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: 

Master of Philosophy in Cardiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94799  Master of Philosophy in Cardiology 
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:
The purpose of this qualification is:
  • To ensure that learners acquire a high level of theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills and experience in the field of Clinical Cardiology, 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.
  • To prepare such learners for a career as clinical cardiologists.
  • To ensure that learners acquire the necessary skills to identify key research opportunities, initiate well-structured research studies, complete such studies, and apply the results thereof.
  • To prepare learners who aspire to move to a higher level of academic research work for Doctoral Studies and to promote an approach based on academic integrity and professional ethics.
  • To contribute to the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure advancement in the field of Cardiology and to make provision for the country's needs in a skilled scientific workforce of the highest calibre.
  • To prepare learners who can apply their skills to the task of answering the relevant questions and meeting the critical needs of the country.

    The purpose and outcomes of the qualification would be reached by means of the curriculum, as learners are supervised, guided and assisted by properly qualified individuals and they are required to perform a research project at the appropriate level.

    Rationale:
    The world-wide pandemic of risk factors for cardiac disease (e.g. smoking, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia) and established cardiac disease (e.g. hypertensive heart disease, ishcaemic heart disease, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies and pericardial disease) has made appropriate training and research in this field a priority. South Africa is no exception and the prevalence of the conditions listed above has now reached staggering proportions. Not only are skilled cardiologists, providing patient care for a growing number of patients with heart disease, required, but more clinical research on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, risk factors, prevention and appropriate management of heart disease has become a priority.

    This qualification addresses the need to properly train clinicians with a thorough understanding of and experience in clinical research in the field of cardiology. Similar to all the subspecialty qualifications in Medicine, learners need to be qualified physicians whom have obtained their Master of Medicine or FCP (SA) Degree. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The Institution has an Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (PRL) policy in place.

    The Master of Philosophy in Cardiology qualification conforms to the Institution's Policy for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as well as the RPL 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. The PRL process is subjected to the Faculty's quality assurance process. Unsuccessful applicants may appeal according to the relevant appeal procedures as stated in the University's General Calendar Part 1.

    Entry Requirements:
    The entry-level qualification is a specialist degree in Medicine and registration as specialist physician. For admission to the Master of Philosophy in Cardiology, a learner must hold a Fellowship of the College of Physicians of South Africa [FCP (SA)] or equivalent Degree. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Clinical module, 135 Credits.
  • Research module, 45 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Select appropriate research topic and use relevant research methodology for a study.
    2. Function as a clinical cardiologist and adequately take care of patients with a variety of cardiac disorders.
    3. Develop communication, efficient personal organisation and self-management skill to ensure independence at an advanced level. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Clear, answerable research questions as they pertain to the discipline of cardiology are formulated.
  • Most appropriate methodology to address the research question(s) is decided on.
  • Relevant information, including research and review articles, textbooks and guidelines, are found by accessing internet databases and employing appropriate search strategies.
  • Relevant literature is critically evaluated and an appropriate literature review is written.
  • Study is conducted and logical, evidence-based conclusions are drawn from the data.
  • Results of the research are presented and defended in an acceptable scientific format.
  • Familiarity with the opportunities, challenges, requirements and ethical principles that apply to research and good practice in the health science professions at an advanced level is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • A high level of theoretical knowledge about common (e.g. valvular heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, ischaemic heart disease and its risk factors) as well as less common (e.g. hereditary cardiomyopathies and congenital heart disease in the adult), cardiovascular disorders is demonstrated.
  • Practical skills and experience in clinical cardiology are applied so as to assess patients clinically.
  • Necessary laboratory tests are requested and interpreted.
  • Necessary special investigations are interpreted and/or performed.
  • Appropriate prophylactic and/or curative treatment is prescribed for the patients.
  • The ability to critically assess existing literature, clinical data, laboratory data, echocardiograpy and other imaging data (e.g. CT and MRI images) is demonstrated.
  • Data is collected in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory including angiography images, in order to solve complex or unusual clinical.
  • Cardiovascular problems are identified and recommendations are made based on a thorough understanding.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Personal self-development with emphasis on insight, responsibility, accountability, continued learning, self-criticism, acceptance of criticism from others, and the ability to work independently is developed.
  • Effective communication through competent presentation of information and data is performed by means of oral, audio-visual and written skills.
  • Appropriate graphical, statistical, linguistic and computer proficiency at a high level is demonstrated.
  • A holistic approach to problem solving within the context of respect and sensitivity for other people, the community, and the environment is developed and demonstrated.
  • The importance and the potential applications of health sciences in general and cardiology in particular to the community through the communication of knowledge and results are demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessments are performed on a continuous basis. This is done via monitoring procedures and helps to identify specific weaknesses in the learner's knowledge before engaging in a formal assessment process.

    The summative assessment of a learner is performed by a process of formal internal and external examination of the two programme modules. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Master of Science in Cardiology - Canterbury Christ Church University, United Kingdom (UK):
    The Master of Science in Cardiology is flexible, can be completed on a one year full-time or three years part-time basis and includes the option to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) or Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) award. It is also possible to undertake single modules as standalone elements. The full-time qualification based in the UK, consists of a number of modules (6 modules = PgD) that are intended to be studied in the first two terms. All modules are studied at M (Masters) level and each module carries 20 M level credit points full-time. Learners are normally expected to complete the PgD aspects of the qualification in 9 months and complete a three module dissertation (60 Level credits) to be awarded the MSc Cardiology.

    The aims of the Master of Science qualification are:
  • To provide clinicians with an advanced educational experience which will encourage critical and rigorous analysis of the literature, research evidence, documents, policies, guidelines and codes as they relate to advanced cardiological practice.
  • To develop a conceptual understanding that enables the learner to evaluate critically current professional issues and the wider legal and ethical contexts within which cardiologists function.
  • To enable learners to complete, by independent study, a dissertation or systematic review which demonstrates a critical understanding and application of research methods and issues in a particular topic of the learner's interest in cardiology.

    To be awarded the Master of Science Cardiology, learners must successfully complete the PgD (modules 1-6) and then progress to complete research modules 7, 8 and 9.
    Module 7: Developing a research proposal.
    Module 8 and 9: Research dissertation: Critical evaluation of professional practice or systematic review or empirical project.

    Assessments will include:
  • Final examinations in the form of written short answer questions, which will be held at the end of Semesters One and Two, covering the topics studied in each of the first 6 modules.
  • The dissertation must be submitted by the end of September for internal marking and external ratification.

    Applicants must be a qualified medical practitioner with a minimum of one year post qualification clinical experience.

    The International Office at Canterbury Christ Church University will check all international applications in terms of:
  • Equivalence of qualifications (by using NARIC).
  • English Language Level IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in writing) or equivalent.

    Conclusion:
    The speciality qualification compares with others internationally in terms of outcomes, entry requirements and skills. The qualification focus on developing and equipping a Cardiologist who will be able to prevent, diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel issues, such as heart and vascular disease, congenital heart defects, heart attacks, coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disturbances and heart failure. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers articulation possibilities with different levels (both horizontal and vertical).

    Horizontal this qualification may articulate with:
  • Master of Medical Science in Medical Physics.
  • Master of Medical Science in Critical Care.
  • Master of Science in Medical Sciences.

    Vertical articulation is also possible with:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Cardiology.
  • Doctor of Medicine in Cardiology. 
    		•

    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.