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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Maternal and Fetal Medicine 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94919  Master of Philosophy in Maternal and Fetal Medicine 
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 Maternal and Fetal Medicine, 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 sub-specialists in Maternal and Fetal Medicine.
  • 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 Maternal and Fetal Medicine 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.

    Rationale:
    Maternal and child health is currently a national and global priority which is reflected in the Millennium Development Goals that South Africa is currently struggling to achieve. Although the general specialist field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology has expanded rapidly over the past two decades, however, as the general specialist field grows, sub-specialist training and accreditation has become necessary in order to promote quality care and direct pragmatic research. The need within obstetrics generally, and maternal-fetal medicine specifically is particularly acute due to the fact that South Africa has the age profile of a developing nation, translating into a high pregnancy rate.

    This qualification addresses the need to properly train clinicians with a thorough understanding of and experience in clinical care and research in the field of Maternal and Fetal Medicine. Similar to all of the subspecialty qualifications in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, learners must be qualified specialists who have obtained their Master of Medicine (MMed) or Fellowship of the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of South Africa [FCOG(SA)] Degree.

    The qualification prepares the learner for a career (academic or clinical practice) in Maternal-Fetal Medicine. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has a Recognition of Prior Learning (APRL) policy in place. 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 the assessment tools that will be used in the assessment of RPL applications. The RPL process is subjected to the Faculty's quality assurance process. Unsuccessful applicants may appeal according to the relevant appeal procedures of the institution.

    Entry Requirements:
    Admission to the qualification is subject to academic selection criteria and the learner must:
  • Be a registered in South Africa as specialist Obstetrician Gynaecologist.
    And
  • Have a specialist degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
    Or
  • FCOG (SA) or equivalent Degree. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of two compulsory modules at NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits:
  • Clinical Module, 135 Credits.
  • Research Assignment, 45 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Practical skills and experience in clinical maternal and fetal medicine so as to assess patients (mother and fetus) clinically and ultrasonographically.
    2. Critically assess existing literature, clinical data, laboratory data, ultrasonography and other imaging data (e.g. CT and MRI images) in order to solve complex or unusual clinical maternal and fetal problems, based on a thorough understanding of disease mechanisms and pathophysiology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A high level of theoretical knowledge about common (e.g. pre-eclampsia, preterm labour, multiple pregnancies, growth restriction) as well as less common (e.g. auto-immune conditions, congenital anomalies) maternal and fetal disorders is understood.
  • Problems are identified and solved in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
  • A complete record of the cases attended to by the learner is contained in the logbook, the specific skills and procedures are indicated, the data is recorded for each case and the pertinent aspects of the case are summarised and a brief is presented.
  • Experience and knowledge of: administration and management; epidemiology, statistics, research and audit, legal and ethical issues; confidential enquiries into maternal deaths; and the main causes of perinatal deaths are displayed.
  • The necessary laboratory tests are requested and interpreted and the necessary special investigations are interpreted and/or performed and the appropriate prophylactic and/or curative treatment is prescribed and/or performed.
  • Clinical expertise in - complicated obstetrics, including maternal resuscitation and intensive care; fetal medicine including ultrasound examination and invasive procedures; infectious diseases in pregnancy; medical and surgical complications of pregnancy; operative procedures and intrapartum management; pre/post-pregnancy and bereavement counseling is understood.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Clear, answerable research questions are formulated which pertain to the discipline of maternal and fetal medicine.
  • The most appropriate methodology to address the research question(s) is decided upon.
  • All relevant information is found, including research and review articles, textbooks and guidelines, by accessing internet databases and employing appropriate search strategies.
  • The relevant literature is critically evaluated and an appropriate literature review is written.
  • A research protocol is formulated and written.
  • The study is conducted and the data is analysed and logical, evidence-based conclusions from the data are drawn.
  • The results of the research is presented and defended in an acceptable scientific format.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessments are performed on a continuous basis. This is done via the 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 modules. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is internationally comparable with:

    Maternal and Fetal Medicine Fellowship - University of Connecticut, USA:
    The University of Connecticut [UCONN] Health Center's Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship program was started in 1980. It is a three-year qualification accredited through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology [ABOG]. The goal of the qualification is to adequately prepare the fellow for an academic or practice career in Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

    In order to receive the subspecialty qualification the learner must have satisfactorily completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency accredited by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), or the Council of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (CRCPSC).

    There are 18 months of training in clinical perinatology and 18 months of dedicated research time. Thus the qualification provides the learner with experience in clinical evaluation and management of high risk pregnancies. The learner's clinical consultation/management skills, ultrasound and invasive diagnostic skills are developed and rotations on a clinical genetics and dysmorphology service and neonatology are taken during the study.

    Masters in Maternal and Fetal Health - University of Manchester:
    The University of Manchester in the United Kingdom offers The Masters in Maternal and Fetal Health (MRes in Maternal and Fetal Health). This qualification is designed to train those who wish to pursue a research career in pregnancy and related disciplines or to work in associated areas in health and other public services or in the charity sector.

    The qualification comprises of a Research project whereby learners undertake laboratory-based research project, formulating and then addressing a problem that has emerged from their literature project. Results are then presented orally as 'work in progress' to an expert audience.

    Also a Clinical Masterclass module specifically designed for intercalated medical students. The module contributes to personal and professional development in the experience, knowledge and skills training required for effective clinical practice and success, with a strong emphasis on clinical academic research.

    Conclusion:
    From the information collected from international institutions offering a similar qualification, it is evident that the South African qualification compares favourably with the international qualifications in terms of the purpose and the focus of each of the module. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    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):
  • Master of Medicine in Anaesthetics at NQF Level 9.

    Vertically:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Community Health at NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    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. 

    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.