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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Pharmacy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111733  Master of Pharmacy 
ORIGINATOR
University of Limpopo 
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  Promotive Health and Developmental 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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification aims to provide opportunities in the field of Pharmaceutics or Pharmacology. Learners identify a problem warranting investigation, describe their meta-theoretical paradigm, and then select a methodological approach to their research and report their findings in a Master's dissertation. Topics for research are decided in collaboration with the research supervisor and require faculty approval as well as ethical clearance before the research is undertaken. Learners of the qualification contribute towards leading the advancement of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Rationale:
The qualification is well aligned to the national priority of providing improved levels of health and well-being, specifically through postgraduate academic and research related qualifications aimed at providing professionals trained at advanced levels of health services provision. Typical learners who enrol in this qualification are already qualified Pharmacists and are seeking further specialisation in the fields of Pharmaceutics or Pharmacology. Learners graduating in Pharmaceutics will have specialised in the formulation of drugs for optimal delivery, and those in pharmacology will have specialised in studying the physiological and biochemical effects of drugs. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used to access the qualification where the undergraduate qualification obtained does not relate directly to the disciplinary area, but where a multi-disciplinary approach can be applied. Appropriate assessment tasks and tools are designed to assess individual learners against the admission requirements on a case-by-case basis, with detailed records maintained. The institution has trained RPL in various disciplinary fields to facilitate this process.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Pharmacy, NQF, Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory module, 90 Credits:
  • Mini-Dissertation (Pharmacy), 90 Credits.

    Elective Module, 90 Credits (Select one):
  • Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice, 90 Credits.
  • Advanced Radiopharmacy Practice, 90 Credits.
  • Medicine supply management practice, 90 Credits.
  • Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic applications, 90 Credits.
  • Pharmaceutical science practice, 90 Credits.
  • Industrial pharmacy practice, 90 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply the principles of the research process, interpret data, and write a research report or technical project or a series of smaller projects demonstrating innovation or professional expertise.
    2. Integrate theory with practice through the application of theoretical knowledge to highly complex problems in a wide range of professional contexts within choice of specialisation.
    3. Develop learning strategies, which sustain independent learning and academic and professional development. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Perform research leading to the submission, assessment, and acceptance of a research component comprising a mini dissertation or another form or research that is commensurate with the nature of the discipline or field and the specific area of enquiry.
  • Integrate theory with practice through the application of theoretical knowledge to highly complex problems in a wide range of professional contexts in pharmacy.
  • Use problem-solving techniques, which draw on her or his multi-faceted knowledge, in order to solve problems.
  • communicate efficiently and effectively with patients and other health care workers as a team.
  • Conduct all research with due regard for the moral, legal, and ethical accountability and requirements of the profession.
  • Show respect for patients and colleagues that encompasses, without prejudice, diversity of background and opportunity, language, culture, and way of life.
  • Consider both the impact of health care on the environment as well as the impact of the environment on health.
  • Use appropriate strategies for learning that will prepare him or her for continued professional development throughout life, both as a specialist pharmacist and as a responsible citizen.
  • Acknowledge responsibility for continuing professional development (CPD) in order to keep up to date with new developments and to maintain accreditation and meet statutory CPD requirements.
  • Identify personal limitations and develops the capacity of self-audit and participates in the peer review process, showing a willingness to seek help when necessary.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learning and assessment are integrated throughout this qualification. Continuous formative feedback is provided to learners on their progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes, particularly in their project proposal and through interactions such as seminar presentations, discussions, and supervision. Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the exit level outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement includes integrated assessment, which assesses the learners' ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies, and attitudes that are represented by the exit-level outcomes of the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Master of Philosophy (Pharmacy) at Curtin University, Australia, offers a full research qualification over one to two years. The purpose of the research course is for learners to apply advanced knowledge for research, scholarship, and further learning corresponding to Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 9 qualifications. This course is a research based higher qualification developing research skills and advanced knowledge in the discipline. Learners enter the qualification with a Bachelor Honours in Pharmacy qualification or a Graduate Diploma in Pharmacy and undertake an approved research program leading to a thesis for independent examination. Learners may take advances coursework modules up to a third of the credit total. As an advanced research qualification in pharmacy, the qualification compares well to the institution's qualification.

    The University of Pittsburgh in the United States of America offers a Master of Science qualification through Thesis within the School of Pharmacy. This is a Graduate qualification that normally takes two years to complete. The mission of the qualification is to train the next generation of leaders and seeking to improve the health of the community through outstanding basic and clinical research. Learners may elect particular tracks in the following areas of specialisation: Medicinal Chemistry; Pharmacology; Pharmaceutics; Pharma-Cometrics and Systems Pharmacology; Pharmaco-Analytics; Clinical Pharmaceutical Scientist; Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy Research. Although the qualification differs substantially from the institution qualification in that it requires coursework and more varied specialisation, the qualification does include an extensive Masters Research Thesis. The thesis for the Master qualification represents an original research project or a comprehensive and detailed survey of some topic of current interest in the Pharmaceutical Sciences. This shows alignment of the two qualifications in outcomes.

    The University of Reading in the United Kingdom offers a Master of Pharmacy by research. The qualification is a one-year qualification into which Bachelor Graduates may enter. Learners take some course components in preparation for the research, which takes the larger contribution of the qualification. Research projects are offered in five key research areas: Service Development and Quality Improvement; Clinical Practice and Patient Care; Human Factors and Systems Safety; Conceptual Development; and Philosophy of Care, Education and Training. The qualification prepares learners for pharmacists wanting to combine research with a career in community, hospital, primary-care pharmacy, or education and training. Both qualifications instil learners with high-level research skills and prepares them for Doctorate research. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Pharmacology, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Pharmacy, 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.