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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Health 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
66629  Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Health 
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
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  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   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 qualification aims to improve district Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services by developing the capacity of district and regional maternal and child health managers to effectively implement maternal and child health services and qualifications at district level. The qualification focuses on the acquisition of knowledge and skills in assessing maternal and child health needs, identifying strategies to meet those needs and evaluating services and qualifications within the context of primary health care. 

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:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Level, credits and learning components assigned to the qualification:
  • Qualification Name; Postgraduate Diploma in Maternal and Child Health.
  • NQF Level; 7.
  • Qualification type; Postgraduate Diploma.
  • Designation; Maternal and Child Health.
  • Expected minimum time for completion; 2 years, part-time.
  • Number of credits; 120.

    Year 1; Fundamental/Core/Elective; No. of credits:
  • Health & Development Course; Core; 12.
  • Epidemiology and Research Methods Course); Core; 12.
  • The Psychosocial Context of Maternal and Child Health Course; Core; 12.
  • Organisation & Management Course; Core; 12.
  • The Foundations of Maternal & Child Health Course Assignment; Core; 12.

    Year 2; Fundamental/Core/Elective; No. of credits:
  • Applied Maternal & Child Health; Core; 40.
  • Health Information and/or; Elective; 10.
  • Human Resource Development and/or; Elective; 10.
  • Health Management or; Elective; N/A. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit Level Outcomes:
    1. Identify and solve problems in which responses demonstrate critical and creative thinking.
    2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, organisation and community.
    3. Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
    4. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
    5. Communicate effectively.
    6. Use science and technology effectively and critically.
    7. Demonstrate an understanding that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
    8. Be culturally sensitive.
    9. Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Collect data on maternal and child health, identify priority maternal and child health needs, and resolve them within the existing healthcare context.
  • Network within specified contexts e.g. facility-based health teams, attend multidisciplinary meetings, and conduct interviews with individuals outside of the health sector. Participate in structured group activities and provide evidence in the form of collaborative assignments.
  • Manage maternal and child health interventions within primary health care and within the scope of ethical norms.
  • Collect data on maternal and child health status services in the district, analyse health trends and use the information as a basis for planning a programmatic response to address the issues identified.
  • Communicate verbal and written work collaboratively within the health system and with other sectors.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and correct use of relevant technology e.g. as required within a case study for establishing a Qualification/service in response to specific health needs.
  • Analyse global economic, political and health trends and relate them to local maternal and child health trends. Identify global and local factors influencing health policies and the structure and functioning of health services.
  • Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the psycho-social, and cultural variables influencing healthcare in the development of health interventions within the district health system.
  • Explore personal learning style and develop learning methodology through a variety of learning/teaching exercises. Apply various strategies, based on sound learning principles, in developing health promotion strategies in the context of maternal and child.
  • Within the health district apply scientific principles and problem-solving skills in identifying and resolving priority MCH issues. This includes:
  • Undertaking a community diagnosis.
  • Identifying information from different sources relevant to the health problem.
  • Identifying the priority MCH issues.
  • Demonstrating the development of an appropriate, rational intervention plan.
  • Demonstrate application of knowledge and skills in the basic and psycho-social sciences and the broader socio-political context to clinical situations at individual, family, community and population level.
  • Integrate socio-economic and cultural factors associated with health and health choices into health management.
  • Develop a rational intervention relevant to the health situation encountered with emphasis on health behaviours and choice.
  • Plan an appropriate health intervention or qualification.
  • Take account of the possible influence of and collaboration between formal and informal health sectors in setting up the intervention.
  • Make significant contributions to team efforts in planning and implementing the qualification.
  • Review key policies and laws regulating child health.
  • Locate, analyse and critique a draft policy related to the health and well-being of mothers and children.
  • Critically evaluate research articles.
  • Design a maternal or child health Qualification with relevant components based on a realistic budget.
  • Examine the financial management activities within a health setting.
  • Compare the expenditure to different line items according to specific activities within the service.
  • Identify factors critical to the success of in-service training to improve maternal and child health services.
  • Develop a job description for a maternal and child health Qualification manager within a health district.
  • Examine the performance evaluation system within a health facility and the advantages and difficulties thereof as a basis for monitoring the effectiveness of the health service.
  • Utilise work-related interpersonal conflict and its consequences for health service delivery as a basis for improving human resource management.
  • Develop and implement a health promotion strategy appropriate to maternal and child health.
  • Identify criteria for monitoring the effects of a health promotion intervention.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learners will have to pass all the coursework components to qualify for the Diploma.
    Coursework assessment:

    Unit Submissions:
  • A series of reflective learning exercises and questions within each course provide opportunities for learners to establish a dialogue with tutors and other learners around the course content.

    Graded Course Assignments:
  • Each course assignment is an opportunity for learners to synthesise learning objectives and concepts covered in the course modules in response to a health issue within their health district. Course assignments are weighted and contribute to the overall assessment.

    Integrated (Consolidation) Assignments:
  • Two reports on the epidemiological assessment and relevant interventions of the Learner's health district. Pass mark; 60%.

    Midterm Written Examination:
  • The purpose of this examination is to gauge progress, understanding and application of the concepts of the qualification and specifically to identify at-risk learners. It will include one written 3-hour paper in response to a case study covering the entire syllabus and collectively demonstrating a reasonable balance between the different modules. Overall pass mark; 50%.

    Final Written Examination at end of 2 years:
  • One written 3-hour paper in response to a case study covering the entire syllabus and collectively demonstrating a reasonable balance between the different modules. Overall pass mark; 50%.
  • Certification by the head of the Child Health Unit that at least 160 hours of face-to-face contact will have taken place.

    Caurses Year 1; Weighting:
  • Health & Development Course; 10%.
  • Epidemiology and Research Methods Course; 10%.
  • The Psychosocial Context of Maternal and Child Health Course; 10%.
  • Organisation & Management Course; 10%.
  • The Foundations of Maternal & Child Health Course Assignment; 10%.

    Courses Year 2:
  • Integrated (Consolidation) Assignment x 2; 10% and 10%.
  • Mid-term Written Examination; 10%.
  • End-of Qualification Assessment; 20%. 

  • 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 allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Developmental Paediatrics, NQF Level 08.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Paediatric Cardiology, NQF Level 08.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, NQF Level 08.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Maternal and Child Health, NQF Level 09. 

  • 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 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.