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 Neurosurgery

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
122885	Master of Medicine in Neurosurgery
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 Neurosurgery is to train a Neurosurgical Specialist will be able to assess, investigate and manage independently all Neurosurgical cases at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

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

Work in a rural and urban environment in South Africa, Africa and Overseas.

Use advanced technological equipment for minimum access surgery necroscopy, etc in the field of Neurosurgery.

Contribute to the body of knowledge by designing and conducting research that will improve the health needs of the community and the world.

Demonstrate good attitude values of a Neurosurgical Specialist.

Be a lifelong learner and able to teach other healthcare workers.

Rationale:
The number of Neurosurgeons in South Africa, Africa and the World at large is minimal yet there is a population explosion and the prevalence of the burden of disease. There is a demand for specialists in Neurosurgery to provide their service. The qualification will increase the pool of academics and professionals with competence and intellectual abilities to grow the Neurosurgical workforce that is much needed locally and internationally.

The distribution of neurosurgeons shows a striking regional disparity: North Africa has 354 Neurosurgeons for 119 million inhabitants: which is 1 Neurosurgeon for 338 thousand 338000 inhabitants: and South Africa has only 65 Neurosurgeons 40 million inhabitants: which is 1 Neurosurgeon for 620000 inhabitants.

The Master of Medicine in Neurosurgery addresses the training of medical specialists in the field of Neurosurgery, and it equips the graduate with current technological and computer skills as well as the most recent technical advances in neurosurgery. The qualification enables the graduate to master the art of electronic data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The method therefore will improve the learning process and widen their scope enabling them to work efficiently in both rural settings and disadvantaged areas as well as urban settings. The technology in use in this qualification forms the basis for the learning and teaching environment, this will ensure that they are lifelong learners.

The qualification will equip learners with adequate knowledge in general and neuroanatomy, physiology, and pathology in addition to parasitology and radiology. This acquired knowledge will enable learners to have adequate knowledge of acute and chronic neurosurgical conditions. They will also be equipped with surgical principles including an intensive care unit. During the last two years of training the candidate will have in-depth knowledge of general neurosurgery (Cranial and Spinal). During the training, they will have excellent interpersonal relationships, skills and attitudes.

The qualification was approved by the Medical and Dental Board of the Health Professions Council South Africa (HPCSA). The qualification will allow learners to demonstrate leadership qualities and communicate and be able to teach junior colloquies and other healthcare workers. Learners will be able to work in a multi-disciplinary setting ensuring quality health care delivery with good ethical and professional conduct.

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:

RPL will be used to grant access to the qualification to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.

A Candidate who has successfully passed the primary examination in general surgery shall be recognized.

RPL for credits:

RPL will be predominantly used for returning learners with an incomplete Master's qualification and for learners who have an incomplete Master's qualification obtained at another institution.

The RPL process involves matching the learner's current knowledge and skills to the learning outcomes of the qualification to determine whether a returning learner should be given credit for specific units of competency.

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

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

Registered with the HPCSA

Having completed 2 years of internship and one year of community service.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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

Compulsory modules, NQF Level 9, 480 Credits:

Clinical Anatomy and Applied Embryology, 30 Credits.

Basic And Applied Human Physiology Pharmacology General, 30 Credits.

Neuropathology, Microbiology, 40 Credits.

General Neurosurgery, 20 Credits.

General Principles of Neurosurgery, 40 Credits.

Intensive Care Unit, 20 Credits.

Principles of Surgery,30 Credits.

General Trauma and Emergency, 20 Credits.

Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and Ethics, 10 Credits.

Cranial and Spinal, 20 Credits.

Neuro-Oncology: Brain and Spinal, 20 Credits.

Congenital Anomaly in Neuros System, 20 Credits.

Central Nervous System Infections, 20 Credits.

Degenerative Diseases of The Spine, 20 Credits.

Nerve Transfer and Repair, 20 Credits.

General and Specialised Spinal Surgery, 30 Credits.

