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 Veterinary Medicine in Surgery 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
105468  Master of Veterinary Medicine in Surgery 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
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
Reregistered  EXCO 0335/25  2024-06-30  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 
The first purpose of this qualification is to gain a level of knowledge and experience to provide an exceptional standard of surgical care and service in the field of Veterinary Surgery and related subjects.

To meet all the requirements for competence as to permit registration as a specialist veterinary surgeon with the South African Veterinary Council as well as to qualify for admission to internationally recognised specialist organisations.

To foster an attitude of ongoing excellence and lifelong learning in the graduate, especially in the field of Veterinary surgery.

To provide the skills, knowledge and practical experience to teach the art and science of Veterinary surgery to pre-graduate veterinary students and nurses and Postgraduate Honours and masters students. An attitude of lifelong learning will be fostered, ensuring continued self-development in the discipline. Dissemination of knowledge to the public sector by way of continuing education programmes.

To provide skills and knowledge to allow the graduate to enter related fields and positions in the job market.

To provide an understanding of research methodology and practical research experience through the completion of a dissertation and peer-reviewed articles. With this knowledge, a contribution to the advancement of scientific knowledge can be made through active research pertaining to Veterinary surgery and the support of research projects by the provision of Veterinary surgical service and advice on the suitability of Veterinary surgery research protocols.

To provide a basis with which to contemplate further studies, i.e. Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), in the field of equine Veterinary surgery or any other related discipline.

To add to the body of Veterinary surgery specialists to meet the need for this service in South Africa.

To aid in ensuring the welfare of animals. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Access may be gained to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements:
Bachelor of veterinary Science (Honours), Level 8.

Registration with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) to practice as a Veterinarian is a minimum requirement as this degree leads to specialist registration with the SAVC. Any Degree, which the SAVC recognises to practice veterinary science, will be considered as minimum entry requirement. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
1. Acquire an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of pathophysiology, signalment, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of surgical conditions in animals.
2. Acquire a broad base of knowledge and skills in the related disciplines of veterinary medicine, diagnostic imaging and anatomy.
3. Acquire extensive and detailed surgical skills permitting the planning and successful completion of a wide range of surgical procedures and aftercare at a specialist level.
4. Develop the skills to critically evaluate relevant scientific articles as well as to write scientific research, review and case report articles for accredited, peer reviewed journals.
5. Add to world scientific knowledge in veterinary surgery through publication and through the ability to plan and conduct research.
6. Develop teaching skills as well as the skills to transmit scientific theory and practice.
7. Act professionally and ethically and develop communication skills.
8. Demonstrate continued interest in new developments and research in the discipline of veterinary surgery. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Study of relevant, up-to-date surgical texts and articles.
  • Conduct literature studies for recent relevant information.
  • Present and attend seminars, lectures, tutorials and courses on the subject.
  • Demonstrate in depth knowledge in veterinary surgery by passing written and oral tests and examinations supervised by appropriately qualified internal and external examiners.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Study of relevant, up-to-date surgical texts and articles.
  • Conduct literature studies for recent relevant information.
  • Present and attend seminars, lectures, tutorials and courses on the subject.
  • Successfully pass the written, oral and practical tests and examinations of the mentioned ancillary subjects under the supervision of qualified internal and external examiners.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Participate as assistant and primary surgeon in a wide range of surgical procedures.
  • Maintain verified case logs.
  • Participate in planning session and post-operative critical evaluation sessions on surgical cases.
  • Successfully pass surgical competence tests and examinations under supervision of appropriately qualified internal and external examiners.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Attend and participate in journal clubs.
  • Submit manuscripts for critical evaluation by experienced faculty authors.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Attend and pass relevant courses in research methodology.
  • Study relevant treatise or research ethics.
  • Research and prepare detailed research protocols under supervision.
  • Defend protocols at open scientific meetings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Direct and regular interaction with advanced undergraduate students to teach clinic skills.
  • Involvement in formal lecturing of undergraduate students in the discipline of veterinary education courses.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Take responsibility and treat clinical cases within accepted professional norms.
  • Communicate and co-operate with fellow staff members with regards to the welfare of the patient.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Demonstrate the ability to debate and perform techniques reported in the relevant, appropriate and current literature.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Portfolios.
  • Work-place assessments.
  • Written examinations.
  • Oral examinations.

    Other:
  • Portfolio.
  • A dissertation acceptable to peer review.
  • At least one research journal article accepted to a peer reviewed scientific journal.
  • At least one case report article accepted to a peer reviewed scientific journal.
  • Studies.

    Formative Assessment:
    Continual assessment and monitoring of the candidate during clinical work and studies while under the supervision of a registered specialist equine surgeon and senior clinical personnel. Feedback is given to the candidate on a continual basis.

    Summative Assessment:
    Portfolio work that has been completed and assessed by assessors and moderators.
    Written, oral and practical examinations occur at predetermined intervals and at the end of the period of study. These examinations are set to cover theoretical knowledge, clinical/practical skills and acquired experience. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Veterinary Science, Level 9.
  • Master of Veterinary Medicine in Anaesthesiology, Level 9.
  • Master of Veterinary Medicine in Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Level 9.
  • Master of Veterinary Medicine in Bovine Medicine, Level 9.
  • Master of Veterinary Medicine in Laboratory Animal Science, Level 9.
  • Master of Veterinary Medicine in Pharmacology, Level 9.
  • Master of Veterinary Medicine in Small Animal Surgery, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy: Veterinary Science, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Veterinary Science, Level 10. 
    		•

    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.