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 Palliative Medicine 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
104745  Master of Philosophy in Palliative Medicine 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   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  180  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 equip palliative care professionals with the knowledge and understanding of research methods and to develop the skills to conduct independent research in Palliative Medicine; and with expanded knowledge and skills of palliative care and palliative care service development. The coursework covers the topics of advanced symptom management, psychosocial and spiritual support, advocacy and policy in palliative care.

Rationale:
The rationale of the qualification is to provide Southern Africa with graduates in Palliative Medicine capable of improving the quality of life for patients with advanced illness and their families in all communities and places of care, as clinicians, teachers and health advocates and to expanding the evidence base for palliative care. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Entry Requirements:
A Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine for this university or an equivalent qualification from another university recognised by the Senate for the purpose. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
This qualification consists of compulsory modules at 180 Credits at Level 9.

Modules:
  • Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Palliative Medicine Part 2 (PPH7048W), 90 Credits.
  • Advanced Palliative Care (PPH7081S), 30 Credits.
  • Research Methods (PPH7080H), 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1 Critically analyse the literature concerning the principles of palliative medicine. To be able to support clinical decisions with objective evidence.
    2 Know about ways in which advanced disease can be modified by oncological, surgical and medical treatments.
    3 Evaluate the scientific basis of pain management and discuss clinical application to palliative care.
    4 To be able to evaluate the scientific basis of the management of other common symptoms in palliative medicine and discuss practical application of this knowledge. Understand the particular needs of children as relatives.
    5 Know the palliative care management issues specific to children.
    6 Understanding of barriers to achieving a dignified and meaningful death.
    7 Have knowledge of the cultural variations of belief and behaviour which may influence relevant delivery of care.
    8 Describe in detail local facilities for palliative care and to evaluate these facilities.
    9 Understand the public policy debate around care of terminally ill patients and contribute towards the development of humane, ethical and equitable public policy.
    10 Promote and facilitate collaboration between public health care structures and Non-Governmental Organisations involved in home-based, residential and in-patient palliative care.
    11 Demonstrate the knowledge and skills to promote the highest quality of life for each individual patient and their families and carers in the context of terminal illness.
    12 Conduct research that will contribute to the scientific basis of palliative medicine. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment of coursework is by means of written assignments and a dissertation. A pass of 50% is required in each component. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Similar to qualifications offered in the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK) and Australia. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for vertical articulation.

    Vertically Articulation with:
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.