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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Urogynaecology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125977  Master of Philosophy in Urogynaecology 
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 Urogynaecology is to train specialists in Obstetrics and Gynaecology is 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 Urogynaecology, 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 footprint.

Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Analyse and manage complex relationships between various departments in tertiary and associated secondary referral hospitals.
  • 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 clinical procedural and other skills in diagnosing and managing patients presenting with urogynaecology-specific conditions, disorders, and/or disabilities.
  • Demonstrate sound Urogynaecology evidence-based practice, research and scholarship skills via applied readings, bedside teaching, related case discussions, scientific meetings, and associated research activities.

    Rationale:
    It has been estimated that the surgical rates for SUI or POP will increase by 42.7% and that the demand for care for PFD will increase by up to 35% by 2030. As not all general gynaecologists are trained to provide comprehensive PFD treatment, most of this burden will increasingly fall on trained urogynaecologists (Sardinsck 2021).

    Urogynaecology is a relatively new subspecialty of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in most parts of the world with limited training opportunities. For instance, the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RACOG) recommend one urogynaecologist for a population of 500,000. Access to Urogynaecology speciality training is especially limited in the developing world where the disease burden is the highest. (Hedge 2023). In South Africa approximately 10% of all patient consultations in general practice are urological.

    Urology cases comprise approximately 25% of acute hospital surgical referrals. This is accompanied by the pattern of disease changes in patients aged over 65 years. Urological exposure and training are below the standard at which it needs to be to produce proficient and competent doctors able to practise efficiently (John, Adam and Mutambirwa (2024). Shorter duration in clinical rotations in subspecialties impacts training as their exposure is minimal, and their confidence in managing complicated urological cases is low (Sisilo, van Deventer & van der Merwe 2020).
    This is of concern given that most doctors will be placed in rural areas without the required supervision. The demand for urologists far outweighs the supply in South Africa and is even worse in sub-Saharan countries.

    According to the HPCSA registry statistics, South Africa has 303 urologists registered with the council, servicing a population of over 62 million. This equates to a urologist-to-population ratio of 0.51 per 100,000. This number is very low compared to other countries like the United States of America (USA), with 11,990 urologists (3.72 per 100 000 population) and Canada, with 716 urologists (1.9 urologists per 100 000 population). Although the decision to pursue a career in any department or subspecialty is multi-factorial, early exposure and training in urology can help junior doctors widen their prospective career choice options and potentially consider pursuing a career in urology and thus help increase the number of urologists in the country (HPCSA 2017)".

    In addition, early implementation of urological outreach programmes by subspecialist urogynaecologists at district-level hospitals to provide clinical support and training of junior doctors will help improve confidence and clinical acumen when managing urological patients. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has a well-established unit 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 Urogynaecology.
  • 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 SMU and approved as equivalent. With the endorsement of the Dean of the School of Medicine.

    Entry requirements:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • Be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Specialist with paid-up / current annual fees.
  • Be accepted for training with the training number provided for by the HPCSA in the department for the specific sub-speciality training and 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 NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Clinical coursework, 120 Credits.
  • Research, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse and manage complex relationships between various departments in tertiary and associated secondary referral hospitals.
    2. 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.
    3. Demonstrate mastery of the clinical grounding, clinical reasoning, clinical procedural and other skills in diagnosing and managing patients presenting with urogynaecology-specific conditions, disorders, and/or disabilities.
    4. Demonstrate sound Urogynaecology 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 Urogynaecology units.
  • Illustrate experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and in prioritising problems, planning cost-effective and safe investigations.
  • Rationally manage patients presenting with Urogynaecology 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.
  • Critically show insight into the future of Urogynaecology 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 the delivery of Urogynaecology healthcare and services that will benefit patients.
  • Provide consultative services and train medical officers, colleagues in inter-professional teams, registrars, and medical students to advance Urogynaecology and related specialist services as part of an interprofessional team.
  • Accept responsibility and accountability for performed work within the context of Urogynaecology as an area of sub-specialisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Research and critique best evidence from literature, discuss application to own patients and report on complex Urogynaecology cases.
  • Critically evaluate available literature from multiple sources of information on related and complex Urogynaecology 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 aligns with the institution's Assessment Policy and uses various assessment methods that enhance learning.

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

    Assessment opportunities are employed in such a way that learners should apply their knowledge and skills in 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 student works with patients. Observers include the supervisor, but also 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.

    Entry into the final exit level assessment - Certification by the HOD of the candidate of:
  • Having completed at least 18 months as a subspecialty trainee in an accredited subspecialty unit in a teaching hospital, registered and approved by the HPCSA.
  • Logbook and POE submission with an overall minimum mark of 50% for the final Portfolio (note sub-minimum may be required in sub-divisions of the Portfolio assessment as communicated to learnera as per specific programme rules).
  • Being declared competent by a properly constituted departmental assessment committee meeting and signed off by the HOD and supervisors for all EPAs required for Urogynaecology.

    Final exit clinical examination:
    The institution's subspecialists participate in a final exit clinical examination as coordinated by the CMSA. Examiners from SMU 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 Urogynaecology and the institution does not execute a separate examination in Urogynaecology.

