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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Gynaecological Oncology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125837  Master of Philosophy in Gynaecological Oncology 
ORIGINATOR
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences 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 0940/26  2026-06-02  2029-06-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-06-02   2033-06-02  

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 Gynaecological Oncology qualification is to train specialists in Obstetrics and Gynaecology to acquire and illustrate updated knowledge and experience to deliver comprehensive, efficient and cost-effective clinical care to patients who have suffered serious, complicated and/or life-threatening conditions, injuries or illness relevant to Gynaecological Oncology, to practice the profession according to the latest best evidence, as well as to implement relevant research in the field to contribute to a scholarship.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Analyse and manage complex relationships between various departments in tertiary and associated secondary referral hospitals and practice collaboratively within inter-professional teams to deliver preventative, curative, and palliative integrated services efficiently and effectively, and seek opportunities that will positively impact national health.
  • Demonstrate mastery of the clinical grounding, clinical reasoning and clinical procedural and other skills in diagnosing and managing patients presenting with Gynaecological Oncology specific conditions, disorders, and/or disabilities.

    Rationale:
    Due to the growing knowledge in medicine, the specialised management options and the enormous burden of disease in South Africa and the region, it became imperative to provide appropriate subspecialist training relevant to the local setting whilst remaining equivalent in status to other established subspecialty programmes internationally.

    Gynaecological cancers are among the most prevalent cancers in women worldwide. It is estimated that over a million new cases and half a million deaths are due to gynaecological cancers that occur annually worldwide. Over 5 billion people, predominantly in LMICs, do not have access to basic surgical procedures, diagnostics, pathology, radiotherapy, and even generic chemotherapies, reflecting a growing chasm in global cancer care between HICs and LMICs. Cancers that primarily affect the female genital tract have arguably been neglected in terms of receiving less global attention, research funding, and resources when compared with other cancers.

    The Lancet (2024) reported "Globally, a polarised epidemiological transition is occurring in cancer, generating a divide that reflects the inequity in access to all components of cancer care and control, now referred to as the cancer divide. In high-income countries (HICs), increasing centralisation of cancer care in tertiary, or even supra-regional, centres will further enhance access to high-quality surgery, diagnostics, radiotherapy, systemic therapies, and new technologies, which can offset their cost. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like South Africa, the focus should be on establishing facilities to offer basic cancer prevention and care, with an emphasis on accessibility. South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said that only six full-time gynaecologists are working in the public sector in Mpumalanga and nine in Limpopo.

    Three also work part-time in public service in Limpopo. With at least 2.6m women using public healthcare facilities in Limpopo, this means there is only one full-time gynaecologist for almost 300,000 women. In Mpumalanga, the six full-time gynaecologists each serve 297,000 women. Motsoaledi said the fact that most doctors worked in the private sector and serviced about 18% of the population revealed the vast "inequality" in the country's health system. The stats for the rest of South Africa are similar to these two provinces.

    The South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (SASOG) has been at the forefront of advancing women's health and wellbeing in South Africa through ethical standards and clinical excellence. SASOG has, through its BetterObs and BetterGyn initiatives, developed guidelines ensuring clinicians deliver enhanced and benchmarked quality care, leading to improved patient outcomes (SASOG, 2024).

    To ensure that women have access to essential information about their health, SASOG has developed and made accessible patient information leaflets, addressing common conditions affecting women. By disseminating knowledge on pressing health matterslike cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancers or insights into pre- and antenatal care- the information gap is lessened, allowing women to make informed decisions about their health.

    This qualification is regulated by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in aspects of registration, education and training, professional conduct and ethical behaviour, ensuring continuing professional development, and fostering compliance with local and international healthcare standards.

    This qualification is primarily intended for medical practitioners who meet its admission requirements and who wish to develop advanced, discipline-specific competencies through structured sub-specialist training. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has a well-established policy that deals with RPL.

    RPL for exemption:
    Possible exemption, for a maximum period of 1 year (50% of the time), based on comparable training and experience gained at another recognised academic institution, could be granted, subject to the following conditions. The said periods of training must have occurred within at most two years before registering for the MPhil in Gynaecological Oncology.

