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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Public Health Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93589  Bachelor of Public Health Honours 
ORIGINATOR
Monash South Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  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 
Purpose:
This qualification aims for learners to develop critical and analytic skills as applied to contemporary global public health studies and research. It provides learners with advanced knowledge in specific areas of public health from a global context. The qualification develops learners' ability to do research in the public health domain. This entails the writing of a research proposal, applying suitable research methods, data collection and analysis techniques, to reach report findings, to draw conclusions and to make recommendations.

Rationale:
Public Health is a multi-disciplinary field of study that involves applying scientific approaches to the study of health. Undergraduate studies in Public Health are designed to provide learners with foundation skills and knowledge in determinants of health and disease, epidemiology, healthcare systems, health promotion and disease prevention, policy analysis and health sociology. The qualification has a distinctly global orientation, examining international health challenges.

Graduates have a solid foundation for a professional health career in the wide range of public and private sector organisations working to improve health. Employment may be found in public and private sector health organisations, government health departments, non-government health agencies and research centres.

The Bachelor of Public Health Honours, BPH (Honours), Degree is intended to provide Bachelor of Public Health (or similar Degree) learners with an opportunity to complete an intercalated honours course as part of their studies. Assuming that equivalence of previous studies completed is able to be demonstrated, it will also be feasible for non-BPH learners to enrol in the BPH (Honours) course, with the two coursework subjects intended to provide such learners with the knowledge needed to successfully complete a BPH(Honours). 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Institution adheres to national requirements for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and has an RPL policy and procedures in place. The Institution thus allows for an educationally appropriate alternative access to the qualification and may recognise the following:
  • Formal learning, such as a course offered by a professional body, enterprise, private educational institution, or by any other accredited provider recognised by the Institution. These may include professional development or on-the job-training.
  • Experience of approximately three to five years working within the industry will be considered in conjunction with the academic record of the candidate based on the institutional policy of Recognition of Prior Learning.

    RPL may also be granted for admission to the qualification, where an applicant's previous non-accredited formal study or informal learning is assessed as equivalent to the prerequisite qualification.

    The Institution may grant credit for subjects (modules) passed, with satisfactory grades, at other recognised higher education institutions if:
  • The subject is considered to be equivalent in content and standard to those offered by The Institution.
  • It is relevant to the planned course/ qualification of study.
  • The learner must still satisfactorily complete at least half the qualification units/modules at the Institution in order to be awarded a Degree.
    Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

    Entry Requirements:
    To be considered for admission to the Bachelor of Public Health Honours, an applicant must have at least the following:
  • Bachelor Degree in Public Health.
    Or
  • Any relevant qualification at NQF Level 7 that will be deemed relevant to afford the learner access. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Bachelor of Public Health Honours qualification comprises three compulsory modules, all at NQF Level 8:
  • Contemporary and global public health issues, 30 Credits.
  • Public health research proposal, 30 Credits.
  • Public health research report, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Critically examine contemporary public health issues within a global context.
    2. Critically review the scientific literature relevant to their discipline.
    3. Describe the processes involved in the design, development and implementation of a research project.
    4. Develop a proposal for a research project and apply for ethics committee approval.
    5. Execute and analyse a research project, or a set of studies.
    6. Write up scientific work in a report suitable for publication. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Contemporary global public health issues are critically discussed.
  • The relationship of health policy matters to public health is analysed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • A systematic search strategy on a specific topic based on a research question, encompassing the development of inclusion-exclusion criteria, a search strategy and table summaries of selected studies is developed.
  • The scientific literature relative to a defined research question critically reviewed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • A research proposal to meet the standard required at honours level produced by developing an outline and plan of a research process suitable for the research project.
  • A good understanding of the range of quantitative and qualitative research frameworks utilised in public health and health science research is demonstrated.
  • The research frameworks used in a range of research projects are identified.
  • The most suitable research framework/methodology for given examples of research projects is selected.
  • The research framework/methodology chosen for the research project is justified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • All protocols are followed while developing a research proposal.
  • Ethical matters vital in developing and producing a research proposal are considered.
  • Research findings are linked with literature review in a discussion section.
  • Research paradigms or methods are linked to research questions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The characteristics of research questions and formulating a research question relevant to the research project are explained.
  • A good understanding of data analysis methods in associated with the various research frameworks is demonstrated.
  • The most appropriate data analysis methods for different research frameworks identified.
  • The most suitable data analysis methods for the research project are selected.
  • Data analysis methods chosen for the research project is justified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The outline and plan for a research project are critiqued.
  • An introduction that clearly explains the structure and purpose of the study is formulated.
  • A report on a public health issue is prepared using critical analysis.
  • Conclusions are drawn and recommendations are made from the study.
  • Research findings are effectively communicated to a specialist scientific audience in oral and written format.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Theoretical and practical components are assessed together and the assessors make use of formative and summative assessment methods in assessing combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

    Assessment of the fundamental is integrated as far as possible with other aspects and uses practical contexts wherever possible. A variety of methods are used in assessment and tools and activities are appropriate to the context in which the learner is working or will work. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques are used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    Continuous assessment is done through various methods which may include: Portfolios; Simulations; Workplace assessments and practical workbooks; Written assignments; Written tests; Case studies and case presentations; Peer group evaluation; Competency evaluations of clinical skills; and Face to face contact with learners. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Faculty of Applied Health Sciences at the Brock University Ontario, in Canada offers a Bachelor of Public Health (Honours). This qualification focuses on individual, community, and population health and wellness with an emphasis on health promotion, health administration, health policy, and health programming and evaluation. The qualification equips learners about the biological, social and environmental determinants of important health issues, and explores disease prevention and health promotion strategies.

    The CQ University in Australia offers Bachelor of Public Health (Honours). This qualification gives learners the opportunity to carry out an independent research project, enabling them to develop skills such as independent learning, analytical thinking, research and communication. The qualification is designed to build on the professional skills developed in learner's specialist skills and knowledge for a successful career in the field of Public Health.

    The University of Northern British Columbia also offers a Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours (BHSc, Honours). The Bachelor of Health Sciences degree is a four-year program consisting of a range of courses that relate directly to the science of health, in the recognition that health is a complex entity defying a simple explanation or a single disciplinary perspective. The courses identified within the School of Health Sciences offer learning opportunities from a variety of disciplines, including the Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Behavioural Sciences, and Ethics and Law, to enable learners to develop a body of knowledge and understanding relating to the dimensions of Health.

    Conclusion:
    These qualifications are similar to the Bachelor of Public Health (Honours) offered by the Institution. They provide learners the opportunity to become independent responsibility as researcher from which they develop learning skills, analytical thinking and communicating the ideas. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    Horizontal articulation can possibly (to the discretion of the institution offering the qualification) occur with the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) or a similar degree or a Postgraduate Diploma in a related field of study.

    Vertical Articulation:
    Vertical articulation can occur with the Master of Public Health or a similar Degree which is at 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 2015. 

    NOTES 
    The accreditation of this qualification was transferred from Monash SA to the Independent Institute of Education (IIE) in November 2018. 

    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. The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 


    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.