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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93596  Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  502  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   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 Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Sciences aims to provide qualifying learners with:
  • The minimum requirements for registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as Medical Laboratory Scientists.
  • Access to employment in public, private and research health care laboratories.
  • The qualification which equips the learner with the expertise to perform and integrate laboratory tests with pathophysiological conditions (Pathology).
  • The expertise to organise laboratory operations in clinical diagnostic laboratories and related fields in compliance with statutory requirements for ethics, safety and quality assurance.
  • Supervisory, management and research skills.

    Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will have developed:
  • The ability to integrate laboratory tests with pathophysiological conditions (Pathology) in a specific field of specialisation in accordance with statutory and operations requirements. These fields of specialisation are:
    > Medical Microbiology.
    > Virology.
    > Clinical Chemistry.
    > Haematology.
    > Clinical Pathology.
    > Immunohaematology (Blood Transfusion Technology).
    > Histopathology.
    > Cytopathology.
    > Cytogenetics.
    > Immunology.
    > Pharmacology.
    > Forensic Medicine.
  • The ability to critically evaluate current and new trends in technology to improve practices and to solve problems in a variety of contexts.
  • The ability to evaluate new information, concepts and evidence from a range of sources and develop the academic skills, values and attributes necessary to undertake independent research in the field of Medical Laboratory Sciences, in compliance with legislated and ethical research principles.
  • The ability to apply management and entrepreneurial skills in the context of Medical Laboratory Sciences.

    Rationale:
    Medical Technologists are currently known as Medical Laboratory Scientists and they form part of an integral healthcare team of any country. Qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists are specialised health professionals who provide vital information about patients' state of health. The Scientist input is necessary in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of diseases. The analytical and diagnostic services provided by Medical Laboratory Scientists require them to have advanced scientific knowledge and skills, superior reasoning ability and empathy for humankind. The professional Degree has been structured to produce graduates with strong scientific knowledge, good reasoning ability and research skills through the development of higher level cognitive skills and competencies.

    Although the standard of the current training of Medical Technologists is highly regarded in the international arena, a professional degree is required for international benchmarking. A qualification of international recognition and standing will also attract international learners and academics. In order to fulfil this need, the Medical Technology fraternity which encompasses both practitioners and academia, investigated the need for a professional degree in South Africa, as well as a name change to Medical Laboratory Scientist, in order to bring South Africa in line with international trends.

    The qualification is currently offered at academic institutions accredited for training with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). In addition a 12 month internship at an accredited training laboratory must be completed followed by the writing of the National Board Examination in their chosen field of specialisation before they can register as qualified Medical Technologists.

    The content of the qualification reflects the latest advances in scientific knowledge and technology. The National Board Examination will be incorporated into the professional Degree. This will be learners' final integrated summative assessment (FISA) which they will need to pass in order to graduate. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This Qualification can be achieved in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning. An RPL process may also be used to credit learners with credits in which they have developed the necessary competency because of workplace and work-integrated learning, for example, people currently holding the HPCSA specialisation certificates could be awarded credits towards the qualification based on RPL assessment.

    An RPL process may also be used to credit learners with credits in which they have developed the necessary competency because of workplace and work-integrated learning, for example, people currently holding the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) specialisation certificates could be awarded credits towards the qualification based on RPL assessment.

    Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment, and may be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition.

    Access to the Qualification:
  • National Senior Certificate, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4 with Mathematics, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with LBiology, Physical Science and Mathematics. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 502 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5: 66 Credits:
  • Integrative Medical Sciences I, 46.5 Credits.
  • Introduction to Medical Laboratory Sciences I 19.5 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules Level 6: 174 Credits:
  • Human Anatomy, Physiology and Disease I, 30 Credits.
  • Cell Biology I, 12 Credits.
  • Immunology I, 12 Credits.
  • Clinical Chemistry II, 24 Credits.
  • Medical Microbiology II, 24 Credits.
  • Haematology II, 24 Credits.
  • Immunohaematology II, 12 Credits.
  • Histology II, 12 Credits.
  • Cytology II, 12 Credits.
  • Cytogenetics II, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 125 Credits:
  • Clinical Chemistry III, 12 Credits.
  • Medical Microbiology III, 12 Credits.
  • Haematology III, 12 Credits.
  • Cytology III, 12 Credits.
  • Integrative Medical Laboratory Sciences III (includes Clinical Practice Theory III and Clinical Practice III), 69 Credits.
  • Research Methods III, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8 worth 17 Credits:
  • Research Project IV, 12 Credits.
  • Laboratory Management, 5 Credits.