    RPL for access:
  • Sufficient experience must be proven using a logbook, portfolio and certification by the Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology where the experience was gained.
  • The above information must be evaluated by the Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the institution and approved as equivalent. With the endorsement of the Dean of the School of Medicine.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    And
    Be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Specialist with paid-up / current annual fees
    And
  • Be accepted for training with the training number provided for by the HPCSA in the department for the specific sub-speciality training and for the full duration of registration for clinical training time/requirements. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Clinical Gynaecological Oncology, 120 Credits
  • Research in Gynaecological Oncology, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse and manage complex relationships between various departments in tertiary and associated secondary referral hospitals and practice collaboratively within inter-professional teams.
    2. Deliver preventative, curative, and palliative integrated services efficiently and effectively, and seek opportunities that will positively impact national health.
    3. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge, superior skill of the clinical grounding, clinical reasoning and clinical procedural and other skills in diagnosing and managing patients presenting with Gynaecological Oncology specific conditions, disorders, and/or disabilities.
    4. Demonstrate sound Gynaecological Oncology evidence-based practice, research and scholarship skills via applied readings, bedside teaching, related case discussions, scientific meetings, and associated research activities. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply principles and good practice in managing complex patient cases within facilities where ageing and elderly patients are being cared for e.g. tertiary, provincial, and district-level hospitals, community healthcare centres or specialist Gynaecological Oncology units.
  • Critically apply experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and in prioritising problems.
  • Plan cost-effective and safe investigations and rational management of patients presenting with Gynaecological Oncology conditions, disease or injury.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply science, technology and innovation across diverse healthcare systems and geographic regions effectively and critically.
  • Show insight into the future of Gynaecological Oncology as an area of specialisation and responsibility towards the environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Illustrate updated medical knowledge and skills to identify, select and apply appropriate clinical procedures in delivering Gynaecological Oncology healthcare and services that will benefit patients.
  • Provide consultative services and train medical officers, colleagues in inter-professional teams, registrars and medical learners to advance Gynaecological Oncology and related specialist services as part of an interprofessional team.
  • Accept responsibility and accountability for performed work within the context of Gynaecological Oncology as an area of sub-specialization.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Research and critique best evidence from literature, discuss application to own patients and report on complex Gynaecological Oncology cases.
  • Critically evaluate available literature from multiple sources of information on related and complex Gynaecological Oncology patient cases and their management.
  • Develop a research protocol, implement a full research project, prepare, present, and defend research findings at professional and scientific meetings.

    Integrated Assessment
    This qualification is aligned with the Assessment Policy at the institution and uses various types of assessment that enhance student learning.

    The assessment plan adheres to the national requirements set by the HPCSA and CMSA as statutory professional bodies to ensure that learners can register as professionals in the field.

    The qualification provides for continuous programmatic assessments in both the clinical coursework module and the research module. The assessment strategy at the institution encourages reflexive praxis whereby fellows are supported to develop evaluative judgement to critically appraise their performance when receiving constructive feedback from colleagues, mentors and supervisors. Assessment opportunities are employed in such a way that learners should apply their knowledge and skills as real workplace-based experiences.

    Continuous Workplace-Based Assessments (WBA) of the clinical coursework module:
    Direct observations, based on the list of prescribed EPAs, take place in clinical settings while the learner works with patients. Observers include the supervisor and other consultants in related disciplines as part of IPECP, colleagues, peers, nurses and medical officers. Observers provide written feedback to the student, and feedback is discussed quarterly with the supervisor. Feedback is provided through the use of feedback tools such as Mini-CEX, One-minute Preceptor, SNAPSS, ISBAR and other toolkits. A minimum of 10 observations is required per feedback cycle. If necessary, a remedial plan for corrective action is developed. WBAs are documented for recordkeeping, e.g., a logbook with EPAs, skills, and procedures is signed off by the supervisor once the student achieves competence. The logbook specifies the minimum number of patients and procedures as well as the type. The logbook with signatures, records of observations with its written feedback, records of quarterly feedback meetings, and remedial plans all form part of the Portfolio of Evidence (PoE), as well as any other evidence of expected work (e.g., case-based presentations, participation in morbidity and mortality meetings, ward rounds where patients are being discussed, etc.)

    Final exit clinical examination:
    The institution's subspecialists participate in a final exit clinical examination as coordinated by the department in which the learner was registered and in collaboration with all other departments through which the learner was trained/rotated. Examiners from these departments may be deputised as convenors, and/or examiners and/or moderators by the CMSA. The final CMSA exit clinical examination is the only recognised final examination for the clinical coursework module in Gynaecological Oncology, and the institution does not execute its separate examination in Gynaecological Oncology.

    The CMSA exit examination must consist of both written and oral/practical components and should contribute 100% towards the final mark for the clinical coursework module. The format of the exit-level clinical examination is as follows:

    Pre-requisites to entry into the final examination:
    Candidates may enter the examination after a minimum of 18 months of full-time or 3 years of part-time training at a recognised centre; a certificate in a subspecialty of Obstetrics and Gynaecology will be awarded after all aspects of training have been completed and approved.

    Before being allowed to enter for the examination, candidates must submit proof of completed training time and activities complying with the regulations at the time of entry into the examination. The completed portfolio of learning must reflect all of the candidate's academic and practical participation during the sub-speciality training. It must reach the Academic Registrar in Johannesburg before the dates are published on the CMSA website.

