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 Public Health 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94866  Master of Public Health 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
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  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
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:
This qualification is focused on conducting research in the public health field of which the aim is to make a unique contribution towards the scientific body of knowledge in public health and public health practice.
Learners who qualify will be able to use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing research findings that address complex and challenging problems in the field of public health. Learners will illustrate intellectual capital, also in terms of personal growth, will develop insight, have multicultural interaction, develop and utilise entrepreneurial thinking, display emotional maturity, ethical rigor and apply leadership competencies in the workplace and in societal situations.

Rationale:
The burden of diseases in developing countries, including South Africa, is high and has devastating effects on the lives of families, social structures and national economies. Public health is a comprehensive and dynamic discipline with an interest to members of various professions and disciplines including doctors, nurses, dentists, occupational therapists, managers of health facilities.

This qualification is strongly aligned with the vision and mission of the institution which is inherently focusing on facilitating the graduation of learners who, through the innovative application of evidence-based scientific principles can contribute effectively towards the improvement of quality of life of people in Africa.

Learners will be actively involved and employed in the field of public health and will therefore have a grounded understanding of the health challenges facing public health to improve the health status of populations. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution's policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be applied where required. The general statutes require learners to complete 50% of a qualification at the certificating institution so learners may receive RPL credits towards a qualification for up to 50%. Therefore, only part of the qualification may be completed through RPL.

Within the context of the research Masters of Public Health, learners applying for the qualification through the RPL route will be required to submit a portfolio-file of evidence illustrating their knowledge, skills and experience in the field.

Entry Requirements:
Admission to this qualification is:
  • An appropriate Bachelor Honours Degree.
    Or
  • An appropriate Postgraduate Diploma.
    Or
  • A 480 Credit Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 96 Credits at NQF Level 8 in the field of public health or a health related field with an average of 60%.

    A learner who is admitted on the strength of a Postgraduate Diploma or a 480 Credit Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 96 Credits at NQF Level 8 and who has not completed a module in research methodology may be required to complete such a module at NQF Level 8 before he/she will be allowed to register for the research proposal. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is a Master's Degree by dissertation and comprises two focus areas at NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits:
  • Proposal module, 24 Credits.
  • Dissertation, 156 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Critically engage with the complex and interrelated challenges in the field of public health and identify areas and gaps which could be addressed through critical thinking and appropriate research.
    2. Collect, conceptualise and critically analyse relevant data and relate these to the challenges in the public health field in terms of innovative and cost effective strategies and recommendations.
    3. Producing and communicating information, in respect of using the resources of academic and professional or occupational discourses to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are the products of research or development in an area of specialisation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Relevant literature in the particular field of research is sourced, analysed and applied.
  • A coherent and critical understanding of the local, national and international context of public health is understood.
  • An understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation is demonstrated.
  • Complex and/or real world problems and issues are identified, analysed and dealt with using evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
  • Gate keepers of communities and other important role players are engaged with to enter into the field and collaborate within a team approach.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Research is conducted in an ethical and scientifically rigorous manner.
  • Methods and technologies for a particular research problem in the area of Public Health are selected.
  • Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Information from various sources is collected, the information is collated and synthesised to solve health related problems.
  • Local, national and global health situations that may have an impact on the health status of communities, groups and individuals are assessed, measured, analysed and critiqued by applying relevant and sustainable solutions based on scientific findings.
  • How knowledge from various sources and relevant to various contexts can be integrated in terms of a systems approach for sound value creation and decision-making.
  • Problems are identified and solved and decisions are made using critical and creative thinking.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations is communicated effectively.
  • The managerial competencies is established and communicated.
  • Practical leadership is applied and communicated in organisational situations and at planning and policy making levels by using graphical and tabular representations to obtain support for insight and recommendations.
  • The effective but sustainable and effective use of technology to measure health status is demonstrated and this information is communicated in a responsible manner, while maintaining ethical principles such as confidentiality and respect for others.
  • A range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to a field, discipline or practice is used, to communicate to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise.

    Integrated Assessment:
    All assessments should be conducted in line with the principles of assessment as defined in the UNISA Assessment Policy.

