedures and criteria. Different kinds of evidence of learning are therefore collected to monitor student progress. Constructive feedback on the learning process and/or learning progress is provided to individual students and/or groups of students in oral and/or written format and clearly explained and justified.

    For the purposes of this programme, candidates are subjected to an examination session, focusing not only on theoretical knowledge, but also on the integration of knowledge and competencies during practical examination sessions. Apart from written and oral examinations, candidates are required to engage in a research project and to submit an extended research report. These examinations are administered by the Colleges of Medicine.

    For the MPhil (Paediatric Cardiology) work integrated learning will not carry separate credits but will be embedded in all modules, except the mini-dissertation. The mini-dissertation is constructively aligned and the topic chosen will fall within the subspecialty paediatric cardiology. WIL will be structured, recorded, monitored and assessed according to the CMSA's Portfolio of learning: Certificate in Cardiology of the College of Paediatricians of South Africa. Work integrated learning also does not carry separate credits but is embedded in the modules. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board (JRCPTB) JRCPTB sets and maintains the standards for high quality UK medical training on behalf of the three Royal Colleges of Physicians: the Royal College of Physicians of London, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. Entry into training is possible following successful completion of both a foundation programme and a core training programme. There are two core training programmes for Paediatric Cardiology training: Core Medical Training (CMT) + Level 1 Paediatric Training. The total duration of training in paediatric cardiology is an indicative 8 years (3 years core paediatrics or 2 years acute medicine training with an additional year of basic paediatric training and 5 years of specific paediatric cardiology training), but will depend on the achievement of the training competencies rather than a rigid duration of training. The speciality provides a service from foetal life, through childhood, into adulthood and is concerned with diseases of the heart in the growing and developing individual. The paediatric cardiologist in training must have a thorough grounding in paediatrics and should be capable of providing all round patient care. Becoming a Paediatric Cardiologist sub-specialist takes about 11 years thorough the UFS MPhil (Paediatric Cardiology): 5 years undergraduate training (MBChB), + 4 years MMed (Paediatrics) + 2 years MPhil (Paediatric Cardiology). Graduates from this programme may pursue PhD studies.

    The Duke University School of Medicine in the USA offers a 3-year Master's degree in Paediatric Cardiology. The programme is accredited by the American Board of Pediatrics, Sub-board of Pediatric Cardiology. Applicants must have completed by the start of fellowship a three year residency in an ACGME-accredited residency programme or in Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)-accredited or College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)-accredited residency programme. The goal of the Duke Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship program is to train future leaders who will provide expert, compassionate care for patients with congenital and acquired heart disease, as well as advance the field through a lifetime of thoughtful inquisition and research. Fellows train directly under a diverse faculty with a great depth of experience. Of the three years of required training in Pediatric Cardiology, a minimum of 24 months are spent in the clinical arena and 12 months are available for research. While patient care and introductory clinical research skills are taught to all fellows, basic science training is available, as is advanced training in clinical research with the option of obtaining a Master's Degree. Graduates from this programme may pursue PhD studies. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification enables articulation possibilities with the following qualifications:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master's Degrees or applicable Health Care qualifications at Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctoral or applicable Level 10 qualifications in cognate study areas. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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. University of the Free State 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.