    Elective Module, Level 8: 120 Credits (Choose one module):
  • Clinical Chemistry IV, 120 Credits.
  • Haematology IV, 120 Credits.
  • Microbiology IV, 120 Credits.
  • Immunohematology IV, 120 Credits.
  • Cytology IV, 120 Credits.
  • Histology IV, 120 Credits.
  • Immunology IV, 120 Credits.
  • Virology IV, 120 Credits.
  • Forensic Sciences IV, 120 Credits.
  • Pharmacology IV, 120 Credits.
  • Cytogenetics, 120 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts and principles applicable to Medical Laboratory Scientists.
    2. Demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding of vital aspects and ethics in Medical Laboratory Scientists' responsibilities.
    3. Introduce the theory and laboratory techniques in areas of Bacteriology and Mycobacteriology.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of research methods, techniques and technologies and appropriately make a selection for a particular research problem in an area of specialisation.
    5. Identify, analyse and deal with complex and/or real world problems and issues using evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
    6. Present and communicate academic professional work effectively, catering for a range of audiences by using a range of different genres appropriate to the context. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The core concepts and principles of the discipline are identified, described and explained.
  • The relationships among the core concepts and principles are demonstrated.
  • The range and limits of applicability of the core concepts and principles are identified.
  • The core concepts and principles are applied to standard problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Equipment is set-up and operated.
  • Routine investigations are performed according to Standard Operating Practices.
  • An in-depth understanding of protocols regarding laboratory injuries and accidents prevention, control and management of laboratory acquired infections is demonstrated.
  • Ethical, professional and legal principles and together with rules in the laboratory are applied.
  • Laboratory results are interpreted and correlated with clinical data and other laboratory tests.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Safety, prevention and control in the microbiology laboratory are demonstrated.
  • Microbes are identified and classified.
  • Host-parasite relationships are explained.
  • Understanding of principles and concepts of quality control and laboratory statistics, quality assurance and safety in specimen handling are demonstrated.
  • Investigative procedures in the laboratory are explained and demonstrated.
  • Serological tests in the laboratory are demonstrated and explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The library, internet and other data storage and retrieval facilities are used to access information.
  • Scientific reasoning is used to evaluate the quality of information.
  • Information from a variety of sources, which may be contradictory or divergent, is synthesised.
  • Appropriate forms of enquiry are conducted by applying standard procedures within the discipline such as experimental or computational techniques, or deductive reasoning.
  • Data are collected and recorded accurately, truthfully and in appropriate formats.
  • Data and scientific evidence are analysed and valid arguments and conclusions are presented from such analysis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Concrete and abstract problems, in familiar and unfamiliar contexts, are formulated, analysed and solved.
  • The knowledge of theory is applied to particular real-world contexts.
  • Knowledge is integrated, e.g. from various disciplines or modes of enquiry, in solving scientific problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Practical reports are presented in the form of a scientific/academic paper.
  • Verbal skills and the ability to argue logically are assessed though debates.
  • Oral presentations which will be aided by effective and well-designed computer-based presentations are managed.
  • Scientific language is used correctly to produce clear and coherent written documents, which follow appropriate scientific conventions.
  • Scientific information is presented verbally to others.
  • Appropriate referencing conventions are used, plagiarism is avoided and intellectual property is respected.
  • Non-verbal forms of representation are used correctly and appropriately.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment as an integral part of the teaching and learning process is systematically and purposefully used to generate data for grading, ranking, selecting and predicting. Assessment also provides timely feedback on Learner performance that should inform teaching methods and curriculum design. Integrated assessment will be conducted collaboratively in accordance with the requirements of the HPCSA as well as the higher education institutions offering the qualification.

    Assessment activities will include the following:
  • Observation of real or simulated tasks, e.g. practical sessions/demonstrations, role-plays, presentations.
  • Evaluation of a product after a task has been completed, e.g., projects, assignments, case studies, portfolios, posters, log books, reflective journals.
  • Questions, oral or written, used either separately or in combination with tests /examinations, including short or long questions, essays, and multiple choice questions.
    Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably aligned. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the Exit Level Outcomes will be integrated through the practical application of diagnostics, technology and research in a specified medical laboratory sciences speciality. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The challenge of selection for international comparability resides in the fact that direct comparison needs to consider a number of best practices internationally while at the same time making provision for the diversity within the South African operating context.

