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: 

Bachelor of Pharmacy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111420  Bachelor of Pharmacy 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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   2034-06-30  

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 purpose of the qualification is to train and equip future Pharmacists scientifically with the necessary knowledge, specific skills and relevant competencies so that in rendering a professional pharmaceutical service as members of a health team, according to the demands of the times, the needs of the community and international standards, they can make an indispensable contribution to the promotion of the health of the population of the Republic of South Africa. The qualification ensures that learners are given the opportunity for continued personal, intellectual and professional development and that our country is supplied with a sufficient number of competent pharmacists.

Rationale:
The rationale behind this qualification is first and foremost, to provide a vehicle whereby a contribution can be made to increase the capacity within South Africa for the education and training of Pharmacists in order to alleviate the acute shortage of Pharmacist and maintain an efficient and cost effective pharmaceutical service. The National Master Scarce Skills List for South Africa, issued by the Ministry of Labour, reflects the skills that are most needed in South Africa, and on which efforts to acquire and develop skills must be focused. Pharmacy is listed as one of the scarce skills, motivated by the fact that pharmacists ensure safe and quality use of medicines and optimise health outcomes by contributing to selecting, prescribing and dispensing (which includes supervision of appropriate support personnel and technology), monitoring and evaluating medicine therapy and researching, testing and developing pharmaceuticals and medical products.

Over the years, the role of the Pharmacist has evolved to meet the needs of the rapidly changing healthcare environment. The dispensing of prescribed medicines and the provision of advice and self-medication remain vitally important elements of the service provided by pharmacists. An equally important role, however is to advise other healthcare professionals on the rational and safe use of medicines and to accept the responsibility for providing patients with appropriate information to enable patients to use medicines safely and effectively for optimal therapeutic outcomes of the treatments. This applies to both the wellbeing of the individual and the overall improvement of community health.

Pharmacists are required to contribute to appropriate prescribing of medicines and to advise patients and clients on how to use medicines effectively, as well as educate the community on disease-prevention measures and health promotion in general. The diversity and complexity of medicines requires Pharmacists to pay particular attention to patient counselling and advice. The implementation of pharmaceutical care principles requires the Pharmacist to use a range of processes to facilitate the responsible provision of medicines, information and advice and to monitor the progress of the patient in order to achieve an optimal therapeutic response, thus improving the patient's quality of life.

In many practice settings, Pharmacists take responsibility for management of medicine usage by the patient, including medicines used for chronic diseases. In addition, the profession has been transformed from one that mainly supplies products to one that, in co-operation with other healthcare providers, also provides other healthcare services. It is therefore critically important to healthcare in this country to produce pharmacists who are able to satisfy the need for pharmaceutical care. This Bachelor of Pharmacy for entry-level pharmacists has been designed to equip the Graduate with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude to meet the requirements, including the ethical and legal demands of the profession. The qualification aims to provide learners with the skills necessary for self-directed, independent, lifelong learning and thus to encourage a commitment to lifelong continuing professional development in all pharmacists to enable them to deal with the complexity and ever-changing challenges of the healthcare environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The principles underlying outcomes based, source-based and lifelong learning are subscribed to. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification.

RPL does not only imply assessment to determine the level of skills and knowledge the learner already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the learner has to master prior to being accepted for the qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal learning setting. An RPL learner seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, qualifications and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the qualification as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements.
The minimum requirements for admission into the Bachelors studies are:
  • National Senior Certificate, Level 4 granting access to Bachelor Degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, Level 4 with matriculation exemption.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, Level 4 granting access to Bachelor Degree studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8.

