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 Urology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
122841	Master of Medicine in Urology
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 0527/24	2024-10-03	2027-10-03
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-10-03		2031-10-03

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of the Master of Medicine in Urology is to equip learners with skills to manage different problems found in the daily urology practice, knowledge of common diseases and the skills to act at the points where patients need real assistance to save lives.

The qualification is intended for young doctors who are interested in specialising in Urology. The qualification will equip learners with research skills that are innovative and responsive to the needs of the community and aligned to the regional, national and international imperatives in the relevant disciplines.

The qualification will equip learners with socio-scientific knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the region, the country and beyond. The qualification will prepare learners to become efficient professionals in their respective disciplines in the provision of community development and research programs that address the needs of this region and contribute to national development.

On completion of the qualification, successful learners will be able to:

Assist and empower patients in the rural environment through families, groups, organisations, and communities to do health promotion and their problem-solving capacities.

Promote, restore, maintain, and enhance through prevention measures the health of individuals, families, groups, and communities by enabling them to accomplish tasks, prevent and alleviate distress and use resources effectively.

Implement developmental approaches in the South African and the global health context and the ability to.

Work effectively within teams.

Rationale:
The needs of the South African population demand that the Urology Registrars must be well grounded in general practice with knowledge, understanding and skills in a variety of pathological conditions. This professional qualification, therefore, aims to address these demands. Prospective registrars will be empowered to deal with the varieties of contexts which amongst others include complex trauma on the ground and other frequent Urological pathologies. This qualification is responsive to local, regional, and national development priorities while adhering to global standards of expected responsiveness globally.

The qualification is committed to excellence and quality in the provision of future specialists in Urology with relevant theoretical knowledge, skills, innovative technological skills, and competency of the highest quality. The qualification will seek to strike an equilibrium between teaching and learning with disciplinary subject focus learning, which may include ethics and professional growth, interventions, and fieldwork experience. Learners will be engaged in research which will include basic research skills, and the production of research papers that will integrate theory and practice and will inform the bases of integrated assessment and thus contribute to the body of knowledge. Learners will conduct research on community practice and will also serve as community engagement. This qualification aims to provide a relevant and contemporary learning experience for medical doctors so that they may become responsive professionals to community needs.

The qualification is designed to develop specialized disciplinary knowledge. Learners will be moulded to become responsible and productive future leaders as well as social change agents. The qualification will equip learners with competencies to deal with life-threatening situations that will improve fieldwork practice. It is envisaged that this qualification will play a vital role in developing a specialist in Urology who will assist in redressing imbalances of the past through formal learning. The qualification was endorsed by HPCSA.

The ethical parameters learners follow in the training and practice require that learners be registered with the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and follow the regulations of the College of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) and the rules and regulations of the institution. The successful completion of the qualification will enable the learner to be registered as a specialist in Urology.

The institution comprises mainly of rural disadvantaged communities in the Eastern Cape. The Master of Medicine in Urology will offer an opportunity to young African doctors of the province to avoid migration from the Eastern Cape to become specialists in Urology, and even from other areas of South Africa and Southern African Developing Countries (SADC). The Eastern Cape Province is rated among the areas with scanty specialists working at public hospitals. This qualification will contribute to increasing the number of Urologists, and consequently improve the care of patients with Urology pathologies in rural areas. Graduates from the qualification will have the opportunity to access the initial professional preparation of those who wish to continue developing their knowledge and skills for doctoral degrees or sub-specialities in Urology, because the qualification will provide specific depth and specialization of knowledge, together with practical skills and workplace experience.

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.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
And

Registration as a Medical Practitioner with HPCSA
And

Independent Medical Practitioner at HPCSA

Post Internship training

Post community service

Independent registration with HPCSA

Have passed the primary and intermediate exams of the College of Surgeons of South Africa.

Have an accredited post of registrar by the HPCSA.

Approval with the HPCSA for international candidates.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 9, 480 Credits:

Generalities In Urology, 30 Credits.

Basic Surgical Urology Anatomy, 30 Credits.

Urological Emergencies., 20 Credits.

Imagen Studies of the Genitourinary System, 20 Credits.

Urogenital Infections, 10 Credits.

Congenital Malformations of The Genitourinary System, 10 Credits.

Benign and Malignant Tumours of The Genitourinary System, 30 Credits.

Andrology, 30 Credits.

Urinary Lithiasis, 30 Credits.

Genitourinary Pathology, 30 Credits.

Minimum Access Surgery in Urology, 30 Credits.

