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: 

Advanced diploma in Somatology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110049  Advanced diploma in Somatology 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-07-25  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:
This qualification will equip qualified Somatologists with the necessary competencies and specialisation of Somatic therapy modalities, leadership and business skills to function as multi-skilled, adaptable and socially responsible Somatologists and managers within the Somatology discipline both locally and internationally.

These highly qualified Somatologists may work under supervision and/ or alongside dermatologists and other general practitioners who regularly practice Aesthetic Medicine, performing both pre and post specialised facial and body treatments ethically within a Somatologists scope of practice. Additionally, they will be able to apply specialisation in complementary modalities and new less invasive therapies, techniques and technologies. Thereby providing axillary support to other health care professionals which will contribute to relieving the burden on the national healthcare system.

The primary aim is to encourage critical reflective practices within the graduate to be able to determine, design and perform the most appropriate specialised treatment option for a client whether it be a terminally ill patient or a professional athlete. Thus, they need to be able to relate their theoretical knowledge and apply it in different contexts.

The qualification will also prepare learners for entry into a postgraduate qualification.

Rationale:
This qualification is primarily discipline specialised in nature. Furthermore, it seeks to promote entrepreneurship or management opportunities within the Somatology field both locally and internationally. With the added specialisation, the qualification aims to encourage and improve professional relationships with all other health care professionals through research and being responsive to the primary health care and wellness need of the people of South Africa, thereby adapting and cementing their position within the health care community.

In recent years a major shift has occurred within the health sector where the emphasis has progressed from a curative approach to a more preventative approach. Linked to this, a need for different forms of therapies to complement and supplement one another in pursuit of optimum health for clients. This has narrowed the gap between that which has traditionally been seen as allopathic and alternative medicine and therapies.

Today, the traditional Western medical field acknowledges the value and positive medical research supporting various complementary, alternative and adjunct therapies and methodologies (CAM).

Due to the availability of and access to information the general public is also more aware in terms of the health and well-being of the human body, as well as quicker, new less invasive therapies, techniques and technologies and are therefore demanding a more holistic approach from health practitioners.

Therefore, the focus within the field of Somatic therapies has also shifted from a 'traditional only aesthetic focus' to a multi-skilled health and wellness related focus. This field has seen major advances in terms of new technologies, techniques and products which place the practicing Somatologist in a position to receive referrals from health care professionals, and vice versa. The qualification will incorporate specialisation in complementary and palliative care with the introduction of deep tissue, lymphatic and sports massage techniques. Thereby providing axillary support to other health care professionals.

The qualification will focus greatly on non-invasive medical aesthetic procedures which can be performed professionally and ethically by Somatologists. The specialisation will also provide potential employers in the medical aesthetics industry with confidence in the capabilities of graduates. It will reduce the need for them to further invest in training the Diploma diplomat to provide the support services they require from a Somatologist.

Entrepreneurs are desperately needed in South Africa and Africa to improve our economy and this qualification places a great focus in this area to develop diplomats to become self-employed and employers themselves.

The industry was consulted through questionnaires and advisory board representatives and it was advised that the Advanced Diploma would provide more specialization in certain modalities that will meet the needs of industry. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Rules for awarding RPL credits will be in accordance with the policy of the institution.

A challenge test or portfolio will provide the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and will not be so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining this qualification.

This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow:
  • Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
  • Gaining or exemption of credits.
  • Obtaining of the Somatology Advanced Diploma in part.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement is:
  • A 360 Credits Diploma in Somatology or equivalent at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Somatology Research Methodology 1, 24 Credits.
  • Business Management and Leadership in Somatology, 16 Credits.
  • Somatic Complementary Therapy, 32 Credits.
  • Somatic Medical Aesthetics Therapy I, 24 Credits.
  • Somatic Medical Aesthetics Therapy II, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Critically and holistically evaluate the current state of the body in order to identify, recommend and perform the appropriate specialised remedial, rehabilitative, curative, preventative, palliative treatments safely and /or referrals according to ethical standards of the profession.
    2. Demonstrate and apply ethical entrepreneurial and comprehensive business management skills for the establishment and operation of a Somatology related setting or health care practice.
    3. Design and apply meaningful research protocols for the advancement and development of the Somatology/Wellness discipline. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Discuss different body systems in terms of anatomy and physiology, related disorders, pathologies and nutrition.
  • Use knowledge of the structure and function of the body systems to identify pathologies disorders and design appropriate treatments.
  • Apply scientific principles to critically assess the current state of the health of the client taking into account the individuals unique requirements and available facilities, whilst demonstrating responsibility to the practice and environment as a whole.
  • Manage, perform and integrate non-invasive specialised treatments safely and ethically within a Somatologists scope of practice.
  • Articulate a complete understanding of case studies findings, demonstrating reflection on appropriateness, practicalities and professionalism of application of specialised treatments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Discuss ethical, safety and legal standards and that they are adhered to.
  • Evaluate professional codes of conduct for statutory and non-statutory bodies relevant to the practice of Somatology.
  • Demonstrate responsible care of equipment and physical resources.
  • Investigate promotion and retail opportunities within communities.
  • Identify appropriate advertising opportunities using basic research principles within communities.
  • Conduct promotion of services and the retail of products.
  • Demonstrate management of human, financial, physical and information resources.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate reflective learning and critical thinking skills for the evaluation and examination of research strategies and design.
  • Apply and present research methodology and protocols in a research proposal.
  • Formulate and develop a research project within the Somatology/Wellness discipline.
  • Discuss ethical practices and legal standards.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify and address ethical issues within research.
  • Demonstrate an ability to critically review information gathering, analysis and interpretation of data.

