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: 

Master of Medicine in Dermatology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122509  Master of Medicine in Dermatology 
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu 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
Registered  EXCO 0525/24  2024-07-11  2027-07-11 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-07-11   2031-07-11  

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 qualification is to equip the learners with theoretical knowledge and practical skills that will enable them to be registered as specialists in Dermatology. The qualification aims to provide a specialist with the necessary knowledge, specific skills, research expertise and applied competence in dermatology and related fields to enable the competent practice of dermatology in the private, public, and academic sectors and to conduct research in the specialised field of dermatology. It aims to meet the needs for formal examination and certification as a specialist dermatologist. The completion of training will allow the trainee to obtain registration with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a specialist clinician in the field of Dermatology.

Upon completion of this qualification qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Critically appraise and apply current and new scientific knowledge in the practice of Dermatology.
  • Work effectively in a team with other healthcare professionals, behave honourably towards them and acknowledge and respect their opinions.
  • Communicate effectively with patients and other multidisciplinary team members, including presenting clinical cases and research outputs to the professional community and the public within the relevant ethical framework.

    Rationale:
    There is a shortage of Dermatologists in South Africa, and most Dermatologists are in the major cities. There is a need to train dermatologists to deal with the burden of skin diseases, teach dermatology to primary health care professionals, undergraduates, and postgraduates as well as conduct relevant research in the field. Accreditation for postgraduate training in Dermatology was granted to the institution by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPSCA). This qualification requires learners who completed a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) or equivalent plus registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as an independent practitioner.

    Qualifying learners will be employed by the Department of Health as specialist registrars during their postgraduate training. The curriculum supports the spiral nature of learning that underpins a trainee's continual development. It also recognizes that for many of the competencies outlined, there is a maturation process whereby practitioners become more adept and skilled as their career and experience progresses. It is intended that doctors should recognize that the acquisition of basic competencies is often followed by an increasing sophistication and complexity of that competence throughout their career.

    Learners will undergo competitive selection into Dermatology speciality training which also takes into consideration demography, gender and other additional objective evidence that supports the candidate's efforts and measures in pursuing speciality training in dermatology.
    The learner will be equipped with theoretical knowledge and practical skills that will enable them to be registered as specialists in Dermatology. The qualification aims to provide a specialist with the necessary knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in dermatology and related fields to enable the competent practice of dermatology in the private, public, and academic sectors. 
    		•

    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:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Emergency Medical Care, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Medicine in Clinical Practice, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as an independent medical practitioner. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 480 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 480 Credits.
  • General anatomy and physiology (with relevance to the skin), 40 Credits.
  • Skin anatomy and physiology, 40 Credits.
  • Principles of pathology, 40 Credits.
  • Disorders of the skin and mucous membranes, 60 Credits.
  • Dermatology and medicine, 60 Credits.
  • Diseases due to microbial agents, infestations, bites, and stings, 60 Credits.
  • Psych dermatology, 10 Credits.
  • Dermatopathology and laboratory methods, 40 Credits.
  • Dermatological pharmacology and therapeutics, 30 Credits.
  • Dermatological surgery, 10 Credits.
  • Skin Oncology, 20 Credits.
  • Dressings and wound care, 10 Credits.
  • Ethical Research and mini dissertation, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Solve simple and complex dermatological clinical problems using a wide range of appropriate techniques to formulate and implement appropriate interventions.
    2. Critically apply and defend current and new scientific knowledge in the practice of Dermatology using specialised dermatological skills and discourse.
    3. Communicate and motivate academically grounded dermatological perspectives and discourses to a range of audiences including patients, the professional community and the public.
    4. Design and implement an approach for focused enquiry, processing and managing extant dermatological literature to create a comprehensive research report in the specialized area of dermatology.
    5. Maintain, contribute and uphold professional and ethical practices in making autonomous decisions in the practice of Dermatology and in interacting with other members of the multidisciplinary team to optimize patient care and nurture effective collaborations.
    6. Independently operate and be accountable for learning, development, and professional needs as it relates to dermatological specialist practice. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Solve common and uncommon clinical problems using appropriate techniques.
  • Implement appropriate interventions to analyse simple and complex problems.
  • Assess and diagnose dermatology problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply current and new knowledge using dermatological strategies and practices.
  • Interrogate and apply current dermatological scientific knowledge.
  • Apply specialised dermatological skills and discourse.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Take medical history at a level appropriate to the speciality and communicate the findings and treatment options effectively with the patient and referring doctor.
  • Communicate, advocate, plan and manage for a health-promoting intervention at all levels of societal organisation.
  • Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Implement appropriate research and interpret the results.
  • Develop comprehensive research report in a specialised area of dermatology.
  • Apply numerical data to research and clinical practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Maintain and uphill professional and ethical practices in the practice of dermatology.
  • Share contribution to autonomous decision-making within dermatology and with other members of a multidisciplinary team to optimise effective collaborations and patient care.
  • Act professionally and ethically.
  • Critically reflect on ethical and professional practices within their area of expertise.
  • Evaluate effective strategies for managing the ethical dilemmas inherent in-patient care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Independently manage learning, development and professional needs as they relate to dermatological practice.
  • Be ethically accountable towards the Public Health profession, clients and the community.
  • Operate independently and take full responsibility for his or her work, and where appropriate to lead, and oversee.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Learners are assessed in an integrated manner that elevates both formative and summative assessments as key tools in developing and demonstrating applied competence. Equal weight and importance are placed on formative and summative assessments as articulated below:
    Formative Assessment:
    Feedback will be frequently provided during daily supervised clinical activities to guide the attainment of outcomes as a form of WBA.

