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: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Services Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123441  Postgraduate Diploma in Health Services Management 
ORIGINATOR
Life Healthcare Group (Pty) Ltd 
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
Registered  EXCO 0729/25  2025-02-04  2028-02-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-02-04   2032-02-04  

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 Postgraduate Diploma in Health Services Management qualification is to strengthen and deepen the learners' knowledge and expertise in nursing and midwifery as a speciality. It will enable the Nurse Specialist or Midwife Specialist to engage in their respective specialist areas of practice with in-depth knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to enhance professional independence and optimum health outcomes.

The qualification is designed for learners who aspire to take on leadership and managerial roles within the healthcare industry. It prepares professionals for positions of significant responsibility and influence within the field of healthcare management. Further aims to produce highly skilled professionals who can effectively lead and manage healthcare organizations, drive quality improvements, and navigate the complex landscape of the healthcare industry.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Develop and implement strategic and operational plans and institutional policies.
  • Manage resources for optimal efficiency of a healthcare facility or unit.
  • Organize and coordinate nursing activities in line with strategic goals
  • Facilitate internal and external performance measurement and accreditation based on set standards.
  • Initiate innovative projects through strategic plan evaluation and change management.
  • Establish connections with external environments for best practices and competitive positioning.
  • Engage in scholarly activities to inform evidence-based practice.
  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary team members and refer patients to relevant organizations/services.

    Acquiring this qualification will enable the graduate Nurse Specialist to take on leadership and managerial roles within the healthcare industry. It prepares professionals for positions of significant responsibility and influence within the field of healthcare management.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is required for a nurse to meet the South African Nursing Council's (SANC) competency profile for Health Services Management. Nurses trained to the undergraduate level have limited exposure to the complexities of the management of healthcare facilities. Globally and locally, it is acknowledged that business skills are essential to running and growing healthcare organizations.

    The qualification has been customized to focus on the business environment, current priorities and practice needs of professionals working at healthcare clinical facilities. The qualification is designed to develop the strategic and operational management skills required to successfully manage a small to medium-sized clinical facility in the delivery of quality effective and efficient patient care.

    In line with the vision and the mission of the institution, this qualification seeks to train professionals that will address the immediate needs of the institution in effectively managing their facilities, patients and staff as well as providing Human Resources for Health in South Africa. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution ensures that its RPL activities adhere to the CHE's integrated policy on RPL, CAT and Assessment in Higher Education, developed and published in August 2016 following the finalisation of SAQA's RPL and CAT Policies in 2014 and the Department of Higher Education and Training's (DHET) Policy on RPL in 2016.

    It is important to note that one of the requirements for learners to enrol for this qualification will be that they are registered with the professional body as a professional nurse. No other submission, work experience or portfolio shall provide any access to potential learners.