    The University of Technology in Sydney (UTS) offers a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science as a three year full-time, or six year part-time Degree. Alternatively, learners can complete a four year full-time Degree, with the successful completion of a diploma in Scientific Practice or 4 years full-time with Honours. This represents a fourth year and is required for full recognition to practice. Graduates with this qualification have professional recognition in overseas countries.

    Components of the UTS qualification are similar to the South African qualification and consist of Physiology, Pathophysiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology and Clinical subjects such as Haematology and Microbiology. The credits for this qualification are 144 of which 24 credits consist of electives that may be taken as a sub-major. This is a four year full-time study qualification recognised by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS).

    Core Modules
  • Statistical Design and Analysis, 6 Credits.
  • Chemistry 1A, 6 Credits.
  • Cells, Genetics and Evolution, 6 Credits.
  • Medical Science I, 6 Credits.
  • Chemistry 2A, 6 Credits.
  • Physical Aspects of Nature, 6 Credits.
  • Biomolecules: Structure and Function, 6 Credits.
  • Medical Science 2, 6 Credits.
  • General Microbiology, 6 Credits.
  • Metabolic Biochemistry, 6 Credits.
  • Anatomical Pathology, 6 Credits.
  • Immunology I, 3 Credits.
  • Haematology I, 3 Credits.
  • Molecular Biology I, 6 Credits.
  • Analytical Biochemistry, 6 Credits.
  • Epidemiology and Public Health Microbiology, 6 Credits.

    Learners need to select 1 module from one of the following in their second year:
  • Biotechnology, 6 Credits.
  • Physiological Systems, 6 Credits.

    In their third year learners need to select 24 credit points (12 credit points from group 1 and 12 credit points from group 2, respectively) from one of the following electives.
    Group 1
  • Cytopathology Part A.
  • Clinical Bacteriology.
  • Medical and Diagnostic Biochemistry.
  • Haematology 2.
  • Molecular Biology 2.
  • Cytopathology.

    Group 2
  • Transfusion Science.
  • Cytopathology Part B.
  • Biochemistry, Genes and Disease.
  • Parasitology.
  • Immunology 2.

    These competencies compare favourably with the competencies outlined in the South African professional Degree. In addition, the South African professional Degree emphasises competencies such as laboratory management, quality assurance and ethical conduct, which are not explicitly stated in the competencies outlined in the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science as offered by UTS.

    The Auckland University of Technology offers a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (Level 7) 480 credits which is also recognised in Australia by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS). This is a four year full-time qualification with the following specialisations:
  • Clinical Chemistry.
  • Haematology.
  • Histology.
  • Immunology.
  • Medical Cytology.
  • Medical Microbiology.
  • Transfusion Science.

    The specialisations in the qualification offered at Auckland University of Technology are similar to those in the South African professional Degree. The South African professional Degree includes the additional specialisations of Virology, Cytogenetics and Clinical Pathology. The South African professional Degree provides for specialisation in the theory of four majors and intense specialised practical competence in one discipline in the fourth year.
    The core competencies of the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Level 7) offered by Auckland University of Technology include:
  • Scientific Communications.
  • Statistical Models.
  • Microbiology.
  • Organic Chemistry.
  • General Chemistry.
  • Histological Techniques.
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology.
  • Biological Chemistry.
  • Genetics.
  • Clinical Chemistry.
  • Haematology.
  • Immunology and Virology.
  • Transfusion Sciences.
  • Molecular Genetics.
  • Research.

    The University of Wales Institute, Cardiff offers the BSc. Honours qualification in Biomedical Sciences (Applied Biomedical Sciences) that is recognised by the Welsh National Health Service. This is similar to the South African professional Degree in that it is also designed to encourage, develop, integrate and apply scientific knowledge, understanding and skills into a multi-disciplinary investigation of human diseases and disorders. The core and fundamental competencies are similar to the South African professional Degree.

