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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Gynaecological Oncology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94945  Master of Philosophy in Gynaecological Oncology 
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:
  • To ensure that learners acquire a high level of theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills and experience in the field of Gynaecological Oncology, 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 Gynaecological Oncology subspecialists.
  • 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 Gynaecological Oncology 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:
    The burden of gynaecological cancer has made appropriate training and research in this field a priority. Relatively poor health outcomes, including insufficient prevention strategies continue to be a feature of South African cancer statistics. Not only are skilled Gynaecological Oncology subspecialists required to provide clinical care, but research on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, risk factors, prevention and appropriate management of Gynaecological cancers has become a priority.

    This Professional Masters qualification addresses the need to properly train clinicians with a thorough understanding of and experience in clinical research in the field of Gynaecological Oncology. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    The qualification conforms to the institution's Policy for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) as well as the ARPL 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 RPL 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:
    Admission to the qualification is subject to academic selection criteria and the learner must:
  • Be registered as a specialist Obstetrician/Gynaecologist.
    And have
  • A specialist Degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
    Or
  • Hold a Fellow of the College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (SA) or equivalent qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of 2 compulsory modules at NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits:
  • Clinical Module, 135 Credits.
  • Research Assignment, 45 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop comprehensive knowledge of the diagnostic techniques and procedures necessary for the diagnosis and assessment of gynaecological cancers, including the knowledge to stage cancers and to decide on the most appropriate management methods.
    2. Demonstrate specialised knowledge across the discipline of Gynaecological Oncology by understanding theory, concepts and methods, be able to articulate an understanding of the current thinking and display an ethical awareness of research in a range of contexts. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • An extensive knowledge of the epidemiology and aetiology of all cancers of the female genital tract is understood.
  • The significance of cytology, colposcopy, histopathology, radiology, ultrasound, computerised tomography and magnetic resonance imaging is understood and applied.
  • A high level of competence is attained in the assessment of pathology specimens relevant to the subspeciality.
  • The patient requiring surgical treatment of her malignancy is managed, and a comprehensive understanding of the techniques of radiation oncology and medical oncology treatment is displayed.
  • In the Logbook, a complete record of the all exenterative procedures and diversion procedures performed in the training unit is recorded.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The complex and interrelated challenges in the field of public health are critically engaged with and areas and gaps which could be addressed through critical thinking and appropriate research are identified.
  • Clear, answerable research questions are formulated that pertain to the discipline of Gynaecological Oncology.
  • The most appropriate methodology to address the research question(s) is decided upon.
  • All relevant information, including research and review of articles, textbooks and guidelines are found, internet databases are accessed and appropriate search strategies are employed for the analysis and evaluation of the relevant literature.
  • The field of research and of the research topic is adequately demarcated and conceptualised.
  • A research protocol is formulated and written.
  • Relevant data is collected, conceptualised and critically analysed and are related to these challenges in the public health field in terms of innovative and cost effective strategies and recommendations.
  • Logical, evidence-based conclusions from the data are drawn.
  • The results of the research are presented in an acceptable scientific format.
  • Research is conducted in an ethical and scientifically rigorous manner whereby the ability to engage with gate keepers of communities and other important role players when entering into the field and within a team approach is employed.
  • Information is produced and communicated by making use of 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; and a range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to a field, discipline are used.
  • Learning is managed, learning strategies are developed which sustain independent learning and academic or professional development, and effective interaction within the learning or professional group as a means of enhancing learning is displayed.

    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 qualification modules viz. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is internationally comparable with:

    Gynecologic Oncology - North Western University, Chicago:
    This qualification is designed to train physicians who have completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology for careers in academic gynecologic oncology. These learners are provided with the clinical, instructional and investigational foundation to assure the accomplishment of this goal and are actively involved in clinical and didactic teaching, enhancing their education and resulting in developing a life-long commitment to learning. One year of the qualification is devoted to acquiring basic research skills in the gynecologic oncology laboratories in a Cancer Center of Northwestern University. The other year of the study involve clinical training on the gynecologic oncology services at a Women's Hospital, as well as rotations in pathology, radiation oncology and surgical critical care.

    First-year learners undergo rigorous training to develop their basic research skills, as well as learn how to design, obtain support for, and carry out their own studies, as well as eventually direct the research efforts of others. Several research programs provide significant investigative experience, and the learners are exposed to a variety of research, including studies being carried out in at our laboratories and research centers.

    The qualification is devoted to in-depth clinical training. The clinical learners are involved in all aspects of the care of patients with gynecologic malignancies, including outpatient evaluation and follow up, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as post-operative, intensive and palliative care. The clinical learners are responsible for the care of all patients on the in-patient gynecologic oncology services. In the gynecologic oncology ambulatory units, the learners see patients for consultation, staging, treatment decisions, evaluation of response to treatment, and management of complications under direct supervision of a faculty member. In the operating rooms, the learners are the surgeons or co-surgeons for all major cases, radical and reconstructive operations, as well as procedures involving the intestine and urinary tract, and the learners will also serve as co-surgeons or first assistants for some minor and major operations performed by the resident staff, all under faculty supervision and instruction. Learners are actively trained in the principles and techniques of chemotherapy and radiation therapy as applied to the management of gynecologic malignancies. Learners also spend two months during their service on rotations in pathology, radiation oncology, and surgical critical care.

    Conclusion:
    Thus it is evident that this international qualification compares favourably with the South African qualification in terms of the purpose of the qualification and the skills that are developed in the learners. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification enables learners to articulate horizontally to:
  • Master of Medicine in Radiation Oncology at NQF Level 9.

    Or vertically to:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Obstetrics and Gynaecology 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. 

    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.