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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Medical Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111740  Master of Science in Medical Sciences 
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 purpose of this qualification is to train learners in the following aspects:
  • Production of inquisitive and intuitive information analysis.
  • Development of research projects.
  • Development of research operational plan.
  • Development of research monitoring and evaluation plan.
  • Use of research to generate clarification of medical problems.

    The qualifying learner will have the competency to do independent scientific research, analysis and interpretation of scientific information, as well as to communicate, promote and advance medical sciences information, in both the private and public sectors. These competencies are crucial for development in the Medical Sciences sector.

    Rationale:
    The National Development Plan of South Africa aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. One of its objectives to meet the plan is to ensure sufficient health care professionals to service all communities. Medical Scientists play a key role in investigating human diseases and conditions with the goal of improving human health. Through research, the Medical Scientist determines the causes of diseases and then develops ways to prevent or treat them. Graduates will be able to provide leadership to advance the profession and contribute to understanding health related problems, and argue for solutions. Medical Scientists graduating with this qualification will be qualified for a research-related career in a wide range of public and private healthcare settings and in universities. This qualification also provides research training to learners that want to pursue an academic career and continue with a Doctoral qualification. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Based on the national transformation goals to redress past inequities in training and education Recognition of Prior Learning will be considered for access to those applicants without the required formal recognised qualification or specialisation; in this way we ensure that access to higher education is promoted. This will be applied as per institutions' Policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and be subject to a comprehensive portfolio of evidence being received which undergoes an approved assessment process, using relevant trained RPL practitioners. 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.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following elective modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits:
  • Chemical Pathology, 180 Credits.
    Or
  • Haematology, 180 Credits.
    Or
  • Immunology, 180 Credits.
    Or
  • Chemical Pathology, 180 Credits.
    Or
  • Medical Genetics, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to assess, critically review and apply relevant scientific information, in order to identify research needs.
    2. Master the skills of critical thinking, problem solving, collection and analysis of information and effective professional written and oral communication.
    3. Assess, critically review and apply relevant information, in order to identify research needs.
    4. Initiate, undertake and participate in all aspects of the research process.
    5. Communicate effectively regarding topics with the medical sciences, particularly the field of specialisation.
    6. Make decisions on ethical values and practices, work within the ethical norms of the Medical Science field of specialisation and be accountable for all decisions made.
    7. Engage in lifelong learning for the development and advancement of the field of specialisation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Be familiar with contemporary philosophical and theoretical issues in a specialised field of Medical Sciences.
  • Develop specialised knowledge in a critical and comparative manner, depending on the particular field of focus within the disciplinary area.
  • Be competent in the usage of computers for assessing, processing and retrieving data and literature.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Debate complex issues orally and in writing using facts, theories and advances within the specific discipline of choice in the medical sciences.
  • Competently defend opposing views, bringing forth valid solutions and theories.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing, on a professional and academic level through the accurate reporting of information and publication.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Ability to plan and write a composite literature review on a topic using relevant and contemporary resources.
  • Study the literature to identify a research problem.
  • Pose the identified problem in a relevant manner.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Develop a research proposal and conduct the research under minimum supervision.
  • Select the appropriate research design for the research problem.
  • Use appropriate methodologies with accuracy and care in order to generate data.
  • Validate data collection tools.
  • Capture, clean, organise, evaluate and analyse research data.
  • Use basic statistical procedures required for a particular problem.
  • Critically discuss the findings of the study and to be able to compare them with similar studies.
  • Evaluate the results of a research study and be able to translate them into appropriate and feasible recommendations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Communicate research to a variety of audiences in different formats such as: article, oral presentation or poster.
  • Reasoning skills should include the ability to express own opinions clearly and coherently, justify a position and present it logically, systematically using properly substantiated arguments.
  • Communication should show an awareness of audience, and capability in using different modes of communication (oral and written) and discipline-specific conventions, and utilisation of different techniques and strategies for communicating results.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Use knowledge critically to make sound ethical judgements without prejudice and to the benefit of mankind and the environment.
  • Take accountability for all decisions taken and implemented.
  • Be aware of the necessity regarding ethical and professional conduct within the medical science profession and adhere to such conduct at all times.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Accumulate knowledge through self-directed work within the discipline.
  • Stay abreast of important innovations in the field of medical science by means of continuous education.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is conducted via research dissertation only. Learning and assessment will take place across all exit level outcomes to ensure that the graduate meets all expectations of an NQF Level 9 Graduate, as well as meeting the expectations of a Medical Sciences professional with this qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The University of Adelaide in Australia offers a Master of Philosophy (Clinical Sciences) over a two-year period. The key aim of the program is to train learners in Research Methodology and techniques and to engage them in the critical evaluation of literature and results in their field of research at an advanced level. The focus of the Degree is on research, but learners may opt to take a coursework component or 100% research. The 100% research Masters Qualifications compares well with the University of Limpopo qualification. Master of Philosophy (Clinical Science) Graduates are well placed to progress to independent research at Doctoral level. A Master of Philosophy (Clinical Science) comprises an independent, supervised research project. The outcomes of the qualification are a thorough understanding of the relevant techniques and methodologies in the field as demonstrated by a thorough critical review of the literature; demonstrated competence in the chosen field through judicious selection and application of appropriate methodology to yield meaningful results; demonstrated the capacity to evaluate critically these results. It is clear that the qualifications compare well in terms of outcome, structure and articulation.

    The University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom offers a Master of Philosophy qualification in Medical Science. The qualification is offered over one-year of full-time study. The qualification is offered to a wide variety of Graduates such as Science Graduates, medical learners combining clinical training and clinically qualified Doctors undertaking scientific training. Research covers the whole spectrum of medical science from basic biology to clinical therapies. Learners receive specific research training in the laboratory of interest, as well as further training in the form of Graduate workshops concentrating on research techniques, research seminars dealing with generic skills such as intellectual property rights, writing a thesis or paper, and entrepreneurship. The MPhil in Medical Science is examined by dissertation and viva. The dissertation must satisfy the examiners that the learner can design and carry out an original investigation, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place the work in the wider perspective of the subject. The qualifications compare in terms of outcomes, course structure and articulation.

    The University of Alberta in Canada offers a Master of Science qualification in Medical Sciences. The qualification aims to provide excellence in Graduate education relating to basic and clinical sciences. Learners enter the qualification with an Undergraduate Bachelor qualification with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3. The qualification includes many different specifications, which differ to that of the University of Limpopo qualification, but does include Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and Medical Genetics. Admission to the Master of Science (MSc) in Medical Sciences program is dependent on the recommendation of the Medical Sciences Graduate Program Committee. The requirements for this Degree consist of coursework (research required topics), completion of a research project, and preparation of a thesis. The qualification enables learners to apply for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Epidemiology, Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Pathology, Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Public Health, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Science in Medical Sciences, 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.