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: 

Master of Science in Epidemiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
5663  Master of Science in Epidemiology 
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  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
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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 first purpose of the course is to provide learners with the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills and competence in the field of epidemiology, or quantitative health and health care evaluation, monitoring, analysis, research and quality control.

The second purpose is to provide competent staff to the health sector, to conduct original, evaluative and population-based research.

The third purpose is to create a body of expertise on which the field of epidemiology can grow in South Africa to the level of advanced academic and applied epidemiological competence.

Overall, the M Sc with specialisation in Epidemiology intends optimising health and reducing inequity by promoting concurrent research and evaluation in medical and health care practice and by evaluating risks posed by agents, host and environmental factors of any nature. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Learning outcomes:
    1. Solid understanding of epidemiology and biostatistics.
    2. Identify health problems that can be addressed with epidemiologic research.
    3. Prepare, conduct, analyse health research with assistance.
    4. Write and critique research papers. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Applies rigorous epidemiologic reasoning when approaching health problems.
  • Initiates and performs quality descriptive research on his/her own, and quality analytical research with assistance from more advanced epidemiologists and biostatisticians.
  • Communicates research results effectively, including "translating" scientific evidence into policy.
  • Understands the limitations of epidemiologic evidence, and advocates for health changes within the limitations of this.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Simulations.
  • Written examinations.
  • Oral examinations.
  • Dissertation on research project and concomitantly.
  • A publishable paper (in an appropriate, peer-reviewed journal) on the findings or methodology or both of the research project undertaken. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Science, 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 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.