    The SANC's Education and Training Guideline for Postgraduate Diplomas is specific with regard to the minimum requirements for admission.
    Proof of current registration as a Professional Nurse and Midwife or a General Nurse with a Midwifery qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Nursing, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Nursing Science in Education, Management and Community, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Health Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Health Services Management and Leadership, NQF Level 7.
    And
  • Proof of registration with the South African Nursing Council as a registered/professional nurse. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory modules, Level 8, 120 Credits.
  • Advanced Nursing Practice, 16 Credits.
  • Research for Practice Development, 8 Credits.
  • Advanced Management Practice, 76 Credits.
  • Organizational Sustainability, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Practice and facilitate specialist nursing within the ethical-legal parameters of the profession.
    2. Appraise and develop self, peers and nurse specialist learners by facilitating self-directedness or leadership and lifelong learning to maintain competence.
    3. Facilitate advocacy for the profession and provision of specialist professional support for personnel, patients, families and communities.
    4. Engage in planning, commissioning and managing a specialist unit.
    5. Utilise, manage and communicate data to support decision-making and research.
    6. Apply the knowledge of and facilitate evidence-based practice in the specialist field to solve contextual problems and develop policies and guidelines.
    7. Engage in scholarly activities to inform evidence-based practice.
    8. Manage resources for the effectiveness and efficiency of a healthcare facility or unit. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Illustrate conformity to the relevant code of ethics in specialist nursing.
  • Account for own professional judgment, actions, outcomes of care and continued competence is demonstrated.
  • Identify and apply the latest relevant legislation, policies, regulations and guidelines pertaining to specialist practice.
  • Document all care activities, accurately, comprehensively and timeously taking into account the legal requirements for record keeping.
  • Illustrate knowledge of the nurse specialist's role in the management of professional misconduct and is managed according to risks considering the institutional protocols and ethical-legal framework.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Utilise feedback gained from self-reflection, peers, learners and management to improve effectiveness in the specialist role.
  • Effectively facilitate Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for self and others for lifelong learning by creating a positive learning climate in the workplace through the processes of mentorship, preceptorship, supervision, and performance appraisal.
  • Engage in performance appraisal with the understanding of the purpose and processes of the performance management and development system.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Illustrate an understanding of the purpose of the advocacy role for a specialist nurse.
  • Apply advocacy principles to advocate for safe and quality care in healthcare institutions.
  • Apply knowledge and lobby and/or participate in interest groups to influence legislation and policy affecting role performance.
  • Engage in planning, commissioning and managing a specialist unit.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Illustrate an understanding of levels and/or classification of the respective specialist units.
  • Commission tasks taking into consideration the burden of diseases and priority services as determined by current events.
  • Illustrate knowledge of guidelines for the provision of a specialist unit.
  • Engage in planning and commissioning demonstrates an understanding of the roles and responsibilities in this task within the inter-professional team.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Utilise, manage and communicate data to support decision-making and research.
  • Document all data or information gathered in the context of the specialist practice for utilisation and storage in accordance with the set standards.
  • Utilise comprehensive data, information and emerging evidence pertinent to the context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Engage in specialist practice, with an understanding and the process of evidence-based practice.
  • Apply evidence-based specialist practice considering the appropriate methodology of gathering evidence for the practice, for example, systematic or scoping reviews, appraisal of articles, practice-based research and publication.
  • Apply evidence-based practice, showing knowledge and critical analysis of the various levels of evidence.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Practice in the respective specialisations demonstrates knowledge of appropriate search engines and databases for review of literature to inform evidence-based practice.
  • Apply appropriate methods to generate evidence for utilisation in specialist practice (e.g.: research, systematic reviews).
  • Illustrate awareness of the peer-reviewed journals to use for sharing of evidence.
  • Participate in inter-professional dialogues, debates, and discourses in quality improvement.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Mobilise resources showing understanding and application of the supply chain management processes
  • Employ sound asset management principles to ensure the elimination of waste and cost containment.
  • Participate in recruitment of employees that are fit for purpose through effective talent management.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Formative and summative assessments during the qualification take place through a process of evaluation to promote assessment for learning using feedback as a means of supporting learner development and informing teaching and learning practices.

    All pre-and-post exit level subjects for accredited programmes must be moderated externally by a moderator from an affiliated university/institution and in accordance with the Moderation Process.
  • 10% of all formative and 10% of all summative assessment papers must be moderated by experts in the field who also have qualifications that are at least one level above the level of qualification being examined.
  • All theory and clinical assessments must be internally moderated by subject coordinators/delegated persons who are not directly involved in setting the assessment.
  • In the case of clinical assessments where more than one assessor/marker is involved, the REM/or delegated person must conduct an internal moderation to ensure the reliability of the assessment procedures and marks
  • Discrepancies of greater than 5% between marker and moderator scores must be reported for further investigation and/or to remark on all papers. If more than 50% of the moderated sample shows a discrepancy of 5%, all the papers must be re-marked.

