SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Doctor of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
108933	Doctor of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Preventive Health
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 10	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-02-13	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

Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide the qualifying learners with advanced analytical problem-solving and reflective competencies in the field of Complementary Medicine (CM), and to enable them to act as a leader within the MC research field. This will be achieved by making an original contribution to the knowledge content of CM through independent research. As a contribution to medical science and the objectives of the international policies on CM, this Degree will further the aims associated with the provision of safe, high quality and efficacious healthcare. The defining characteristic of this qualification is that the candidate is required to demonstrate high level research capability and to make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of CM. The work must be of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication.

Rationale:
This qualification promotes the principles of lifelong learning in the field of Complementary Medicine (CM). Qualifying learners will be able to display insight, as well as an ability to conceptualise new research initiatives and create new knowledge or practise in their specialist field of CM. It is essential within the South African environment to provide healthcare which is accessible to the community and is of a high professional standard. This qualification will enable learners to apply their knowledge to solving healthcare problems, as well as engage in community upliftment.

The Medicines Control Council (MCC) of South Africa established regulation of CMs by way of the amendment to the General Regulations of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965 (Act 101 of 1965), in November 2013, which established the category of medicine "Category D-Complementary Medicine" and included a prescribed, current definition for CM.

In November 2014, the Minister of Health published regulations for comment which included the proposed amended definition:
"complementary medicine" means any substance or mixture of substances that:
(a) Originates from plants, fungi, algae, seaweeds, lichens, minerals, animals or other substance as determined by Council.

(b) Is used or purporting to be suitable for use or manufactured or sold for use.
(i) In maintaining, complementing, or assisting the innate healing power or physical or mental state.
(ii) To diagnose, treat, mitigate, modify, alleviate or prevent disease or illness or the symptoms or signs thereof or abnormal physical or mental state, of a human being or animal.

(c) Is used:
(i) As a health supplement.
ii) In accordance with those disciplines as determined by Council.

(d) Is declared by the Minister, on recommendation by the Council, by notice in the Gazette to be a complementary medicine.

Considering the above new legislation, high level research and focus is required to be generated in the field that will contribute towards the answering of crucial research questions. As a contribution to medical science and the objectives of the international policies on CM, this Degree will further the aims associated with the provision of safe, quality and efficacious healthcare.

This Doctoral qualification will offer an opportunity to clinicians and professionals both nationally and internationally who currently hold a Master's in Homoeopathy, Phytotherapy, or other related discipline of Complementary Medicine or related health professions; as well as Medicine Plant Science, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology or related analytical fields to register.

The Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) supports the new doctorate qualification as an area of niche research development for registered practitioners, in enhancing evidenced based medicine approaches within the broader scope of CM, in South Africa. The outcomes of the research may improve patient management/care, CM medicine practices and policies as well as a heightened understanding of medicines utilised within the field.

The qualification aims at developing academic differentiation from competing institutions by providing increased opportunities for applied research that will contribute to the development of intellectual capital.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Faculty of Health Sciences accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the Faculty accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and status will be given for credits that are aligned to the learning outcomes of the qualification and to promote lifelong learning.

The Faculty of Health Sciences manages RPL according to the University of Johannesburg's RPL policy, and will be applied as follows for the purposes of this qualification as set out in the Faculty of Health Sciences Qualifications and Regulations policy:

Through Recognition of Prior Learning, a student may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the institution.

Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Recognition of Prior Learning in the case of a student not complying with the formal entry requirements:
> Conducted after payment of the prescribed fees in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the University.
> Based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
> Considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required Level.
> Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification.
> Considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee of the Faculty of Sciences; and is finally decided upon by the Faculty of Health Sciences Dean's Committee.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirements are:

Master of Health Science in Complementary Medicine (Homeopathy or Phytotherapy).

Master of Technology: Homoeopathy.

An Equivalent qualification in a relevant field at a Level 9, generating a minimum of 180 Credits for example: Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Medicinal Plant Science or related analytical fields.

Applications from persons with an equivalent qualification will be considered by a constituted status committee in line with the University's and Faculty's regulations.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of a research project and thesis at Level 10, totalling 360 Credits.

