SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118546  Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  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  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
97192  Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Health Care and District Health Management  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification is designed to equip learners and health professionals with relevant knowledge and skill in health related matters at district and local levels in order to promote and contribute to government's intention to provide better basic services to the communities. This qualification will enable learners to:
  • Identify and solve health problems using critical and creative thinking.
  • Work effectively with others as a member.
  • Organise and manage their professional activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing using different types of media.
  • Use science and technology effectively in evaluating health information and managing health services.
  • Understanding of the principles, theories and practice of primary health care and district health management.

    Rationale:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Health Care and District Health Management qualification responds to the need identified by the Limpopo Provincial Government in local and district health levels. The health sector is in need of skilled personnel in the deliverance of health services at local government level. This qualification offers training, knowledge and skill to enable individuals in health at local level to function effectively. It is suitable for employees of health who need training and those who need to advance their studies in the Primary Health Care and District Health Services. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The Department Admission Committee will evaluate the learner's experience based on merit of each case. After the evaluation the Committee will make a recommendation to the School Admission Committee. The School Admission Committee may require testimonials and proof of certificates.

    RPL is applied for learners who do not have formal academic achievement to gain access to a particular qualification, but with proven expertise and competency will be considered. Candidates may apply for exemption from certain modules.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry to this qualification is an appropriate three (3) year Degree or equivalent. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.
  • PBL, Primary Health Care, Health promotion and Health education, 20 Credits.
  • Environmental Health and Occupational Health, 20 Credits.
  • Common Communicable and non-Communicable Diseases, Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV and AIDS, 20 Credits.
  • National, regional and international health issues, 20 Credits.
  • Management of Primary Health Care and District Health services, 20 Credits.
  • Introduction to Health Systems Research Methods, 10 Credits.
  • Practicum in Basic Counselling Skills, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify and solve health problems using critical and creative thinking.
    2. Demonstrate ability to work with others in teams.
    3. Demonstrate ability to organise and manage their professional activities responsibly and effectively.
    4. Demonstrate an informed understanding of the principles, theories and practice of primary health care and district health management. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Problems are solved by means of exploring and critically evaluating abstract, personal situations and work related problems.
  • Information on health matters is collected, analysed and evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Relationships between health and other sectors are understood.
  • Client's rights are advocated for.
  • Community is mobilised to participate in their own health development and other empowerment activities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Primary Health Care and District Health Management principles to manage basic needs are applied.
  • Maximum utilisation of physical, financial and human resources to improve quality of care in the community is managed.
  • Science and technology is used effectively in evaluating health information and managing health services.
  • Effective use of communication language skills is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Awareness of the importance of effective learning strategies is shown.
  • Responsible citizenship, cultural sensitivity, education, career responsibilities and entrepreneurship abilities are demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    This qualification will be assessed using both continuous and terminal assessment methods respectively. The module descriptor for each module specifies the methods of assessment including both formative and summative assessments. Learners will be given individual and group assessments, case studies and a final test at the end of each module. Assessment and evaluation will be based on knowledge, skills, values and attitude acquired by each student. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    University of Otago:
    The University of Otago in New Zealand offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Health Care. This qualification designed for those engaged in the delivery of primary and integrated health care. The qualification is also designed to provide a deeper understanding of the structure, process and context of primary health care in New Zealand. This qualification enables learners to plan for, and evaluate future changes to the delivery of community-based primary health care and gain skills which can be oriented towards clinical practice, health delivery management, basic primary health care research or a combination of these.

    The University of Technology in Sydney offers a Graduate Diploma in Primary Health Care. The qualification develops learners' knowledge and skills so that they can contribute to excellence in PHC, whether as managers, planners, clinicians or researchers. This qualification provides the knowledge and expertise learners require to work effectively within new frameworks and improve the coordination of continuity of care for patients. The content enables learners to develop skills in developing an equity-based approach to planning and managing health services in communities.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the Postgraduate Diploma offered by the University of Otago and Graduate Diploma in Primary Health Care offered by University of Technology in Sydney. Both qualifications are focused primarily on the delivery of health services at local level (community-based). Team work and collaboration in the work environment is considered important for the effective delivery of health services. Research is also included as essential in the completion of the qualification. 

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

    Horizontal:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Health Management, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical:
  • Master of Public Health, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.