SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Neurology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111431	Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Neurology
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University
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		Curative Health
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	2019-08-23	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 purpose of the Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Neurology (MPhil (Paediatric Neurology)) is:

To ensure that learners acquire a high level of theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills and experience in the field of Clinical Paediatric Neurology, 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.

To 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.

To 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.

To contribute to the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure advancement in the field of Paediatric Neurology and to make provision for the country's needs in a skilled scientific workforce of the highest calibre.

To 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 Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification would be reached by means of the curriculum, as learners are supervised, guided and assisted by lecturers and they are required to conduct a research project at the appropriate level.

Rationale:
Paediatric neurology has a burden of both diseases of poverty, as well as complex neurological conditions. South Africa has a poor paediatric neurologist to patient ratio with only 14 paediatric neurologists employed in the state sector. Not only is more patient care required, but much more clinical research on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, risk factors, prevention and appropriate management of neurological conditions affecting children has become essential. Therefore, there is a need to generate unique African knowledge and solutions to unique African healthcare problems.

This qualification aims to address the need for properly trained clinicians with a thorough understanding of and experience in clinical research in the field of paediatric neurology. Similar to all the subspecialty qualifications in Medicine, learners will be physicians whom have obtained their Master of Medicine in Paediatrics/Further Certificate in Paediatrics (SA) or equivalent qualification.

Thus, the qualification will prepare learners for a career as Clinical Paediatric Neurologists.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The MPhil (Paediatric Neurology) qualification conforms to the University's Policy on 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 qualification 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 qualification is granted under RPL.

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 learner, on condition that the course contents, duration and assessment of the short course are at least similar to that of the module(s).

Each credit exempted or transferred, must correspond to ten notional study hours.

In the case of RPL for access:

Applications for admission to postgraduate qualifications, the normal admission requirements may be waived based on prior learning, subject to the approval of the relevant faculty board.

The qualification committees are at liberty to make use of one or more of the following assessment instruments, or of similar assessment instruments, when considering applications:

Admittance assessment instruments (for example, entrance or placement tests, and special examinations, especially those that are assessed quantitatively).

Learning portfolios (for example, the learner may present a comprehensive set of documents and/or other evidence to illustrate his/her prior learning - such documentation will have evaluated qualitatively by the academic staff).

"Conditional" admittance (for example, a learner may be accepted as a special learner and then be allowed to "perform himself or herself into" a learning qualification).

Prior supplementary work (for example, a learner may be provisionally admitted to a learning qualification on condition that he/she completes supplementary work that meets set requirements before being formally entered into the learning qualification).

Supplementary work during the learning qualification (for example, a learner may be admitted on condition that he/she successfully completes supplementary work during the course of a learning qualification).

Recognition of formal learning in the form of parts or the whole of learning qualifications which were offered or completed at other institutions (for example, relevant Diplomas or Degrees).

Recognition of formal learning completed in the form of professional short courses or in-service training courses (for example, learning that is not certified as a qualification, or part thereof, by another institution of higher learning).

Recognition of non-formal or informal learning (for example, learning that took place in the workplace or in another appropriate environment on the initiative of the individual).

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Neurology, NQF Level 9.
Or

Master of Medicine in Paediatrics, NQF Level 9.
And

Further Certificate in Paediatrics (SA),
And

Registration as a specialist paediatrician.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory modules, 180 Credits:

Clinical Paediatric Neurology, 135 Credits.

Research project, 45 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate a sound and systematic knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the subject matter as defined in the clinical syllabus and the ability to function as a Clinical Paediatric Neurologist and to adequately take care of children with a variety of neurological and developmental disorders.
2. 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 neurology.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 1:

Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking.

Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.

Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.

Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.

Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.

Demonstrate culturally and aesthetically sensitivity across a range of social contexts.

Explore education and career opportunities.

Develop entrepreneurial opportunities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 2.

Formulate clear, answerable research questions as they pertain to the discipline of paediatric neurology.

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 will be performed on a continuous basis. This is done through monitoring procedures and helps to identify specific weaknesses in the learner's knowledge before engaging in a formal assessment process.

Module I: Clinical competency is evaluated by a formal national written examination and clinical assessment, set and marked by the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa.

Module II: The Mini Research Assignment is assessed by two independent examiners, one of whom should be an external examiner. Examiners (preferably 3) may be proposed by the supervisor, but must be appointed by the Postgraduate Committee of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health. The Mini Research Assignment, together with a copy of the guidelines for assessment and a copy of the standard (pro forma) report form, must be submitted by the Postgraduate Committee (and not the supervisor) to the examiners for assessment. The examiners must return the completed standard report form to the PGC together with a more detailed report.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The following international qualifications were identified as being comparable to this qualification:

Paediatric Neurology Fellowship Programme, Seattle Children's Foundation, United States of America (USA).
Seattle's clinical and neuroscience communities are extensive, and fellows have the opportunity to work not only with the faculty in neurology, but also with clinicians in neurosurgery, genetics, developmental paediatrics, sleep medicine and rehabilitation medicine. The curriculum follows the requirements of the Neurology Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and includes 12 months of clinical adult neurology, 12 months of clinical child neurology, and 12 months of "flexible curriculum" that includes epilepsy, child psychiatry, Electromyography (EMG), neuropathology, neuroradiology and many other clinical and neuroscience electives. Fellows may choose to participate in clinical research projects in epilepsy, mitochondrial disease, neuro-epidemiology and neuro-genetics.

The Fellowship Programme is structured as a five-year categorical program that includes two preliminary years of training in general paediatrics. They accept applications from senior medical students who are interested in a combined five-year programme, rather than from current residents in paediatrics.

Graduates will be eligible for certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in "Neurology with Special Qualification in Child Neurology."

Paediatric Neurology Residency Programme, Michigan Medicine, USA.

The University of Michigan Health System provides funding for an integrated five-year training Residency in Programme in Paediatrics and Paediatric Neurology that leads to eligibility for board certification in Paediatrics and Child Neurology. Two positions are offered each year.

The first two years are devoted to paediatric residency training. The curriculum is designed to meet American Board of Paediatrics requirements and will lead to eligibility for a Paediatric certification at the end of the final (fifth) year of training. Training in Paediatric Neurology begins in the third Postgraduate year. The three-year Paediatric Neurology Residency Programme (which is considered a "residency," according to ACGME guidelines) includes one year of Adult Neurology, one year of clinical Paediatric Neurology, and one year of additional specialised training. The third year of training is designed to meet ACMGE requirements and to provide residents with opportunities for a broad range of electives.

Required third-year rotations include Child Psychiatry (one month), Paediatric Rehabilitation (one month), Neuropathology (one month), and EEG (two months) as well as clinic rotations in Paediatric Neurosurgery and Paediatric Neuromuscular Disorders.

Clinical responsibilities during the Adult Neurology year typically include combination of inpatient consultation and outpatient responsibilities. Residents attend their own weekly Paediatric Neurology continuity clinics during parts of the 2nd year of paediatric training and during their year of Adult Neurology training.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation:

Master of Medicine, NQF Level 9.

Master of Medicine in Paediatric Surgery, NQF Level 9.

Master of Philosophy in Medical Sciences, NQF Level 9.

Master of Philosophy in Health Sciences, NQF Level 9.

Vertical Articulation:

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Sciences, NQF Level 10.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

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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.

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