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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Health Sciences in Cardiovascular Physiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112922  Master of Health Sciences in Cardiovascular Physiology 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  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  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 Master of Health Sciences in Cardiovascular Physiology qualification by research educates and trains researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge in the field of Cardiovascular Physiology at an advanced level. The institution trains the learners to reflect critically on theories and principles of Cardiovascular Physiology. Learners deal with complex issues within the field both systematically and creatively, design and critically appraise research. Sound judgement using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Rationale:
This qualification is mainly to provide to the country's need for scientists in the field of Cardiovascular Physiology, especially hypertension; professionals in possession of relevant theoretical expertise, practical skills and professional attitudes and behaviours, enabling them to function as scientists and specialist researchers at a highly competitive level in the field of the health sciences. The Master of Health Sciences in Cardiovascular Physiology is one of its kind in South Africa and therefore is of great value in the training field of health sciences. In developing this qualification, consideration of national and regional needs occurred. The curriculum, although typically research in nature, considers career possibilities and workforce needs of our country. This qualification prepares learners for further post-graduate studies in Cardiovascular Physiology. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. The application of RPL is according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution's RPL policy.
  • The Faculty of Health Sciences ensures the implementation of quality assurance processes in the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems). It also ensures that administrative and support systems, both before and after RPL assessment, are in place.
  • Learners' assessment is against NQF Level 8 competencies.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Relevant Bachelor Honours qualification, NQF Level 8.
  • Relevant Postgraduate Diploma NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge of the field of Cardiovascular Physiology and the ability to engage with and critique current research or practice in this field.
    2. Identify a relevant research question within the field of Cardiovascular Physiology and to analyse, evaluate and then choose appropriate enquiry methods and processes for the study of this problem.
    3. Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of the ethical and legal considerations applicable to research and the consequences of interventions on individual and group level.
    4. Design and application of appropriate and creative quantitative and qualitative research methodology, techniques and procedures to investigate practical and theoretical problems in the field of Cardiovascular Physiology.
    5. Interpret research findings in a scientifically correct manner and write a detailed research report to record the design and findings.
    6. Develop and sustain independent learning, as well as academic and professional development.
    7. Practice acceptable social sensitivity in their relationship with others and work effectively in a team by implementing the relevant theory and reflect on the implementation thereof.
    8. Deliver high quality and cost-effective services as part of the Cardiovascular Physiology team.
    9. Demonstrate critical oral and written communication skills to communicate effectively with employees and employers from the industry.
    10. Be motivated to stay up to date with current research in the field of Cardiovascular Physiology and thereby commit to becoming a lifelong learner.
    11. Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a scientist in the field of Cardiovascular Physiology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across Exit Level Outcome:
  • Generate and display specialised knowledge and high levels of theoretical understanding in a complex and specialised area within the field of Cardiovascular Physiology and across specialised or applied areas and make an original contribution to the knowledge society in Cardiovascular Physiology.
  • Apply and develop intellectual independence and advanced research skills, sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies to the solution of complex, unfamiliar problems in the field of Cardiovascular Physiology.
  • Apply and develop competence to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and research findings within relevant local and global contexts as well as across disciplines in Cardiovascular Physiology.
  • Generate, synthesise and evaluate information and concepts at highly abstract levels and make sound evaluations based on independently generated criteria.
  • Show mastery of the literature by producing original insights into new and complex ideas, information and issues in a specific area of the Cardiovascular Physiology.
  • Plan, resource, manage and optimise all aspects of research processes within complex and unpredictable contexts in Cardiovascular Physiology.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment occurs through research proposal defence and feedback from critical reviewers. Learners submit a dissertation on supervised discrete research for summative assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
  • Country: Germany.
  • Institution: University of Göttingen.
  • Qualification Title: Master of Science in Cardiovascular Science.

    This qualification is comparable to the Master of Science in Cardiovascular Science offered by the above country in terms of the following:
  • Both qualifications share similar purpose and outcomes, but a different focus and modular structures. The Master of Science in Cardiovascular Science offered at the University of Göttingen is a coursework and research qualification while this Master of Health Sciences in Cardiovascular Physiology is by research-based.
  • Both qualifications qualify learners for PhD s with a focus on cardiovascular studies in academia and industry as well as in related occupational fields. However, to gain admission in the Master of Science in Cardiovascular Science, learners only need a Bachelor's or equivalent qualification. For the Master of Health Sciences in Cardiovascular Physiology, though, learners need a Bachelor Honours qualification or equivalent.
  • This qualification compares favourably with the Master of Science in Cardiovascular Science offered by the University of Göttingen. However, this qualification is unique as the curriculum is designed to ensure relevance to the South African context. Moreover, because of the research inclination of the qualification, a Bachelor Honours qualification is a minimum entry requirement. With a bachelor honours qualification, learners are expected to be involved with some level of research.
  • Country: England.
  • Institution: University of Plymouth.
  • Qualification Title: Master of Science in Clinical Cardiac Science.

    This qualification is comparable to the qualification offered by the above country in terms of the following:
  • Both qualifications have a similar focus, namely, providing specialist knowledge within the area of cardiac pathophysiology. Although both qualifications have a strong research component, the qualification structures are different. The Master of Health Sciences in Cardiovascular Physiology is a research-based master, while the Master of Science in Clinical Cardiac Science is coursework and research.
  • Both qualifications articulate to a Doctoral study with a focus on Cardiovascular Studies. However, to gain admission in the Master of Science in Clinical Cardiac Science, learners only need a Bachelor's or equivalent qualification. While in the Master of Health Sciences in Cardiovascular Physiology, learners need a Bachelor Honours qualification or equivalent.
  • This qualification compares favourably with the Master of Science in Clinical Cardiac Science offered by the University of Plymouth. However, this qualification is unique as the curriculum is designed to ensure relevance to the South African context. Moreover, because of the research inclination of the qualification, a Bachelor Honours qualification is a minimum entry requirement. With a Bachelor Honours qualification, learners are expected to be involved with some level of research. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Health Sciences in Human Movement Sciences, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Physiology, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Health 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: 
     
    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.
     
    1. North West University 


    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.