Vesico-Urethral Dysfunction, 30 Credits.

Urinary Diversions and Reconstructions, 30 Credits.

Urology Portfolio, 30 Credits.

Research Dissertation, 60 Credits.

Urology Major (Integrated), 60 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate competence in the diagnosis and management of disorders in Urology.
2. Demonstrate competence in all clinical skills for Urological challenges.
3. Demonstrate the ability to facilitate the health and quality of urological patients.
4. Demonstrate the ability to facilitate the learning of others by mentoring junior staff and MBChB learners.
5. Demonstrate the ability to create and maintain high ethical standards in Urology.
6. Demonstrate the ability to identify scientific research methodology, implement a research project and write a mini dissertation.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes:

Diagnose and manage disorders of urology.

Assess the clinical skills required for managing urological challenges and apply these skills to manage and address urological challenges.

Treat and improve the health and quality of life of urological patients.

Effectively mentor and direct the learning of junior staff and MBChB learners.

Apply and maintain high ethical standards in all aspects of Urology training.

Create and maintain high ethical standards in Urology.

Apply scientific research methodology, implement a research project, and write a mini dissertation.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
The evaluation system is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the rules and regulations of the institution and College of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) and must be reflected on his/her academic file. Promotion Evaluation is done every six months and at the end of each academic year (Year Pass Theoretical and Practical) and the final Fellowship exam and research component.

The final exam with the CMSA is as follows:
The candidate must present his/her Portfolio in advance to be accepted for the exam. Conduct of the final examination Fellowship of the CMSA of Urology of South Africa), the learner must pass the following evaluations:

Paper 1: SAQ (short answer questions) and Paper II: SAQ with a weighting both of 25%. Two to 3-hour written papers with a subminimum of 45% for the combined papers.

Short cases (4), weighting 30%.

OSCE (10 stations) weighting 30%. A minimum of 4 of the 6 questions should be passed.

Oral exam weighing 15%.

These clinical, practical, and oral examinations in Urology are conducted by a panel of examiners appointed by the CMSA of Urologists.

According to the regulations of the HPCSA, after passing satisfactory exams for the College, candidates need to present the research component to be accredited as a specialist in Urology. The research work must be produced as a mini dissertation, which has to be approved by the Hospital/University authority to collect data, the ethics committee to see that it is ethical research and the Higher Degree Committee to see that formats of research are followed and standard of write up is maintained.

Formative assessment will be carried out to ensure satisfactory learning outcomes by the following methods:

Patient presentations.

Patient study (assignments).

Observed clinical consultations.

Observed clinical and surgical procedures.

Case discussions.

Videotaped patient consultation.

Reflection on clinical encounters.

Developing learning plans.

Observed teaching sessions to the undergraduate learners/ healthcare team.

Observation of professional -attributes and ethical practice.

Portfolio.

Writing research concept paper and a research proposal.

Summative assessment will carry the following components:

Objective Structured Clinical -Examination (OSCE).

Modified Essay Question (MEQ).

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ).

Journal Article Appraisal.

Mini Dissertation.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The qualification is compared with similar qualifications offered by the following countries.

Country: United Kingdom (UK)
Institution: University of Edinburgh
Qualification Title: Master of Surgery in Urology (ChM Urology): Online
Credits: 120
Duration: two years part-time
Entry Requirements:

Prospective entrants would normally have acquired their Membership of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons (MRC) or equivalent assessment milestone and be an Advanced Trainee in Urology (ST3 or ST4 [Specialist Training years] in the UK or equivalent outside the UK. Other applicants with equivalent levels of experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Eligible candidates will have completed a minimum of 18 months' speciality training in urology before the proposed date of admission to the programme and will be pre-Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons (FRCS) status.

For those candidates who already hold FRCS status will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and may accept if there is a substantive training element in their current post.

Purpose:
Based on the UK Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum, the qualification provides the opportunity for trainees in Urology to select those advanced modules relevant to their declared speciality and supports learning for the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) examinations.

In the first year of the programme, compulsory core modules cover the basic elements of the speciality of urology. Modules are taught and assessed using a clinical problem-based approach, supported by a systems-based review of the course material.

In the second year, trainees undertake a tailored academic module that reflects their subspecialty interest. Academic modules (core and specialist) explore research and teaching methodology, as well as developing skills to ensure an ability to analyse published evidence and explore interactive and written clinical communication skills. Trainees are required to complete an academic critique in an appropriate subspecialty area of work undertaken during the two-year period of study such as that resulting from a publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

On completion of this qualification, trainees will be able to:

Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of their chosen surgical subspecialty and be able to apply this knowledge to the systematic assessment and management of surgical patients in the elective, urgent and emergency clinical setting.

