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 Philosophy in Palliative Medicine 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125248  Master of Philosophy in Palliative Medicine 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
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 0637/26  2026-01-30  2029-01-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-01-30   2033-01-30  

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 Philosophy in Palliative Medicine is to develop clinical and governance leadership in Palliative Medicine, which will contribute to the development of palliative medicine knowledge at an advanced level. This qualification will equip learners with the ability to solve complex problems, build capacity in their work environment, and be able to contribute to national, regional and international policy debates, research and development, at sub-speciality level. This qualification will also equip learners with advanced Palliative Medicine knowledge, critical thinking and the application of evidence-based approaches, using resources wisely and protecting the most vulnerable in society.

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Apply advanced palliative care principles in a variety of clinical settings.
  • Manage distressing physical and psychological symptoms presented by patients with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness.
  • Provide advanced physical, psycho-social, and spiritual comfort to the patient.
  • Demonstrate the ability to meet the needs of the family and carers in relation to the patients' care goals.
  • Respond to the challenges of clinical and ethical decision-making in palliative care in the South African context.
  • Practice comprehensive care co-ordination and interdisciplinary teamwork.
  • Develop advanced interpersonal communication skills.
  • Produce and evaluate PC research and teaching.
  • Demonstrate advanced professional integrity, ethical reasoning, and advocacy skills in complex clinical contexts, upholding human rights and dignity in the care of patients and families.
  • Apply advanced problem-solving and research skills, critically evaluating and synthesising evidence to guide palliative care practice, policy, and service development in the African context.
  • Integrate advanced clinical knowledge and interprofessional teamwork skills to deliver holistic, patient- and family-centred care across diverse healthcare systems.
  • Demonstrate advanced, compassionate, and culturally sensitive communication skills across patient, family, and professional interactions, including breaking bad news, conflict resolution, and mentoring others.
  • Recognise and address the influence of culture, spirituality, and social context on care, contributing to equitable and inclusive healthcare delivery in diverse African settings.
  • Design, conduct, and disseminate research that advances the discipline of palliative medicine and supports evidence-informed practice and teaching.
  • Engage in continuous professional development, self-reflection, and self-care, fostering resilience and sustainability in their practice.

    Rationale:
    Globally, research and teaching in palliative medicine have been mainly Eurocentric and there is a huge need to develop and support African Palliative Care services through an evidence-based approach aligned clinical needs in the African setting. This is an application for a transversal subspecialty in Palliative Medicine across the disciplines of Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Radiation Oncology and Paediatrics following the recommendation from the National Policy for Palliative Care and World Health Assembly Resolution on Palliative Care.

    Palliative medicine, the medical contribution to palliative care, has grown considerably internationally and was recognised in 1987 in the United Kingdom as a speciality, in 1995 in Ireland and recent American Board of Medical Specialties also granted palliative medicine specialty status. This global trend was further supported by the World Health assembly in 2014 when resolution 67.19 was unanimously accepted which: Recognizing that palliative care, when indicated, is fundamental to improving quality of life, well-being, comfort and human dignity for individuals, being an effective person-centred health service that values patients' need to receive adequate, personally and culturally sensitive information on their health status, and their central role in making decisions about the treatment received.

    The resolution recommended that palliative care training should be included in all basic (undergraduate) health professions training; that there should be intermediate training for clinicians managing patients with life-threatening illness; and "specialist palliative care training should be available to prepare health care professionals who will manage integrated care for patients with more than routine symptom management needs. This resolution was co-sponsored by South Africa and, in May 2016, the then Minister of Health appointed a National Steering Committee for Palliative Care "to create a revolution in healthcare through palliative care".

    In 2017 the South African Policy Framework and Strategic Plan on Palliative Care was approved. The document clearly states that palliative care should be delivered on specialist level. Palliative Care is also included in the National Health Insurance and 2018 the Declaration of Astana in 2018 includes palliative care as a fundamental component of Universal Health Coverage. The qualification was approved by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

    Currently, the institution offers a research-based Master of Philosophy in Palliative Medicine, which does not respond to the need to have a recognised specialised qualification that includes teaching of advanced clinical skills. As this qualification is not in line with the purpose of a subspecialty, its name will be changed to appropriately reflect the purpose of the qualification. Health professionals who have completed specialist training will be eligible to enrol in the qualification for the new qualification for the subspecialty of Palliative Medicine. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access
  • Learners who have completed the post-graduate Diploma in Palliative Care, MPhil Palliative Care or equivalent qualifications will be assessed for RPL with respect of the theoretical courses.

    Due to the statutory requirements of the HPCSA and the Medical, Dental and Supplementary Health Services Act, candidates must hold specialist registration in a base discipline (e.g., Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Radiation Oncology, Paediatrics). RPL for access is therefore not feasible, as clinical competence at specialist level cannot be substituted by experiential learning.