    The set of modules to be completed is determined by the institution.
    Elective Modules, Level 5:
  • Academic Literacy, 12 Credits.
  • Academic Literacy, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5
  • Physiology for Pharmacy IA, 12 Credits.
  • Clinical Pharmacy 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Microbiology for Pharmacy 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Pharmacy Practice 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Pharmacy Practice 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Introductory Organic Chemistry, 12 Credits.
  • Pharmaceutical Calculations, 12 Credits.
  • Introductory Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, 12 Credits.
  • Physiology for Pharmacy 1B, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6:
  • Pharmacology IA, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmacy Practice IIB, 8 Credits.
  • Pharmacy Practice IIA, 16 Credits.
  • Organic Chemistry II, 8 Credits.
  • Pharmaceutical Chemistry IB, 12 Credits.
  • Pharmaceutics IB, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, 8 Credits.
  • Clinical Pharmacy IIB, 8 Credits.
  • Pharmacology 1B, 16 Credits.
  • Know and Understand the Health World, 12 Credits.
  • Pharmaceutics IA, 16 Credits.
  • Clinical Pharmacy IIA, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7:
  • Pharmacology IIB, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmaceutics IIB, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmaceutics IIA, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmacy Practice IIIB, 8 Credits.
  • Pharmacology IIA, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmaceutical Chemistry IIA, 16 Credits.
  • Clinical Pharmacy IIIA, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmaceutical Chemistry IIB, 12 Credits.
  • Clinical Pharmacy IIIB, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmacy Practice IIIA, 16 Credits.
  • Ethics for the Pharmacist, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8:
  • Pharmaceutics IIIA, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmaceutical Research Project, 32 Credits.
  • Pharmacology IIIA, 16 Credits.
  • Integrated Pharmaceutical Care, 24 Credits.
  • Pharmacy Practice IVA, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmaceutical Chemistry IIIA, 16 Credits.
  • Clinical Pharmacy IVA, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Integrate and apply foundational scientific knowledge and principles to pharmaceutical sciences.
  • Apply integrated knowledge of product development and formulation in the compounding, manufacturing, distribution and dispensing of pharmaceutical products.
  • Compound, manipulate and prepare medication in compliance with Good Pharmacy Practice (GMP) rules, and/or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines, where applicable.
  • Manage and control the development, manufacture, packaging and registration of pharmaceutical products.
  • Manage the logistics of the procurement, storage and distribution of pharmaceutical products.
  • Dispense medication and ensure optimal pharmaceutical care for the patient in compliance with Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) rules.
  • Apply a pharmaceutical care management approach and work as a member of the healthcare team to ensure rational medicine use.
  • Initiate and/or modify therapy, where appropriate, within the scope of practice of a pharmacist.
  • Promote public health within the scope of practice of a pharmacist.
  • Integrate and apply management skills in the provision of a pharmaceutical service.
  • Participate in research to develop products and/or enhance pharmaceutical care qualifications and services to patients. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • A systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories is achieved.
  • The ability to apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information is demonstrated.
  • An understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice is critically reflected.
  • Professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations is displayed.
  • Scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas, written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology are communicated.
  • Effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress is demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Opportunities for both continuous Formative and Summative Assessments are imbedded in the learning design of this qualification throughout the indicated years of study, in the form of written and practical assignments, portfolios and practical assessments and written, oral and practical examinations. Learners are assessed on the application of learned skills in order to assure that theory evolves into effective practice. The outcomes of the qualification are finally assessed in the final semester of the 4th year in an integrated manner, wherein the learners evidence of the mastering of discipline-specific knowledge and skills and his/her ability to apply such knowledge and skills in practice and his/her ability to critically analyse and effectively evaluate a work-place related problem are assessed Integrated Assessment of the Exit Level Outcomes is achieved by means of a variety of Formative and Summative Techniques, including: written and oral tests and examinations; evaluation of group and individual projects and assignments; case studies; Practical exposure to patients in clinics, hospitals and pharmacies; practical examinations; observation during exposure to the practice of pharmacy; group discussions; portfolios; simulations and work place assessments. The emphasis is on Continuous Assessment throughout the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A thorough and intensive internal and external (professional body) review of the outcomes and content of the qualification was completed in 2011 and all recommendations have been included in the relevant modules. During review, both national and international tendencies and requirements have been taken into account. International requirements and approaches to the pharmacy qualification were thoroughly researched through regular attendance at conferences, amongst others the annual conferences of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and the bi-annual conference on Life Long Learning in Pharmacy. Additionally, annual visits to pharmacy schools in various countries, amongst others Britain, United States of America (USA), Singapore, Australia, Denmark and Sweden with the explicit intention to study and compare pharmacy education, were undertaken by some staff members.

    We are therefore convinced that this qualification offered at this institution is in line with international requirements and of the highest standard found internationally. The international shift towards a greater emphasis on practice and clinical exposure (which is also contact learning, but off-campus) actually forms the basis of this qualification. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers vertical articulation possibilities.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Pharmacy, Level 9.
  • Master of Pharmacy in Pharmacy Practice, 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.
     
    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.