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: 

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
9289  Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery 
ORIGINATOR
University of Witwatersrand 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  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   2034-06-30  

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 first purpose of the qualification is to produce medical graduates who will have been trained appropriately to meet the challenges of the supervised internship and vocational training years with confidence and to pursue a rewarding career which provides continued personal intellectual growth.

The second purpose of the qualification is to produce medical graduates who (following the internship and vocational training years) will be professionally equipped at nationally and internationally recognised standards to serve all the communities of South Africa and to function independently in the community on a primary health care or general practice level.

The third purpose of the qualification is to train doctors who will meet the requirements to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and will be able to specialise further in specific medical or health care management fields. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
A firm grounding in English and Mathematics, as well as Biology and/or Physical Science provides a learning base for the achievement of the qualification.

FORMALLY ACCREDITED LEARNING:
The minimum requirement for admission to the qualification is usually a Matriculation certificate or an exemption certificate from the Matriculation Board of the Committee of institution Principals (Matriculation Board) with certain subjects achieved at a certain level of competence, or equivalent institution-approved qualification, or a mature age exemption certificate from the Matriculation Board or equivalent consult the application information for the year of study for which application is being made.

OTHER QUALITIES:
Besides minimum admission requirements, oral and written English language proficiency is important for success in this course. Qualities other than academic achievement are taken into account e.g. through biographical questionnaires or interviews which address aspects such as leadership qualities, participation in cultural and sporting activities, membership of clubs and societies, languages spoken, community service and employment or voluntary work.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners who fall outside of the normal admissions process who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the University that they have a qualification or experiential- or work based learning which has taken the learner to an equivalent level of a qualification specified above (under Formally Accredited Learning), may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior accredited and/or prior experiential learning. Learners who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but are in need of further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary qualifications prior to admission or parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
    For the Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) or admission to Year 3. The admission requirements are:
  • Bachelor of Technology, NQF Level 7 with a minimum of 60% over the final two completed years of study.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Engineering Science in Biomedical Engineering, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science, NQF Level 7. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 1098 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 162 Credits:
  • Introduction to Medical Sciences, 36 Credits.
  • Chemistry I, 36 Credits.
  • Physics I, 36 Credits.
  • Psychological Foundations of Health, 18 Credits.
  • Sociological Foundations of Health, 18 Credits.
  • System Dynamics for Medical Students, 18 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 168 Credits:
  • Human Anatomy, 48 Credits.
  • Physiology and Medical Biochemistry, 48 Credits.
  • Molecular Medicine, 48 Credits.
  • Medical Thought and Practice, 24 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 192 Credits:
  • Integrated Basic Medical and Human Sciences A, 192 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 576 Credits:
  • Integrated Basic Medical and Human Sciences B, 192 Credits.
  • Integrated Clinical Medicine A, 192 Credits.
  • Integrated Clinical Medicine B, 192 Credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1) Medical problem solving (collecting, researching, documenting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information).
  • At the end of the Bachelor of the qualification the qualifying learner will be competent to assess the range of health problems that are presented to doctors and use a range of solutions for their recognition, investigation, treatment and prevention.

    2) Acquisition and application of fundamental and specialist knowledge to the practice of medicine, including proficiency in basic clinical skills.
  • At the end of the degree the qualifying learner will be competent to apply knowledge and skills acquired to determine the causes of disease and to solve medical problems.

    3) Understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • In the contexts of the whole individual and his or her place in the family, society, the population and the environment, at the end of the qualification the qualifying learner will have knowledge of health and its promotion, and of disease and its prevention and management in these contexts.

    4) Working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, or community.
  • At the end of the qualification the qualifying learner will be competent to work with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, or community.

    5) Attitudes and Values Outcomes.
  • At the end of the qualification the qualifying learner should have acquired appropriate attitudes and values essential to the practice of medicine and should demonstrate the attitudes necessary for the achievement of high standards of medical practice, both in relation to the care of individuals and communities and to his or her own personal development.

    6) Professional and general communication.
  • At the end of the qualification the qualifying learner will be competent to communicate effectively.

    7) Organising and managing activities for self-development responsibly and effectively.
  • At the end of the qualification the qualifying learner will have acquired and will demonstrate self-direction and independence in their learning in order to become lifelong learners, and will recognise personal educational needs, utilise appropriate learning situations and evaluate their own progress. 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1. The qualifying learner will demonstrate the ability to:
  • Apply a problem-solving model to the assessment of patients to develop and test hypotheses.
  • Analyse information from history, physical examination, diagnostic tests, and patient notes to arrive at a diagnosis.
  • Make appropriate decisions regarding management and treatment or referral based on the above and on current evidence.
  • Demonstrate enterprise in solving problems.

