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 Public Health 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110975  Advanced Diploma in Public Health 
ORIGINATOR
University of Fort Hare 
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  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
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  2019-08-08  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
98985  Advanced Diploma in Public Health  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  168  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification will satisfy the above needs by offering knowledge in specific fields and imparting familiarity with relevant theoretical approaches, as well as providing research training accompanied by the appropriate use of methodologies. The mini­dissertation will enable learners to proceed from this thorough grounding to conduct research.

The qualification enables learners to exercise knowledge and skills in an applied manner within the health sciences with an inherent, economic relevance as well as contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.

The qualification provides South Africa with a significant number of qualified, competent learners that will ensure a balance in health service delivery as well as effective health service leadership and management.

Problem-based learning will be utilised to support learners in the use of current theories, research, strategic plans, policies and evidence-based practices. The qualification will provide research skills to health leaders and practitioners for them to provide relevant services in line with the current needs of the clients under their care.

Upon qualifying, learners will be able to conduct research and present the findings, think in a critical, reflective way and take effective action in addressing priority problems in public health strategic leadership and management.

Upon qualifying, learners will be able to:
  • Conduct research and present the findings.
  • Think in a critical, reflective way and take effective action in addressing priority problems in public health strategic leadership and management.

    Rationale:
    The Advanced Diploma in Public Health will enable learners to proceed to a higher level, of study within a structured qualification framework. The demand for highly trained Public Health Managers by both the private and public sectors requires that learners have adequate research training, especially at the postgraduate level.

    The purpose of the qualification is to build the country's mandate of re-engineering Primary Health Care (PHC) through health system transformation and strengthening as well as through quality management of both the private and public sectors. Furthermore, the qualification aims at strengthening middle management and leadership capacity within the health sector by preparing professionals to play leadership roles in service delivery, research and management of the health care system.

    The awareness of health promotion's potential to mitigate the current epidemic of preventable chronic and infectious diseases has led to an increase in resources for health promotion in the Western world. There is a shortage of trained professionals to maintain the latest developments in the field. This qualification will assist in that regard as learners will contribute to public health development through the development of their leadership skills and knowledge. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    By the institution's rules regarding RPL, this qualification allows for Recognition of Prior Learning for a leaner to attain entry/access to this qualification and to gain exemptions from some qualification requirements. Where an entry criterion applies, a prospective leaner may use prior learning experience in the field of public health to gain entry to the qualification. The entry to the qualification can be achieved through providing a portfolio of evidence as proof of practical experience from appropriate setting. The learner may also be granted permission to access the qualification through recognition of prior learning if she/he produces evidence of having achieved the appropriate outcomes level of knowledge, skill, and competence required. The access to the qualification can be achieved through providing the formal proof of credits earned towards the outcomes from an accredited service provider.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • A Diploma, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • A relevant Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 56 Credits:
  • Introduction to Public Health Information and Research (PHI 401), 16 Credits.
  • Public Health Project Paper (PHP 403), 40 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 7, 64 Credits (Choose four):
  • Public Health Governance and Leadership, 16 Credits.
  • Public Health Economics and Budgeting, 16 Credits.
  • Human Resources for Health, 16 Credits.
  • Operational and Infrastructural Management for Public Health, 16 Credits.
  • The Management of Maternal, Child and Women's Health Programmes, 16 Credits.
  • The Management of Communicable Disease Programmes, 16 Credits.
  • The Management of Non-Communicable Disease Programmes, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge in the areas of theory in Public Health practice, apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of Public Health and how these relate to other fields, disciplines or practices.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to evaluate types of knowledge and explanations within the Public Health system.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge of a range of methods of enquiry and their suitability to specific investigations in Public Health.
    4. Demonstrate having the knowledge and ability to identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems in Public Health issues.
    5. Demonstrate education in promotion of ethical and professional public healthy behaviour.
    6. Apply the knowledge, skills, and desired professional attitudes necessary to conduct basic research.
    7. Develop and communicate ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments.
    8. Manage processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem solving is context and system bound, and does not occur in isolation.
    9. Identify, evaluate and address his or her learning needs in a self-directed manner.
    10. Take full responsibility for his or her work, decision making and use of resources. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Manage own learning by setting learning objectives and completing tasks on time.
  • Apply concepts, facts, rules, and components of health system.
  • Critically evaluate approaches to assessing health programme performance and design strategies to improve a health system.
  • Apply appropriate methods and procedures to design, manage, monitor and evaluate health systems and programmes.
  • Identify and assess new and complex problems related to health systems, apply evidence-based solutions to such health issues using theory-driven arguments.
  • Describe public health governance and the ethical implications of inefficiency, waste and corruption.
  • Identify appropriate health information and critically evaluate the information and data to validate and ensure evidence-based practice.
  • Present complex information in an academic and professional context using methods and professional context using methods and formats appropriate to the audience.
  • Describe the roles and tasks of transformational leader in a rapidly evolving public health system.
  • Participate in active learning in small collaborative groups.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Each module will be assessed using both formative and summative assessment. The research work will be assessed according to the institution's policy. Formative assessment may be done using assignments, tests, individual and group projects. Seminar presentations, policy debates, round table dialogue and workshop activities as well as tutorial sessions.

    The Summative Assessment will be conducted at the end of each semester for the entire qualification whereby a portfolio of evidence will be submitted, and no formal examination will take place at the end of the year. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Tel Aviv University in Israel offers an Advanced Public Health Diploma geared towards empowering people and societies to make healthy choices and improve health. The objective of the Advanced Public Health Diploma is to train health promoters and health promotion researchers. The qualification incorporates education in health promotion theories and practice with the basic scientific disciplines of epidemiology, biostatistics, and qualitative methods. The knowledge produced through the Department's research is used to communicate to the public, policymakers, and practitioners on how to advance the health of populations.

    The qualification aims to:
  • Provide learners with the essential tools to develop, adapt, and implement health promotion programmes and strategies.
  • Integrate health promotion into a variety of disciplines and professions.
  • Contribute to the development of the field through research and training.

    The University of Queensland in Australia offers the Graduate Diploma in Public Health. This qualification introduces health professionals from a range of backgrounds to the key elements of public health. It allows them to explore population perspectives on health and disease and health systems responses to these. It introduces the necessary skills for analysing the patterns of disease in populations, their determinants and associated factors and provides an overview of behaviours that contribute to disease in the community, and the development and implementation of appropriate interventions.

    This qualification compares favourably with the above-cited international qualifications in terms of the skills and the knowledge the learners will acquire upon completion. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Public Health, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Nursing, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.