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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115591  Master of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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  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  2019-12-17  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 in Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences is to enable qualified learners to contribute to a chosen field of radiography through independent research, using advanced problem-solving skills and critical, reflective thinking. The learner will report the findings in a manner that meets the accepted criteria and ethical principles of the profession. The learner will make a contribution to the existing body of knowledge for radiography ranging from fundamental concepts to advanced theoretical or applied knowledge that will develop and advance the radiography profession.

Rationale:
The South African government has expressed a need for radiographers who can make a significant and original contribution, through independent research in one of the four specialised areas of medical imaging and radiation sciences, i.e. diagnostics, ultrasound, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine. This qualification provides for advanced research within the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (MIRS) through the inclusion of a research dissertation that complies with the accepted norms, criteria and ethical principles for research at a Master's level.

This qualification promotes the principles of lifelong learning in the field of MIRS. Qualifying learners will display insight, as well as an ability to conceptualise research initiatives and create new knowledge or practice in their specialist field. The institution structured this qualification to meet that need and provide for advanced research MIRS through the inclusion of a research dissertation that complies with the accepted norms, criteria and ethical principles for research at a Master's level.

It is essential within the South African environment to provide healthcare, which is accessible to the community and is of a high professional standard. This qualification will enable learners to apply their knowledge to solving healthcare problems, as well as engage in community upliftment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Faculty of Health Science accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It acknowledges that all learning has value, and the Faculty of Health Science will endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant.
The Faculty of Health Science manages RPL according to the institution's RPL policy applied as follows:
i) Through RPL, a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the qualification.
ii) Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the Faculty of Health Science.
iii) RPL in the case of a learner not complying with the formal entry requirements:
  • Is conducted after payment of the prescribed fees following the policy and guidelines of the institution;
  • Is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience;
  • Is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualification Framework-level;
  • Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification;
  • Is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee of the Faculty of Sciences and is finally decided upon by the Faculty of Health Science Dean's Committee.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Radiography Honours in Radiation Therapy, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Radiography Honours in Nuclear Medicine, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Radiography Honours in Diagnostics, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory dissertation module at National Qualification Framework Level 9 Totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Module, 180 Credits:
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate advanced application of concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes about a chosen focus area of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (radiography) and associated fields.
    2. Access, analyse and critically evaluate existing knowledge in Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (radiography).
    3. Access, process, produce and communicate information to colleagues and other groups.
    4. Engage in independent research, selecting appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies in the chosen focus area and produce findings in the form of a research report.
    5. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of own position about significant debates within the chosen field of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (radiography).
    6. Demonstrate specialist forefront knowledge and expertise in the chosen field of radiography and the competency to apply these creatively within the chosen field.
    7. Analyse and evaluate the outcomes of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (radiography) interventions, techniques, strategies, or processes in the chosen field. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Presentations reflect the appropriate application of the relevant concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in the chosen field.
  • Written work on the chosen field displays critical analyses and intellectual independence.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Current literature and research are accessed, analysed and evaluated systematically in the chosen focus area.
  • Evaluations demonstrate clear evidence of effective application of the principles of MIRS (radiography) research practice.
  • Justify conclusions and recommendations by the use of appropriate evidence and arguments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Discussions reflect the ability to obtain, process and communicate information effectively to colleagues and other groups.
  • Presentations display analytical skills and a degree of intellectual independence.
  • Written and oral communication conveys and appropriately highlights the information to specific target groups.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Discussions reflect the ability to obtain, process and communicate information effectively to colleagues and other groups.
  • Presentations display analytical skills and a degree of intellectual independence.
  • Written and oral communication conveys and appropriately highlights the information to specific target groups.
  • Selected research methods, techniques and technologies are based on a clear understanding of radiography research theory and practice.
  • Research reports critically and coherently describe theoretical arguments, the research process, methodology, results, conclusions and recommendations.
  • Research reports display skill in extrapolating key findings, justifiable conclusions, and making feasible recommendations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Motivate his/her position to specific debates based on a sound integration of relevant theory, practice, research and a degree of independent, creative thinking.
  • Discussions demonstrate an understanding of one's position and its significant feasibility debates.
  • Written and oral formats clearly and cogently communicate explanations of their position.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
    Ensure that:
  • Analyses of problems and issues reflect a purposeful and critical application of advanced theory, current knowledge and expertise in the focus area.
  • Interventions and recommendations reflect purposeful and creative plans to seek solutions based on theory and proven methods in the chosen field.
  • Discussions and interventions reflect the advanced application of appropriate skills, strategies and techniques following corresponding theoretical assumptions in the chosen field.
  • Research and interventions appropriate and creative use of radiography tools and data relevant to the chosen field.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Comprehensively describes the outcomes of interventions, techniques, strategies or processes about the stated goals following corresponding theoretical assumptions.
  • Critically analyse outcomes following the identified needs and issues within the chosen focus area.
  • Are purposefully used as the basis for planning, implementation and recommendations.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment: Seminar presentations and learner/supervisor consultations.

    Summative assessment:
  • Research Dissertation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Curtin University of Technology in Perth of Australia offers Master of Medical Imaging Science. As a first-world country, Australia has proven to be advanced in the field of radiography. The qualification is a two-year programme offered on a full-time basis.

    University College Dublin (UCD) in Ireland offers Master of Science. UCD offers the qualification in specialised fields, including the following:
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
  • Ultrasound.
  • Computed Radiography.
  • Mammography.
  • Medical Imaging.

    The qualification compares well with this qualification. However, the qualification is more generic and not specialised like the UCD qualification. For example, the overview of the Master of Medical Imaging states the following:
  • This qualification allows learners to acquire knowledge and advanced practical skills in relevant fields of medical imaging.
  • A qualified learner will acquire analytical, research and critical reflection skills, in order to drive improvements in medical imaging healthcare services or industry. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Interventional Radiography, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Radiography in Diagnostics, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Radiography in Nuclear Medicine, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Radiography in Radiation Therapy, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Health Sciences in Clinical Technology NQF Level 10.
  • 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. University of Johannesburg 


    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.