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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Pulmonology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94060  Master of Philosophy in Pulmonology 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
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  300  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:
The Master of Philosophy in Pulmonology aims to train subspecialists in the field of Pulmonology, who acquired specialist knowledge and competencies through participative learning. This qualification enables learners to make informed autonomous ethical decisions in addressing challenges by accounting for scientific and social dimensions in the medical field. It intends to deliver graduates that will demonstrate a systematic understanding of theory, of in-depth knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and new insights at the forefront of Pulmonology and its related area of professional practice. This is reflected by the mastering of advanced skills and techniques applicable to the field; originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. Learners acquire a conceptual understanding of the field of study that enables them to critically evaluate methodologies, current research and advanced scholarship in the field of Pulmonology.

Rationale:
The General Master of Philosophy in Pulmonology provides Postgraduate education to train subspecialists in Pulmonology. Health care providers in South Africa and elsewhere in Africa experience a dire need for capacity and expertise to support the quality of health care provision. Expertise in this specialised field of Medicine therefore speaks to the vital need for improved health care.

This qualification intends to train registered, practicing specialists as subspecialists (or "post- or super-specialists") in Pulmonology. This field of study is acknowledged by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an expert, and much needed sub-specialisation. This emphasises the value of the investment in and necessity for building specialised capacity and advanced competency in the field of Medicine, in particular Pulmonology.

The qualification is proficiently developed by experts, within the ambit of international comparability, occupational demands and requirements, and community needs. It is also aligned with the national priorities in the Health Sector and complies with the criteria, norms and standards set by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The Faculty of Health Sciences developed and approved the Master of Philosophy Degree and thus confirmed its academic and administrative capacity and competency to offer the qualification. Academic staff responsible for the Degree, are suitably qualified and have sufficient relevant knowledge, experience and teaching competence, and their research profiles are adequate to facilitate the applicable research (in the field of this subspecialty) on the academic level the Degree requires. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Possible exemption, fully or partially, on the basis of comparable training and experience gained at another institution could be granted by the institution. Based on the Recognition of Prior Learning, candidates may be granted exemption from applicable components of the programme. Candidates may apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior qualification of study concerned. The process will be implemented in strict adherence to the relevant University RPL Policy. The faculty's RPL committee assesses the candidate's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes.

Entry Requirements:
Candidates may register for the Degree Master of Philosophy in Pulmonology if:
  • In possession of a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) Degree or Master of Medicine (M Med) or equivalent qualification.
  • Registered as specialist physicians with the Health Professions Council of South Africa or equivalent for the country of origin. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises 3 compulsory modules, each contributing a number of credits towards the attainment of the 300 Credits at NQF Level 9.

    Modules:
  • Phase 1: Pulmonology, 120 Credits.
  • Phase 2: Pulmonology, 120 Credits.
  • Phase 3: Research project, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply original knowledge and competencies obtained via research in order to demonstrate how latest research trends impact on the practice of Pulmonology.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of in-depth knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and new trends informed by research within the ambit of professional practice.
    3. Use resources and insights from academic and professional discourses in order to defend and communicate substantial ideas. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A wide range of specialised skills are applied in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the area of Pulmonology.
  • High quality of medical care, including the selection and performance of appropriate tests and investigations is provided.
  • A good understanding of the rationale for each test conducted their clinical application within a diagnostic algorithm and the development of reference values is demonstrated.
  • Pulmonary radiological techniques and evaluation of pulmonary ventilation and blood flow is conducted.
  • Clinical and laboratory competence for diagnosing and treating allergic disease of the upper and lower respiratory tract is applied.
  • The ability of candidates to act sensitively and to practice high ethical standards in the handling of difficult patient problems for example in the respiratory ICU and terminal illness is practiced.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Principles of critical care as related to Pulmonology are practiced and witnessed by a registered pulmonologist or critical care specialist.
  • Occupational and environmental health which includes detection and treatment, evaluation, preventative measures and legal and legislative principles are applied.
  • The ability to communicate effectively with and educate patients and colleagues is demonstrated.
  • Autonomous ethical decisions that affect professional issues are made.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Research project in Pulmonology or critical care is conducted.
  • Independent learning and academic or professional development are employed within the professional group as a means of enhancing learning.
  • Current research, as well as critiques of current methodologies in the field is critically evaluated in order to propose new hypotheses.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The Master of Philosophy in Pulmonology endorses excellence and academic integrity of postgraduate research and assessments are accordingly arranged by means of clearly stipulated assessment procedures and criteria. Different kinds of evidence of learning are therefore collected to monitor learner progress. Constructive feedback on the learning process and/or learning progress is provided to individual learners and/or groups of learners in oral and/or written format and clearly explained and justified.

    For the purposes of this programme, candidates are subjected to 2 examination sessions, focusing not only on theoretical knowledge, but also on the integration of knowledge and competencies during practical examination sessions. Apart from written and practical examinations, candidates are required to engage in a research project and to submit an extended research report. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Master of Philosophy in Pulmonology is both nationally and internationally comparable to similar Master of Philosophy and Fellow of the College of Physicians (FCP) Degrees. The establishment of the qualification is also in line with the medical community.

    The Indiana University in India and the Universitas Indonesia offers specialisation in Pulmonology. The individual who wishes to pursue a career in Pulmonology through these institutions is required to be already practicing as a Medical Practitioner.

    The Sheikh Zayed Federal Postgraduate Medical Institute/Hospital in Lahore also offers a four year qualification in Pulmonology.

    The University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom offers qualifications in research Respiratory Medicine. The University offers a Master of Philosophy and a Doctor of Philosophy in the field. The institution also offers a number of research opportunities in areas of clinical interest such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis and others.

    Institute of Infection and Global Health at the University of Liverpool offers a Master of Philosophy in Respiratory Diseases. The qualification focal point is Research in Respiratory Diseases focusing on respiratory pathogens of human or veterinary importance and to use this knowledge to design better therapeutic strategies, diagnostics or vaccines to benefit clinical and veterinary medicine.

    Conclusion:
    The Master of Philosophy offers learners an opportunity to pursue in-depth research in Pulmonology by means of consolidating novel scientific research and professional medical practice. There is a strong commitment to the training of Pediatric Pulmonology specialists in order to assure the best possible care for infants or patients with lung disease. The qualification compares favourably with others globally in terms of outcomes that concentrate on research to establish new ways to deal with diseases related to respiratory infections. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Successful completion of the Master of Philosophy in Pulmonology enables both horizontal and vertical articulation with cognate qualifications. In meeting the requirements learners may progress vertically to doctoral or NQF Exit Level 10 qualifications in cognate study areas. In addition, successful learners master several field-specific and generic competences serving as an important interface for integration with diverse programmes and disciplines within the health care environment thus providing for meaningful horizontal articulation to cognate Master's Degrees in Philosophy or the health care environment. 

    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 the Free State 


    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.