SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Master of Medicine in Urology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
9475	Master of Medicine in Urology
ORIGINATOR
University of Witwatersrand
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	480	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 0733/25	2024-06-30	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

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.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of the Master of Medicine in Urology is to produce qualified candidates with research expertise, which includes the ability to evaluate and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of Urology and the ability to guide junior candidates if the qualified learner is in an educational setting.

Hence, qualified candidates have competence in the practice of urology and can contribute to the need for specialist practice and research skills in the health sciences in South Africa.

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:

Evaluate and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of specialisation.

Apply ethical, compassionate, and skilled ability to conduct all aspects of specialist urology practice, both about the care of individuals and of populations.

Assess the principles and practice of Urology from the basic to an advanced level and can train others in the speciality.

Rationale:
The rationale for offering this speciality lies in its clinical relevance, complexity and specialised expertise, patient-centred focus, and contributions to medical science. The qualification will produce qualified Candidates with specialist training in the branch of Urology, who may be registered at the level of specialist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, and/or proceed to Doctoral studies.

There's a dire shortage of urology specialists in South Africa, and thus, an urgent need for primary care physicians (PCPs) to be able to manage common urological pathologies, particularly in the public sector.

The qualification aims to provide South Africa with specialist clinicians in the field to provide and promote health care of the highest standard and the continual development of a high level of knowledge and expertise that is comparable with internationally set standards in the field.

Graduates will have comprehensive, in-depth knowledge, highly specialised technical (including diagnostic and therapeutic) skills, and well-developed research skills in the field of Urology. An attitude of lifelong learning will be fostered, ensuring continuing self-development and development of the field.

Society will gain specialist clinicians in the field of Urology, leading to higher efficacy of patient care, contributing also to the prevention of disease and promotive health in the community.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning:
Recognition of Prior Learning is not applied by the institution for this qualification as it leads to the specialist clinical practice as a Medical Practitioner registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Entry requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8
And

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 480 Credits.

Compulsory modules, Level 9, 480 Credits

Application of Basic Medical Sciences in Surgery in General, 60 credits

The General Principles of Surgery in all Surgical Disciplines, 60 credits

The Applications of Basic Medical Sciences in Urology I, 45 credits

The Principles and Practice of Urology I, 60 credits

Research Report I, 70 credits

The Applications of Basic Medical Sciences in Urology II, 50 credits

The Principles and Practice of Urology II, 60 credits

Research Report II, 75 credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate competence in clinical and surgical urology skills at the specialist level.
2. Evaluate and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of specialisation.
3. Apply ethical, compassionate, and skilled ability to conduct all aspects of specialist urology practice, both about the care of individuals and of populations.
4. Assess the principles and practice of Urology from the basic to an advanced level, and can train others in the speciality.
5. Demonstrate self-direction and independence in his or her learning to become a lifelong learner, and will recognise personal education needs, utilise appropriate learning situations and evaluate her or his progress.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ż Use problem-solving techniques, which draw on her or his multi-faceted knowledge, to arrive at a diagnosis for a patient.
ż Communicate efficiently and effectively with the patient and other health care workers as a team.
ż Show sustained competency in psychomotor skills necessary for the practice of urology procedures and surgery.
ż Use instruments and equipment necessary for this practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
ż Show research mastery through the production of a research report which demonstrates skills including the ability to evaluate research, review literature, design and perform a study, collect data, perform and interpret statistical analyses on data, interpret results, and draw conclusions.
ż Conduct all research with due regard for the moral, legal, and ethical accountability and requirements of the profession.
ż Practice Evidence-Based Medicine by critically evaluating published literature in the field and applying it in practice.
ż Guide junior candidates who are studying or working in the same branch of specialisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
ż Show respect for patients and colleagues without prejudice, with an understanding and appreciation of their diversities of background and opportunity, language, and culture.
ż Demonstrate an awareness, through actions or in writing, of the moral, legal, and ethical responsibilities involved in individual patient care and the provision of care to populations.
ż Consider both the impact of health care on the environment as well as the impact of the environment on health.
ż Strive to improve patient care, to reduce inequalities in health care delivery, to optimise the use of health care resources in our society, and use his or her professional capabilities to contribute to community as well as to individual patient welfare by the practice of this branch of specialist medicine.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
ż Teach, through practice at the specialist level, the application of knowledge from the basic to an advanced level to other professionals.
ż Communicate this knowledge by teaching undergraduates and supervising more junior colleagues in the speciality.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
ż Use appropriate strategies for learning that will prepare him or her for continued professional development throughout life, both as a specialist doctor and as a responsible citizen.
ż Acknowledge responsibility for continuing professional development (CPD) to keep up to date with new developments and to maintain accreditation and meet statutory CPD requirements.
ż Identify personal limitations and develop the capacity of self-audit and participate in the peer review process, showing a willingness to seek help when necessary.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:
Integrated assessment is performed continuously through the evaluation of performance in clinical practice. Further, the research report that the candidate submits is used in the integrated assessment of research mastery.

To promote, monitor, and measure learning throughout a course, no single assessment may count for more than 40% of the final mark unless there are special circumstances, in which case the permission of the Dean is required.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered.

Country: Scotland
Institution: University of Edinburgh
Qualification: Master of Surgery (ChM)

Similarities:
This Scotland programme is delivered by the University in partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and leads to the award of Master of Surgery (ChM). It runs alongside clinical training and complements in-the-workplace training.
Based on the UK Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum, it offers trainees in urology the opportunity to study topics relevant to the speciality and supports preparation for final professional exit exams such as FRCS and FEBU, which is similar to the South African qualification structure.

Difference:
7 years of training and not compulsory to obtain a degree (CH, M) to obtain FRCS as it is currently structured in South Africa.

Country: USA
Institution: Emory University

Similarities: The candidate undertakes a residency similar to registrar training in South Africa at an approved hospital, which is part of a recognised University for this purpose. The duration of training is five years is the same. The American Urological Association (AUA) provides a list of recognised residency programmes. Certification is given by the ABU (American Board of Urology)

Differences:
A clinical degree with a research component, such as the M Med in Urology, is not required.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Master of Medicine, NQF Level 9.

Master of Science in Medicine, NQF Level 9

Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Neurology, NQF Level 9.

Vertical Articulation:

Doctor of Medicine, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy, NQF Level 10

Doctor of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine, NQF Level 10.

Diagonal Articulation
No diagonal articulation for this qualification is possible.

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 2006; 2009; 2012; 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 Witwatersrand