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: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Promotion 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
87514  Postgraduate Diploma in Health Promotion 
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu University 
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  Preventive 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  EXCO 0733/25  2024-06-30  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Promotion aims to equip qualifying learners with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and critical competencies required to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive health promotion qualifications across diverse settings.

Qualifying learners will demonstrate the ability to critically analyse the multifaceted relationships between social determinants of health and disease. They will be equipped to contribute meaningfully to health policy development, engage in informed advocacy, and apply ethical, evidence-based strategies to enhance population health outcomes.

The qualification promotes the development of reflective practitioners who can engage in multidisciplinary approaches, respond to contemporary health challenges, and lead transformative change in communities, health systems and policy environments. It also prepares learners for further academic progression into Master's level qualifications in public health or related disciplines.

Through a blend of exposures to real-world applications, qualifying graduates will be able to:
  • Design and implement community-based health interventions
  • Conduct health needs assessments
  • Engage and mobilise communities
  • Advocate for health policy and system change
  • Evaluate the impact of health promotion programs

    This qualification's purpose directly informs the qualification's exit level outcomes, listed below, articulating the advanced knowledge, practical skills, and critical competencies this qualification is developing.

    The exit level outcomes of the qualification are as follows:
  • Exhibit advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the determinants of health and the interrelationship between health, disease and development using a multidisciplinary approach.
  • Design, implement and evaluate community-based health promotion interventions that address priority public health challenges, emphasising physical and mental health.
  • Contribute to and influence health policy development through stakeholder consultation, advocacy and strategic communication.
  • Apply research skills to investigate health promotion challenges and contribute to evidence-based decision making
  • Validate professional and ethical practice in planning and delivery of health promotion initiatives across diverse cultural and social contexts.

    Several graduate attributes are developed throughout the above outcomes and the silent curriculum, which prepare qualifying learners to operate effectively within the health promotion ecosystem, access further academic development opportunities, and contribute to society, fulfilling the broader purpose of the qualification.

    Graduate attributes:
  • Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
  • Ability to design and deliver health education and promotion materials.
  • Skills in needs assessment, health program planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
  • Project management, stakeholder engagement, and community mobilisation.
  • Commitment to social justice and equity in health.

    Rationale:
    The increasing burden of non-communicable and communicable diseases and persistent health inequities in South Africa and globally necessitate a competent health promotion workforce capable of addressing social determinants of health and influencing behavioural and environmental change. This Postgraduate Diploma in Health Promotion responds to this need by producing graduates with specialised knowledge and practical competencies to design, implement and evaluate health promotion strategies at local, provincial and national levels.

    This qualification was developed in consultation with key stakeholders, including the National Department of Health, Eastern Cape Department of Health, and non-governmental organisations actively promoting health. The qualification is aligned to the reengineering of Primary Health Care and the ideals of the National Development Plan 2030.

    The qualification targets qualifying learners with a background in Health Promotion, Public Health, Education, Social Work, Psychology and other related disciplines who wish to advance their careers in community health, policy development, qualification planning and public health advocacy. Graduates will be employable in government health departments, non-profit organisations, research institutions and international health agencies.

    This qualification also follows an academic pathway in which qualifying learners are prepared to pursue further studies at Master's level, particularly in Public Health and Health Promotion.

    This qualification contributes to its transformation goals as part of Walter Sisulu University's commitment to producing socially responsive and community-oriented graduates. It aligns with its strategic mission of improving health outcomes in underserved and rural populations. Professionals developed from this qualification will lead health promotion initiatives, leading to improved health outcomes and better health literacy, thereby benefiting students, society and the broader economy 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution is committed to access and equity in higher education and recognises the value of learning acquired outside formal academic structures. In line with WSU's institutional RPL policy, which is aligned to the national Policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning and the CHE RPL Guidelines, this qualification allows for the recognition of prior learning.

    RPL for access:
    Applicants who do not meet the formal admission requirements but can demonstrate relevant workplace learning, informal learning or experience in health promotion or related fields may be considered for entry through the RPL process.
  • Submit a detailed Portfolio of Evidence demonstrating competencies relevant to NQF Level 7 outcomes.
  • Undergo an RPL assessment

    RPL for Credits:
    Learners who are admitted into the qualification may also apply for module exemptions or credit recognition by submitting:
  • Certified documentation of prior studies, training, or experiential learning
  • Demonstrate equivalence in terms of learning outcomes and academic rigour
  • Will undergo an evaluation process that includes interviews to determine the suitability of the exemption.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Health Promotion or a cognate qualification, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant domain, e.g., Humanities, Education, Social Work, etc. ,NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and modules at National Qualifications Framework, Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 8, 80 Credits:
  • Epidemiology, Biostatistics Research, 16 Credits.
  • Contemporary Issues in Health Promotion, 16 Credits.
  • The Social Context of Health Promotion, 16 Credits.
  • The Psychological Basis of Health Promotion, 16 Credits.
  • Health Promotion Project, 32 Credits.
  • Health Promoting Schools, 16 Credits.

