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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Therapeutic Services 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119987  Postgraduate Diploma in Therapeutic Services 
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  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 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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 primary purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Therapeutic Services is to strengthen and deepen the learner's knowledge in their field of specialisation. The qualification includes conducting and reporting research under supervision which will provide a sound platform for further postgraduate studies and research projects. Thus, enabling the graduate to continue vertically towards masters and doctoral studies.

The qualification is ideal for somatologists and other healthcare professionals such as nurses and physiotherapists who wish to specialise in the field of aesthetics, palliative care, dermal therapies, or recuperative therapies. The qualification will be offered in blended learning mode and due to the nature of the facilitation (online discussions, etc.) learners will not need to be on campus for the entire duration of the qualification.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Accurately identify, evaluate, and manage clients' complex conditions and needs by transferring and monitoring suitable, safe therapies (dermal, recuperative, and permanent cosmetic procedures) within the specialisation field and scope of practice.
  • Interrogate and engage with relevant research, knowledge and the production or application thereof within the therapeutic services and other related fields.
  • Create a complete treatment and home care plan focused on the complexity of the client's needs within the specific context by integrating knowledge to attend to the client in a holistic manner.
  • Responsibly manage and operate in clinical practice ethically and professionally, while understanding the roles and relationships of practitioners in therapeutic services and other related fields.
  • Effectively apply learning strategies in a self-critical manner to be a responsible, lifelong learner within the field of study.
  • Apply specialised skills and research methodologies to synthesise data and address complex/abstract problems within the therapeutics services field, with innovative and creative solutions.
  • Produce and communicate information offering creative insights and innovative solutions in the therapeutic services field.

    Rationale:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Therapeutic Services has been developed to provide the opportunity for Advanced Diploma graduates to further their studies within their specialist field and to develop their research skills to enable them to continue with Postgraduate studies within the Therapeutic Services field. The qualification has been developed to address the need for therapists that will bridge the gap that exists between the Somatology field and the medical field with specific reference to the aesthetic medicine and palliative care fields. Currently, training to provide these skilled therapists is not available at any private institution, traditional university, or university of technology within South Africa. The institution's envisaged qualification specialising in Dermal Therapies will provide graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge required by the industry to safely and effectively assist and/or perform non-invasive aesthetic treatments. This category of qualification will provide learners with job opportunities at aesthetic spas and medical aesthetic practices.

    Aesthetic Medicine is one of the fastest-growing fields in local and international healthcare (Grand View Research Inc., 2016; Markets and Markets, 2018; Reuters, 2018). This growth is mainly driven by the growing adoption of minimally invasive and non-invasive aesthetic procedures such as laser, chemical peels, scar management, aesthetic facials with energy emitting devices, and permanent cosmetic procedures, increasing public awareness about cosmetic procedures, the availability of technologically advanced products, and the increasing demand for aesthetic treatments among men. These mildly invasive and non-invasive treatments require skilled therapists, and the lack of such therapists is one of the few factors currently limiting the further growth of this market (Grand View Research Inc., 2016). Recent industry feedback and discussions with various stakeholders in the medical and somatology field have shown that there exists a need for such skilled therapists in South Africa (Ambrosio, 2018; Mail and Guardian, 2018; Somatology Advisory Board survey, 2018).

    The pressure on healthcare systems caused by the worldwide rise in chronic diseases resulted in an increased demand for skilled therapists to assist with palliative care (Connor, 2018; World Health Organisation, 2014). This palliative care does not only refer to pain management but also treatments such as massage and skin treatments to improve fatigue and quality of life (Oncology Training International, 2019). Like the aesthetic medicine field, there exists a gap between the somatology and medical fields: especially the palliative and oncology fields. No higher education institution in South Africa provides a qualification that may bridge this identified gap. The Recuperative Therapies specialisation field of the qualification will assist in closing this gap and will be a revolutionised qualification within the wellness industry. Certain procedures such as oncology massage and lymph drainage treatments and techniques require more advanced and detailed knowledge. The Recuperative Therapies specialisation field of the qualification will empower learners to positively impact the quality of life of individuals with chronic illnesses such as cancer. This category of qualification will provide learners with job opportunities at oncology spas/centres and palliative care clinics/hospices, etc.