    Integrated Assessment:
    As the qualification is discipline specialised in nature, the approach allows for a variety of both formative and summative assessments including but not limited to case studies, simulations, group work, theoretical tests and reflective practices to be utilised to maximise learning experiences. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The international comparability study shows that many countries, specifically United Kingdom, do have comparisons in accordance to this qualification.

    Country: United Kingdom (UK):
    Institution: Leeds City College (UK).
    In the UK a Foundation Degree is a Higher Education qualification equivalent to the first two years of a Bachelor of Arts Honours (BAHons) Degree Qualification. Foundation Degrees are associated to the workplace (vocational) and learners will be able to develop skills to apply to their practice and related it to their theoretical knowledge. They require a level 3 entrance which is similar to the Diploma in Somatology. Some that were similar to the Advanced Diploma are:

    Comparison:
  • Course title: Leadership and Management Foundation Degree in Beauty (Level 4 and 5, 2 years full/ part-time).
    Description: This foundational degree enables the professional therapist to specialize in management and leadership aspects.

    Content:
  • Introduction of leadership and management.
  • Professional development.
  • Managing resources.
  • Organisation and environments.
  • Finance and marketing for managers.
  • Managing customer relations.
  • Project management.
  • Leading people and performance.
  • Personal learning and development in organisations.
  • Work related learning.
  • Strategy, innovation and enterprise.
  • Managing continuous improvement and change.

    Country: United Kingdom:
    Institution: Redditch (Worcestershire):
  • Course title: Beauty and Spa Management Foundation Degree (Level 4 and 5, 2 years full-time/part-time).
  • Description: This foundation degree will enable learners to explore and practice advanced technologies in the Health and Wellness and introduce them to leadership and management concepts.

    Content:
  • Introduction to study skills.
  • Client focus and customer care.
  • Advanced skin technologies.
  • Leadership skills within an organisation
  • Infection control management.
  • Legal and ethical framework.
  • Human resource management.
  • Interpersonal communication skills.

    Country: United Kingdom:
    Institution: Wrexham Glyndwr University:
  • Course title: Bachelor of Science Honours (BScHons) Complementary Therapies for Healthcare (Level 5, 4 years fulltime/6 years part-time).
  • Description: The BSc (Hons) Complementary Therapies for Healthcare degree enables learners the opportunity to develop professional skills in preparation for working in the practice of complementary therapy.

    Content:
  • Foundation in bodyworks.
  • Foundations in research.
  • Developing academic and personal skills.
  • Nutrition.
  • Anatomy and applied physiology.
  • Foundation in bodyworks.
  • Foundations in research.
  • Developing academic and personal skills.
  • Nutrition.
  • Anatomy and applied physiology.
  • Bodyworks in practice.
  • Dissertation.
  • Applied business practice.
  • Health psychology for therapists.

    Country: Nigeria
  • Course title: Masters Esthetics.
  • Description: This diploma course is for learners who have completed their basic esthetics course and wish to progress further or anyone who has equivalent learning experience from other institution.
  • Extensive in-depth training and hands- on experience in the areas of anti-aging and acne care.
  • Training on the utilization of advanced skin evaluation techniques.
  • Advanced treatments like resurfacing/peels, micro-dermabrasion, light therapy, ultra sonic treatments, vacuum treatments, advanced chemical peels at progressive, mid-level and deep level e.g. alpha-hydroxyl.
  • Advanced extraction techniques, body and back treatments and wax techniques.

    Country: Australia:
  • Institution: The Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Sciences.
  • Course title: Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science (1 year full/2 year part-time).
  • Description: The Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science enables learners the opportunity to acquire knowledge in the field of cosmetic medicine and dermal therapies.

    Content:
  • Dermal science theory.
  • Practice management and administration.
  • Surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
  • Use and formulation of pharmaceuticals.
  • In Canada the Beauty institute Canada offer a Medical Aesthetics Diploma that includes many of the specialised medical aesthetic treatments incorporated into the Advanced Diploma, as they too have recognized the need to branch into this new developing field.
  • Many qualifications internationally, such as the University of Plymouth offer a palliative care UUC module 20 Credit course at Bachelors (Level 6) level, which introduces holistic care practices which is also incorporated into the Advanced Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers the following horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Reflexology, Therapeutic Aromatherapy and Therapeutic Massage, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
    Postgraduate Diploma Somatology, Level 8. 
    		•

    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. Durban University of Technology 


    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.