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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Cardiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110647  Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Cardiology 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
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 0821/24  2019-09-11  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 purpose of this qualification is to:
  • Ensure that learners acquire a high level of theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills and experience in the field of Paedaitric Cardiology, via appropriate assimilation and analysis of new information, the ability to find workable solutions to problems and challenges, as well as practical application of knowledge accrued and prepare such learners for a career as paediatric cardiologists.
  • Ensure that learners acquire the necessary skills to identify key research opportunities, initiate well-structured research studies, complete such studies, and apply the results thereof.
  • Prepare learners who aspire to move to a higher level of academic research work for Doctoral Studies and to promote an approach based on academic integrity and professional ethics.
  • Contribute to the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure advancement in the field of Paediatirc Cardiology and to make provision for the country's needs in a skilled scientific workforce of the highest calibre.
  • Prepare learners who can apply their skills to the task of answering the relevant questions and meeting the critical needs of the country.

    The purpose and outcomes of the qualification would be reached by means of the curriculum, as candidates are supervised, guided and assisted by properly qualified individuals and they are required to perform a research project at the appropriate level.

    Rationale:
    Paediatric Cardiology has been identified as a "scarce" subspecialty skill in South Africa. There is a undersupply of cardiologists as reported by the Paediatric Cardiac Society of South Africa. The programme is aimed at Paediatricians who wish to subspecialise in Paediatric Cardiology.

    The current exit standard for subspecialisation in Paediatric Cardiology is a certificate examination set by the College of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA). The institution is accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a training centre.

    The current CMSA qualification can be obtained without any research having to be performed. Congenital heart disease is a significant public health problem. There is, however, a dearth of data on these disorders in sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa. The aim of this qualification is to train Clinical Paediatric Cardiologists and to emphasise the importance of research in the field. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The qualification conforms to the institution's Policy for the Regulation for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT).

    In the case of RPL for exemption and CAT for transfer:
  • Exemption and credit transfer may only be granted on a per-module basis, i.e. a complete module of an academic programme is the smallest learning unit for which credits may be exempted or transferred.
  • The time since the learning was completed may be taken into account, since learning that occurred too long ago may not be relevant at the time of application.
  • A specific set of learning on the grounds of which admission to any postgraduate programme is granted under RPL, cannot also be used for granting exemption of credits within the same programme.
  • Exemption from module(s), as RPL, can be granted on the strength of short course(s) outside the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) (in other words, non-credit-bearing) completed by the applicant, on condition that the course contents, duration and assessment of the short course are at least equivalent to that of the module(s).

    In the case of RPL for access:
  • Applications for admission to postgraduate programmes, the normal admission requirements may be waived based on prior learning, subject to the approval by the institution.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirements for this qualification is:
  • Master of Medicine in Paediatrics or equivalent qualification, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9, 180 Credits and registration as specialist paediatrician (FCPaeds (SA)). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules totalling 180 Credits, at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9.

    Compulsory Modules, 180 Credits:
  • Clinical Paediatric Cardiology, 135 Credits.
  • Research project, 45 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to function as a paediatric cardiologist and to adequately take care of patients with a heart problems and display a sound and systematic knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the subject matter as defined for the clinical syllabus.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to independently design a clinical (or basic science) research project, to obtain ethical approval, to obtain funding to perform such a project, to present the results and conclusions in a scientific format, and to accept the responsibility and accountability for the performed work within the context of the discipline of Paediatric Medical Oncology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Assess patients clinically, request, perform and interpret the necessary investigations and prescribe the appropriate treatment in addition to recommending appropriate surgery.
  • Critically assess existing literature, clinical and investigative data, and to solve complex or unusual clinical problems, based on a thorough understanding of disease mechanisms and pathophysiology.
  • Teach junior colleagues and to provide guidance in cardiac solving and management.
  • Perform interventions in the cath lab including septostomy, balloon dilation of the pulmonary valve and closure of the patent arterial duct.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Formulate clear, answerable research questions as they pertain to the discipline of developmental paediatrics.
  • Decide on the most appropriate methodology to address the research question(s).
  • Find all relevant information, including research and review articles, textbooks and guidelines, by accessing Internet databases and employing appropriate search strategies.
  • Critically evaluate the relevant literature.
  • Write an appropriate literature review.
  • Formulate and write a research protocol.
  • Conduct the study and analyse the data.
  • Draw logical, evidence-based conclusions from the data.
  • Present and defend the results of the research in an acceptable scientific format.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessments are performed on a continuous basis. This is done via monitoring procedures and helps to identify specific weaknesses in the student's knowledge before engaging in a Formal Assessment process.

    The Summative Assessment of a learner is performed through a process of formal internal and external examination by formal national written examination and clinical assessment. The Mini Research Assignment is assessed by two independent examiners. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Paediatric Cardiology training is offered in the most countries around the World; the largest numbers of specialists are trained in Europe and North America. The broad based fellowship training resembles this qualification.

    The aims and focus of the Paediatric Cardiology Fellowship at the University of Colorado (Anshutz medical campus) correlates closely to this qualification. As with this qualification, the fellowship includes a Clinical Paediatric Cardiology component and a research component. The only differences are that the fellowship is offered over three years of study (in comparison to the two years for this qualification) and the clinical component for the fellowship has been divided into several separate components/modules, whereas this qualification offers it as one combined unit of 135 credits. The fellowship aims and the scope of the clinical training component (which are closely related to this qualification) are as follows:
  • To prepare trainees to provide patient-centered, comprehensive cardiac inpatient and outpatient care for pediatric patients and families, with a focus on promoting patient safety and quality improvement and developing excellent communication skills.
  • To provide outstanding opportunities in basic science, translational, clinical, educational research and quality improvement methodology that prepare fellows for successful careers in academic paediatrics.
  • To provide outstanding opportunities in procedural learning in cardiac catheterisation, echocardiography, electrophysiology, cardiac intensive care, and cardiothoracic surgery.
  • To teach trainees strategies to maintain wellness (of self and others), to build resilience, and to minimize burnout.
  • To provide trainees with opportunities to individualise elements of their educational programme in a way that allows them to explore diverse career options and that aligns with their career goals.

    Another qualification that is very similar to this qualification is the Paediatric Cardiology Fellowship Program offered at Cleveland Clinic Children's in Cleveland, Ohio. This fellowship also provides a training experience in the care of children with cardiac disease, training in the essential diagnostic, therapeutic and consultative skills required of a clinical cardiologist, as well as dedicated time devoted to the pursuit of research and academic endeavours. However, one difference is that this fellowship is offered over three years.

    The major difference between the provided examples and this qualification is the fact that in the two examples fellows are involved in all aspects of patient care and are the primary caregivers and first line consultants to a wide variety of patients, whereas the proposed programme focusses on the development of advanced scientific and intellectual capacity to address important problems in paediatric cardiology, and through their research projects fill the significant knowledge gap and so contribute to the development of South African society. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Medicine, Level 9.
  • Master of Medicine in Paediatric Surgery, Level 9.
  • Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Sciences, 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.
     
    1. Stellenbosch University 


    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.