SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
3345	Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
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
National First Degree(Min 480)	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Rehabilitative Health/Services
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	480	Level 7	NQF Level 08	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		2034-06-30

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 first purpose of the qualification is to provide the students with a wide range of graduate level knowledge and skills unique to physiotherapy which will enable them to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and to work independently in the public or private sectors in communities, hospitals, clinics, special schools, industry and sports domain. There is an explicit commitment to a Primary Health care approach of client management throughout the programme.

The second purpose of the qualification is to equip the students with management, leadership and research skills which will enable them to participate in health care development and policy making.

The third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa with a cadre of physiotherapists to provide effective, efficient and accessible rehabilitation services while continuing to improve their knowledge and skills prior to acquiring postgraduate qualification.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

1. Competency in written and oral English
2. The ability to study independently, integrate and apply knowledge, to solve problems, relate well to others and behave in a socially responsible manner

Senior Certificate with Matriculation exemption or equivalent university admission qualification.

Additional requirements:
A pass (E) in Mathematics at Higher Grade or of not less than 50% (D) at Standard Grade; and
A pass (E) in Physical Science at Higher Grade or of not less than 50% (D) at Standard Grade

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

Access may be granted through RPL.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

a). Critical cross-field outcomes (generic to all teaching and learning))

b). General outcomes (contextually demonstrated general knowledge, skills and values of the programme)

c). Specific outcomes, including professional outcomes, contextually demonstrated:

1. Be able to demonstrate a level of professional excellence which will equip them to claim a place in the international community of physiotherapists.

2. Recognise and commit hum/herself to the health needs of the South African community

3. Confident in the scope of physiotherapy practice

4. Prepared for life-long learning and continuing education

5. Understands and is competent to practise within the primary health care philosophy

6. Demonstrates a client-centred approach to both the promotion of good health and the delivery of health care

7. Prepared for research and enquiry

8. Able and confident to adapt and to be innovative

9. Able to work autonomously and co-operatively with other disciplines

10. Demonstrates an ethic of accountability to both his/her clients and the profession

11. Communicates effectively

12. Demonstrate competency in professional life-skills

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1). Demonstrating sound knowledge and understanding of health care, the promotion thereof and of the prevention and management of movement dysfunction

Applying knowledge of the normal structure, functions and development of a person as a whole and as an individual within the context of the family and the community to real situations

Scientifically applying theoretical knowledge and appropriate technical skills effectively and safely

Gathering, evaluating and deploying relevant information in a range of contexts

Analysing problems and making scientifically-based decisions; recognising the client as an individual; understanding the influence of social, economic and psychological factors that may affect the client's condition and subsequent progress in management

Taking a history, performing a subjective and physical evaluation, interpreting the findings and planning effective management

Appropriate and timeous referral to other health services

Demonstrating understanding of disability and its socio-economic implications

2). Demonstrating knowledge of national and international health policies and the health system in South Africa

Being aware of human rights as referred to in the country's constitution

Being aware of the health needs of the country

Recognising the cultural, social and historical context of clients

Being sensitive to and aware of the beliefs/values of other community within which he/she works

Appreciate the importance of sustainable community development

Appreciate the impact of social change, the political decision-making process and economic imperatives of business, industry and government on health management

3). Demonstrating an understanding of the uniqueness of physiotherapy as a discipline

Being able to identify the limitations of physiotherapy

Being able to analyse and explain the theoretical/scientific basis for physiotherapy techniques

Demonstrating knowledge of legislation guiding physiotherapy practice

4). Identifying his/her own limitations and having the capacity to evaluate his/her personal level of knowledge and the need to seek assistance/guidance when necessary

Being aware of and accepting personal weaknesses

Being responsible for personal learning and development

Being aware of a range of learning strategies and preferred learning styles

Sustaining intellectual curiosity and critical thinking as a professional person

5). Understanding the underlying philosophy of primary health care

Being aware of the interaction of broader health issues affecting South African society

Being able to disseminate knowledge and give advice on health issues

Appreciating the historical and current socio-economic and political issues facing the community and contributing to health problems

6). Being sensitive and tolerant to the values, cultural and religious differences pertaining to health and illness of clients, their families and communities

Appreciating differences that arise from religion, language, culture and place

Being able to act as an advocate for clients and communities

Respecting the client as an individual and as an active participant in his/her health issues

7). Analysing information critically

Being aware of aspects of health management that need to be investigated

Formulating a research proposal and applying the principles of research methodology

