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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Pulmonology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93618  Master of Philosophy in Pulmonology 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch 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
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  180  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 Master's Degree aims to prepare the successful learner for a career as a Pulmonologist. The learner will be supervised, guided and assisted by properly qualified specialists and will be required to perform a research project at the appropriate level.

Learners enrolling for this qualification will:
  • Acquire a high level of theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills and experience in the field of Pulmonology, via appropriate assimilation and analysis of new information, the ability to find workable solutions to problems and challenges, and practical application of knowledge accrued.
  • Acquire the necessary skills to:
    > Identify key research opportunities, initiate well structured research studies and complete such studies.
    > Apply the results thereof.
    > Promote an approach based on academic integrity and professional ethics.
    > Move into a higher level of academic research work for Doctoral Studies.

    On successful completion of the qualification the learner will be able to contribute to a pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure advancement in the field of Pulmonology and to make provision for the country's needs in a skilled scientific workforce of the highest calibre.

    Rationale:
    The world-wide pandemic of Respiratory disease, in particular tuberculosis, smoking-related pulmonary diseases and HIV related pulmonary diseases, has made appropriate training and research in this field a priority. South Africa is no exception and these disorders, especially among the economically disadvantaged, have now reached staggering proportions. Not only is patient care required, but more clinical research on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, risk factors, prevention and appropriate management of the complex of respiratory diseases has become mandatory.

    This qualification aims to address the need for properly trained clinicians, with a thorough understanding of and experience in clinical research in the field of respiratory medicine. As in all the subspecialty programmes in Medicine, learners entering this qualification will be qualified physicians who have obtained their Master of Medicine Degree and possibly hold a Fellowship with the South African College of Physicians. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The Mater of Philosophy in Pulmonology (MPhil Pulm) conforms to the institution's Policy for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) as well as the ARPL policy of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

    The policy defines the process that must be followed in the assessment of an application for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at Postgraduate level and provides information pertaining to assessment tools that can be used in the assessment of RPL applications.

    Entry Requirements:
    The entry-level qualification is an Honours or equivalent Degree in the chosen or related field/discipline specialist Degree in Medicine. The applicant must also be currently registered with the relevant Professional Board as Specialist Physician. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises two compulsory modules totalling 180 Credits at NQF Level 9. Learners have to pass both modules to obtain the qualification.

    Modules:
  • Clinical Pulmonology, 135 Credits.
  • Research assignment, 45 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a high level of theoretical knowledge about common respiratory disorders, e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sarcoidosis, pulmonary and pleural tuberculosis, interstitial lung diseases and lung cancer, as well as less common respiratory disorders, i.e., mediastinal tumours and occupationally related pulmonary disease, as listed in the course protocol; and apply practical skills and experience in clinical Pulmonology to assess patients, clinically request and interpret the necessary laboratory tests and prescribe the appropriate prophylactic and/or curative treatment.
    2. Critically assess existing literature, clinical and laboratory data, and solve complex or unusual clinical pulmonary problems, based on a thorough understanding of disease mechanisms and pathophysiology.
    3. Teach junior colleagues and provide guidance in problem solving and management of pulmonary disorders, and acquire the required foundation to pursue a higher level of academic work in the form of Doctoral studies.
    4. Engage in independent research and produce findings in the form of a research report from a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies in the chosen focus area. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    1.1 Analyses of the problems and issues reflect a purposeful and critical application of advanced theory, current knowledge and expertise in the focus area of respiratory disorders.
    1.2 Interventions and/or recommendations reflect purposeful and creative plans to seek solutions based on theory and proven methods in the chosen field.
    1.3 Discussions and/or interventions reflect advanced application of appropriate skills, strategies and techniques in accordance with corresponding theoretical assumptions in the chosen field.
    1.4 Evaluations comprehensively describe outcomes of interventions, techniques, strategies or processes in relation to the stated goals and in accordance with corresponding theoretical assumptions.
    1.5 Evaluations critically analyse outcomes in accordance with the identified needs and issues within the chosen focus area.
    1.6 Evaluations are purposefully used as the basis for planning, implementing and making recommendations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    2.1 Current literature and research are accessed, analysed and organised systematically in the chosen focus area.
    2.2 Evaluations demonstrate clear evidence of effective application of the principles of research practice in the chosen focus area.
    2.3 Conclusions and recommendations are justified by the use of appropriate evidence and arguments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    3.1 Discussions reflect a clear understanding of the context (including policy, legislation and global issues), appropriate concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in the chosen field.
    3.2 Presentations reflect the appropriate application of the relevant concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in the chosen field.
    3.3 Written work on the chosen field displays critical analyses and a degree of intellectual independence.
    3.4 Motivations of own position to specific debates are based on sound integration of relevant theory, practice, research and independent, creative thinking.
    3.5 Discussions demonstrate understanding of own position and its feasibility in relation to major debates.
    3.6 Written and oral formats clearly and cogently communicate explanations of own position.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    4.1 Clear, answerable research questions as they pertain to the discipline of Pulmonology are formulated.
    4.2 The most appropriate methodology to address the research question(s) is identified and used.
    4.3 All relevant information, including research and review articles, textbooks and guidelines are found by accessing Internet databases and employing appropriate search strategies.
    4.4 The relevant literature is critically evaluated and an appropriate literature review is written.
    4.5 A research protocol is formulated and written.
    4.6 The study is conducted, the data analysed and logical, evidence-based conclusions from the data are drawn.
    4.7 The results of the research are presented and defended in an acceptable scientific format.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Continuous Formative Assessment:
  • Regular feedback (3-6 monthly) is provided by the programme co-ordinator to the learner and also to the Departmental Postgraduate Committee.
  • Learners receive feedback on the management of patients under their care and on the development of their domain-specific knowledge and skills.
  • A logbook is used to ensure that clinical exposure is adequate and that sufficient practice in performing relevant procedures has taken place.
  • Clinical cases and/or written tests may also be employed as part of the formative assessment.