Research project and thesis in Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine, 360 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate mastery of the skills and methods of research associated within the domain of Health Sciences.
2. Conduct independent self-generated research at the highest level with scholarly integrity.
3. Make significant, relevant, reasonable and justified contributions that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work in an area of Complementary Medicine (CM), some of which merits national or international refereed publications.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Apply sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies to solve complex, unfamiliar Complementary Medicine (CM) related problems through the innovative application of knowledge and conceptual thinking skills.

Demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge in an area at the forefront of the CM field; and provide research leadership within the field of CM and registered scope of practise in a South African context and translate this internationally.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Apply knowledge and research methodologies to solve complex, unfamiliar territories.

Demonstrate the ability to identify, address and manage emerging ethical issues, and to advance processes of ethical decision-making, including monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of these decisions where appropriate.

Contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in a CM area of study or practise.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Apply specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems within the field of CM pertaining to, but not limited to: principles, practises, policies, medicines and patient care/management.

Produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work within the field of CM, which meets international standards, is considered to be new or innovative by peers, and makes a significant contribution field.

Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical underpinnings in the management of complex systems to achieve systemic change, and sustain and manage change as it pertains to CM both nationally and internationally.

Integrated Assessment:
Assessment:

A doctoral study is assessed on the basis of a doctoral thesis only. The Faculty Rules and Regulations may, however, determine that an oral examination and/or the submission of publishable research article/s should form part of the academic requirements for the qualification.

Doctoral Degree learners are responsible for the technical and linguistic editing of the thesis with the assistance of the supervisor, prior to submission for final assessment.

Submission of the final thesis for assessment purposes, with reference to the presentation format, content and layout, is in accordance with the faculty-specific regulations as determined by the relevant faculty board, Senate Higher Degrees Committee, approved by Senate and contained in the Faculty Rules and Regulations.

A thesis is submitted for final assessment, subject to the written permission of the supervisors. If a dispute should arise about the readiness of the thesis for final assessment, the Executive Dean of the Faculty makes a final decision in accordance with the Higher Degrees and Postgraduate Studies Policy. The permission of the supervisors or the Executive Dean to submit a thesis for final assessment does not guarantee a successful outcome of the assessment procedure.

The assessment of the thesis is in accordance with the University's Higher Degrees and Postgraduate Studies Policy and the faculty-specific criteria as determined by the Faculty Board and approved by Senate.

Assessment results/outcomes include the following:
> That the thesis is approved and the Doctoral Degree is conferred (this recommendation may be conditional upon minor corrections being made to the satisfaction of the supervisors)
> That the thesis is accepted provisionally, the terms of the provisional acceptance being the following:
> The learner is allowed to make non-substantial corrections and improvements to the thesis as indicated by the assessors or the Faculty Higher Degrees or Assessment Committee within a period of one month.
> These corrections must be made to the satisfaction of the supervisors.
> Thereafter the thesis is resubmitted to the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee to enable it to satisfy itself that the corrections and improvements have been made.
> If the Committee is satisfied the thesis is finally accepted and a recommendation made that the Doctoral Degree be conferred.

That the thesis is not accepted, but with the following provisos:
> The learner is given the opportunity to substantially revise the thesis in the light of deficiencies identified by the assessors or the Faculty Higher Degrees, and to resubmit the thesis to the supervisors within a period of three months.
> If so recommended the thesis must also be resubmitted to the assessors that requested the substantial amendments, to satisfy themselves that the improvements have been made.
> If the improvements have been made satisfactorily the thesis is finally accepted by the Faculty Higher Degrees and a recommendation is made that the doctoral degree be conferred.
> The thesis is rejected and no reassessment on the same subject matter is considered.

Learners are not deemed to have completed the requirements for conferment of the Degree if the specified number of final corrected copies of the thesis, as well as an electronic copy, and manuscripts have not been submitted to the relevant faculty administration officer prior to the graduation ceremony and closure of the graduation list for the forthcoming graduation ceremony in accordance with the institution Statute and the University's Higher Degrees and Postgraduate Policy.

