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: 

Magister of Medicine in Medical Genetics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
74612  Magister of Medicine in Medical Genetics 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
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  480  Not Applicable  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 
Purpose:

This is a professional qualification allowing registration with the HPCSA as a medical specialist in the field of Medical Genetics. The purpose of this qualification is to enable the successful candidate to function as a specialist Medical Geneticist within the medical and academic community as well as society at large.

Rationale:

This Qualification will be aimed at enabling the graduate to apply the principles of preventative health within the realm of Medical Genetics at the level of a medical specialist. The needs of the public in respect of this modern aspect of healthcare will be addressed by this qualification. The need for this training has been set out in the "National Policy Guidelines for the Management and Prevention of Genetic Disorders, Birth Defects and Disabilities" as published by the National Department of Health. The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) approved the establishment of the speciality of Medical Genetics on 17 August 2007 and this qualification is required to allow registration in that field of medicine. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The admission requirements stipulate an MBChB or equivalent degree.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

This is a professional qualification with little scope for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). All applicants must be registered as a medical practitioner with HPCSA and without this specific prior learning in place, the candidate will not be eligible.

Access to the Qualification:

Candidates must:
  • Have successfully completed and been awarded a MBChB degree (or equivalent).
  • Be registered with the HPCSA as a medical practitioner in the category "Independent Practice".
  • Have completed their internship and community service obligations.
  • Have two years experience as a medical officer/general practitioner.
  • The following factors can place an applicant at an advantage:
    > At least twelve months experience in Paediatrics and/or Obstetrics and Gynaecology and/or Internal Medicine. This experience should be obtained in a level 2 or higher facility.
    > Applicants resident and working in the Free State, Northern Cape or areas immediately adjoining the Free State where the nearest Faculty of Health Sciences is that of the University of the Free State. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All components are compulsory.

    A period of practical internship will have to be done as determined by the Health Professions Council of South Africa or other relevant professional body, before the learner can be awarded the qualification. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Range:
  • The outcomes are to be in keeping with "Human Genetics Policy Guidelines for the Management and Prevention of Genetic Disorders, Birth Defects and Disabilities" of the National Department of Health and enable successful implementation of the policy.
  • Formal genetics and basic sciences including structure and function of genetic material.
  • Classical and non-classical inheritance patterns including segregation analysis.
  • Genetic epidemiology, population genetics and mathematical equations such as Bayes' theorem.
  • Basic embryology and effects of teratogens.
  • Cytogenetics.
  • Molecular genetics.
  • Cancer genetics.
  • Biochemical genetics.
  • Genetic screening.
  • Prenatal diagnoses, including pre-implantation diagnoses.
  • Predictive, pre-symptomatic or susceptibility genetic testing.
  • Legal and ethical aspects of Medical Genetics.

    1. Obtain a detailed and focused genetic history including family, antenatal, perinatal and medical/surgical history.

    2. Provide appropriate genetic counselling to the patient and his/her family.

    3. Care for patients with Medical Genetic conditions and birth defects, including the rare conditions.

    4. Perform effective genetic counselling in different settings including cross-cultural counselling.

    5. Conduct research in the field. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessment Criteria associated with Exit Level Outcome 1:
    1.1 Interpret pedigree information and perform genetic risk assessment.
    1.2 Perform a comprehensive clinical and dysmorphological examination.
    1.3 Write patient reports.
    1.4 Perform procedures necessary to make a genetic diagnosis, including skin biopsy, fetal examination, taking of buccal smears etc.
    1.5 Make genetic assessments of individuals and their families which include the taking of a detailed and directed family history, constructing a family pedigree, performing a comprehensive clinical examination and interpretation of clinical signs.

    Assessment Criteria associated with Exit Level Outcome 2:
    2.1 Communicate effectively with patients, family members, other healthcare workers and colleagues.
    2.2 Act as the patient's advocate, advisor and guide within the discipline of Medical Genetics.
    2.3 Act in accordance with high ethical standards and sensitivity towards consultants and their family in all settings.

    Assessment Criteria associated with Exit Level Outcome 3:
    3.1 Interpret Medical Genetic test results including karyotyping, molecular testing, biochemical screening and linkage analysis.
    3.2 Offer care for all conditions commonly occurring in Medical Genetics.

    Assessment Criteria associated with Exit Level Outcome 4:
    4.1 Apply knowledge in selection/co-ordination of special investigations and interpreting their results.
    4.2 Distinguish between genetic screening and genetic diagnostic tests.
    4.3 Use computer databases in syndrome diagnosis, risk calculation and obtaining relevant information for patient care.
    4.4 Judge when to seek the help of other specialists and sub-specialists.
    4.5 Understand and application of therapeutics applicable to Medical Genetics (including gene therapy and enzyme replacement).

    Assessment Criteria associated with Exit Level Outcome 5:
    5.1 Produce an article for publication in a peer reviewed journal.
    5.2 Present research findings at a national or international congress/seminar.
    5.3 Appropriate computer skills including a good understanding of Bioinformatics.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The assessment will be integrated in terms of the type of questions asked and be clinically orientated. The critical exit question is "will the candidate be able to function as an independent Medical Genetics specialist within the medical community and society at large?"

    Two examinations will be conducted, each with multiple components. Part 1 will have two 3-hour written papers and part 2 will have 2 3-hour papers, an OSCE and 3 clinical cases. The outcomes that will be examined are set out under the Qualification Rules. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This field of speciality is already recognized in most European countries, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The outcomes are very similar but are designed to meet South Africa's needs in this discipline. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Successful candidates can continue with a MD or PhD. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    All examinations will have external examiners/moderators and the HPCSA will inspect the training to ensure ongoing compliance with training requirements. 

    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 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 the Free State 


    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.