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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Clinical Haematology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
104788  Master of Philosophy in Clinical Haematology 
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 aim of this qualification is to train physicians or haematopathologists with the appropriate clinical knowledge, laboratory skills, applied competence and understanding of disease of the blood and to function at specialist level. Clinical haematologists should play a role at all levels of the health system. Not only will they treat patients with acute haematological disorders at tertiary institutions but also provide care to patients' genetic bleeding disorders, congenital or acquired anaemias as well as to those with chronic haematological malignancies in the community. A clinical haematologist should be able to conduct community-based research. They must have competency in research methodology, statistics and evaluation of data. They are required to have good understanding of the scientific basis of blood disorders, the usual diagnostic techniques, detailed understanding of the clinical management, as well as required regulatory issues.

Rationale:
The Master of Philosophy in Clinical Haematology aims to allow certification (according to the requirements of the Health Professions Council of South Africa) as a registered subspecialist in clinical haematology. Graduates will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and specific skills to meet the requirements for specialisation in clinical haematology of the College of Pathologists of South Africa. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Entry Requirements:
  • Proof that he/she, prior to commencing with education and training in the relevant subspecialty, has complied with all the requirements for registration as a specialist in the primary or one of the primary specialities listed against the relevant subspecialty.
  • Has been registered as a specialist in that field.
    And
  • Has been appointed against an Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)'s-approved training number. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 credits.

    Compulsory modules:
  • Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Clinical Haematology Part 1 (LAB7024W), 120 Credits.
  • MPhil Clinical Haematology Part 2 (LAB7041W), 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Knowledge and skills in a wide spectrum of laboratory techniques and haematological diseases.
    2. Knowledge and practice of clinical haematology, diagnostic evaluations, treatments and management of haematological conditions and emergencies, and bone marrow and peripheral stem cell transplantation.
    3. Perform the range of tests used in a haematology laboratory with a high level of technical skill.
    4. Competence in quality assurance practices pertaining to haematopathology.
    5. Interpret the results of laboratory tests in the diagnosis of anaemia, coagulopathies, thrombophilia, haematological malignancies, haematological problems of systemic disease and therapy-related problems.
    6. Recommend appropriate additional investigations relevant to the establishment of a diagnosis as well as management of the blood diseases in question.
    7. Competence in clinical and laboratory aspects of blood transfusion.
    8. Understanding of molecular biology, immunology, basic scientific measurements and cell biology.
    9. Sound knowledge of research methodology.
    10. Clinical management of blood diseases.
    11. Trained in diagnostic methods of a modern haematology laboratory. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome:
  • Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and minimum clinical requirements to register as a subspecialist.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Candidates undergo full-time clinical training by the University while being employed as senior registrars by the provincial health department on the Health Professions Council of South Africa approved University training platform. In the course of their training, and at end, candidates undergo examinations set by the relevant College of Medicine of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. The curriculum is delivered via recommended reading, development of a detailed portfolio of cases, bedside teaching, teaching rounds, presentations at meetings and journal clubs and practical experience in clinics and wards. The assessment strategy is aimed at assessing whether candidates have mastered the basic sciences and/or other foundational knowledge required for their clinical work, and whether they have met the minimum clinical requirements to register as subspecialists. These requirements are set by the Colleges of Medicine and are usually assessed in the form of a clinical logbook, an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), objective structured practical examinations (OSPE) and written paper/s.

    The examination consists of two parts. The examination in Part I consists of one or more written paper(s) and/or such practical and/or oral examinations as the examiners may require. The examination in Part 2 (for those candidates who wish to obtain the degree) consists of a dissertation.

    In order to register as subspecialists the candidate is not required but may opt to complete a dissertation for which external examination is arranged by the University. Subspecialist trainees who opt not to complete the dissertation may register as subspecialists after passing College exams and meeting minimum clinical training time on successful completion of College examinations. They receive the relevant College of Medicine certification. Those candidates who also produce a dissertation receive a University Degree. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The 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.