Endoscopic Neurosurgical Technique, 10 Credits.

Minimum Access Neurosurgery Technique, 10 Credits.

Neuro Intervention Radiology, 10 Credits.

Mini Dissertation: Neurosurgery, 60 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Integrate scientific knowledge, relevant technology and neurosurgical surgical skills to diagnose, assess, and surgically treat simple and complex conditions of the nervous system
2. Effectively co-operate with colleagues in the discipline and across medical and other health disciplines as a member of a perioperative team.
3. Independently manage oneself and the activities in a responsible, efficient, and organised manner.
4. Acquire and create new specialized information in the neurosurgery discipline and critically evaluate its quality and utility.
5. Communicate effectively and professionally through oral or written debate, including the ability to use current information technology and present and defend information in a scientific and accountable manner.
6. Utilize scientific approaches and technology effectively and critically.
7. Conduct appropriate and ethically sound scientific research that responds to abstract problems that redefine or expand knowledge in the specialised field of neurosurgery and complete a Research Project and Mini Dissertation.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Integrate scientific knowledge, technology and neurosurgical surgical skills to diagnose and assess simple and complex conditions of the nervous system.

Treat conditions of the nervous system using scientific knowledge, relevant technology and surgical skills.

Diagnose, assess and manage central nervous system (CNS) tumours, head and spinal tumours, and degenerative spinal conditions.

Diagnose, assess and manage Pituitary Tumours and neuroendocrine disorders.

Expertly conducted Neurosurgical treatment of pain using critical and creative thinking.

Competently use imaging procedures vital in Neurosurgery to identify brain structures and to assess brain function for surgery.

Formulate a working diagnosis, assess, and manage CNS tumours, head and spinal tumours, degenerative spinal conditions and manage Pituitary Tumours and neuroendocrine disorders.

Conduct expert-level Neurosurgical treatment of pain using critical and creative thinking.

Competently use imaging procedures vital in Neurosurgery to identify brain structures and assess brain function for surgery.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Effectively lead colleagues in diverse teams by recognising the roles other healthcare workers play to foster cohesion and effective team dynamics in the broad context of healthcare.

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

Effectively co-operate with other colleagues in the discipline and across medical and other health disciplines as a member of a perioperative team.

Foster cohesion and effective team dynamics in the broad context of healthcare by recognising the distinct roles other health workers play and effectively leading a team of colleagues in diverse settings.

Effectively supervise junior staff and MBChB learners during their clinical clerkship and training in Neurosurgery.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Apply independent, responsible, and effective management of themselves and their activities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Critically evaluate and apply new and existing information concerning neurosurgery using electronic and traditional methods.

Actively engage in continuing professional development activities.

Create and acquire new specialised information in the neurosurgery discipline and critically evaluate its utility.

Critically evaluate and apply information through the habit of frequent referral to extant literature and all other extant sources concerning Neurosurgery.

Actively undertake and engage in continuous professional development activities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Use written and oral debate as a tool to communicate effectively and professionally to patients' families, healthcare teams, the community and other stakeholders.

Utilise current information and technology to present and defend information in a scientific and accountable manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Effectively and critically utilise scientific approaches and technology.

Demonstrate responsibility towards the environment and the health of others, including patients and colleagues.

Demonstrate humaneness and sensitivity to ethical issues, cultural norms and diversity in healthcare concerning patients and colleagues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Conduct new, appropriate and ethically sound scientific research in the field of neurosurgery.

Expertly complete a research project and mini dissertation complies with research ethics norms.

Create responses to abstract neurosurgical problems that expand or redefine existing knowledge.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Country: Uganda
Institution: Makerere University
Qualification Title: Master of Medicine in Surgery
Duration: 3 years full time

The qualification is designed to pass out those surgeons in training who have a broad knowledge of surgical problems in general and who can recognize and deal safely and efficiently with the whole range of surgical conditions, which may be handled by the Trainee Surgeons. The Trainee should have the basic surgical skills, which are essential in confidently handling emergency surgical admissions independently and dealing with life-threatening situations from traumatic and other critical diseases. The Trainee Surgeon should be able to accurately diagnose and plan the management of a wide variety of surgical diseases even in situations where investigative and/or therapeutic facilities are limited.

