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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Speech-Language Pathology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111653  Master of Speech-Language Pathology 
ORIGINATOR
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences 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  2019-09-03  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:
To empower learners to develop a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the scientific process and develop research skills through hands-on directed research experiences in primary research methods contributing to the knowledge in Speech-Language Pathology.

Rationale:
Many learners are currently registered for the undergraduate B.Speech Language Pathology and Audiology and are showing interest in continuing their studies. It is essential to develop capacity and train specialists who are proficient in African languages. Since 1994 South Africa has been addressing a skills shortage by building capacity. In the field of communication and audiology, the throughput of professionals proficient in African languages was limited as compared to the demand which many universities are struggling to meet.

The institution consulted the Professional Board for Speech, Language and Hearing Professions of the HPCSA. Consultation with current learners who indicated an interest in the Masters qualification. This qualification can bring many career benefits:
  • Specialist skills and enhanced knowledge.
  • Entry in to academic positions.
  • Higher salaries.
  • Career progression.
  • Research achievement and evidence of high academic attain.
  • Self- discipline.

    In terms of vertical articulation, the qualification prepares learners for a PhD in their field of interest related to Speech-Language Pathology.
    This qualification will enable learners to provide advanced services, which results in improved quality in service delivery. The basis of the qualification on research creates links to the international community as research is inherently a global activity. An investigation of a physical phenomenon, for example, cannot have a local solution - the solution will be valid throughout the world. It is, however, acknowledged that research in the local context should investigate local knowledge systems. However, the achievement of the benefit will result from comparing such systems with other local systems or sharing methodologies. It is essential to develop capacity and train specialists who are proficient in African languages. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Undergraduate preparation as a professional.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • Be registered as an audiologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of a compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Produce evidence of a portfolio of audit containing relevant research materials.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of research methodology, current good practice and the gaps in research.
    3. Plan and manage projects to achieve research objectives.
    4. Master procedures and tools including the ability to collect, analyse data, interpret and report on the findings and their application and an ability to produce a scientific report. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.
  • Compare qualitative and quantitative research paradigms.
  • Identify research topic/s and problems most suitable to each of these paradigms.
  • Identify a specific research topic most suitable for the student and the research context.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of research methodology and, current good practice.
  • Motivate the need/importance/ rationale of the study to be conducted.
  • Design a proposal by integrating and describing research methods and procedures.
  • Submit the proposed study for ethical clearance.
  • Reflect critically on Speech-Language Pathology theory and its application.
  • Show the ability to analyse, interpret and synthesize information relating to the project.
  • Acknowledge prior scholarship on which the dissertation is built.
  • Describe the methods and procedures used.
  • Demonstrate the ability to solve problems and achieve the research objectives.
  • Make sound judgments concerning the data/information obtained.
  • Present the results sequentially and logically.
  • Display the ability to coherently discuss and appraise the results.
  • Describe the research process in sufficient detail to permit an independent investigator to replicate the research.
  • Report in a scientific manner on the findings.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The learners will have to attend the Research Methodology course as well as pass the proposal before they begin the dissertation or the data collection. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    United Kingdom:
    The New Castle University offers an MSC in Speech Language therapy which is a two years full time qualification. If the learner did not study a pre-registration course accredited by the HCPC (Health and Care Professionals Council) then learners need to complete an accelerated course in Speech and Language Therapy. This course will enable them to practice as a Speech therapist.

    New Zealand:
    The University of Canterbury offers a two year full time Masters qualification in Speech-Language Pathology. The Masters is the graduate-entry professional qualification to practice as a Speech-Language therapist in New Zealand. This hands-on qualification includes experiential clinical practice. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Audiology, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    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.