Recognise the leadership contribution and responsibilities of the surgeon in the multidisciplinary management of complex surgical disease.

Critically reflect upon day-to-day surgical practice in the context of recent advances and engage in critical dialogue with peers and experts in other sub-specialities.

Apply the general principles of clinical study design, ethics, and statistics to critically evaluate the scientific literature in surgical research and make informed judgements on new and emerging issues in surgery.

Exercise a high level of autonomy and initiative in professional activities at a level of independent surgical practice.

Qualification structure:
The qualification consists of the following modules:

Oncology 1.

Core Urology comparable to Urology Major.

Paediatric Urology.

Transplant Nephrology.

Stone Disease.

Female Urology/ Reconstruction/ Neurology.

Andrology comparable to Andrology.

New technologies/ Minimal access developments comparable to Minimum Access Surgery in Urology.

Oncology 2.

Core academic activity.

Examination: MCQ: SBA and EMI.

Specialist academic activity.

Similarities:

The University of Edinburgh (UE) and the South African (SA) qualifications require a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, and registration as a Medical Practitioner with the recognised statutory bodies.

Both qualifications share similar purpose and exit learning outcomes.

Differences:

The UE is offered over two years of part-time study whereas the SA qualification is offered over four (4) years of full-time study.

The SA qualification has 480 credits while the UE qualification has 120 credits.

The UE qualification is fully online whereas the SA qualification is offered in contact mode.

Country: Kenya
Institution: University of Nairobi
Qualification Title: Master of Medicine in Urology
Period of study: 5 Years
Entry requirements:
The Common Regulations for the Master of Medicine Degree (Surgery) in The University of Nairobi shall apply. The applicant eligible for admission into the programme shall fulfil all the following conditions.

Applicant must hold a minimum of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB.ChB.) degree from the University of Nairobi or an equivalent recognised by the University of Nairobi Senate.

Applicant must possess evidence of registration or eligibility to be licensed by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board and be in the annual retention register.

Applicant must possess a certificate of good conduct from the Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board or any equivalent authority from the country of origin.

Purpose:
The goal of the qualification is to provide learners with an in-depth knowledge of urology and impart practical skills required by the urology specialist to manage urological diseases and conduct research in urology.

By the end of the qualification, the learner shall:

Know the surgical anatomy, physiology and pathology of urologic systems.

Understands the principles and practice of urological surgery and has practical skills to perform clinical diagnosis and management of patients having pathologies in urology and the sub-specialities therein.

Be equipped with research skills and their application.

Rationale:
The practice of urology the world over has had dynamic changes in the 21st century in the management of the various urological diseases encountered and patient expectations. This has involved advances in technology. It has further evolved from a general to sub-speciality practice due to an ever-growing demand in the era of modern medicine. Among these sub-specialities in urology are Endourology, Renal transplantation, Andrology, Reconstructive urology, Uro-oncology, Paediatric Urology and Uro-gynecology. All these changes have been brought about by research. While the urological disease burden grows locally and globally, patient demand and expectations have also shifted, and this has brought with it a demand to train and produce urologists who are equipped to deal with this need.

There is currently an acute shortage of specialists providing management of urological disorders in Kenya, evidenced by the low numbers of qualified urologists registered under the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board. Data has shown that over the past 20 years, Kenya's population has doubled.

There have been progressive attempts to close this resource gap and increase the capacity of training through concerted efforts by various stakeholders in the field of urology. The Ministry of Health in conjunction with the University of Nairobi has spearheaded the development of the East African Kidney Institute (EAKI) as a centre of excellence targeting training, research and service delivery across the East African region. EAKI is specifically developed for nephrology, urology and their related disciplines. It is expected to develop skilled manpower for the region as well as provide specialized services. It is with these considerations in mind that a curriculum review is warranted. This is ultimately geared to provide competence-based training for urologists within the program who are adaptable to the changing technologies and can embrace holistic approaches to urological care and research.

Similarities:

The University of Nairobi (UN) and the South African (SA) qualifications require applicants who hold the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB.ChB.) and are registered with the country's professional body.

The UN qualification takes 5 years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes four (4) years of full-time study.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Master of Medicine in Surgery, NQF Level 9.

Master of Medicine, NQF Level 9.

Master of Medicine in Neurology, NQF Level 9.

Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Neurology, NQF Level 9.

Vertical Articulation:

Doctor of Medicine, 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