The Degree is assessed on the basis of the thesis only and the learner has to satisfy the Department of Complementary Medicine (CM) and their supervisors that the thesis is his or her own unaided work. Upon submission of the final thesis he or she has to give an undertaking that it has not been submitted to any other institution for examination and the granting of a qualification. The dissertation is assessed by two external examiners, one of whom has an international affiliation.

Certification of compliance with the requirements of the qualification:

Certification of compliance with the requirements of the qualification is in accordance with the Certification Policy of the University, with due regard to the responsibility of the learners, supervisors, relevant faculty administration officer, the Executive Dean of the Faculty and the Registrar. Also see section 9.

External examination:

With respect to the theses, external assessors are appointed to ensure adherence to quality standards.

The institution requests that assessors should be experienced and with knowledge and experience in the field of learning, in whom other assessors have confidence.

External assessors are expected to complete a standardised form to assist them in compiling their assessment reports. This form is provided via the Faculty Research office.

External examiners are recommended by the supervisors via the examining academic department for approval by the Faculty's Human histidine decarboxylase (HDC) and Senate HDC.

Feedback to learners on assessment tasks:

Learners are provided with information and guidance on their rights and responsibilities regarding assessment processes (see definitions and regulations on plagiarism, and terms of appeal on annexure: refer to uploaded document). All learners have electronic access to the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) year book and UJ academic regulations which furnish them with this information. Student appeal procedures are explicit, fair and effective. With reference to the research process and thesis writing learners will have received written feedback on the assessment of their thesis.

Assessment results are confidential and the assessor's name is only given to the learner with permission from the assessor.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Doctoral qualifications in complementary medicine are rare and usually require learners to choose a particular discipline; such as homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine or Naturopathy. Some qualifications are purely research based, while others involve coursework as well.

Doctor of Philosophy in Complementary Medicine, RMIT University, Australia. Full-time/part-time research-based qualification designed to contribute to new developments in allied and complementary health therapies. The Doctor of Philosophy may be undertaken in a project, thesis by publication or thesis mode. Emphasis is on research into evidence-based healthcare.

Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) from Five Branches University, China-Course-work and research developing advanced Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) knowledge and skills, achieving a medical specialisation, and gaining valuable experience in research and teaching.

Doctor of Philosophy in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), China. This five-year full time qualification allows learners to develop a foundation in theory and wide professional knowledge as well as conduct advanced research in Chinese Medicines.

Doctoral Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Irish College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ireland. This 3-year, part-time qualification enables TCM professionals to gain a fully-recognised Masters or Doctoral Degree from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. Involves course work and research.

Furthermore, the Department has potential links with the University of Delhi, Fudan University and Jiao Tong University in China (Acupuncture), University of Westminster (Herbal Medicine and Medicinal Plant Science), University of Maryland (Research Centre for Integrative Medicine), University of Missouri (Department of Biochemistry Division of Plant Sciences) Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (Department of Complementary Medicine) who offer post grad research qualifications and research centres/expertise. Additional research and innovation collaboration exists with the University of Western Sydney National (Institute of Complementary Medicine) and University of Technology Sydney (Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine), whom either offer Postgraduate Degrees or intensive research in the field of complementary medicine. World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centres such as the Centre of Research in Bioclimatology, Biotechnologies and Natural Medicine, State University of Milan and the National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, University of Tromso, could also be approached for collaborative research.

Nationally, prior to recurriculation, Durban University of Technology (DUT) offered a Doctor of Technology (D. Tech) Homeopathy.

The Phytomedicine Qualification at the University of Pretoria is a multidisciplinary and collaborative research qualification investigating therapeutically useful compounds present in plants growing in South Africa. In 2007 it was designated as a National Research Foundation Developed Research Niche Area.

The qualification has delivered many publications, Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates from many countries in Africa and Europe and several patents and products in the market.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

The qualification offers the following horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities.

Horizontal Articulation:

Cognate doctoral qualifications in related fields.

Vertical Articulation:

Possible for those qualifiers who wish to proceed with a Postdoctoral Degree

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 Johannesburg