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 Vascular Surgery 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94827  Master of Philosophy in Vascular Surgery 
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 Vascular Surgery [MPhil (Vascular Surgery)] is to educate and train medical specialists in the subspeciality of Vascular Surgery, so that they are able to contribute to the development of its science and practice.

This qualification will equip the surgeon learners in the care of the critically ill in the prevention, diagnosis, intervention and management of surgical diseases of the blood vessels (arteries and veins) outside the chest. This MPhil (Vascular Surgery) provides sub-specialist education and training in vascular surgery interventions, in particular via the endovascular route. This qualification allows learners the ability to register with the College of Medicine of South Africa and the HPCSA with the status of subspecialist in Vascular Surgery.

Learners will acquire the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development, the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility and decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations.

Rationale:
This Master of Philosophy in Vascular Surgery [MPhil (Vascular Surgery)] provides sub-specialist education and training in vascular surgery interventions, in particular via the endovascular route, which has been found that General Surgeon are lacking training thereof.

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) recognises Vascular Surgery as a subspecialty in General Surgery with many major and complicated procedures. This qualification will provide specialist education and training that the General Surgeon to perform operations like carotid endarterectomy, aortic aneurysm repair, distal bypass, and endovascular procedures such as endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stenting as well as provide training in non-invasive vascular diagnostic testing such as duplex Doppler. Currently half of surgical interventions are performed via the endovascular route thus General Surgeons do not have all the knowledge and skills to be involved in Vascular Surgery.

The Master of Philosophy in Vascular Surgery addresses the need and demand for postgraduate education and training in a specialised field of Medicine that is characterised by high quality, excellence, relevance to community needs and the development of scarce skills and highly specialised capacity in the African continent in general and in South Africa specifically. While a notable demand for this field of subspecialisation exists in the country as a whole, the need is even bigger in Central South Africa with a limited number of Vascular Surgeons present in the area.

Learners acquire a conceptual understanding of the field of study which enables them to critically evaluate methodologies, current research and advanced scholarship in the field of Vascular Surgery. The qualification intends to support the provision of quality health care to the South African society as it aims to deliver learners who are able to address the dire need for specialist vascular surgical skills by acting ethically and professionally, thinking analytically, as well as being able to evaluate and apply relevant information within the Health Care System. The qualification provides the foundation for successful learners to develop a career path in the health care environment and the need for efficient healthcare to the wider community by means of consolidating novel scientific research and professional medical practice. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Admission to this Master's Degree could be granted to learners not in possession of the specified Degree that meets the admission requirements at the discretion of the Institution and in accordance with the relevant legislation.

Possible exemption, for a maximum period of 6 months, on the basis of comparable training and experience gained at another recognised academic institution could be granted, subject to the following conditions:
  • The said periods of training must have occurred within at most two years before registering for the MPhil (Vascular Surgery).
  • Sufficient experience must be proven by means of a logbook and certification by the Head of the Department where the experience was gained. The above information must then be evaluated by the Head of the Department of Surgery of the UFS and approved as equivalent.

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners will be admitted to the Master of Philosophy in Vascular provided they have the following:
  • Master of Medicine in Surgery or Master of Medicine in Cardiothoracic Surgery or equivalent.
  • A Fellowship of the College of Surgeons (FCS) or of the College of Cardiothoracic Surgeons (FC Cardio) of the College of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) will be considered an equivalent qualification.
  • Similar foreign surgical specialist qualifications may also be considered equivalent.
  • Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Specialist Surgeon or appropriate equivalent health authorities registration for the country of origin is compulsory. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of comprises 2 compulsory modules and a mini-dissertation at NQF Level 9, totalling 300 Credits:
  • Advanced Vascular Surgery 1, 120 Credits.
  • Advanced Vascular Surgery 2, 120 Credits.
  • Mini-dissertation, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Manage a wide range of specialised skills and competences in identifying, conceptualising, critiquing and implementing methods of inquiring and diagnoses to address medical challenges that demand high levels of expertise.
    2. Implement and manage improved competences in the administration and management of the subspecialty.
    3. Independently interrogate and reflect scholarly on theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in the field of Vascular Surgery. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Expertise and critical knowledge in the field of Vascular Surgery is demonstrated.
  • The required surgical skills and techniques and demonstrate them in a theatre setting are established and applied.
  • A critical understanding of all pertinent aspects of applied anatomy, vascular physiology, haemodynamics, vascular pathology, ultrasonography and non-invasive vascular diagnosis, angiography and vascular radiology, and any aspects of vascular surgery that might be encountered in the day-to-day practice of vascular surgery is conceptualised.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Surgery systems that are acceptable and affordable for the country are integrated and proficiently assessed, planned and implemented.
  • A vascular surgery unit with the required knowledge is managed to be able to apply it as part of a comprehensive management plan of a vascular patient.
  • The required level of decisions to act according to the required level in complex and unpredictable situations for the management of vascular situations according to protocols is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • New clinical applications and practise, based upon independent scholarship are created.
  • New knowledge and research initiatives is created.
  • Specialist knowledge and theory in reflective, original, creative ways to solve complex practical and theoretical problems is applied.
  • Ideas in developing a research protocol with the appointed supervisor on a particular theme are used and formulated.
  • The theoretical arguments are analysed and described.
  • The selected research processes and/or methodology are applied.
  • The results are recorded, the conclusions are written and recommendations are made.
  • A formal research project with a publishable or published article or a mini-dissertation is developed.
  • A comprehensive and critical review of current literature and investigations are communicated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The mini-dissertation is externally examined.