    Due to the non-invasive nature of the treatments included in both fields of specialisation, graduates will not need to register with the South African Health Professions Council or the Nursing Council. This qualification has been developed according to the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPCSA) Act specifications and the South African Association of Health and Skincare Professionals which will allow graduates to register as Somatologists. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences in Sport and Exercise Sciences, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Services, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Somatology, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Dermal Aesthetics, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 78 Credits:
  • Permanent Cosmetic Procedures II, 30 Credits.
  • Clinical Practice Management I, 24 Credits.
  • Research Project I, 24 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 8, 42 Credits (Select one module from the following options):
  • Dermal Therapies II, 42 Credits.
  • Recuperative Therapies II, 42 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Manage the operations of an aesthetic practice while maintaining a safe working environment in a clinical setting, always acting ethically and professionally.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to identify, evaluate, and manage clients' complex needs by applying suitable recuperative therapies, ethically and professionally, and empower the client with relevant home care.
    3. Manage clients' complex needs by applying suitable permanent cosmetic procedures, ethically and professionally, and supply the client with relevant home care.
    4. Responsibly manage and operate in clinical practice in an ethical and professional manner, while understanding the roles and relationships of practitioners in therapeutic services and other related fields.
    5. Critically reflect on and address problems within therapeutic services by synthesizing data, producing knowledge, and communicating ideas, solutions, and developments in a professional and academically acceptable manner. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify, evaluate, and manage clients' complex needs by applying suitable dermal therapies, ethically and professionally, and empower the client with relevant home care.
  • Accurately analyse the client's skin conditions and needs based on the body of knowledge and methods related to dermal therapies and other related fields.
  • Identify and manage contra-indications and other unfamiliar conditions, and if necessary, refer to relevant practitioners.
  • Create a complete treatment and home care plan focused on the complexity of the client's needs related to dermal therapies and record information on the client record card.
  • Effectively and professionally inform and empower the client on the relevant treatment information, homecare advice and techniques.
  • Effectively perform, transfer, and monitor suitable dermal therapy treatments in a safe and ethical manner, in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
  • Apply specialised research and dermal therapy skills to analyse and address problems relating to dermal therapies by conducting case study treatments and communicating findings thereof.
  • Access, apply and share information on current developments within dermal therapy and related fields to guide therapies for oneself and others within the therapeutic services practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Accurately analyse the clients' health conditions and needs based on the body of knowledge and methods related to recuperative therapies and other related fields.
  • Create a complete treatment and home care plan focused on the complexity of the client's needs related to recuperative therapies and record information on the client record card.
  • Effectively perform, transfer, and monitor suitable recuperative therapy treatments in a safe and ethical manner, in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
  • Apply specialized research and recuperative therapy skills to analyze and address problems relating to recuperative therapies by conducting case study treatments and communicating the findings thereof.
  • Access, apply and share information on current developments within recuperative therapy and related fields to guide therapies for oneself and others within the therapeutic services practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Accurately analyse the clients' health conditions and needs based on the body of knowledge and methods related to permanent cosmetic procedures and other related fields.
  • Create a complete treatment and home care plan focused on the complexity of the client's needs related to permanent cosmetic procedures and record information on the client record card.
  • Effectively perform, transfer, and monitor suitable permanent cosmetic procedures in a safe and ethical manner, in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
  • Apply specialized research and permanent cosmetic procedure skills to analyze and address problems relating to permanent cosmetic procedures by conducting case study treatments and communicating the findings thereof.
  • Access, apply and share information on current developments within the permanent cosmetic procedure and related fields to guide therapies of oneself and others within the therapeutic services practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply management principles to compile a viable business plan by creatively accessing and utilising resources within clinical practice.
  • Applying financial principles ethically and effectively such as responsibly selling affordable products and services in response to a poor economy.
  • Interpret economic realities and management principles to ensure that the business plan responds to contextual demands.
  • Effectively function within the scope of practice in a therapeutic service or other health care practices, while understanding the role and relationship of oneself and others within the relevant work environment.
  • Recognise and interpret relevant laws pertaining to the management of clinical practice, such as labour laws.
  • Recognise and interpret relevant laws pertaining to operating in clinical practice, such as the confidentiality act.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Identify and apply the suitable research design, principles, and methodologies to solve a complex/abstract problem within the therapeutic services field.
  • Engage with and interrogate information and methods to guide and support decisions, arguments, and solutions of the relevant research study.
  • Collect and analyse reliable data in an ethical and accountable manner to solve the relevant research problem.
  • Conduct a research study and interpret the findings to produce and/or support knowledge within the therapeutic services field.
  • Compile and present a mini dissertation on the completed research study, that meets academic and other required standards.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The qualification allows for an integrated approach to assessment based on the use of appropriate and diverse assessment methods. The variety of assessment methods increases assessment opportunities and encourages the academic success of the learners. It also provides the opportunity for all learners to excel in one or more methods of assessment creating a culture of success. Some strategies will be more suited to assess foundational competence while others are more suited to assess practical and reflexive competence. Integrated assessment should assess the ability of learners to assess the physical condition of the client by applying appropriate methods and techniques, designing a suitable treatment plan according to the assessment needs of the client, performing the treatment procedure according to the designed treatment plan and advise the client on improvement regimes in a professional manner (practical competence), understand the theoretical basis for these above-mentioned actions (foundational competence), and reflect on and then make changes to their practices (reflexive competence).