    Entry Requirements
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Medicine, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • Minimum experience in palliative medicine or relevant coursework. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework, Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Coursework, 135 Credits.
  • Palliative Care Principles and Ethics.
  • Psychosocial, Spiritual and Cultural Care.
  • Advanced Palliative Care Communication Skills.
  • Foundations of Advanced Physical Care and Collaborative Care Delivery (introduced and applied, with assessed portfolio).
  • Advanced Physical Care (continued, advanced application).
  • Collaborative Care Delivery (continued, advanced application).
  • Research, Leadership and Governance in Palliative Medicine.
  • Research Project, 45 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply advanced palliative care principles in a variety of clinical settings.
    2. Manage distressing physical and psychological symptoms presented by patients with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness.
    3. Provide advanced physical, psycho-social, and spiritual comfort to the patient.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to meet the needs of the family and carers in relation to the patients' care goals.
    5. Respond to the challenges of clinical and ethical decision-making in palliative care in the South African context.
    6. Practice comprehensive care co-ordination and interdisciplinary teamwork.
    7. Develop advanced interpersonal communication skills.
    8. Produce and evaluate Palliative Care research and teaching. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse ethical case and reflective portfolio.
  • Discuss adult vs pediatric care differences in a variety of clinical settings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Discuss clinical case-based physical and psychological symptoms presented by patients with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness.
  • Conduct and observe direct patient management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Discuss and reflect on case-based bereavement and family care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Observe patient/family interactions and teaching evaluations.
  • Simulate case discussions in relation to the patients' care goals.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Write reflections on culture/spirituality in palliative care.
  • Observe discussions on spiritual distress.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Analyse legal/advocacy issues and interdisciplinary teamwork.
  • Discuss ethical dilemmas.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Observe teamwork in clinical settings.
  • Gather feedback from colleagues.
  • Observe team development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Compile research proposal and conduct literature review.
  • Compile audit or research project report.

    Integrated Assessment
    In alignment with the learning outcomes for this qualification, there will be formative and summative assessment of learners. The coursework will contribute to 50 % of the overall result for the degree while the Portfolio of learning (POL) and the research project will contribute to 25% each, of the overall marks for the qualification.

    Formative assessment:
    Formative assessment and feedback will relate to the research proposal.
  • Case assessments,
  • Case-based discussions,
  • Clinical evaluation exercises,
  • Written reports, and oral presentations.

    Summative assessment:
    The summative assessment is the assessment of the research report. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to the following international qualifications:

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Cardiff University
    Qualification Title: Palliative Medicine for Health Care Professionals (MSc)
    Credits: 180 credits at Level 7
    Duration: Three years part-time

    Entry Requirements:
  • Undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area such as dentistry, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy or physiotherapy or an equivalent international degree.
    And
  • Evidence that you have current professional registration with the appropriate health professional regulatory body for your chosen health care profession prior to and for the full duration of the programme.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The MSc in Palliative Medicine for Health Care Professionals provides high quality distance education for clinicians working with neonates, children and adults in many different settings in all parts of the world.
    At the core of its design and delivery is the desire to improve patient outcomes wherever palliative care is practiced by its learners and to enhance the quality of palliative care through research and quality improvement.

    Qualification structure:
    Modules:
  • Palliative Care: Core Skills and Pain Management.
  • Physical Symptom Management (excluding Pain Management).
  • Care in the Last Year of Life.
  • Dissertation: Palliative Medicine for Health Care Professionals.
  • Palliative Care where you Work.

    Similarities:
  • The Cardiff University (CU) and the South African qualification both accept learners who have completed an undergraduate qualification in the relevant field.
  • Both qualifications consist of 180 credits.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as Research, Leadership and Governance in Palliative Medicine, Collaborative Care Delivery and Palliative Care where you Work.
  • The SA qualification will equip learners with the ability to solve complex problems, build capacity in their work environment, and be able to contribute to national, regional and international policy debates, research and development, at sub-speciality level.
  • Similarly, the CU qualification will improve patient outcomes wherever palliative care is practiced by its learners and to enhance the quality of palliative care through research and quality improvement.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is pitched at NQF level 9, whereas the CU qualification is at level 7.
  • The SA qualification is offered over two years, whereas the CU qualification is offered over three with an option to leave with a Postgraduate Certificate once learners have successfully completed a minimum of 60 credits.

    Country: Canada
    Institution: University of Canterbury
    Qualification title: Master of Health Sciences (Palliative Care)
    Duration: Two years

    Entry requirements:
  • Relevant bachelor's degree,
    Or
  • An appropriate health professional qualification,
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (or equivalent) with at least a B Grade Point Average.

    Qualification purpose and content:
    Palliative care has emerged as a speciality that incorporates inter professional health care provision for people who are living with and dying from active, progressive diseases or conditions that are not responsive to curative treatment.

    Palliative care embraces the physical, social, emotional and spiritual elements of well-being (tinana, whanau, hinengaro, and wairua) and embraces a person's quality of life while they are dying. This field involves people throughout the life span from children through to the elderly and continues on to support the bereaved whanau. The Palliative Care endorsement of the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences, the Postgraduate Diploma of Health Sciences, the Master of Health Sciences, and the Master of Health Sciences Professional Practice will prepare students in Palliative Care so that they can be employable and/or provide leadership in Palliative Care within Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.

    Similarities:
  • Similarly, the UC qualification aims to embrace the physical, social, emotional and spiritual elements of well-being (tinana, whanau, hinengaro, and wairua) and embraces a person's quality of life while they are dying.
  • Both qualifications are offered over two years.

    Conclusion:
    The two qualifications compare fairly well with the South African qualification. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Medicine in Emergency Medicine, NQF Level 9.
  • There are no articulation possibilities between subframework since there are only 8 levels.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Emergency Medical Care, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of in Nursing, NQF Level 10.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    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. University of Cape Town 


    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.