    2. With the available evidence, the qualifying learner will determine the causes of disease and solve medical problems by applying:
  • Fundamental knowledge of the natural sciences (eg. physics, chemistry, biology)
  • Core knowledge of the scientific basis of normal human structure and function (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry)
  • Core knowledge of human disease processes (eg. pathology, pathophysiology and microbiology)
  • Core knowledge of clinical disciplines.
  • Knowledge of mental, physical and social disease processes (eg. psychology, human behavioural sciences).
  • Knowledge gained through the critical evaluation of medical literature and the effective use of a modern library in order to keep up to date with new developments.
  • Basic clinical skills in a safe manner.

    3. In the context of the individual patient, the qualifying learner will show the ability to integrate basic science and clinical skills with an understanding of the consultative process, and will demonstrate the ability to:
  • Obtain an appropriate history and understanding of the patient's reason for encounter.
  • Perform a complete physical examination, including an assessment of the mental state.
  • Interpret the findings to reach a provisional assessment of the patient's problems and formulate the patient plans for investigation and management, including opportunistic health promotion.
  • Collate and interpret all relevant information, including data obtained from laboratory and special investigations, and make a diagnosis.
  • Maintain a functional relationship with the patient, even if the patient rejects investigation and management.
  • Appropriately and effectively record all the above.

    In the context of population health,
  • Collect and record health-relevant information in a systematic and reliable way; use this information to identify health problems and apply it to manage these problems.
  • Analyse the burden of disease within the community, and the environmental, socio-economic, political, ecological and behavioural determinants of disease.
  • Apply the principles of disease surveillance and the means by which disease may spread and apply the principles of disease prevention and health promotion within the context of promoting a healthy environment.
  • Play a role in the organisation, management and provision of health care both in the community and in the hospital, taking into consideration the economic and practical constraints within which it is delivered, and the audit process to monitor its delivery.

    4. The qualifying learner will:
  • Recognise the nature and scope of the various professional health disciplines, such that he or she will be able to make informed decisions with regard to his or her future career direction and development in medicine.
  • Work effectively with others in the health care team, understanding the need to have managerial, communication, research and educational skills for this purpose.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the essential roles which other health workers play in health care and show a willingness to work effectively within a team.

    5. The qualifying learner will:
  • Incorporate ethical and legal issues in the practice of medicine.
  • Show respect for patients and colleagues that encompasses, without prejudice, diversity of background and opportunity, language, culture and way of life.
  • Demonstrate an awareness, through actions or in writing, of the moral and ethical responsibilities involved in individual patient care and in the provision of care to communities, including the recognition of patient and community rights, particularly with regard to confidentiality and informed consent.
  • Strive to improve patient care, reduce inequalities in healthcare delivery, and optimise the use of healthcare resources in our society.
  • Be able to use his or her professional capabilities to contribute to the community as well as to individual patient welfare through the practice of preventive medicine and the encouragement of health promotion.

    6. The qualifying learner will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively.
  • Orally and in writing, with the patient, the family, the health care team and the community at large.
  • Using appropriate structure, language and style.

    7. The qualifying learner will:
  • Use appropriate strategies for learning that will prepare them for continued professional development throughout life, both as doctors and as responsible citizens.
  • Acknowledge responsibility for vocational training in whatever field of medicine is chosen and for continuing professional education in order to keep up to date with new developments.
  • Identify personal limitations and develop the capacity of self-audit and participate in the peer review process, showing a willingness to seek help when necessary.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment occurs especially in the clinical years (years of study 4-6) of the degree when learners undertake continuous ward assessments as well as written and clinical tests and examinations.

    The final (sixth) year brings all of the learning together when students assume clinical responsibility for a few patients, under close supervision. Here learners are expected to demonstrate, under supervision, their cognitive and clinical reasoning skills, clinical psychomotor skills, clinical psychomotor skills and sensitivity to the "world of the patient" required of a doctor. These include the ability to solve problems, generate hypotheses, formulate provisional diagnoses, make decisions about patient management, examine their practice in the light of current evidence (Evidence Based Medicine), reflect on decisions and modify them where appropriate and apply this knowledge with sensitivity in various social and clinical contexts.

    The formal assessment methods used are a contribution of those introduced in earlier years. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours, NQF Level 8., NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences, NQF Level 8
  • Bachelor of Pharmacy, NQF Level 8

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Medicine, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Medical Science, NQF Level 9. 

  • 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 Witwatersrand 



    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.