    Electives Modules at NQF Level 8, 16 Credits (Choose one module).
  • Policy Development in Health Promotion, 16 Credits.
  • Exercise and Sport Science in Health Promotion, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Exhibit advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the determinants of health and the interrelationship between health, disease and development using a multidisciplinary approach.
    2. Design, implement and evaluate community-based health promotion interventions that address priority public health challenges, emphasising physical and mental health.
    3. Contribute to and influence health policy development through stakeholder consultation, advocacy and strategic communication.
    4. Apply research skills to investigate health promotion challenges and contribute to evidence-based decision making
    5. Validate professional and ethical practice in planning and delivery of health promotion initiatives across diverse cultural and social contexts. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Critically analyse and apply theories of health and disease prevention.
  • Evaluate contemporary health issues within a developmental context.
  • Apply integrated multidisciplinary perspectives in written assignments, presentations, or case study evaluations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Formulate context-specific health promotion strategies.
  • Apply evidence-based methods to assess the effectiveness of health promotion interventions.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions using appropriate indicators and the ability to reflect on areas for improvement.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Conduct stakeholder consultations and focus group engagements.
  • Draft and critique of health promotion policies and strategic plans.
  • Demonstrate through a policy-making process an analysis of real-world case studies or simulated consultations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Formulate relevant research questions and select appropriate qualitative or quantitative methods.
  • Analyse data and present findings that inform health promotion practice.
  • Write a research report that meets academic and professional standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Identify and address ethical issues related to health promotion, especially in vulnerable populations or similar settings.
  • Critically reflect on one's values and biases and their impact on working with diverse populations.
  • Apply cultural competence, inclusivity, and respect principles to community engagement activities.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Assessment is structured to measure achievement of the exit level outcomes in an integrated way through a combination of formative and summative assessments. Assessments are designed to develop and test learners' ability to apply knowledge, analyse complex problems and demonstrate critical thinking in health promotion practice.

    Formative Assessment: (60% of Total Year Mark):
    For providing ongoing feedback, methods include:
  • Assignments
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Tests

    Summative Assessment: (40% of Total Year Mark):
    To evaluate overall competence at the end of the learning modules. Summative assessments are in the form of a final examination. Question papers are set in the department by an internal examiner and moderated by internal and external examiners. A comprehensive research report is also necessary.

    Work-Integrated Learning (WIL):
    This is not a requirement for this qualification. Students engage in community-based project work, which simulates real-world health promotion practice. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Promotion has been benchmarked against comparable qualifications offered by internationally recognised institutions. This was done to ensure relevance, quality and competitiveness. Two institutions were selected for comparison based on their global reputation in public health education.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: University of Auckland
    Qualification title: Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Health Promotion)
    NQF Equivalent: NZQF Level 8
    Credits: 120 points (equivalent to 120 South African credits)
    Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
    Admission Requirements:
  • Undergraduate degree in a health-related discipline
  • GPA or GPE of at least 2.5
    Module /Curriculum content:
  • Foundations of health promotion
  • Health promotion theory and models
  • Community health development
  • Evaluation of health promotion
  • Research methods

    Assessment:
    A combination of assignments, practical projects and examinations
    No formal WIL, however, community-based learning and field engagement are embedded
    Articulates into the Master of Public Health or the Master of Health Sciences

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are 120 credits at NQF Level 8
  • Similar target audience
  • Strong emphasis on research, health promotion theory and community-based strategies
  • Aligned assessment types

    Differences:
  • Auckland qualification includes more flexibility in elective modules
  • The GPE entry score system differs from the South African standard grading system.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of the Sunshine Coast
    Qualification title: Graduate Diploma in Health Promotion
    NQF Equivalent: AQF Level 8 (aligned to NQF Level 8)
    Credits: 96 units (equivalent to approximately 120 South African credits)
    Duration: 1 year full-time
    Admission requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in health, Education
    Or
  • Social Sciences
  • Relevant professional or practical experience recognised for RPL modules

    Modules/Curriculum content:
  • Foundations of health promotion
  • Public health policy and planning
  • Behavioural and environmental change
  • Advocacy and health communication
  • Evaluation in Public Health

    Assessments:
  • Project-based assessments.
  • Critical reflections.
  • Policy briefs and health promotion strategy presentations.

    Articulation:
    Progression into the Master of Health Promotion or the Master of Public Health.

    Similarities:
  • Curriculum focuses on public health promotion, health systems and policy.
  • Entry requirements and articulation pathways match closely.
  • Similar qualification length and credit value.
  • Strong emphasis on applied learning and research integration.

    Differences:
  • USC qualification places more emphasis on environmental and behavioural health.
  • Slight difference in the naming and structuring of modules. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Education, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Community Development,NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Public Health, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Health Promotion, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation
  • Higher Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    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. 

    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. Walter Sisulu University 


    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.