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: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Somatology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110948  Postgraduate 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
Postgraduate Diploma  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  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-08-19  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 Postgraduate Diploma in Somatology will equip qualifying learners from other healthcare backgrounds with necessary competencies to function as a multi-skilled, socially responsible Somatologist with integrated, comprehensive knowledge to be able to develop a holistic approach necessary to facilitate appropriate palliative care in a clinical setting. The qualifying learners will determine and provide the appropriate preventative, rehabilitative and palliative treatments to promote physical and emotional wellbeing. The Somatologist will be able to practice independently or in conjunction with other healthcare professionals to promote holistic health and wellness through referral and cooperative practices.

The qualification will also equips the diplomats to become an associate of a multi-disciplinary team that works together with medical doctors, pharmacists, plastic surgeons, dieticians, physiotherapists, sports teams and dermatologists. The qualification also aims to prepare students seeking to advance their studies with the integration of research concepts.

Rationale:
The focus of this qualification is to adopt an integrated or interdisciplinary approach with other health care professionals with an interest in palliative and holistic care practices, it also provide qualifying learners with a deeper understanding and knowledge of the Somatology discipline. The primary aim is to instil 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.

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 (Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)). A South African study conducted found that 39% of all medical professions referred patients to Somatologists, while 66% of Somatologists referred clients to a medical professional. Thus, many health concerns can be identified or avoided earlier and reduce the stress on the already heavily burdened health care sector.

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. It is also envisaged that even health care centres will employ qualified Somatologists to help reduce pain and discomfort associated with recuperation and to provide relief and improved health and well-being.

The qualification will incorporate specialisation in rehabilitative and palliative care such as specialised massages for oncology patients or with the introduction of deep tissue and sports massage techniques for professional athletes. Thereby providing axillary support to other health care professionals. Many other health care professions such as nurses have expressed interest in expanding their practices to incorporate these types of treatments to offer their patients increased quality of care.

It is therefore vital to train Somatologists that are able to adapt to an ever shifting world by identifying best-practices complying with professional standards and ethics as well as to provide to the needs of clients and the industry within clinics, wellness centres, health care settings and spas, both nationally and internationally (Less, 2007; Warfield, 2001). Through initiating and conducting research this can be achieved.

On a national basis, there are a number of universities of technologies currently offering the Bachelor of Technology in Somatology and once phased out, are planning to offer an Advanced Diploma in the Somatology at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 and a Postgraduate Diploma at NQF Level 8. While some private providers may offer specialised courses, however this still does not meet the national or international needs particularly in the area of research, and further advancement in the Somatology field, some modalities offered in this qualification could assist in reducing the pressure placed on primary health care in South Africa.

More Somatologists work in collaboration with other medical professionals in order to improve client/patient care and recovery. The introduction of medical spas is also become a popular trend and the new qualification will assist in providing qualified staff that can oversee these sort after positions.

Entrepreneurs are desperately needed in South Africa and Africa to improve the economy and this qualification provides diplomats broader scope to be more competitive and become self-employed and employers themselves.

The industry was consulted through questionnaires and advisory board representatives and it was advised that the qualification would provide more interdisciplinary specialisation 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 institution's policy.
A 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 Post Graduate Diploma in part.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in: Somatology, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Technology: Somatology, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Somatic Sports Massage Therapy, 32 Credits.
  • Somatic Research Project, 32 Credits.
  • Permanent Remedial Somatic Therapy Procedures, 24 Credits.
  • Holistic and Palliative Somatic Therapy, 32 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 collaborative holistic palliative practices with other health care professionals within either a Somatology related setting or health care practice.
    3. Design and conduct meaningful research within the Somatology/Wellness context. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Describe and explain 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 appropriate treatments.
  • Describe, explain and apply ethically concepts and principles of complementary alternative modalities, Somatology and Wellness Science.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Understand the importance of a collaborative holistic approach to care including the psychological and sociological perspectives involved.
  • Identify fundamental issues associated with client/patient and team communication and the provision of care for clients/patients undergoing palliative care.
  • Discuss management philosophies of care and therapeutic approaches and interventions, advanced care planning.
  • Evaluate and improve palliative care through developing supportive and effective intervention approaches to interdisciplinary working.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Design, practice and present comprehensive analyses of integrated therapies based on scientific principles, practices and knowledge through case studies.
  • Design and apply meaningful research protocols for the advancement and development of the Somatology/Wellness discipline.
  • Design and conduct a research project within the field of Somatology.

