SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94553  Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
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  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  512  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 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to develop a graduate to be competent in the knowledge, attitudes, insight and skills required for diagnosing patients in the field of homoeopathy and formulating comprehensive treatment plans for health promotion under supervision. The qualifying graduate will be able to competently apply and integrate theoretical principles, evidence based techniques, practical exposure and appropriate skills under supervision. The programme of study will produce a well-rounded graduate who will be competent to compound, dispense and prescribe homoeopathic medicines within that scope of practice. The graduate will be a team player capable of working in multidisciplinary teams to promote the profession.

Rationale:
Homoeopathy is a legally recognised profession within the South African healthcare provision. All homoeopaths are required to be registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA), under Act 63 of 1982, and such registration entitles the registered homoeopath to diagnose and treat any ailment in humans, and to supply and dispense applicable medicine. The current minimum qualification for registration with the AHPCSA is a Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, or an MBChB (or its equivalent) and a 3-year part-time Postgraduate homoeopathic qualification [MFHom].

The Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy is a professional Bachelor's Degree of 512 credits that represents a renewal of the existing National Diploma-Bachelor of Technology Degrees in light of the evident deficiencies of the existing programme, the imperatives and guidelines of the HEQSF, the needs of the profession and requirements of the AHPCSA, the vision and mission of the University, and international benchmarks [a medical degree with postgraduate homoeopathic training is the normal structure of international primary-contact homoeopathic programmes, and is the basis upon which licensing is typically provided].

The offering of the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy (BHSc: Homoeopathy) programme does not require any additional facilities over and above those already in existence for the offering of the National Diploma and the Bachelor of Technology degree.

At present, there are no overt professional homeopathic employment opportunities for students who do not complete the entire 5-year Master Technology: Homoeopathy programme. The Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy is not envisaged as an ipso facto exit point. The minimum qualification for registration to practice Homoeopathy is the MHSc: Homoeopathy, but the undergraduate curriculum is designed to comply with the restrictions of the HEQSF (which precludes direct entry from NSC to Master's), whilst allowing graduates of the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy a potential to find employment within adjunctive homoeopathic and medical fields and the health and wellness industry. Graduates would be equipped to work as medical and homoeopathic sales representatives, within the homoeopathic pharmaceutical industry and within such health and wellness facilities as health shops and wellness spas as well as be able to formulate treatment plans but under supervision. The successful completion of the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy does not allow for any form of practice as a professional homoeopath. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that the student will have appropriate and relevant basic knowledge and skills in:
  • Numeracy, Literacy and Communications.
  • Principles and concepts relevant to biology, chemistry and physics.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • Student will be admitted into the programme with credit given to prior learning in terms of the Durban University of Technology RPL Policy.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entrance requirements for the BHSc in Homoeopathy programme is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or a Senior Certificate with endorsement for degree entry.

    In addition to the above, the DUT general rules will apply with regard to admission requirements based on work experience, age and maturity, and admission via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The admission of international students will be according to DUT's Admission's policy for International Students and General Rules G4 and G7 (5). 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of 19 fundamental modules ranging from NQF Levels 5-7 and 24 core modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 adding up to 512 Credits.

    Fundamental Modules at NQF Level 5, 56 Credits:
  • Chemistry I, 12 Credit.
  • Physics I: Module1, 8 Credits.
  • Physics I: Module 2, 8 Credits.
  • Biological Principles, 16 Credits.
  • Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits.

    Fundamental Modules at NQF Level 6, 100 Credits:
  • Gross Anatomy I, 20 Credits.
  • Histology, 12 Credits.
  • Physiology I, 24 Credits.
  • Biochemistry, 8 Credits.
  • Psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Pharmacology, 16 Credits.
  • General Pathology, 8 Credits.

    Fundamental Modules at NQF Level 7, 92 Credits:
  • Gross Anatomy II, 16 Credits.
  • Clinical Anatomy, 16 Credits.
  • Physiology II: Control Systems, 8 Credits.
  • Physiology II: Cardio Respiratory, 8 Credits.
  • Physiology II: Genitourinary, 8 Credits.
  • Epidemiology, 12 Credits.
  • Systemic Pathology, 24 Credits.

    Core Modules at NQF Level 5, 16 Credits:
  • Personal and Professional Development I, 8 Credits.
  • Basic Life Support, 8 Credits.

    Core Modules at NQF Level 6, 52 Credits.
  • Material Medical I, 8 Credits.
  • Material Medical II, 16 Credits.
  • Personal and Professional Development II, 8 Credits.
  • Adjunctive Therapies I, 12 Credits.
  • Small Business Management, 8 Credits.

    Core Modules at NQF Level 7, 84 Credits:
  • Clinical Dermatology, 8 Credits.
  • Clinical ENT, 12 Credits.
  • Clinical Musculoskeletal and Haematology, 12 Credits.
  • Clinical Endocrinology and Ophthalmology, 12 Credits.
  • Material Medical III, 16 Credits.
  • Clinical Practice I, 8 Credits.
  • Personal and Professional Development III, 8 Credits.
  • Nutrition, 8 Credits.