Conducting and annotating a scholarly project that reflects research principles and is relevant to health issues

Demonstrating appropriate awareness and understanding of research in physiotherapy

8). Adapting techniques and client management appropriately to the working environment

Developing new programmes for client management and health promotion

9). Maintaining a positive concept of self as capable and autonomous

Working in a self-directed way

Being able to make informed decisions

Working collaboratively with different groups, identifying the needs of others and building positive relationships

Working in a team (co-operating with all team members, sharing ideas, forging personal recognition, negotiating solutions when opinions differ, resolving conflict, recognising strengths of other team members, sharing responsibility, conveying a shared vision for the team and displaying a commitment to make the team function effectively)

Understanding the holistic approach to multidisciplinary decision-making within the health team

Displaying sensitivity to other team members when organising and presenting ideas

10).Being able to distinguish between ethical and unethical conduct

Behaving and conducting him/herself in a professional manner

Demonstrating a commitment to the physiotherapy profession

Recognising social justice issues relevant to health and physiotherapy

Demonstrating responsibility to clients/community

Being able to compile and maintain structured client records

Being aware of values that compromise health

11). Being able to communicate in the regional languages (isiXhosa and Afrikaans)

Recognising that there are different family structures, communities and societies with whom health professional interact and communicate

Demonstrating the ability to communicate appropriately and effectively with clients, families, colleagues and other members of the health care system

12). Demonstrating basic management skills and being able to apply legitimate and appropriate procedures within a wide range of settings

Demonstrating verbal, written, computer, mathematical, visual and affective literacies

Being able to manage time effectively

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

A minimum of 1000 hours of clinical work are required to meet the minimum standards for the profession as outlined by the Health Professions Council of SA.

The learner must succeed in all courses to be eligible to receive the qualification. A pass mark for each course is considered to be 50%. All courses in a particular year have to be passed before a learner is allowed to advance to the next year of the programme

A learner who fails a course may be entitled to present him/herself for re-examination in a supplementary examination, or may repeat the course and the subsequent assessments, at the discretion of the Health Sciences Faculty Examinations Board. A learner who fails a course for the second time will be excluded from the programme.

The examinations in theoretical courses include formal tests during the year and a final written paper. Practical and clinical courses include formal tests during the year and a final practical or clinical examination at the end of the year. Practical and clinical tests and examinations have a large oral component to them. The combination of year marks/final examination marks for each course is determined before the programme starts by the University Senate on the recommendation of the Department and Faculty and is known to the candidates. Both internal and external examiners have responsibilities for all parts of the examination i.e. including those parts of it that are administered during the course in the form of tests, assignments and projects. Where class work contributes to the final mark, it does not exceed 49% of the total. The form of assessment for Z coded courses is by portfolios, simulations, assignments, group presentations, projects or modular tests.

Assessment methods utilised during the final year of study are:

Applied Physiotherapy 111A: written assignments, theory examinations comprising essay-type questions requiring integration and application of all knowledge, skills, values and attitudes learnt during the entire four years of the programme.

Applied Physiotherapy 111B: year mark comprises performance in the clinical area for the whole block and a final block clinical test that involves the treatment or assessment of a patient. The final exam comprises the treatment of one patient and the assessment of two patients whom the student has not seen before. This requires the integration and application of all knowledge, skills, values and attitudes learnt during the entire four years of the programme.

Physiotherapy Research Project: research project is written up describing the hypothesis, literature overview, methodology, data collection, analysis of data and findings.

Health Sciences: Practice Management: workshops are conducted in small groups on various aspects of management. Group assignments are written and presented orally on the design of a business plan.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification serves as an entry point to the related qualifications:

M Phil in Sports Physiotherapy

MSc Physiotherapy by dissertation only

BSc MED (Hons) in Ergonomics and

MSc MED in Ergonomics

MODERATION OPTIONS

The University of Cape Town has a system of external peer review and evaluation of each course. One of the aspects of the system is an evaluation of the standards and assessment practices of the department.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

The academic staff of the University of Cape Town will be used in a manner that is consistent with the quality assurance system of the University.

External examiners are senior academic staff selected from the other 8 universities offering physiotherapy programmes. Every 4 years the Department is inspected by members of the Professional Board for Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Biokinetics, Health Professions Council of South Africa during which time the facilities and programme are evaluated to ensure they are of adequate standard.

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