Modules:

Surgical Anatomy of the Limbs.

Applied Anatomy of the Trunk.

Surgical Pathology/Microbiology of the CVS, RS and GIT comparable to Neuropathology, Microbiology.

Surgical Physiology of the Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Tract Systems.

Epidemiology Biostatistics and Research Methods comparable to Mini Dissertation - Neurosurgery.

Urology.

Health Systems Management.

Neurosurgical Anatomy comparable to Clinical Anatomy and Applied Embryology.

Surgical Pathology and Microbiology of the Musculo-Skeletal and Genitourinary System comparable to Neuropathology, Microbiology.

Surgical Endocrinology, Neuro and Renal Physiology.

Clinical Anatomy of Head and Neck.

Surgical Oncology and Immunology.

Abdominal Surgery.

Orthopaedics and Traumatology comparable to General Trauma and Emergency.

Plastic and Vascular Surgery.

Head, Neck and Endocrinology.

Paediatric Surgery.

Operative Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery.

Neurosurgery General Neurosurgery.

Integrated Clinical Course.

Anaesthesia.

Similarities:

The Makerere University (UM) and the South African (SA) qualifications require applicants who completed the recognised medical qualification such as a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB or equivalent.

Both qualifications consist of compulsory modules.

Both qualifications articulate vertically to the Doctoral degree in the related field.

Differences:

The UM qualification takes three years of full-time study while the SA qualification takes four years of full-time study.

The UM qualification is generic and does not have the Neurosurgery specialisation whereas the SA qualification is specialised.

Country: Kenya
Institution: University of Nairobi
Qualification Title: Master of Medicine in Neurosurgery
Duration: 4 years

Entry Requirements:
The candidates eligible for admission into the program shall fulfil the following conditions:

Hold a basic medical degree i.e. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) of the University of Nairobi or equivalent qualification from an Institution recognized by the Senate.

Possess evidence of registration or eligibility to be licensed by the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board in Kenya. Must also show evidence of retention on the list of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board.

Possess a certificate of good conduct from the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board or any equivalent authority from the country of origin.

Purpose/Rationale.
The University of Nairobi is committed to training high calibre healthcare professionals and innovative researchers in emerging health challenges and our professionals are at the forefront of the national health policy formulation. As a result of this remarkable contribution, more than 50% of healthcare professionals and researchers in the healthcare sector in Kenya have been trained at UoN. The academic programmes offered are highly competitive in the market and are relevant to the country's health needs.

The Master of Medicine in Neurosurgery program aims to enhance the practice of Neurosurgery throughout Kenya and the East, Central and Southern African region by improving patient management at the primary care level. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least one Neurosurgeon for every 200,000 people. Kenya has a ratio of one neurosurgeon for every five million people. The knowledge and skills acquired during the training will consolidate the competency of the neurosurgeons and enable them to meet challenges in patient care, research and leadership in the field.

The purpose of the qualification is to train a neurosurgeon with satisfactory knowledge, clinical ability and surgical skills in the management of surgical diseases of the nervous system and train a neurosurgeon with knowledge of principles of General Surgery necessary in the practice of neurosurgery and common surgical emergencies. The programs are structured to offer a Common Foundation Course in Surgical Pathology, Surgical Anatomy, Surgical Physiology and Principles of Surgery for all the Surgical Specialties during the first two years of training. Successful completion of the Foundation Course is necessary before one can proceed to further specialist training in General Surgery, Otolaryngology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (all 3 years) and Neurosurgery (4 years).

The goal of surgical training graduates is to end up in successful employment in the private sector, public sector or academia. The programme can also lead to sub-specialization training in any of the Neurosurgery sub-specialties.