    Furthermore, the qualification is practice-oriented and as described theory needs to be put into practice. This synergy between theory and practice is achieved via:
  • Addressing several outcomes together.
  • Clustering several assessment criteria together.
  • Promoting and raising awareness of the connections and relationships between the knowledge, processes, and skills inside the different modules; and
  • Using a combination of several different assessment methods, instruments, and tools to achieve the outcome(s).

    Formative assessment:
    Formative assessment refers to an assessment that takes place during the process of learning and teaching.
    In the assessment strategy, evidence of professional competencies must be demonstrated through a variety of options which includes but are not limited to:
  • Case studies.
  • Problem-solving assignments and strategies.
  • Logbooks.
  • Portfolio of learning materials.
  • Projects, and presentations.
  • Authentic practical exercises.
  • Demonstrations.

    Summative assessment:
    The use of summative assessments is to make a judgment about the level of competence of learners regarding the outcomes of a unit, module, and qualification. The results of such formal assessments (e.g., tests, assignments, projects, presentations, written and oral examinations, creative production or traditional examinations) are a mark reflecting an achievement or a fail. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African (SA) qualification is multi-disciplinary and seeks to bridge the gap between somatology and medical fields with specific reference to the aesthetic medicine and palliative care fields. The SA qualification focuses on Aesthetic Medicine with Dermal Therapies specialisation. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of the qualification, no international qualification with the same title could be found. As a result, an attempt was made to compare the qualification with the closest comparable international qualifications offered in the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Australia. The first two qualifications are comparable to the Dermal Therapies specialisation, and the second comparison pertains to the specialisation in Therapeutic Services in Recuperative Therapies.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: University of South Wales
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology and Clinical Practice
    Credits: 120
    Duration: One-year part-time
    Entry requirements:
  • Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field, such as a medical or nursing degree.
  • Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be considered.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The University of South Wales (USW) qualification is designed to help healthcare professionals specialise in their careers and aid the need for more dermatology professionals. The qualification applies to all General Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Specialist Nurses, and Pharmacists exposed to patients with dermatological conditions.

    On completion of this dermatology course, learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the care of patients with dermatological conditions.
  • Critically evaluate current research in practical dermatology.
  • Deliver management strategies for the investigation and treatment of patients with dermatological conditions.
  • Critically appraise current and potential practical dermatological treatments for use in a variety of population groups.

    Qualification structure:
    The online Dermatology in Clinical Practice Postgraduate Diploma allows learners to study for just one calendar year and is a part-time, distance-learning course. The course is worth 120 credits and comprises six modules of 20 credits, each running over a period of six weeks.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Dermatology in Clinical Practice Overview.
  • Lumps, bumps, and skin cancer.
  • Lesions at specific sites.
  • Inflammatory Dermatoses.
  • Skin Infections.
  • Dermatology in Specific Populations.

    Assessment:
    The USW qualification puts assessment at the heart of learning by using clinical scenarios to facilitate problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. The scenarios act as both the focus for learning and assessment thus embedding assessment within the learning process. Each of the six modules has the same assessment format:
  • Academic Forum - 40%.
  • Reflective Journal - 10%.
  • Module activity - 20%.
  • Case-based examination - 30%.