    In the first year learners cover Fundamental Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology and Human Physiology. Molecular Biology of the Cell, Epidemiology, Data Analysis, Research Methods, Medical Biochemistry, Disorders of Cells and Tissues, Public Health and Medical Microbiology are covered in the second year. The third year covers Biology and Laboratory Investigation, Molecular and Genetic Analyses and Molecular and Clinical Immunology. The third year contains a strong research component as well to encourage independent enquiry and critical analysis. Integrated work-based training is undertaken in the Welsh NHS accredited clinical laboratories. On successful completion of the integrated work-based professional training undertaken in NHS accredited clinical laboratory, the learners are awarded with a certificate of competence and graduates successfully completing this qualification are eligible to apply to become registered with Health Professions Council.

    The University of Zimbabwe offers an internationally recognised Degree namely, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (Honours Degree). The competencies required are equivalent to those of the South African professional Degree. The theory component of the qualification is covered in the first, second and fourth years of study (900 hours per year) while the third year is dedicated to working in accredited clinical laboratories. Within the first year 70% of the time is dedicated to lectures and tutorials, 15% to practical and 15% to student-based learning i.e. assignments, projects, etc. For the second and fourth year the distribution is 75%: 15%: 10% and 70%: 10%: 20%, respectively. The design of the Zimbabwe qualification differs in terms of the intended practical, work-based learning. In the South African professional Degree, work-based learning should account for 180 notional hours whilst in comparison that in the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (Honours Degree) at the University of Zimbabwe accounts for 134 notional hours. The additional notional time spent on developing practical competence is considered to strengthen the South African professional Degree.

    Another SADC country that offers a similar Degree is the Polytechnic of Namibia. This qualification is the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences Degree and is worth 500 credits at NQF Level 8.

    Modules
    Year 1
  • Human Physiology (including Pathophysiology, Genetics and Cytology).
  • Chemistry I.
  • Biostatistics and Calculations.
  • Medical Physics.
  • Laboratory Principles I (including Computer Literacy).
  • Communication Skills I.
  • Basic Molecular Biology.
  • Immunology.
  • Biochemistry.
  • Applied Laboratory Principles.

    Year 2
  • Medical Microbiology I.
  • Cellular Pathology I.
  • Haematology I.
  • Clinical Chemistry.
  • Biology of Diseases.
  • Medical Microbiology II.
  • Haematology II.
  • Cellular Pathology II.
  • Clinical Chemistry II.
  • Immunohaematology I.

    Year 3
  • Medical Microbiology III (Pathophysiology integrated).
  • Haematology III (Pathophysiology integrated).
  • Clinical Chemistry III (Pathophysiology integrated).
  • Cellular Pathology III (Pathophysiology integrated).
  • Research Methodology (including higher level of Biostatistics).
  • Laboratory Management.
  • Integrated Clinical Pathology.
  • Integrated Cellular Pathology.

    Year 4
  • Integrated Clinical Pathology (at workplace).
  • Research Project.

    In terms of the credits, the Namibian qualification equates to 50 credits at NQF Level 5, 75 credits at NQF Level 6, 235 credits at Level 7 and 140 credits at Level 8. The total number of credits is 500. In the South Africa qualification the credit values are as follows: 76 credits at NQF Level 5, 114 credits at NQF Level 6, 158 credits at NQF Level 7 and 156 credits at NQF Level 8. The total number of credits is 504. There has been close collaboration between Namibian and South African professionals in the development of the Namibian qualification.

    In conclusion, the South African professional qualification compares well with the qualifications mentioned. The comparison shows a strong correlation with regard to the core operational areas of medical laboratory sciences. All the qualifications used for comparison are 4 year qualifications that require professional recognition before the learners can practice.

    In the qualifications selected for comparison a similarity of competencies is clearly identifiable, and in some instances, in order to meet the South African requirements in the field of medical laboratory sciences the South African qualification provides a broader scope of choice of specialisation. These requirements are catered for by the intended learning time in the work place, research competencies and the national standards set for the integrated exit level assessment.

    In contrast to all international qualifications investigated, assessment in the South African professional Degree is strengthened by incorporation of the professional body requirements into the final summative board examination which is nationally based and under the authority of the professional body. In addition, the South African qualification is further strengthened over all other qualifications investigated by the incorporation of a substantial research project undertaken by learners. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences in related fields, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, 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 
    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 Johannesburg 


    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.