    Summative Assessment:
    The summative assessment consists of a national written examination conducted by the College of Medicine of South Africa.

    Research Assignment:
  • The research assignment is submitted as a written report, preferably in the format of a scientific paper.
  • It is assessed by two independent examiners, one of whom should be an external examiner, who have not been involved in planning or conducting the study.
  • Examiners (preferably 3) may be proposed by the supervisor, but must be appointed by the Postgraduate Committee (PGC) of the Department of Medicine.
  • The assignment, together with a copy of the guidelines for assessment and a copy of the standard report form, must be submitted by the PGC to the examiners for assessment.
  • The examiners must return the completed standard report form to the PGC together with a more detailed report. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The following international qualifications were used for comparison purposes.

    Magister Kedokteran in Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine - Universitas Indonesia:
    This is a professional academic education qualification which produces a graduate who will be conferred with Magister Kedokteran (M.Ked) Degree. Subsequently, the graduate will obtain a Specialist Doctor-1, that is, the second professional Degree.

    Professional education aims to nurture graduates that have theoretical and practical ability to be expert in certain field so that they understand and are able to scientifically solve problems in the profession as well as value the professional ethics to be realised in the service to the public.

    The curriculum is in accordance to the Indonesian Specialist Doctor Education Standard that has been regulated by the Indonesian Medical Council.

    The aim of the M Ked Degree is to produce Specialist-1 Doctors who have the academic competency of Clinical Medicine Magister to promote the advancement of knowledge and technology as well as ability to extend second professional Degree medical service.

    Second Professional Degree education is directed so that the graduates will possess the:
  • Ability to give specialist service in the profession.
  • Ability to develop specialist knowledge, technology, culture and art in the profession.
  • Ability to solve problems in the profession through research and service.
  • Ability to analyse the many developments in the profession.
  • Fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine - University of California San Francisco, United States of America:
    The goal of the qualification is to train physicians for academic careers in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. To achieve this goal, 18 months of clinical training in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine is offered, followed by 18 or more months of basic or clinical research training. Academic training is accomplished by intensive, personal faculty supervision of trainees in a setting that provides well-equipped clinical and research facilities and an environment that fosters scientific inquiry.

    At the start of training, each Fellow is assigned a mentor who serves as a guide both professionally and personally during the course of the Fellow's training. At the beginning of the second year of training, each Fellow chooses a Career Development Committee comprised of 3 or more Faculty members. These Faculty members, along with the Fellow and mentor, meet frequently during the following years to ensure that academic goals, research objectives, and/or clinical work is progressing appropriately with the future success of the Fellow in mind. In addition, the Programme Director meets with each fellow at least twice each year, to solicit their opinion about the training programme, and to provide feedback and counselling.

    Conclusion:
    In terms of the required research component and depth of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, this Master of Philosophy in Pulmonolgy complies with international practice in terms of the requirements for a medical Master's Degree. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with Masters of Philosophy in other areas of Medicine such as Pathology at NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with a Doctorate in Pulmonology at NQF Level 10. 

    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. Stellenbosch 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.