    The portfolio must contain proof of fulfilment of the rotation requirements, and the logbook should reflect clinical activities and technical experience according to the respective subspecialty's prescriptions reflected under point 9 below. The heads of the respective training units must confirm validity by signing the document. The portfolio must be approved by the Convenor before entry is gained to the examination. Learners who fail the examination may enter the examination again based on their original accepted portfolio.

    All subspecialty trainees should participate in the training unit's research effort. The assessment of the research project will be the responsibility of the relevant university if the candidate has registered for a university degree as well. Research outputs are not part of the portfolio and are not required for the Certificates. Research methodology remains part of the curriculum of all subspecialties and will be assessed during the clinical examination.

    The exit examination consists of a written and a clinical component. The written component will count for 40% of the final assessment, and the clinical examination for 60%. The written examination paper will consist of two papers, each consisting of three questions, with or without subdivisions to allow shorter and longer questions, to a total of 100 marks per question and 300 marks per paper. There should be a minimum of four and a maximum of nine questions or subdivisions per paper, and some of these may be replaced by multiple-choice questions. Candidates will have three hours to complete each paper.

    Candidates writing the Certificate in Maternal and Foetal Examination must pass both papers with an average of 50% to be invited to the clinical examination. For all other subspecialties, the total mark needs to be 50% to be invited to the clinical examination, with a minimum of 45% in each paper. Marks are submitted to the convenor, who calculates the final marks and shares these with the moderator. The convenor will round up the final mark only. The Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) receives the approved list of candidates who are invited for the clinical examinations.
    A learner who has been invited to the clinical examination and fails the oral aspect of the examination shall automatically gain access to the clinical part of the examination without re-writing the written part. This exemption from the written part will be allowed only once for the next examination, after which the written part must be attempted again.

    The clinical component of the final examination:
    The clinical examination will count 60% of the final mark and consists of three parts: OSCE, OSPE and a discussion of the Portfolio and Research methodology. The OSCE contributes 25% of the final mark and will consist of six to eight OSCE stations. Learners will have eight to ten minutes to complete each OSCE station. The OSCE must be passed with an average mark of at least 50%.
    The OSPE contributes 25% of the final mark and will consist of four structured clinical OSPE cases. Candidates will have 20 minutes of preparation time followed by 20 minutes of examination time for each case. The structured clinical cases will emphasise clinical problem-solving. The four OSPE cases must be passed with an average mark of at least 50%, provided no more than one case has failed. Each learner will have a discussion lasting 30 minutes on the portfolio during which assessment of the understanding of the research methodology is also established. This evaluation will contribute 10% towards the final mark for the clinical examination.

    The final mark will be weighted and calculated as follows:
  • Written examination 40%
  • Clinical Examination 60%
  • OSCE 25%
  • OSPE 25%
  • Portfolio 10%

    The outcome of the examination (pass or fail) will be communicated to candidates after the examiner's meeting on the day of the clinical examination. Candidates must notice and be informed that the marks are provisional, and the CMSA Senate must still ratify the marks. The CMSA will communicate the final marks to candidates.

    Continuous and final Assessment of the research module:
  • Research proposal to School of Medicine Research Committee (SReC) within 9 months (not scored with marks > only feedback).
  • SMUREC Research Ethics clearance within 15 months after first-time registration (not scored with marks; only feedback).
  • Candidates who apply to write the CMSA examination must submit a comprehensive Portfolio of Learning which is reviewed and signed by the Head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at SMU, who will then write a letter to the CMSA and the Post Grad Examination Committee, certifying that the Portfolio of Learning was completed satisfactorily.

    Final Assessment:
    The final research project requirement may be met in any one of the following ways:
  • A research-based mini-dissertation (the mini-dissertation is governed by General University and School rules regarding registration with SMUREC, supervisors and external assessors).
    or
  • Publication or acceptance of a peer-reviewed original research article in a DHET-accredited journal with the student as the primary author.
  • Publishable article:
    An introduction and a conclusion must form part of the research work that has been done by the student when publishable manuscripts / published articles are submitted in the place of a mini-dissertation and as such will be assessed by two independent examiners, who will allocate a final mark.

    The scores of the external examiners will be averaged to arrive at a final score for the research module. To pass the research module, a minimum mark of 50% is required. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared with similar qualifications from the United Kingdom and Australia.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists London
    Qualification title: Gynaecological Oncology subspecialty training

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The aim of the Gynaecological Oncology (GO) subspecialty curriculum is to produce doctors with the generic professional and subspecialty-specific capabilities needed to advise and treat people presenting with a wide range of suspected or confirmed gynaecological cancers in tertiary referral centres. GO subspecialists should have the skills to organise and supervise services at a local and regional level, contribute to relevant research and academia, lead on the translation of new research findings into clinical practice, be providers of support and guidance to non-subspecialist colleagues, and be active in teaching and quality management.

