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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
121046  Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy 
ORIGINATOR
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences 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
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0718/23  2023-08-22  2026-08-22 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-08-22   2033-08-22  

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
117089  Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  480  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy is to provide a holistic physiotherapy and health sciences education that equips the learner with the theory and clinical practice in the form of work-integrated learning to communicate and apply the science of physiotherapy to enhance the health and quality of life of individuals and families in South Africa. The qualification enables the learner to demonstrate their ability to initiate a comprehensive assessment and treatment of an individual, group, family, and population in all fields of Physiotherapy.

In addition, the qualification enables the learner to develop and apply scholastic skills in communication, collaboration, advocacy, leadership as well as management of physiotherapy and health services. The qualification provides the learner with a solid base for developing and conducting sound research. The qualification also provides the learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, practice, and attitudes that form the necessary basis for entry into the labour market, professional training, postgraduate studies, and professional independent practice.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to
  • Practice physiotherapy in the context of comprehensive health care, within the defined scope of practice and expertise of the profession, to continuously improve the quality of health of individuals, families, communities, and the population.
  • Plan and perform patient-centred, evidence-based assessment and treatment in collaboration with the integrated management of the inter-professional healthcare team.
  • Establish professional therapeutic relationships with patients, clients, caregivers, community leaders and community members during the rendering of professional services.
  • Demonstrate leadership and management skills in professional practice while engaging in the stewardship of healthcare resources.
  • Identify and respond to the healthcare needs of communities and populations by acting as advocates of health.
  • Engage in the continuous enhancement of professional and research activities in a manner that will foster life-long, self-managed learning.
  • Engage in professional, timeous communication with inter-professional team members, patients, clients, caregivers, community members and community.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to patients, clients, caregivers, and inter-professional team members by applying best practices and adhering to high ethical standards.

    Rationale:

    The Profession of Physiotherapy was first gazetted in 1928 in the Medical, Dental and Pharmacy Act of 1928, although registration with the Board was gazetted in 1931.
    Physiotherapy is a health sciences profession that promotes, assesses, treats (curative) and prevents human movement disorders, restoring normal function or minimising dysfunction and pain across lifespan such as in adults and children with physical impairment, to enable them to achieve the highest possible level of independence in their lives; preventing recurring injuries and disability in the workplace, at home, or during recreational activities and promoting community health.

    The qualification was established to address the growing need for movement and functional disorders in human beings, from utero to the end-of-life stage by using physical activities, exercise and other physical agents or modalities. The qualification aims to develop a physiotherapist and health care professional who is competent in the promotion of health, prevention, curative care, rehabilitative care, and consultative as well as the conduction of appropriate and relevant research. The physiotherapist should be able to: identify, assess, diagnose, treat, and manage functional and movement disorders in a variety of settings.

    The qualification contains all the necessary prerequisites and core modules that address movement and functional disorders. In addition, it contains basic human sciences, preclinical and clinical sciences modules that introduce the learner to life sciences as well as basic research techniques. Furthermore, learners are exposed to and undertake clinical education in all levels of health care in both the public and private sectors.

    This qualification is designed in consultation with the professional body, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and is recognised as a requirement for a license to practice in Physiotherapy. The physiotherapy learners register with the professional board of Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Biokinetics of the HPCSA. When learners qualify, they register with the HPCSA as community service physiotherapists and are employed in the public sector.

    Following successful completion of community service, the learners register with the HPCSA as independent practitioners and can be employed in the public health sector, private sector, schools, occupational health facilities, training, and education centres, as managers in various facilities, early childhood developmental centres, sport performance centres, primary health care facilities and clinics.

    The typical learners are from various schooling and social backgrounds in South Africa and internationally. Once the qualification has been obtained and community service has been successfully completed, learners may proceed to a Master of Science in Physiotherapy or in Public Health. Career opportunities range from private practices, private hospitals, government hospitals, primary health care clinics/facilities, tertiary institutions, schools, early development centres, industries, communities and home environments and high-performance sports centres.

