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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Doctor of Philosophy: Physiotherapy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
15208  Doctor of Philosophy: Physiotherapy 
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
Doctoral Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  380  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 10  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 purpose of this qualification is to obtain registration with the HPCSA as a specialist research physiotherapist.

The Ph D is a research degree and candidates will have well-developed skills to initiate and perform original research independently.

The qualification aims to provide South Africa with specialist researchers in the field of Physiotherapy in order to promote the continual development of a high level of knowledge and expertise that is internationally comparable in the field

Graduate will maintain an attitude of learning ensuring continuing self development and development of the field 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Matriculation certificate
First degree: B Phys T
Other:
The B Phys T degree must be equivalent of a honours degree in Physiotherapy

Masters degree in Physiotherapy or related qualification as approved by the Faculty of Health Science of the University of Pretoria and the HPCSA

Candidates with a basic degree in physiotherapy on honours level and one of the following degrees:
Masters degree in Public Health
Masters degree in Business Administration
Masters degree in Education, can enrol for a Ph D (Physiotherapy) 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
Ph D

Learning outcomes:
  • Obtain and assimilate scientific knowledge and associated practical experience appropriate to the discipline to be applied critically in Physiotherapy research
  • Maintain continued competence and show a continuous interest in new developments as a lifelong learner
  • Initiate original research, write a protocol and perform the research independently
  • Act professionally and ethically
  • Complete the research and transfer the knowledge

    Critical cross-field outcomes:
  • Confident and flexible identification and definition of complex problems in a highly specialised context and the application of appropriate knowledge and skills to their solution are demonstrated. In the process existing knowledge is expanded or redefined
  • Work effectively with other researchers and co-workers as a team, assuring leadership where appropriate
  • Apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills and motivate others
  • Assist in the continued professional development of other scientists
  • Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Demonstrate appropriate theoretical knowledge
    Latest techniques and technology are assimilated into research protocol

    A feasible protocol in terms of relevance and applicability is compiled
    Justification for the protocol is provided

    The field of research is sufficiently understood

    The proposed research involves the development of original and innovative theory and skills

    An ethics committee as well as an Academic Advisory Committee approves the protocol.

    Results are reported according to scientific norms

    Learning facilitated through oral and poster presentation and/or seminars

    Publication of results in accredited journals

    Completion of thesis according to scientific norms

    Integrated assessment:
    Portfolios
    Written examinations
    Oral examinations
    Other:
    Portfolios:
    Seminars based on current research are presented.
    Papers and posters are presented at local and international conferences
    Results are published in refereed scientific journals.
    A thesis is completed and evaluated by external assessors and moderators

    Assessments
    Assessment is continuous and done on the following basis:

    Formative assessment:
    Students work independently in collaboration with (a) specialist/s in the field. Continuous peer review is taking place

    Summative assessment:
    Assessor(s) and moderator(s) assess the portfolio of work that has been completed. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    None 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    One or more assessors form the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria
    One or more external assessors from other National or International tertiary institutions in the appropriate field of study 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Qualifications required:
    Ph D
    M Phys T
    M Sc Physiotherapy (due to limited number of Ph D assessors available)

    Career experience required:
    Appropriate research/teaching/academic/clinical postgraduate experience

    Other criteria
    Established researcher who has published extensively on appropriate research and who is recognised as an authority in the field 

    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.