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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Medicine in Anatomical Pathology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
14806  Master of Medicine in Anatomical Pathology 
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 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to obtain registration with the HPCSA as a specialist clinician in the field of Anatomical Pathology.
The qualification aims to provide South Africa with specialist clinicians in the field of Anatomical Pathology in order to provide health care of the highest standard and the continual development of a level of knowledge and expertise that is comparable to international standards.

Learners will have comprehensive, in-depth knowledge, highly specialised technical and diagnostic skills and well-developed research capabilities in the field of Anatomical Pathology. They will encourage an attitude of lifelong learning, ensuring continuing self-development and development of the field. Society will gain specialist clinicians in the field of Anatomical Pathology leading to higher efficacy of care in such patients.

Rationale: 

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 Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
  • Register with Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Obtain and assimilate scientific knowledge and associated practical experience appropriate to the discipline to be applied critically in patient assessment and management.
    2. Obtain professional and technical skills required to competently diagnose disease processes based on clinico-pathological correlation.
    3. Maintain continued competence and show an ongoing interest in new developments in the field of Anatomical Pathology as a lifelong learner.
    4. Act professionally and ethically. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Demonstrate appropriate theoretical knowledge
  • Take appropriate tissue samples/specimens.
  • Perform/prescribe appropriate specialised investigations and interpret results.
  • Compile an appropriate pathology report and advise on therapeutic aspects if indicated.
  • Latest techniques and technology are assimilated and applied in practice where applicable.
  • Takes responsibility within own limits of competence. Acts within accepted norms of the profession.
  • An acceptable protocol is compiled and implemented. Results are reported according to scientific norms.

    Integrated assessment:
    Portfolios.
    Work-place assessments.
    Written examinations.
    Oral examinations.

    Other:
    Practical.

    Assessment is continuous and done on the following basis.

    Portfolio assessment:
    Seminars based on current research are presented.
    A clinical research project is conducted.

    Formative assessment:
    The learner works and studies under the constant and close supervision of senior clinical personnel, who assess/monitor and comment on the learner's performance, such comment being directed at the learner and the supervisor.

    Summative assessment:
    The portfolio work that has been compiled is assessed by the assessor(s) and moderator(s)

    One or more written examinations are set at predetermined intervals and especially at or close to the conclusion of the prescribed study period. One or more oral and/or practical examinations may similarly be set. These written, oral and practical examinations are set to a high standard and are conducted in a manner which ensures comprehensive and thorough evaluation of the theoretical knowledge, acquired experience and clinical/practical skills of the learner. 
    		•

    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 offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Medicine, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomical Pathology, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Academic practice/Private practice in Anatomical Pathology, derived from a national base Faculties of Medicine and/or The College of Medicine of S.A. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Qualifications required:
    M Med or equivalent or M D, Ph D in related field

    Career experience required:
    10 years as Anatomical Pathologist

    Other criteria:
    Currently appointed in an Academic Pathology Department and previous experience in training of registrars in Anatomical Pathology. 

    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.