    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:

    Final exit clinical examination:
    Once the candidate has been signed off and accepted to enter the final CMSA clinical exit examination, relevant academic staff from SMU may be deputised as convenors and/or examiners and/or moderators by the CMSA. The final CMSA clinical exit examination is the only recognized final examination for the clinical coursework module in Urogynaecology and SMU will not offer its own exit-level examination. The CMSA exit examination consists of both written and oral/practical components and contributes 100% towards the final mark for the clinical coursework module. The format of the exit-level clinical examination is summarised as follows:

    The exit examination consists of a written and a clinical component.
  • The written component 40%.
  • Clinical examination 60%.

    The written component of the final examination:
  • Two papers, each consisting of three questions, for a total of 100 marks per question and 300 marks per paper.
  • Candidates will have three hours to complete each paper.
  • Subminimum of 45% in each paper.
  • The total mark needs to be 50% to be invited to the clinical examination
    A candidate 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:
  • 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. Candidates 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.
  • Portfolio discussion lasting 30 minutes on the portfolio during which an assessment of the understanding of the research methodology is 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%.
  • BOSCE 25%.
  • OSPE 25%.
  • Portfolio 0%.
  • Total 100%.

    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).
  • 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 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 
    The Professional Master of Philosophy in Urogynaecology is regulated by the 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. As in most cases with medical training, teaching hospitals are used to provide medical education and training to health professionals. Teaching hospitals are almost always affiliated with one or more universities and are often co-located with medical schools.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution name: The Royal College of Gynaecologists (RCOG)
    Qualification title: Urogynaecology Subspecialist Training

    Entry requirements:
  • The minimum requirement for entry into clinical subspecialty training is postgraduate training.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The Royal College of Gynaecologists training in Urogynaecology Subspecialist requires a minimum of 7 years of specialty training (ST1-ST7), to be completed following the two years of foundation training. The qualification is divided into basic, intermediate and advanced levels of training.

    The qualification follows the core curriculum and also incorporates ultrasound training. Once learners progress to ST5, they will start to develop the specific skills needed for the areas in which they wish to practise as a consultant by choosing Special Interest Training Modules (SITMs) or by applying for subspecialty training.

    Special Interest Training:
  • Gynaecological Oncology subspecialty training.
  • Maternal and Fetal Medicine subspecialty training.
  • Reproductive Medicine subspecialty training.
  • Urogynaecology subspecialty training.

    Similarities:
  • The South African (SA) and RCOG have similar levels of entry requirements to enter subspecialist training.
  • The minimum requirement for entry into clinical subspecialty training is postgraduate training and qualification in Obstetrics and Gynaecology for the SA qualification.
  • For both qualifications, subspecialists in Urogynaecology should have a broad knowledge of the discipline. They must be clinically competent in pelvic floor and urinary incontinence surgery and conservative management of these conditions.
  • For both qualifications, subspecialists in Urogynaecology should be involved in basic and applied investigation in urogynaecology and pelvic floor dysfunction and should be able to provide a consultancy service to other obstetricians/gynaecologists.
  • The purpose of the O&G core curriculum is to produce doctors with the generic professional and specialty-specific capabilities needed to advise and treat people presenting with a wide range of general obstetric and gynaecological conditions.
  • The RCOG and the SA qualification's quality criteria guide the range and access to informal, formal and experience-based learning that will be required to fulfil the curriculum requirements.
  • The curriculum will provide a balance of different learning methods for trainees to progress through, from formal teaching programmes to learning on the job. Informal learning methods will include learning with peers and Work-based experiential learning.
  • The RCOG Qualification is registered at the GMC, which is the body responsible for accrediting all graduate medical training programmes. The SA qualification is registered at the HPCSA.

    Differences:
  • The main difference is that RCOG is a three-year programme and the SA qualification is two years. Research at RCOG is done in year three, whereas in the SA qualification it is done throughout years one and two.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution name: John Hopkins Medicine (JHM)
    Qualification title: Urogynaecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Fellowship

    Entry requirements:
  • Must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in obstetrics and gynaecology and must be eligible for medical licensure in the state of Maryland.
  • Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    As a fellow training in the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins, learners will gain access to the tools necessary to succeed in all three areas of our tripartite mission: clinical care, research, and education. Our department is privileged to have nationally recognised leaders in their respective fields among our faculty and the resources to invest in cutting-edge programs and facilities for our fellows. Learn more about our available opportunities below by selecting your subspecialty of interest.

    Modules:
  • Graduate courses in research methods.
  • Clinical training.

    Similarities:
  • The South African (SA) qualification and the JHM share similarities in minimum entry requirements.
  • The curriculum of the SA qualification includes 12 months of research and 24 months of clinical training. The JHM qualification's clinical rotations include urogynaecology (at Johns Hopkins and Greater Baltimore Medical Centre), urology, and colorectal surgery.
  • Teaching and learning strategies are the same for both qualifications; assessment strategies are linked to address the outcomes.
  • The JHM qualification is registered at the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), which is the body responsible for accrediting all graduate medical training programs.
  • The SA qualification is registered at the HPCSA.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is offered in a two-year training period with research completed and integrated.
  • The JHM qualification has a three-year training period, of which research is done in year three. 
    		•

    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 Philosophy in Health Sciences, 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 

    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.