    Similarities:
  • The University of South Wales (USW) and the South African (SA) qualifications both require applicants hold a first degree or equivalent.
  • Although the qualification focuses more on dermatology, it has the same module in dermal therapy as the SA qualification.
  • Both qualifications prepare graduates for a leadership role in the field of aesthetics and dermatology.
  • Both qualifications will articulate vertically to a master's degree in the cognate field.

    Differences:
  • The USW qualification is offered over a period of one-year part-time study whereas the SA qualification takes one-year full-time study.
  • Although the SA qualification has a minimum of 120 credits, it is weighted 162 credits whereas the USW qualification has 120 credits.
  • The SA qualification offers a broader scope since it consists of research projects whereas the USW qualification does not include a research component.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Proactive Training, Birmingham
    Qualification Title: Intensive Sports Massage
    Duration: Six months online
    This qualification is adopting a blended learning format, which includes learners having full access to a bespoke online learning package and three days of hands-on, in-house teaching, during which will cover all practical techniques. The bespoke online learning package includes over 20 hours of combined content with every single technique and treatment shown in video format, as well as lectures. As the content is all pre-recorded, this is a fantastic resource to refer to years down the line.

    Entry requirements:
  • Undergraduate and Postgraduate Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Sports Scientists, Strength and Conditioning Coaches and qualified Fitness Professionals.

    Purpose:
    This qualification offers skills and knowledge for postgraduate Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Sports Scientists, or qualified fitness professionals looking to work within a sporting setting or provide an alternative service for clients. Once qualified, a Sports Massage Therapist can work in private practice or as an employed therapist in a setting of their choice charging a fee for the treatment that they provide.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification is intensively taught over six months comprising two days of intensive teaching, five case histories to be completed and one day of examinations including a theory and practical exam. This intensive Sports Massage qualification covers the pathophysiology of over 30 sporting injuries and how to treat these with manual techniques such as:
  • Effleurage.
  • Petrissage.
  • Tapotement.
  • Deep friction.
  • Soft tissue release (STR).
  • Myofascial Release techniques.
  • Neuro muscular techniques (NMT.)
  • Trigger pointing.
  • Positional release.
  • Muscle energy techniques (MET).
  • Joint Mobilisation.
  • Orthopaedic Testing.
  • Comprehensive Rehabilitation advice.

    Similarities:
    The Proactive Training (PT) and the South African (SA) qualifications require graduates who hold an undergraduate degree in the cognate field or equivalent qualification.

    Differences:
    The Proactive Training (PT) qualification is a short course aimed at upskilling the knowledge and skills of health professionals to specialise in sports massage while the SA qualification is offered over a period of one-year full-time study.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: The Purdue University Global
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science in Health Science.
    Credits Required: 180 (120 Semester Credits)
    Duration: Four years

    Entry Requirements:
    Applicants must have earned a high school diploma or an approved equivalent. Complete one of the following to meet this requirement:
  • Attest to being a high school graduate. Acceptable attestation for the University may be the proof of graduation attestation included on an Enrollment Agreement, the Free Application for Federal Learner Aid (FAFSA), or any other document deemed acceptable by the University.
  • Provide a General Education Development (GED) certificate or state-specific equivalency diploma test.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The purpose of this qualification is to:
  • Explore diverse approaches to health and wellness topics, including the integration of mind, body, and spirit.
  • Customize the qualification by focusing electives on a particular area of study, such as nutrition or health science.
  • Gain valuable real-world experience through an optional internship.
  • Shorten the path to a master's degree with the accelerated bachelor's to master's option.

    This qualification includes various approaches to health and wellness in addition to the concepts, values, and applications of this exciting field of Therapeutic Services. Graduates provide support, encouragement, and education to people looking to lead healthier lives and prevent illness or injury. and include the following outcomes:

    Exit level outcomes:
    Upon completion of the qualification, qualified learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, and historical trends in nutrition, exercise science, health psychology, stress management, and complementary and alternative medicine.
  • Apply the concepts, principles, and methods of nutrition, exercise science, health psychology, stress management, and complementary and alternative medicine to designing health and wellness promotion programs.
  • Develop administrative, ethical, and professional skills for leadership positions throughout the healthcare field.
  • Critically evaluate current research in nutrition, exercise science, health psychology, stress management, and complementary and alternative medicine.
  • Employ professional standards, ethical practices, and legal standards in the health care field.
  • Evaluate scientific literature and research in nutrition, exercise science, health psychology, stress management, and complementary and alternative medicine.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of multicultural literacy in the fields of health care and wellness promotion.

