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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Medicine 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
3409  Master of Science in Medicine 
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  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
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 purpose of the qualification is to develop advanced knowledge of a selected area in health sciences, as well as skills in the methods of research. It aims to prepare learners to become expert, critical and reflective thinkers and problem-solvers, and confident practitioners in service, research and management. The second purpose is to equip learners with the tools necessary for them to be professional academic practitioners in their particular disciplines. Most South African Learners select their area of research and are encouraged to address the challenges and needs of the discipline in a South African context. 

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:
  • Cognate Bachelor of Science Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Health Science in Nursing, NQF level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate skills and literacy, numeracy, computer skills.
    2. Plan, execute and report research at a level that equips the learner to proceed to a PhD.
    3. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the area of research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Propose a plan for research, including ethical considerations; to apply research methodology.
  • Analyse and interpret information; and to present research and defend results, showing the capacity for original thought.
  • Write essays based on general and specific knowledge acquired during the qualification.
  • Submit coherent, critical writing and argue philosophical points relevant to the broad practice of the discipline.
  • Understand published quantitative data; interpret basic statistical results; analyse data using computer programmes; successfully conduct data searches.
  • Be competent to report in detail on the specific area of work. Exhibit a level of understanding of scientific literature appropriate to the practice of the chosen discipline at a professional level. Able to write reports for publication in the relevant professional/scientific literature.

    Integrated Assessment:
    A formal assessment of the competence of the Masters' learner is carried out in the form of a dissertation. The dissertation will usually consist of a detailed report on, and analysis of the results of, a research project performed under the guidance of a suitable supervisor or supervisors. The assessment will be aimed at determining that the learner has achieved the requisite level of knowledge required at this level, as well as the ability to use and apply specific methodological skills obtained in the qualification, to formulate and carry out a research project, to report on it, including a critical review of current literature in the subject area. The research need not be original, or necessarily publishable. Other assessment methods will normally include some form of a review of a written research project proposal as well as possible review by the supervisor(s) of oral presentations, journal club activities, and formal examinations. Integrated assessment will take into account elements of scientific literacy, numeracy, and computer literacy as these are appropriate to the study area. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with similar 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 Clinical Pharmacology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Clinical Pharmacy, NQF Level 9.

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

    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.