    Qualified physiotherapists have many benefits, inter alia, registering with the HPCSA, working overseas, being a researcher, and working in training and education institutions. In addition, qualified physiotherapists contribute to the quality and quantity of life in society by keeping the people in the community physically active, functional, and mobile, as well as assisting with a return to work or school or leisure activities after injury or disease. They also contribute to the tax base of the economy. 
    		•

    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 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:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 512 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 128 Credits:
  • Chemistry 1B, 20 Credits.
  • Biophysics 1B, 20 Credits.
  • English for Health Sciences, 12 Credits.
  • Human Sciences, 16 Credits.
  • Biology, 20 Credits.
  • Principles of Physiotherapy I, 40 Credits

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 128 Credits:
  • Human Anatomy for Physiotherapy, 32 Credits.
  • Physiology 1B, 32 Credits.
  • Principles of Physiotherapy II, 64 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 128 Credits:
  • Applied Pharmacology, 4 Credits.
  • Clinical Sciences 1B, 16 Credits.
  • Research Design and Statistics, 8 Credits.
  • English Language, 4 Credits
  • First Aid, 4 Credits
  • Applied Physiotherapy I, 48 Credits.
  • Principles of Physiotherapy III, 44 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 128 Credits
  • Professional Practice and Administration, 4 Credits.
  • Applied Physiotherapy II, 100 Credits.
  • Principles of Physiotherapy IV, 12 Credits.
  • Research Project, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Practice physiotherapy in the context of comprehensive health care, within the defined scope of practice and expertise of the profession, to continuously improve the quality of health of individuals, families, communities, and the population.
    2. Plan and perform patient-centred, evidence-based assessment and treatment in collaboration with the integrated management of the inter-professional healthcare team.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to establish professional therapeutic relationships with patients, clients, caregivers, community leaders and community members during the rendering of professional services.
    4. Demonstrate leadership and management skills in professional practice while engaging in the stewardship of health care resources.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to identify and respond to the health care needs of communities and populations by acting as advocates of health.
    6. Engage in the continuous enhancement of professional and research activities in a manner that will foster life-long, self-managed learning.
    7. Engage in professional, timeous communication with inter-professional team members, patients, clients, caregivers, community members and community leaders.
    8. Demonstrate a commitment to patients, clients, caregivers, and inter-professional team members by applying best practices and adhering to high ethical standards. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Conduct a subjective and objective assessment of patients, create a problem list from the assessment, and create and implement a treatment plan for patients.
  • Refer patients to other health care professionals as needed, while acting in an ethical and professional manner.
  • Conduct a needs analysis in communities and the greater population, determine the role they can play in improving the quality of health and execute an intervention plan while acting in an ethical and professional manner.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Relate learners' roles in health care teams to other team members, patients, and stakeholders, using clear and professional communication methods.
  • Plan and perform assessments and treatments using evidence-based methods, in the context of an inter-professional team.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply the theories of professional communication and therapeutic relationships.
  • Apply the ethical and professional principles of relationship building with patients, clients, caregivers, community leaders and community members.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Produce a written management project regarding the management of public- and private practices and communicate their project during an oral presentation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Produce a portfolio containing evidence of health advocacy for communities/ populations in which they worked clinically.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Compile a research proposal, obtain ethical clearance, conduct the research, produce a written research report, and relate the information orally, during a presentation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Present information to inter-professional team members, patients, clients, caregivers, community leaders and community members in a written and oral format, that ensures understanding of the communicated information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Implement best practices and adhere to ethical standards during all interactions with patients, clients, caregivers, and inter-professional team members.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The assessment strategy provides for both formative and summative assessment opportunities as well as continuous assessment. This combination of assessment opportunities affords learners the opportunity to monitor their progress on a regular basis and address problems as they occur and include presentations and projects on an approved topic which will test and help to give the learner insight into the complexity of practicing physiotherapy in an ever-demanding health care environment.

    Formative assessments:
    The formative assessments for all the theory modules comprise of
  • Semester tests.
  • Assignments.
  • Case study analysis.
  • Problem-solving based on the case studies/paper patients.
    The semester tests contribute most of the marks to the formative assessments (70%:30%).

    For Work Integrated Learning (WIL):
    In clinical modules, the formative assessments comprise prepared patient treatments; unseen (unprepared) patient assessments; continuous evaluation marks and portfolios. Most of the marks are obtained from physical patient interactions (90%:10%).

    Summative assessments:
  • Summative assessments for all the theory modules consist of three-hour examination papers that learners write.
  • Assignments and other forms of assessments are not considered for formative marks.
  • Clinical summative assessments are conducted through hands-on physical patient assessments and/or treatments.