    The qualification is designed to provide graduates with a solid foundation for careers in health settings such as:
  • Hospitals.
  • Private medical offices.
  • Public health agencies.
  • Corporate wellness centres.
  • College health services/schools.
  • Insurance agencies.
  • Pharmaceutical companies.
  • Fitness centres/gyms.
  • Community centres.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of 180 credits presented mainly online over ten weeks that consist of 15-18 hours per week. The qualification comprises the following compulsory modules.
  • Professionalism and Ethics.
  • Current Trends in Exercise and Fitness.
  • Complementary and Integrative Medicine.
  • Models for Health and Wellness.
  • Creating Wellness - Psychological and Spiritual Aspects of Healing.
  • Health and Wellness Programming - Design and Administration.
  • Bachelor's Capstone in Health and Wellness.

    Similarities:
  • The Purdue University Global (PUG) and the South African (SA) qualifications share similar purpose and exit level outcomes since both qualifications are designed to prepare learners to pursue a variety of career opportunities in healthcare-related industries.
  • Both qualifications will enable learners to employ professional standards, ethical practices, and legal standards in the healthcare field.
  • Both qualifications will articulate vertically to a master's degree in the relevant field.
  • Although the PUG qualification is an undergraduate qualification, the fourth-year modules are similar to the SA qualification especially the Complimentary and Integrative Medicine and Research Project.

    Differences:
  • The PUG qualification is offered over four years of study while the SA qualification takes one year of full-time study to complete.
  • The PUG qualification requires applicants who hold a high school diploma whereas the SA qualification requires applicants who completed the undergraduate qualifications in the cognate field.
  • The PUG qualification consists mainly online curriculum while the SA qualification is delivered face-to-face, and a blended teaching approach is used.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Victoria University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Dermal Sciences
    Credits: 384 credit points
    Duration: Four years full time

    Entry Requirements:
    Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
  • Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g., VCE).
    Or
  • an Australian or overseas equivalent.
    Or
  • an International Baccalaureate (IB).

    Purpose:
    The qualification is registered at the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Learners (CRICOS: 092158E)

    Exit Level Outcomes:
    Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Identify, evaluate, and manage the physical, psychological, and social needs of clients and members of the community undergoing dermal assessment and treatment, and apply problem-solving skills when planning and implementing out-of-clinic care.
  • Perform dermal skills and techniques within dermal protocols and exhibit knowledge of dermal science necessary for safe, efficient, and effective practice within a dermal clinic environment.
  • Interpret the dermal needs of clients and members of the community within a holistic framework and apply an integrated holistic approach in dermal practice.
  • Manage themselves effectively and safely as an independent practitioner and as a member of a healthcare team in a dermal environment.
  • Predict and respond effectively to relevant issues relating to socially and culturally diverse communities when providing dermal services.
  • Critically review current research and developments in dermal practice and evaluate their implications for dermal therapists and the profession.

    Furthermore, the qualification provides a seamless transition from Vocational Education (TAFE) into the Higher Education qualification. It allows qualified beauty therapists to establish and develop knowledge and skills in advanced dermal therapy treatments and receive additional training such as para-medical dermal care.

    Qualification structure:
    To attain the Bachelor of Dermal Sciences, learners are required to complete 384 credit points consisting of 96 credit points of Core First Year College and Core Professional Dermal Science studies and 288 credit points of Core Professional Dermal Science studies.

    Year Four:
    Compulsory Modules, 96 Credits:
  • Skin Management 2, 12 Credits.
  • Dermal Skills 3, 12 Credits.
  • Dermal Clinic 3, 12 Credits.
  • Skin Management 3, 12 Credits.
  • Dermal Skills 4, 12 Credits.
  • Dermal Clinic 4, 12 Credits.
  • Independent Project and Group Research, 24 Credits.