    Core Modules at NQF Level 8, 112 Credits:
  • Clinical Respiratory, 12 Credits.
  • Clinical Cardiovascular, 12 Credits.
  • Clinical Gastroenterology, 12 Credits.
  • Clinical Nephrology and Neurology, 12 Credits.
  • Material Medical IV, 16 Credits.
  • Homoeopathic Pharmacy, 16 Credits.
  • Clinical Practice II, 8 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 16 Credits.
  • Personal and Professional Development IV, 8 Credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply the principles of medical ethics, professional behaviour and the legal framework to the context within which they will demonstrate clinical and ethical awareness by implementing self-development and effective communication within a multi-cultural academic and clinical context.
    2. Derive, analyse and interpret clinical data under supervision in order to identify and assess the range of health problems presented to homoeopathic practitioners in a clinical setting, through the integration of clinical and homoeopathic knowledge and competency.
    3. Propose plans of treatment, prevention and health promotion, under supervision, to integrate and apply knowledge of the roles of other health disciplines and their relevance in multi-disciplinary patient management.
    4. Cross-examine multiple sources of knowledge and critically evaluate related literature to identify shortcomings and formulate a proposal for research in a homoeopathically-related field.
    5. An understanding of homoeopathic pharmaceutical principles, legislative requirements pertaining to setting up and operation of a dispensary, compounding procedures for homoeopathic medicines and apply the processes and procedures in clinical settings. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • An understanding of the role of ethics in professional conduct and communication is shown.
  • Competence in professional and academic communication is demonstrated.
  • Clinical awareness is demonstrated and areas for self-development are identified.
  • Effective communication within a multi-cultural academic and clinical context is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Clinical data relevant to a range of health problems is elicited.
  • Clinical knowledge and skills is integrated and applied.
  • Clinical data in terms of signs and symptoms is collated and analysed.
  • Differential diagnosis based on clinical data derived from a range of sources is formulated.
  • Clinical and homoeopathic knowledge and skills is demonstrated and related.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • An interplay of factors which contribute to the health status of individuals is identified.
  • Specific interventions to address disease prevention and promotion of health is identified.
  • A comprehensive treatment plan under supervision is formulated.
  • The need for other applicable health disciplines as part of a comprehensive treatment plan is formulated.
  • Within a multi-disciplinary patient management team one is able to describe one's role.
  • The role of adjunctive professionals as part of a comprehensive patient management is formulated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A viable and appropriate homeopathically-related research problem is identified.
  • Evaluating related literature an appropriate design to address the identified research problem is chosen critically and an academically appropriate proposal is formulated and presented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The history and development of homoeopathic pharmacy is understood.
  • Homoeopathic pharmaceutical principles and their relevance to practical pharmacy is understood.
  • Homoeopathic compounding and dispensing competence is demonstrated.
  • The practical implications of legislative requirements and guidelines for general pharmaceutical practice are understood.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment strategies conform to the DUT assessment policy and are be designed to encourage the attainment of the learning outcomes of each module. The range of assessment strategies adopted across the programme is congruous with the assessment criteria, learning outcomes and critical cross field outcomes of the programme. Each module has a module co-ordinator who is responsible for the design and management of the assessment in that module according to the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of the specific module. Students are made aware of the nature, number and forms of assessment in module study guides.

    Summative assessments in the form of theory and practical tests per term and a final annual theory and practical examination are the predominant mode of assessment. In addition significant use of a range of contexts for formative assessment is employed. These assessments are ongoing and less formal, almost always patient-based, and conducted across a range of supervisors or assessors in order to achieve a more holistic development of competencies. Within the programme there are also a notable use of critical self-reflection, group work, case presentation, and online assessment. Class assignments and projects are assessed in both written and oral formats.

    Oral assessments take the form of case evaluations and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) formats. Class presentations of topics and case-taking peer evaluations are also important components. Case presentation, prescription formulation and patient management are assessed in the clinic facility and represent a combination of both formative and summative assessment strategies.

    The department scrutinises assessments to ensure accuracy and appropriateness of methods. The module co-ordinators also ensure alignment with the assessment criteria and learning outcomes to maintain validity of the assessment. The reliability of assessment is promoted through active attempts to reduce variables during assessment. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The following qualifications were considered for comparison:

    The Nehru Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital (NHMC&H), in India, offers an undergraduate course BHMS (Bachelor of Homoeopathic System of Medicine & Surgery) over a 5 year duration including one year internship approved by Central Council of Homoeopathy. The main objective of the institution is to provide and promote homoeopathic education and training.

    Paramount Colleges, in Malaga West Australia, comprehensive Homoeopathy courses both the Bachelor of Homoeopathy and the Advanced Diploma of Homoeopathy provides the graduate with the necessary skills in a range of natural therapy treatments, based on Biological Sciences, Constitutional Homoeopathy and Nutrition. This Bachelor of Homoeopathy qualification in Natural Medicine ensures graduates demonstrate a broad range of knowledge and skills to be able to analyse a client's health status, including current medical treatments. Based on this assessment graduates can formulate and negotiate compatible, highly customised treatment protocols for health management.

    In recent years the International League of Homoeopathic Physicians (LMHI) has been investigating the standardisation of medical homoeopathic education across the 75 member countries (of which South Africa is one). In so doing, it has acknowledged that the education and training offered in South Africa is more akin to the MBChB/MD + Postgraduate model and to any other 'professional' training. Within this effort is an undertaking to consolidate medical homoeopathic education and to move towards models of 'hybrid education' of which the South African Master's programme is one of a handful of extant programmes. The legislative framework that supports homoeopathic practice in South Africa is also amongst the most extensive and well-established globally.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with qualifications offered by international institutions. These institutions offer similar modules and with a number of modules consisting of the same credits. Furthermore, both the qualifications offered elsewhere and this one shows that the graduates will be competent in similar knowledge and skills. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy vertically articulates with the Master of Sciences in Homoeopathy, which is the minimum qualification for registration as a homoeopathic practitioner within the South African legislative framework. 

    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. Durban University of Technology 



    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.