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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Medicine in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96558  Master of Medicine in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
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  Preventive 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 the qualification is to equip a qualified medical doctors with specialised knowledge as well as the skills and attitudes required. In agreement with the requirements of the Professional Board of the HPCSA, the learner will function as an independent practitioner in the relevant speciality within any service providing an academic environment. The (second) purpose is to, following the strategic framework of the Institution and its Health Science Faculty, to produce professionals that will, in a conscientious manner, deliver comprehensive health care to the patient as an individual and as a member of society. It further provides learners with the necessary foundation to conduct and present an independent research project.

Rationale:
This qualification trains medical doctors to become specialists in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. It supplies South Africa with a sufficient number of well-trained and competent plastic surgeons to attend to the needs of the community. The qualification forms part of the credentialing process for medical practitioners as specialists in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The qualification meets the needs for formal examination certification as well as set standards for such qualifications. Learners follow the relevant CMSA curriculum and undergo training in a training unit accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa. 

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

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • Completion of an internship and community service.
    And
  • Current registration as a medical practitioner. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules totalling 180 Credits at NQF Level 9.
  • Anatomy Surgical Disciplines Part 1, 60 Credits.
  • Surgical Disciplines Part 2A, 30 Credits.
  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Part 2B, 30 Credits.
  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Part 3, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
    2. Use science and technology appropriately.
    3. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
    4. Work as team members.
    5. Organise and manage their activities responsibly and effectively.
    6. Collect, analyse and critically evaluate information.
    7. Show sensitivity to the patient and community. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
    Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of surgery and perform all the regular operations in plastic surgery, including:
  • Microsurgery.
  • Hand surgery.
  • Reconstructive head and neck surgery.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Paediatric surgery.

    Address a research issue in the field of choice, must demonstrate competence in the following areas, assessed in the examination of the project:
  • Research problem formulation.
  • Integration of literature.
  • Appropriate design and execution of research.
  • Use of appropriate methods of data collection and analysis.
  • Integration of findings.
  • Appreciation of the limits of the study.
  • Use of the publication and style conventions of the discipline.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learners write the College of Medicine Examinations Parts 1 and 2, for which they receive credit towards the qualification. They then produce a dissertation before qualifying with the qualification. External examiners examine all examinations. (a) Part 1 examinations can be after two years of training. It will take the form of theory or exams in writing (modified essay questions and multiple choice) and practical exams (clinical and OSCE, including computer-based exams. (of OSCE, clinical, oral, computer-based examinations and those in writing. Both theory and practical exams need a pass with a minimum of 50%. Coursework accounts for 50% of the final mark for Part 1. (b) The Part 2 examinations can be taken after a minimum of three years of training. Learners may not apply for the Part 2 examinations unless they have satisfactorily completed their portfolio over three years. (c) Each module receives a separate assessment, using assignment or examinations. Each module needs a pass with a minimum of 50%. (d) All registrars are required to complete a research dissertation which complies with the requirements for the Part 3 dissertation.

    Research that involves human participants or animal use for research or teaching must undergo ethics review, according to faculty-specific guidelines. Review generally entails prior approval of a research proposal by a Research Ethics or Animal Ethics Committee. In cases where prior approval is not appropriate, the research proposal must include appropriate deliberative procedures, according to faculty-specific guidelines. Research papers or dissertations that involve human participants or animal use may not be submitted for examination if they have not undergone any ethics review process.

    The Institution has a system of external peer review and evaluation of each course. One of the aspects of the system is an evaluation of the standards and assessment practices of the department. The academic staff of the Institution use this in a manner which is consistent with the quality assurance system of the Institution. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is comparable to qualifications offered in the USA, UK and Australia. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Medical Science in Critical Care, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy: Plastic Surgery, NQG Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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 Cape Town 


    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.