    All modules adhere to the institution's requirements, whereby the formative assessment contributes 60% to the final mark and summative assessments contribute 40% to the final mark. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy has been compared with similar qualifications offered in New Zealand and Ireland.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: University of Otago
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Physiotherapy
    NQF Level: New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) Level 7
    Duration: Four years full time

    Entry Requirements:
    To be eligible for admission in this category, achieve the University Entrance standard through National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 by gaining:
  • NCEA Level 3, and 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in each of the three subjects from the approved list.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Physiotherapists are educated to assess, treat, and prevent a vast range of physical limitations and bodily dysfunction. By using therapy such as exercises and manual and electrotherapeutic techniques, physiotherapists assist patients to lead independent, healthy, and fulfilling lives. This makes physiotherapy an extremely rewarding career. The best physiotherapists are those with exceptional communication skills, a genuine desire to improve the well-being and quality of life of others, and a good level of physical fitness.

    The qualification ensures its clinical teaching and research programmes are continually refined and improved, to keep in step with modern physiotherapy practice, the latest research, and current thinking on teaching methodologies.
    Physiotherapists are valued for their work in hospitals, aged care facilities, and rehabilitation centres. They are responsible for helping people maintain peak physical condition, as integral members of sports teams, fitness centres, and sports clinics. Others find employment in schools or community care organisations, and many establish their own private practices.
    A growing awareness of the importance of keeping workers healthy and productive in today's industrial environment has also created employment opportunities within large companies as occupational health and safety professionals, and around health management.
    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following modules.

    Year one:
  • Health Sciences First Year Course.

    Year two:
  • Anatomy compares with Human Anatomy for Physiotherapy and Biology
  • Physiology compares with Physiology.
  • Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Science 1 compares with Principles of Physiotherapy 1
  • Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 1 compares with Applied Physiotherapy and Professional Practice and Administration.
  • Physical Activity for Physiotherapy Practice compares with Professional Practice and Administration.

    Year three:
  • Pathology
  • Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Science 2 compares with Principles of Physiotherapy 2
  • Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 2 compares with Clinical Sciences
    Year four:
  • Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 3 compares with Clinical Sciences
  • Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 4 compares with Clinical Sciences
  • Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 5 compares with Clinical Sciences
  • Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 6 compares with Clinical Sciences
  • Research for Physiotherapy compares with Research Project and Research Design and Statistics.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Otago (UO) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over four years of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who completed the secondary school qualification such as National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) and the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
  • Both qualifications provide learners with the skills and knowledge to be work-ready physiotherapists who are culturally responsive and well-equipped to meet the needs of communities.
  • Both qualifications share a similar purpose and modules.
  • The UO and SA qualifications consist of Work Integrated Learning and clinical placements.
  • Both qualifications articulate into a Master's degree.

    Differences:
    The UO qualification is registered at NZQF Level 07 with the option to complete the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at Level 8 while the SA qualification is registered at NQF Level 8 but does not have an option of early exit registered at Level 7.

    Country: Ireland
    Institution: University of Limerick
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
    NQF Level: National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 8 major Award Honours Bachelor Degree NFQ Level 8
    Duration: Four years full time
    Entry Requirements:
    Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects.
    Purpose/Rationale:

    This qualification is designed to prepare learners who will contribute to the development of Physiotherapy worldwide through their ability to act as competent, reflective, and innovative practitioners, and through their expertise in evidence-based practice. During the four years, there will be opportunities for learners to engage in shared learning with other learners and undertake a wide variety of supervised clinical placements. The qualification is approved by CORU, the state registration board for Physiotherapy in Ireland.
    Similarities:
  • The University of Limerick (UL) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over four years of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications are registered at NQF Level/ NFQ Level 8.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who completed the high school qualifications.
  • Both qualifications are designed to prepare learners who will contribute to the development of Physiotherapy worldwide through their ability to act as competent, reflective, and innovative practitioners, and through their expertise in evidence-based practice.
  • The UL qualification is endorsed by the CORU, the Health and Social Professions Council in Ireland similar to HPCSA in the SA qualification.
  • Both qualifications articulate vertically to a Master's Degree in Physiotherapy and related fields.
  • The following UL compulsory modules are similar to the SA qualification.
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Foundations of Physiotherapy
  • Research Methodology
  • Research project
  • Physiotherapy Practice

    Differences:
    The UL qualification consists of both compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of only compulsory modules and no electives. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Physiotherapy, NQF Level 9
  • Master of Science in Exercise and Sports Physiotherapy, 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.
     
    1. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences 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.