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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Biokinetics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
104786  Master of Philosophy in Biokinetics 
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  Preventive 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:
One of the primary aims of this qualification is provide in-depth and advanced training into the four sub-areas of biokinetics. The qualification also aims to fulfil a need that practicing biokineticists have highlighted (via a survey) to provide an evidence-based, and continuously updated approach to the biokinetics clinical rehabilitation and management of patients and clients. Additionally, this qualification provides a vehicle for engaging students in clinically relevant research in the discipline of biokinetics and therapeutic exercise.

Rationale:
The Master of Philosophy in Biokinetics is one of the first such qualifications offered in South Africa. A formative assessment was conducted amongst biokineticists in 2007 and 2008 where a demand for this type of qualification was established. Many biokineticists, together with the Biokinetics Association of South Africa (BASA) expressed the need for Master's level qualifications within the field of biokinetics. A structured Master's qualification with research now provides an opportunity for important clinical continuing education for the biokineticist, as well as creating a platform for conducting clinically relevant research to add to the growing body of evidence-based practice. The training in the Honours year thus needs to be comprehensive. There is sometimes insufficient interrogation and depth of study due to lack of time. This, together with the ever increasing rate of new research and training methods as well as market pace demands for health promotion and rehabilitation, creates a challenge for qualified biokineticists in keeping up to date with a continually evolving profession. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Applicants who wish to be considered on the basis of Recognition of Prior Learning will be required to submit a personal portfolio reflecting, amongst others, their experience in the field of biokinetics and exercise prescription; any relevant work experience; past attendance of relevant courses, for which they may have obtained certificates or Diplomas; and evidence of critical thinking skills in writing and reading.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement is:
  • Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Biokinetics.
    Or
  • A comparable qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Levels 8 and 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory modules, Level 8, 15 Credits:
  • High performance athlete (HUB4072F), 15 Credits.

    Compulsory modules, Level 9, 165 Credits:
  • Biokinetics in the workplace (HUB5018S), 15 Credits.
  • Research methods and statistics for physical activity (HUB5017W), 15 Credits.
  • Physical activity and epidemiology (HUB5016F), 15 Credits.
  • Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Biokinetics dissertation (HUB5024W), 60 Credits.
  • Advanced clinical exercise physiology (HUB5023S), 15 Credits.
  • Nutrition and ergogenic aids (HUB5022S), 15 Credits.
  • Biokinetics and neuromuscular disorders (HUB5021S), 15 Credits.
  • Advanced strength and conditioning for athletic performance (HUB5020F), 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Incorporate evidence-based practice into clinical rehabilitation, prescription and health promotion programmes.
    2. Incorporate theories and advanced knowledge, with specific reference to various contexts and settings (e.g. sports persons, elderly, children, chronic, non-communicable disease) into Biokinetics clinical practice.
    3. Develop and evaluate programmes incorporating physical activity for the promotion of health and the prevention and management of disease, at an individual level and population level.
    4. Provide leadership, management and clinical expertise when managing and travelling with elite sports teams.
    5. Critically appraise and translate scientific and clinical peer-reviewed literature into practice. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome:
  • Apply theoretical concepts and research to practical situations.
  • Demonstrate competence in the research process including study design, data collection, management and analysis and dissemination of results.
  • Demonstrate theoretical understanding in examinations, and communicate understanding to other professionals.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative and Summative Assessment:
    The assessment approach is based on an evidence -based approach to teaching. Students will be expected to apply theoretical concepts and research to practical situations, demonstrate theoretical understanding in their examinations, and communicate their understanding to other professionals. Students are required to complete three assignments and an examination for each course. The assignment and examination each contributes 50% to the total course mark. The examination takes place at the end of the semester with the pass mark being 50%. Candidates are required to complete all courses for each semester before they may commence with the courses for the following semester. Students are required to obtain an average of 50% for the assignments for each course, and attend 80% of the lectures, in order to write the examination in that course. The dissertation is externally examined. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable to qualifications offered in the United States of America, United Kingdom and Australia. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for Vertical Articulation opportunity.
    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). 
    		•

    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.
     
    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.