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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Medical Pharmacology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
13847  Master of Medical Pharmacology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
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  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0335/25  2024-06-30  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 
The first purpose of the qualification is to provide a physician with further insight (comprehensive, in-depth knowledge) and expertise of the highest standard in the field of clinical pharmacology and applied pharmacological research, thus enabling the qualifier to function as a clinical pharmacologist, (that is comparable to internationally set standards) in practice. The Medical Pharmacology Medical Degree is unique to this institution, as this qualification is primarily clinically orientated.

The second purpose of the qualification is to broaden the learner's possibilities for employment in the pharmaceutical world.

The third purpose of the qualification is to enable the qualifier to apply his/her specialised knowledge and skills to the benefit of patients, industry, medical aids, health manager systems and policy-makers in South Africa, be it private or governmental bodies. This implies that learners should become life-long learners with continued personal intellectual growth.

The fourth purpose of the qualification is to enrich the qualifier with status, recognition and credentials. South African society will gain a cadre of doctors skilled in a speciality which will enable them to develop policies regarding drug therapy in a society where pharmacoeconomic decision-making has become of utmost importance. In this way learners will contribute to the prevention and treatment of disease in the community. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Pharmacology, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify and solve complex problems in a highly specialised context utilising solid evidence after critically analysing available information.
    2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team.
    3. Assume leadership, apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills, and motivate others.
    4. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and or language skills in the modes of oral and or written persuasion.
    5. Interact effectively within a learning or professional group via engagement in debate.
    6. Use and convey available evidence effectively and responsibly to decision-makers, showing responsibility towards the health of the population at large. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate appropriate in-depth theoretical knowledge.
  • Literature study is relevant to the research topic and the information obtained is appropriately analysed and synthesised.
  • The research proposal is relevant and applicable.
  • An acceptable and feasible protocol is compiled.
  • Ethical permission is obtained Observations made are accurately and consistently recorded, and the research process is successfully managed.
  • Results are reported according to scientific norms.
  • Latest evidence concerning these new drugs is assimilated and analysed.
  • Act responsibly and within accepted norms of the profession; be able to justify decisions regarding drug usage.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • This will meet the Institution's guidelines.
  • Internal as well as external assessors will be used to evaluate both written and oral examinations, seminars and tutorial sessions.
  • Multiple assessment tools will be used, i.e. an interactive group assessment, which will take place on a continuous basis to stimulate constant learning and self-evaluation.
  • The department of Statistics will assess the course on Medical Biostatistics.
  • Written examinations.
  • Oral examinations .
  • Written research protocol.
  • Completed research project.
  • Seminars (oral).
  • Tutorials.

    Formative assessment (at various points during the course of the program):
    The learner studies under the continuous and close supervision of institution lecturers, who assess, monitor and comment on the learner's performance on a continuous basis.
    One or more written and oral examinations are set at predetermined intervals during the qualification of modules.

    Summative assessment:
    The research protocol and project that has been compiled and completed is assessed by the assessor(s) and moderator(s).
    One or more written examinations are set especially at or close to the conclusion of the prescribed study of medical pharmacology. One or more oral examinations are set. These examinations are set to a high standard and are conducted in a manner which ensures comprehensive and thorough evaluation of the integrated theoretical knowledge, acquired experience and practical skills the learner had acquired over the duration of the completed qualification, i.e. three modules. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Clinical Pharmacology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Medicine in Clinical Pharmacology, NQF Level 9.

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

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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 Pretoria 


    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.