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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Rheumatology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93832  Master of Philosophy in Rheumatology 
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 Rheumatologist. The learner will be supervised, guided and assisted by properly qualified individuals and they 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 clinical Rheumatology, via appropriate assimilation and analysis of new information, the ability to find workable solutions to problems and challenges, as well as 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 to a higher level of academic research work for Doctoral Studies.

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

    Rationale:
    The globally increasing burden of rheumatic diseases has made appropriate training and research in this field a priority. There is a severe shortage of Rheumatologists and South Africa has only one Rheumatologist per 2 million of the population. Not only is more patient care required, but much more clinical research on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and appropriate management of rheumatic diseases has become mandatory. We need to generate our own data and cannot simply extrapolate from work done in the developed world.

    This qualification aims to address the need to properly train clinicians with a thorough understanding of and experience in clinical research in the field of rheumatology. 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 (FCP [SA]). 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    The Master of Philosophy in Rheumatology (MPhil Rheum) conforms to the University'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 a specialist Degree in Internal Medicine or equivalent qualification. The applicant must also be currently registered with the relevant Professional Board of the Health Professions Council of South Africa. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Modules:
  • Clinical Rheumatology, 135 Credits.
  • Research Assignment, 45 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a high level of theoretical knowledge about common, as well as less common, rheumatic disorders, as listed in the course protocol; and apply practical skills and experience in Clinical Rheumatology 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 rheumatic problems, based on a thorough understanding of disease mechanisms and pathophysiology.
    3. Teach junior colleagues and provide guidance in problem solving and management of rheumatic 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 rheumatic 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 Rheumatology 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 Master of Science in Rheumatology - Kings College London, United Kingdom (UK) has been used for comparison purposes.

    This two-year part-time Rheumatology Master of Science aims to develop students' understanding of the scientific basis and clinical practice in Rheumatology. The qualification develops the capacity to understand and critically evaluate research findings, enhances communication and management skills and fosters a multidisciplinary approach to rheumatological care. Students are encouraged to publish work in peer-reviewed rheumatology journals.

    Applications for enrolment in the qualification are encouraged from specialist registrars in rheumatology, General Practitioners with a special interest, rheumatology specialty doctors, specialist nurses and other allied health professionals with appropriate and recognised qualifications/suitable experience.

    The Purpose of the qualification is to meet the needs of specialist training at pre-consultant level. Learners are encouraged to develop understanding of:
  • The scientific basis and clinical practice of rheumatology.
  • The need for critical evaluation of research and undertaking a systematic review, designing and conducting a research project.
  • Communication and management skills.
  • The ethos of a multidisciplinary approach to rheumatological care.

    The qualification covers the clinical and basic knowledge base of rheumatology in a modular structure:
  • Basic Concepts.
  • Clinical and Molecular Genetics.
  • Cell Biology.
  • Basic Immunology and Autoimmunity Immunology.
  • The Neuro-endocrine System and its Relevance to Rheumatology.
  • Haematology; Radiological Sciences and their application to Rheumatic Disease.
  • Laboratory Techniques in Diagnosis.
  • The Scientific Basis of Clinical Rheumatological Practice.
  • Specific Rheumatological Diseases.
  • Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
  • Non-drug Therapies.
  • Psycho-social and Economic Aspects of Rheumatoid Diseases Management Methods.

    A research project is also undertaken.

    It is a lecture-based programme, delivered one day per week over approximately 18 weeks, distributed throughout the academic year.

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

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

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with a Doctorate in Rheumatology 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: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    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.