    For formative assessments, the Regional Education Manager must report discrepancies to the Programme Manager. For summative assessments, the Programme Manager must report discrepancies to the Quality and Development Manager. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institution name: University of South Australia
    Qualification title: Graduate Diploma in Health Services Management
    Duration: One year
    Credits: 34

    Entry requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in an approved Field of Education (FOE),
    Or
  • Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management, from a recognised higher education institution.

    Purpose/Rationale
    The Graduate Diploma in Health Services Management will extend learner skills to excel in leadership and management roles.
    In just one year of full-time study, (or two years part-time equivalent) learners will develop skills and knowledge to make informed decisions in a managerial capacity in the health and aged care sectors.
    Graduates of this qualification may choose to go on to further study, and be eligible for credit towards, the Master of Health Services Management.

    Exit outcomes
  • Understand theoretical and practical knowledge of organisational behaviour and the psychology of individuals and groups, including motivation and leadership.
  • Lead a multi-stakeholder environment and handle social leadership challenges responsibly.
  • Learn what it means to be an effective and responsible leader.
  • Provide planning, and budgeting and identify cost efficiencies to contribute to financial decision-making.
  • Effectively plan, manage, execute and deliver projects to completion.
  • Develop and enhance your understanding of the quality, safety, and risk management standards which apply in health and aged care.
  • Prepare for leadership roles in health within Australia and internationally.

    Course structure
    Module:
  • People, Leadership and Performance
  • Financial and Economic Management for Health and Aged Care
  • Responsible Leadership in Health
  • Project Management for Business

    Similarities:
  • The University of South Australia (USA) and the South African (SA) qualifications accept learners who have completed a bachelor's degree in the cognate field.
  • Both qualifications cover topics such as management and leadership in healthcare
  • Both qualifications share similar exit outcomes establishing links with the external local, regional, national and international environments to achieve best practice and a healthy competitive position with the USA qualification aiming at preparing learners for leadership roles in health within Australia and internationally.
  • The USA qualification will extend learner skills to excel in leadership and management roles.
  • Similarly, the SA qualification will enable the graduate Nurse Specialist to take on leadership and managerial roles within the healthcare industry.
  • Both qualifications articulate vertically into a master's degree in the cognate field.

    Difference:
  • The USA qualification consists of 34 credits, whereas the SA qualification consists of 120 credits.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution name: University of Glasgow
    Qualification title: PG Dip Health Services Management
    Duration: Nine months

    Entry requirements:
  • 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, other Allied Health professions,
    Or
  • Health Sciences including Health Service Management.

    Purpose/Rationale
    Designed for those interested in pursuing or enhancing their careers in health service management at all levels, from general practice to large hospital organisations in the private healthcare sector, charity organisations, and the pharmaceutical industry; at local, national, and global levels.
    Further, aims to train learners to provide safe, high-quality care through effective organisation and management.

    Course structure
    Modules:
  • Contemporary Issues in Human Resource Management
  • Introduction to Management and Leadership in Health Services
  • Managing Strategic Change
  • Marketing Management
  • Research Approaches in Health Care, comparable to Research for Practice Development.
  • Ethical Issues in Public Health

    Similarities:
  • The University of Glasgow (UG) and the South African (SA) qualification both accept learners who have completed an undergraduate degree in the cognate field.
  • The SA qualification is designed for learners who aspire to take on leadership and managerial roles within the healthcare industry.
  • Similarly, the UG qualification is learners for learners interested in pursuing or enhancing their careers in health service management at all levels, from general practice to large hospital organisations in the private healthcare sector.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as Research Approaches in Health Care, and Research for Practice Development.

    Difference:
    The UG qualification is offered over nine months, whereas the SA qualification is offered over twelve months. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Health Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Health Care Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing and Health Services Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Health Care, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Health Science in Emergency Medical Care, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Public Health Honours, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Health Professions Education, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Health Sciences, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Health Sciences in Nursing, NQF Level 9.

    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. Life Healthcare Group (Pty) Ltd 


    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.