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: 

Master of Science in Physiotherapy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111003  Master of Science in Physiotherapy 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Rehabilitative Health/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  2021-07-01  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
9399  Master of Science in Physiotherapy  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification prepares learners for further Postgraduate studies in Physiotherapy. Learners will demonstrate knowledge, skills and applied competence in the field of study and conduct research that will provide opportunities for continued personal growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society and the community.

Rationale:
The qualification prepares learners for the demands of the physiotherapy profession within the context of the South African community. The relevant research conducted will contribute to the extension of Physiotherapy as a science.

The rationale is to apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods to render a specialised service in physiotherapy and conduct research under supervision which respond to the needs of the community, to business and industry need, to the need for life-long learning and to the appreciation of the value of education and society. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognise Previous Learning:
Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment policy. This will relate to both access to the qualification as well as for credit recognition or exemption towards achieving the qualification.

The institution will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and subsequent to RPL assessment, are in place.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Physiotherapy, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 and 9 totalling 240 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 96 Credits:
  • Physiology (Physiotherapy), 32 Credits.
  • Medical Physics (Physiotherapy), 32 Credits.
  • Anatomy (Physiotherapy), 32 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 144 Credits:
  • Research Methodology, 20 Credits.
  • Mini-dissertation and concept article, 124 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the science of physiotherapy in a chosen field of study.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between research, the science of physiotherapy and professional physiotherapy practice.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge of current debates, concepts and issues in a chosen area of physiotherapy.
    4. Demonstrate knowledge of relevant ethical and concept frameworks.
    5. Demonstrate knowledge of the necessary methodological grounding and processes entailed in carrying out a research enquiry.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to define and integrate key terms, concepts and theories in the science of physiotherapy and in research.
    7. Critically evaluate relevant research and evidence-based practice.
    8. Critically reflect on an area of research and field of study. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Critically interpret, assess and deploy research methodologies and evidence in the science of physiotherapy applicable to own research.
  • Demonstrate the capacity to read academic publications pertaining to a research topic and field of study proficiently.
  • Produce and present written text in a suitable writing style and cites source materials correctly.
  • Demonstrate the ability to define and integrate key terms, concepts and theories in research and the science of physiotherapy.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment in this qualification is based on an integrated, summative and continuing evaluation approach. A leaner should provide evidence of learning competency (knowledge, skills and attitude) by means of the following:
    1. Informal continuing evaluations example feedback, presentations and assignments.
    2. Formal continuing evaluation example theoretical tests (written).
    3. Summative end evaluation example theoretical (written) examinations at the end of the first study year and a research report and article at the end of the second study year. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal:
  • Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Level 9.

    Vertical:
  • Doctor of Physiotherapy, Level 10. 
    		•

    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.