    Similarities:
  • The purpose of the Victoria University (VU) and the South African (SA) qualifications is to equip learners with an advanced level of knowledge and skills to combine science with clinical practice, giving learners the confidence to work with clients and medical health professionals.
  • Both the VU and SA qualifications make use of blended learning and face-to-face modes of delivery.
  • The SA qualification is comparable to the fourth-year compulsory modules offered by the VU qualification.

    Year Four:
    The following VU compulsory modules are comparable to the SA qualification.
  • Resurfacing Science: Theory and Practice comparable to SA Dermal Therapies.
  • Clinical Dermal Practicum 1 comparable to SA Clinical Practice Management.
  • Independent Project and Group Research 1 comparable to SA Research Methodology.
  • Plastics: Aesthetics and Reconstructive Procedures comparable to SA Permanent Cosmetic Procedures.
  • Inter-professional Practice comparable to SA Business practice IV and Clinical Practice Management.

    Differences:
  • The VU qualification is offered over four years of full-time study while the SA qualification takes one year of full-time study.
  • The VU requires secondary school qualification while the SA qualification requires applicants who completed the undergraduate degree in the cognate field.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Australian National College of Beauty
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Health Science (Aesthetics)
    Duration: Three years full time
    Credits: 120 Credit hours

    Entry Requirements:
  • Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent.
  • Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above
    Or
  • Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification.

    Purpose:
    The qualification equips learners with a diverse range of clinical knowledge and skills, focusing on preventative skin health and anti-ageing dermal therapies. It aims to graduate therapists with high-quality scientific training who are prepared to practice with the appropriate application of techniques and therapies in Aesthetics, Dermal and Wellness disciplines, based on ethical and scientific foundations. Graduates will be capable of developing and incorporating new technologies and innovations into their practice and contributing to the advancement of the field of Aesthetics.

    Supported by a theoretical foundation in health science, this in-depth aesthetic course covers advanced skin health protocols and appropriate applications of techniques and therapies using the most up-to-date aesthetic technology and products. With a foundation of biology knowledge and communication skills, this qualification develops an understanding of a range of aesthetic principles, technologies, and innovations, and teaches learners to incorporate them into professional practice.

    Exit Learning outcomes:
    On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Perform and coordinate various dermal treatments to meet industry standards.
  • Develop treatment plans aligned with clients' specific needs and expectations.
  • Understand skin health protocols and how they impact different skin types and conditions.
  • Stay on the frontline of innovative industry developments.

    Similarities:
  • Graduates from the Australian National College of Beauty (ANCB) and the South African (SA) qualifications will be able to work in the Aesthetic, Health and Wellness and Medi-spa environments.
  • Both qualifications are presented by means of blended and face-to-face methods.
  • Both qualifications carry a weighting of 120 credits hours.
  • The assessments of the ANCB qualification are very similar to the SA qualification and include practical examinations, clinic participation, research projects, project development and evaluation, critical analysis and essay writing and written examinations.
  • The ANCB qualification modules of mainly the third year compare well to the SA qualification.

    Comparable Modules are as follows:
  • Therapeutic Services modules.
  • Advanced Body Aesthetics Techniques are comparable to Recuperative Therapies.
  • Advanced Dermal Aesthetics Practice is comparable to the SA Dermal Therapies.
  • Medi-spa in Aesthetics Practice is comparable to the SA Dermal Therapies.
  • Management in Aesthetics Practice is comparable to the SA Clinical Practice management.
  • Aesthetics in Surgical Practice is comparable to the SA Dermal Therapies.
  • Professional Clinical Placement II is comparable to SA Community Service projects and Case studies.
  • Integrated Research Project is comparable to the SA Research Project.

    Differences:
  • The ANCB qualification is offered over three years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes one-year full time to complete.
  • The ANCB qualification requires applicants who completed the Australian secondary school certificate or equivalent while the SA qualification requires holders of the undergraduate degree in the cognate field.

    Conclusion
    The comparative study revealed that the SA qualification is not only comparable to these international qualifications but also encompasses a holistic combination of the fields of specialisation that many international qualifications present in isolation. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Somatology, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology Nursing, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Biokinetics, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Health Sciences in Somatology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Biokinetics, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Health Sciences in Somatology, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    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. Central University of Technology, Free State 


    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.