    An internal mini-clinical examination will also be conducted four times a year as well as comprehensive in-house bi-annual examinations to provide feedback on the trainee's progress through the knowledge, skills and outcomes required by the program modules.
    The participation in seminars, discussions, and research meetings, including the presentation of the Research Proposal, will provide the formative feedback for the knowledge and application of Research principles.

    Summative Assessments:
    The Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) are recognised as the examining body for the theoretical and practical component of this qualification while the assessment of the master's mini dissertation is a responsibility of the university.

    The CMSA exams will evaluate the attainment of clinical exit outcomes in an integrated manner with the following contributions to the overall assessment:
  • Dermatology Basic Sciences 1 & 2 (Part I): contribute with 25%.
  • Principles and Practice of Dermatology 1, 2, 3 & 4 (Part II): contribute to 62.5%.
    These exams include written and practical components as well as a portfolio of learning which cuts across the programme's ELOs.

    The evaluation of the mini dissertation will assess the Research Outcomes and contribute with 12.5%. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institution: The Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD)
    Qualification title: Master of Dermatology
    Duration: Two years full-time.
    Entry requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in medicine or equivalent.
    And
  • Be registered to practice medicine within Australia (and be living in Australia).

    Qualification structure
    Modules
  • Research Methods compares with Ethical Research and mini dissertation.
  • Dermatology compares with Dermatology and medicine.
  • Clinical Sciences.
  • Clinical Procedures.
  • Clinical Sciences.
    Electives
  • Intercultural competency for medical specialists.
  • Clinical Ethics.
  • Teaching and learning in a medical context.

    On completion of this course learners will be able to:
  • Critically assess and synthesise specialist medical dermatological knowledge of disease process, presentation, and epidemiology to develop effective differential diagnoses.
  • Critically analyse appropriate investigations to develop and justify well-reasoned diagnoses.
  • Evaluate results of investigations and then develop and assess effective management plans appropriate to the diagnosis and the patient's context.
  • Critically apply specialist medical knowledge and diagnostic skills to develop best-practice treatment options in procedural dermatology.

    Similarities
  • The Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) and South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed a bachelor's degree in medicine or equivalent and must be registered with a Health Professions.
  • ACD and SA qualifications share similar modules such as Research Methods and Dermatology.
  • ACD and SA qualifications share similar exit-level outcomes that will allow learners to evaluate, assess, and apply specialist medical knowledge and diagnostic skills to develop best-practice treatments.

    Difference
  • The Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) is offered for two years full-time, while the South African (SA) is offered for one year full-time.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: University of South Wales (USW)
    Qualification title: Master of Science Dermatology in Clinical Practice
    Duration: Two years full-time

    Purpose/rationale
    The MSc Dermatology in Clinical Practice prepares learners for a leadership role in the field. Applicants will typically be health professionals such as GPs, doctors, nurses, physicians, and pharmacists. For healthcare professionals who successfully complete a qualification, career progression would likely be facilitated, as well as the direct opportunity to improve patient care.

    Entry requirements
  • To secure your place on the course, 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.
    And
    Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be considered.

    Qualification structure
    Modules
  • Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal, compares with Ethical Research and mini dissertation.
  • Professional Project: Dermatology, compares with Dermatology and medicine.

    Similarities:
  • The University of South Wales (USW) and South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed their first degree or equivalent.
  • Both USW and SA qualifications share similar modules such as Research Methodologies and Professional Project: Dermatology.
  • USW and SA qualifications share a similar purpose/rationale which prepares learners for a leadership or specialist role in the field.

    Difference:
  • University of South Wales (USW) is offered for two years full-time, while the South African SA qualification is offered for one year full-time. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Medical Science, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Medicine, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Medicine in Family Medicine, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Medicine, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Internal Medicine, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy: Emergency Medical Care, NQF Level 10.

    Diagonal Articulation:
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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. Walter Sisulu 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.