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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynaecology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
16450  Master of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynaecology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
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  Preventive 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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The aim of this programme is to produce a competent, critical, skilled obstetrician gynaecologist, capable of practicing independently in both public and private service. A minority of the graduates would wish to pursue an academic career with particular emphasis on research.

This qualification forms part of the credentialing process for medical practitioners, as specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) stipulates training requirements, including a minimum period of experiential learning (4 years). The examination may be taken and passed prior to the completion of the required period of supervised learning and practical training specified by the HPCSA. The programme is designed to follow the recommendations of the College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (SA) with regard to necessary training-both practical and theoretical in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The aim of this qualification is to meet the needs for formal examination certification, as well as to set standards, nationally, for such a qualification (equivalent qualifications may be offered by the Country's 8 medical schools). A student who obtains this qualification will be competent to practice independently as a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He/she will have the necessary knowledge and skills to identify problems, assess, and manage patients in Obstetrics or Gynaecology (O & G). He/she will have particular knowledge of the problems within the South African health-case environment.

This programme will further provide qualifiers with the necessary foundation to conduct and present an independent research project.

Finally, this programme will help supply South Africa with sufficient well-trained obstetrician gynaecologists to serve the community and to contribute to academic and scholarly activity in this field. 

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 Requirement:
The minimum requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Leve 8.
    Or
  • Equivalent acceptable to the Health Professions Council of South Africa Current registration as a medical practitioner. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. A good knowledge in the basic sciences particularly of those aspects applicable to obstetrics and gynaecology (O & G).
    2. The graduate should be able to identify and manage complicated and uncomplicated obstetric patients. (Feto-maternal medicine).
    3. The graduate should be able to deal with gynaecological disease and to promote health and well-being.
    4. The graduate should develop appropriate clinical and practical skills for the practice of O & G.
    5. Student should have the opportunity to develop skills in research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    a)
    1. Ability to identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
    2. Ability to use science and technology appropriately.
    3. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
    4. Ability to work as a team member.
    5. Ability to demonstrate empathy and sensitivity to the individual and community, acknowledging cultural and religious differences.
    6. Ability to organise and manage one's activities responsibly and effectively.
    7. Ability to collect, analyse and critically evaluate information.
    8. Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to the individual and the community.

    b)
    1. Ability to identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
    2. Ability to use science and technology appropriately.
    3. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
    4. Ability to work as a team member.
    5. Ability to demonstrate empathy and sensitivity to the individual and community, acknowledging cultural and religious differences.
    6. Ability to organise and manage one's activities responsibly and effectively.
    7. Ability to collect, analyse and critically evaluate information.
    8. Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to the individual and the community.

    c)
    1. Have an understanding of the basic sciences of anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology, embryology, endocrinology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, pathology, physiology and elementary statistics. Emphasis should be placed on those aspects applicable to O & G. Student should be able to apply the basic sciences to the practical discipline of O & G.
    2. Ability to diagnose pregnancy and deal with problems of early pregnancy:
  • Ability to recognise obstetric risk factors and be able to institute appropriate measures of care.
  • Ability to deal with complications in obstetrics and understand the management and long-term implications.
  • Understanding of audit of obstetrics and design of clinical programs.

    3. Ability to understand and institute screening:
  • Diagnosis and recognition of gynaecological problems.
  • Understanding of the sub-specialities of gynaecological oncology, reproductive medicine and urogynaecology.
  • Ability to provide contraceptive services.

    4. Competence in surgery and practical procedures in both O & G:
  • Recognition and management of complications.
  • Be able to institute audit in obstetric and gynaecological practice.
  • Be able to assess and practice evidence-based medicine.

    5. Two commentaries (short dissertations) are required prior to the final examination:
  • Learners should be able to develop a research protocol.
  • Learners should have understanding of basic statistical analysis of results.
  • It is recognised that the development of research and the desire for an academic career will be limited to a small percentage of the graduates from this programme.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment to ensure that purpose of the degree is achieved.

    Certification by the Head of Department that at least 3 years of learning at registrar level will have taken place in an approved training post before the clinical examination is written. (Further minimum of 1 year required by HPCSA).

    Part I examination-comprising basic sciences must be passed but may be taken prior to commencing training program. Reciprocity with College of Medicine examination.

    Two short dissertations-one in obstetrics and one in gynaecology, one of which must be original research, to be presented and a satisfactory standard achieved prior to admission to the Part II examination.

    Part II examination: comprises.

    i) Clinical cases.
    ii) 2 written papers each of 3 hours (obstetrics and gynaecology).
    iii) An OSCE.
    iv) A 30-40 minute oral examination in obstetrics and gynaecology. (These may all be combined into a long OSCE).

    A satisfactory record of clinical experience must be presented and certified by the candidates' supervisors prior to admission to the Part II examination.

    Submission of a dissertation on the results of original research in either obstetrics or gynaecology. This may include an audit of clinical practice. 
    		•

    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 for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Cognate Master of Medicine, NQF Level 9.

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

    Doctor of Medicine in Public Health.
    Doctor of Reproductive Medicine. 
    		•

    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 Cape Town 


    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.