    Training structure:
    Gynaecological Oncology subspecialty curriculum.
    Subspecialty curriculum framework in Gynaecological Oncology consists of:
  • Oncology (O) SITM (O CiPs 1, 2 and 3)
  • Four subspecialties specific CiPs (SST GO CiP 1, 2, 3 and 4)
  • One subspecialty-specific research CiP (SSTR CiP)

    Training Outcome:
  • Performs an initial assessment of a patient with suspected gynaecological cancer.
  • Anticipates results of investigations, acts on results and plans definitive care.
  • Requests and interprets the most appropriate radiological investigations and interventions for suspected gynaecological cancer and during follow-up.
  • Provides ongoing care after someone has completed primary treatment.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are designed to train high-level specialists capable of managing complex and life-threatening gynaecological cancers within tertiary referral settings.
  • Graduates of both qualifications are expected to provide clinical leadership, supervise services, support non-specialist colleagues, and contribute to quality improvement and national health outcomes.
  • Both qualifications are governed by recognised statutory and professional bodies.

    Differences:
  • The South African qualification is registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) as a master's degree, while the United Kingdom qualification is regulated through the UK postgraduate medical training system, approved by the GMC and administered by the RCOG.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Northern Queensland Regional Training Hubs (NQRTH).
    Qualification Title: Certification in Gynaecological Oncology (CGO)
    Duration: three years

    Entry requirements:
  • Current Medical Registration with the Medical Board of Australia (MBA).
    Or
  • Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) with no restrictions.

    RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning:
  • Where an applicant has completed training in a subspecialty field, it may be counted towards their required training period, reducing their training time as required by the program.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The overarching objective of the Certification in Gynaecological Oncology (CGO) training is to generate highly competent Gynaecological Oncology Subspecialists to deliver safe and effective Gynaecological Oncology care in Australia and Aotearoa, New Zealand. The training experience equips future subspecialists with the knowledge, skills and professional attributes appropriate to the healthcare needs of both countries' culturally diverse populations.

    Accreditation;
    CGO Training is delivered in accredited Australian/New Zealand Gynae-Oncology units. Trainees are required to spend a minimum of two years full-time equivalent in an accredited CGO Training position.

    Training supervision:
  • Training Supervisors are RANZCOG CGO's who supervise the training of individual trainees and are responsible for the overall supervision and mentoring of trainees.
  • Training Supervisors must be employed at an approved training site and can be a full-time or part-time Consultant CGO. Training Supervisors are responsible for conducting the assessments of their trainees using the appropriate RANZCOG documentation as well as signing off on trainee requirements throughout training.

    Assessments and Appraisals:
    Formative Assessments
  • Three-monthly Formative Appraisal (3MA)
    This is a compulsory appraisal which all trainees are required to complete with their Training Supervisor.

    The key features of the online form are:
  • Self-assessment of progress and performance by the trainee.
  • Training Supervisor comments where they or the trainee has identified that improvement is needed.
  • The Training Supervisor and trainee both complete the declaration confirming that they have
    discussed the 3MA.

    Summative Assessments:
    Six-monthly Summative Assessment (6MA)
    After every six months in the Training Program, a formal summative assessment is made by the Training Supervisor of the trainee's performance and progress. It is both a means of giving feedback to the trainee and an essential assessment tool for Training Supervisors and the CGO Committee if necessary.
    The trainee initiates the online six-monthly form at the end of the semester, with time for the supervisor to circulate and collate consultant assessment forms and provide feedback prior to the trainee finalizing and submitting the assessment by the due date.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are designed to develop high-level Gynaecological Oncology subspecialists capable of managing complex, high-risk and life-threatening gynaecological cancers within tertiary referral centres.
  • Learners in both qualifications are supervised by recognised subspecialists:
    South Africa: HPCSA-approved subspecialists
    Australia: RANZCOG-certified CGO Training Supervisors.
  • Both qualifications recognise previous learning (RPL)
  • Both qualifications use longitudinal assessment models, including:
  • Ongoing appraisal of clinical competence.
  • Supervisor feedback.
  • Documented evidence of progress (logbooks/portfolios).

    Differences:
    > The South Africa qualification is a formal academic master's degree (MPhil) registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), integrating clinical subspecialty training with a mandatory assessed research output.
  • Australia is a professional certification (CGO) rather than a university degree; it is not registered on a national academic qualifications' framework. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides the following articulation options:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Reproductive Medicine, NQF Level 9.
  • There are no qualifications registered at NQF Level 9 at the Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Medicine, NQF Level 10.

    Diagonal Articulation:
    National Certificate: Vocational: Primary Health, 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. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences 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.