    Integrated Assessment:
    No exams will be written as the qualification's assessment approach will comprise of formative and summative assessments, thereby encouraging development of learning. As the qualification has, practice based modalities, the approach incorporates a variety of formative and summative assessments such as but not limited to case studies, simulations, group work, theoretical tests and reflective practices, to be utilised to maximise student-learning experiences as the students will be able to apply the theory when integrating the knowledge when treating clients.
    General and individual feedback will be sought after each assessment. Learner feedback will either be provided verbally or in written format with two weeks of the date of assessment. Opportunity for reassessment after intervention may be provided when necessary. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Historically Somatology and the Wellness profession have its origins in the beauty industry. As technology developed through the research of equipment, products and anatomical and physiological body processes, aesthetic treatments developed and advance to incorporate the treatment of the holistic body as a means of promoting health and wellness through preventative, palliative and rehabilitative therapies.

    As the Somatology profession is not regulated in South Africa the scope of modalities it offers, various extensively and the responsibility to offer quality ethical training is essential.

    The following international programmes were used as comparisons, however, none offer the same combination of specialisation modalities as this qualification which was designed with industry input for our South African context:

    United Kingdom (UK):
    In the UK a Foundation Degree is a Higher Education qualification equivalent to the first two-years of a Bachelor of Arts Honours (BA (Hons)) Degree programme. 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 are similar to the Advanced Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma are:

    Institution: Newcastle University (North East England).
    Course title: Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care (120 Credits).
    Description: This Postgraduate Diploma is offered at as a two-year online course focusing on delivering care to patients from biological, psychosocial and ethical perspectives.
    Content:
  • Palliative Care Themes and Perspectives (E-learning).
  • Handling Loss, Grief, and Bereavement (E-learning).
  • Research Methods 1 (E-learning).
  • Managing Pain (E-learning).
  • Contemporary Issues in Palliative Care Practice: Management of Symptoms in Advanced Diseases (E-learning).

    Institution: Sheffield Hallam University:
    Course title: Postgraduate Diploma in Supportive and Palliative care (120 Credits).
    Description: This Postgraduate diploma is a three-year course, aimed at health care professionals working in the field of supportive and palliative care in a clinical setting. It enables the professional to be competent in treating and supporting patients with chronic illness to achieve the best quality of life.

    Content:
  • End of life decision making.
  • Loss, grief and bereavement.
  • Complexities of symptom management.
  • Collaborative working in supportive and palliative care.
  • Research methods for practice.

    Institution: Leeds Beckett University:
    Course title: Postgraduate Certificate in Sports Injury Management (Level 7).
    Description:
  • Content:
  • Physiology of Sports Performance.
  • Clinical Decision Making.
  • Epidemiology and Sports Trauma Management.
  • Neuromuscular Biomechanics.
  • Clinical Exercise Testing and Prescription.
  • Sports Injury Management and Rehabilitation.

    Institution: Wrexham Glyndwr University:
    Course title: Bachelor of Science Honours (BSc(Hons)) Complementary Therapies for Healthcare (Level 5).

    Description: The BSc (Hons) Complementary Therapies for Healthcare is a 4-year fulltime/6 years' part-time Degree which enables students 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.

    Institution: Jing-Advanced Massage Training.
    Course title: Professional Diploma in Advanced Clinical Massage and Sports Massage.

    Description: This 3-year part time Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) Level 6 Professional Diploma will allow you to become an unparalleled expert in the arena of injury and pain management.

    Many qualifications internationally, such as the offer of a Palliative Care UUC module (20 Credits) at a Bachelors (Level 6) level, which introduces holistic care practices which is also incorporated into the Advanced Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma.

    New Zealand:
    Institution: Southern Institute of Technology: School of Massage Therapy.
    Course title: Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage (Level 7).

    Description: This Bachelor course, first offered in 2002 was the first massage degree in New Zealand and the Southern Hemisphere to be approved, and is the only massage degree supported by the only dedicated massage research institute in New Zealand. This three-year Bachelor Degree enables graduates to be prepared for careers in both the therapeutic and sports massage fields.
    Content:
  • Health Aspects of Exercise and Nutrition.
  • Surface Anatomy.
  • Physiology for Massage Therapy.
  • Professional Studies.
  • Therapeutics I.
  • Pathology for Massage Practitioners.
  • Massage for Physical Performance.
  • Clinical Reasoning and Functional Assessment.
  • Clinical Practice I.
  • Clinical Practice II.
  • Therapeutics II.
  • Research Statistics.
  • Research and Advanced Professional Development.
  • Advanced Clinical Reasoning and Clinical Practice III.
  • Advanced Professional Studies.
  • Therapeutics III.

    Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand offer a Sports Massage Advanced course as well, which is a part-time course offered over a period of seven weeks.

    United States of America (USA):
    An Aromatherapy in Palliative Care course is offered as a Postgraduate to health care professionals within the Institute of Palliative Care department at the California State University. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Health Professions Education and Leadership, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Health Professional Education, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science Education, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Health Sciences in Somatology, Level 9.
  • Master of Somatology, Level 9. 
    		•

    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.