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 Medicine in Geriatrics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
14896  Master of Medicine in Geriatrics 
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 qualification aims to provide South Africa with specialist clinicians in Geriatric Medicine in order to provide health care of high standard and the continual development of knowledge and expertise that is at international standard in the field.

Graduates will have comprehensive, in depth knowledge, specialised technical diagnostic and therapeutic skills as well as research skills in the field of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics.
The graduate will have an attitude of life long learning and skills enhancement.
Society will gain specialist physicians in the field of Geriatrics leading to effective health care at specialist level.

The graduate will have an in depth understanding of scientific principles and their application to medical problem solving and decision-making. She or he will understand how scientific research findings may be applied to the practice of medicine.

The graduate will fully understand that the world is a set of interrelating systems and that problem solving contexts very rarely exist in isolation.

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. Acquire and master scientific knowledge and practical experience appropriate to Geriatrics.
    2. Acquire ability to apply knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of patients.
    3. Maintain competence and demonstrate continuous interest in developments in the field of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics.
    4. Apply a teaching approach in answering referrals from general practitioners.
    5. Undertake and complete a relevant research study. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:
    Portfolios.
    Simulations.
    Work-place assessment.
    Written examinations.
    Oral examinations.

    Other:
    Portfolio assessment:
    An appropriate research project is designed and performed.

    Formative:
    The candidate works under the direct supervision and direction of senior clinical personnel throughout the study period who continually assess and monitor the candidate's performance and provide feedback.

    Summative:
    Examinations (written practical and oral) in basic medical science subjects, therapeutics and the pathological basis of the practice of medicine takes place at defined points during the study period.
    The principles and practice of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics is examined by means of written and oral examinations and practical evaluation of clinical skills during a number of clinical examinations. (Demonstration of clinical skills and diagnostic capabilities on real patients). 

    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 Medicine, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    External examination by other universities
    Teams of examiners during oral and clinical examinations 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Qualifications required:
    Minimum: M Med or FCP or equivalent.

    Career experience required:
    Appropriate teaching, research and clinical experience in Geriatrics.

    Other Criteria
    Faculty member of an accredited school of medicine
    Registration as specialist with health professions council. 

    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.