Qualification structure:
The revised program will offer new courses in Molecular Biology and Research Methods, Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Neuroendoscopy and Functional Neurosurgery. This will give the graduates a good foundation on the scientific basis of the practice of neurosurgery. The revised program will also produce graduates who will be conversant with the current advances in medical technology necessary for the safe practice of surgery.

Similarities:

The University of Nairobi (UoN) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over four years of full-time study.

Both qualifications require applicants who hold a basic medical degree i.e. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution and be registered with the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board in the country of origin.

The purpose of UoN and SA qualifications is to produce surgeons who are capable of practising independently, delivering safe and high-quality surgical care, and meeting the surgical needs of the community at large.

Country: United Kingdom
Institution: University College London
Qualification Title: Masters of Neurosurgery by Research (MRes)
Credits: 180 credits
Duration: 1 year full time
Entry requirements

A recognised medical qualification such as a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB or equivalent e.g. MBBS, MBBCh etc).

Applicants with non-medical clinical backgrounds (e.g. registered nurses and physician associates, physiotherapists, particularly those with a subspecialist interest or pursuing a career in neurosurgery) require a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor of Science degree (BSc or equivalent) from an accredited UK university in an appropriate scientific discipline (e.g. nursing, neuroscience, cognitive science, biological and biomedical science, anatomy, physiology, psychology, etc) or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

Purpose:
This Masters of Neurosurgery by Research (MRes) is a one-year postgraduate research degree with a one-third taught component (60 of 180 credits) and two-thirds research component (120 of 180 credits). The qualification will allow learners to become future leaders, academic neurosurgeons or specialist nurses, in clinical and research neurosurgery.

The qualification is intended for junior doctors, intercalating medical learners and other healthcare professionals who are interested in pioneering advancements in neurosurgery, through both academic research and clinical practice. This qualification offers a potential entry route into British neurosurgical training programmes, allied clinical neurosurgical posts (e.g., specialist or advanced nurse practitioners) and PhD studies in the UK and internationally.

Compulsory Modules:

Research Methods and Introduction to Statistics comparable to Mini Dissertation - Neurosurgery.

Clinical NeuroSurgery (CNS) topics comparable to Clinical Anatomy and Applied Embryology.

Practical NeuroSurgery (PNS) skills.

Neurosurgery research project comparable to Mini Dissertation - Neurosurgery.

Elective Modules

Higher Functions of the Brain

Paroxysmal disorders, Tumours and Special Senses of the Central Nervous System

Motoneurons, Neuromuscular Junctions and Associated Disease

Advanced Genetic Technologies and their Clinical Applications

Peripheral Nerves and Associated Diseases

Stroke: Risk factors, Pathophysiology and Imaging

Clinical Manifestations of Stroke

Assessment:
Modules are primarily assessed through oral and practical OSCE-style stations, short reflective reports, and exams. Each learner-selected optional module will be assessed as per its parent department (assessments may range from essays to unseen written or practical exams, depending on your choice of module).

The research project (120 credits) will comprise a 5,000-word literature review, a 10-minute presentation, and a 10,000-word dissertation (65%).
There will be typically between 20-30 hours of contact time for each 15-credit module, with 120 hours of self-directed study.

Similarities:

The University College London (UCL) and the South African (SA) qualifications have a minimum of 180 credits.

Both qualifications are offered over one year of full-time study.

The UCL and SA qualifications require applicants who completed the recognised medical qualification such as a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB or equivalent.

Both qualifications will provide learners with the ground knowledge and skills, that allow learners to undertake meaningful novel research and participate in advancing the field.

Both qualifications will enable learners to progress to the Doctoral Degree in a cognate field.

Difference:

The UCL qualification is offered over one year of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes a minimum of 4 years of full-time study.

The UCL qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no elective modules.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Master of Medicine in Surgery, NQF Level 9.

Master of Paediatric Neurosurgery, NQF Level 9.

Master of Philosophy in Vascular Surgery, NQF Level 9.

Master of Medicine in Surgery, 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

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