    The qualification will have continuous assessment of both theoretical and clinical skills. In order to be supported for registration in the sub-discipline of Vascular Surgery, each learner will require to have completed a logbook recording operative and diagnostic procedures, stating the degree of supervision for each case. The logbook will need to be verified by the head of the unit on a quarterly basis.

    Learners will be required to produce both their logbook and certification by the Head of Department or Departments, in which the training was completed, confirming satisfactory completion of training and achievement of the requisite level of technical and operative skill, prior to admission to the exit examination.

    These examinations will be conducted by the CMSA, with the individual examiners being appointed on the recommendation of the Vascular Society. Upon successful completion of all aspects of the above, the learners will be required to apply to the Health Professions Council of South Africa specialist committee for registration of their subspecialty. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is a statutory body, established in terms of the Health Professions Act No. 56. They are committed to serving and protecting the public and providing guidance to registered healthcare practitioners. The Master of Philosophy Degree are regulated by the health professions in the Republic of South Africa in the aspects pertaining to registration, education and training, professional conduct and ethical behaviour, ensuring continuing professional development, and fostering compliance with healthcare standards. It is against this background that the qualification is internationally affiliated. The HPCSA is a recognised body, whose registrations are recognised world-wide.

    The Colleges of Medicine (CMSA) is the custodian of the quality of medical care in South Africa and is unique in the world in that it embraces 28 constituent Colleges representing all the disciplines of medicine and dentistry. The CMSA are currently appointed by the HPCSA to conduct all exit level examinations for the various disciplines and these qualifications are internationally recognised. Registration with the HPCSA as medical practitioner is not possible if these exams are not passed. The CMSA exams are comparable with most international fellowships that can be obtained.

    Programs of training are slightly different depending on the region of the world one is in but are comparable to those offered in:
  • Australia and New Zealand, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Australian and New Zealand Society of Vascular Surgery (ANZSVS.
  • United Kingdom. Royal College of Surgeons of England, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

    Royal College of Surgeons of England:
    The qualification is delivered through the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the University of Edinburgh's virtual learning environment. This is a 2 - 4 year part-time Masters qualification in Vascular and Endovascular surgery. Based on the UK Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum, the qualification provides the opportunity for learners in Vascular and Endovascular to select those advanced modules relevant to their declared subspecialty, and supports learning for the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) examinations.

    In the first year of the qualification, compulsory core modules will cover the basic elements of the specialty. Modules will be taught and assessed using a clinical problem-based approach, supported by systems-based review of the course material.

    In the second year, learners will have the opportunity to undertake a tailored academic module. Academic modules (core and specialist) will explore research and teaching methodology, as well as develop skills to ensure an ability to analyse published evidence and explore interactive and written clinical communication skills. Learners will be required to complete an academic critique in an appropriate subspecialty area of work undertaken during the two year period of study such as that resulting from a publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

    On completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of their chosen surgical subspecialty, and be able to apply this knowledge to the systematic assessment and management of surgical patients in the elective, urgent and emergency clinical setting.
  • Recognise the leadership contribution and responsibilities of the surgeon in the multidisciplinary management of complex surgical disease.
  • Critically reflect upon day-to-day surgical practice in the context of recent advances, and engage in critical dialogue with peers and experts in other sub-specialties.
  • Apply the general principles of clinical study design, ethics, and statistics to critically evaluate the scientific literature in surgical research, and make informed judgements on new and emerging issues in surgery.
  • Exercise a high level of autonomy and initiative in professional activities at a level of independent surgical practice.

    Royal Australasian College of Surgeons:
    The Australian and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery (ANZSVS):
    In 1971 the Section of Vascular Surgery was formed within the Division of General Surgery in the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. This was the first occasion in Australia when Vascular Surgery became officially recognised as a sub-specialty of General Surgery and in 1982, a post Fellowship two year training programme was developed.

    The Division of Vascular Surgery was established on July 1, 1995 and the first examination in vascular surgery was held in 1996.The ANZSVS was established as an incorporated association in 2000 and is the peak vascular surgery organisation in Australasia.

    The objectives of the Society are to:
  • To organise and conduct scientific programmes relating to vascular surgery at the Annual Scientific Meetings of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and on such other occasions as may be decided upon from time to time.
  • To improve the quality and practice of vascular surgery.
  • To promote and represent the professional development and interests of vascular surgeons, and to represent vascular surgeons on medico-political and industrial issues.
  • To encourage basic and clinical research in vascular surgery.
  • To encourage publication of scientific work and research in vascular surgery.

    Conclusion:
    From the above comparative studies it is clear that this qualification compares favourably with the international qualifications in terms of the purpose of the qualification as well as the learning outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Successful completion of the Master of Philosophy in Vascular Surgery enables both horizontal and vertical articulation with cognate qualifications. In meeting the requirements students may progress vertically to doctoral or NQF Exit Level 10 qualifications in cognate study areas such as:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Cardiothoracic Surgery at NQF Level 10.

    In addition, successful learners will master several field-specific and generic competences serving as an important interface for integration with diverse qualifications and disciplines within the health care environment thus providing for meaningful horizontal articulation to cognate Master's Degrees or applicable Health Care Qualification (NQF Level 9) e.g.:
  • Master of Medicine in Anaesthetics at NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Medicine in Cardio-thoracic Surgery at NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    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.