    Submitted proposals are assessed and approved by the supervisor and Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee to be ratified by the College Research and Higher Degrees Committee.

    When a learner's dissertation is nearing completion, he/she should inform the Registrar of his/her intention to submit it for examination at least two months before the anticipated date. After consultation with the co-supervisor (where applicable), the supervisor gives the student permission to submit.

    Assessment will include input from at least one external examiner. External examiners must be recognised experts in their fields and must not be attached to or affiliated with UNISA. All examiners are recommended by the Departmental Chairperson and/or Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee and their names are forwarded for appointment by the College Research and Higher Degrees Committee.

    Examiners are allowed six weeks to examine the dissertation. The completed report of the panel of examiners is regarded as the examiners' final recommendation. The result of the dissertation is based on a judicious appraisal of the examiners' reports.

    After the result of the learner's dissertation has been approved the non-examining chairperson makes the examiners; reports available to the Chairperson of the Department, the supervisor, the co-supervisor, the candidate and the other examiners if requested.

    Before awarding of the qualification, learners must achieve the completion of a research proposal within one academic year and completion of research and a research report within three years and approved by at least one external moderator.

    In addition, learners must demonstrate the ability to engage in the field of Public Health in an integrative way, dealing with health challenges strategically and effectively. This ability should be demonstrated by the publication of at least one article based on the research, in a scientific peer reviewed journal. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A comparative study was taken whereby two international qualifications were selected to be compared to this one. The comparison was conducted to determine whether or not this qualification compares with the international qualifications in terms of the purpose and the outcomes.

    Boston University:
    Boston University School offers the Master of Public Health (MPH). The Master of Public Health (MPH) prepares learners from diverse backgrounds to become highly effective public health practitioners.

    Learners will develop a well-rounded, evidence-based approach to addressing public health problems. Learners will be prepared to work in a wide array of settings and understand the interplay of the biological, social, economic, cultural, political, behavioural, and environmental factors that affect health. Learners will have the ability to critically analyse public health literature, create innovative solutions to problems in collaboration with others, and present the views clearly to a range of audiences, both verbally and in writing.

    Upon completion of the MPH Degree requirements, learners will be able to:
  • Identify the determinants of health and disease.
  • Estimate the burden and patterns of disease in communities to prioritise health needs.
  • Use systematic approaches to develop, implement, and evaluate public health policies, programs, or services.
  • Communicate effectively to promote the health of all members of our communities, especially the disadvantaged, underserved, and vulnerable.
  • Access and use data to identify and solve public health problems.
  • Work independently and as part of a team, and demonstrate effective leadership qualities and practices.
  • Make decisions that reflect ethical considerations and respect for the values, beliefs, and practices within diverse communities and cultures.
  • Demonstrate professional knowledge and skills for effective practice in your selected field of study.

    Liverpool John Moores University:
    Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom offers the Master of Science International Public Health qualification.

    Purpose:
    An improvement in population health is increasingly recognised internationally as a key element of economic and social development in low and middle income countries. The public health approach is critical to improving population health and developing mechanisms to measure and monitor health and disease status. There is also a public health role to advocate for a strategic response to the burden of ill health and disease in low resource settings. The Master of Science in International Public Health qualification offers a broad based understanding of health and particularly the social and environmental determinants of health.

    The course will provide Learners with key public health knowledge and skills which will enhance your capacity to improve health and reduce health inequalities in the populations that they serve. They will be supported to develop critical, analytical, research, collaborative working and evaluation skills which are key requirements to work in the dynamic public health sector.

    Conclusion:
    It has been found that this qualification compares favourably with the two international qualifications thus enabling articulation possibilities. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Upon successful completion of this qualification learners will be able to articulate vertically to a Doctorate in Health Management or in Public Health or in Clinical Health Sciences at NQF Level 10 or horizontal articulation to Master in Business Administration is a possibility e.g. Master of Public Administration in Public Health Care Management 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 
    This Qualification replaces Qualification 74213, "Master of Public Health", Level 9, 128 credits. 

    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 South Africa 


    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.