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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Health Sciences in Somatology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96843  Master of Health Sciences in Somatology 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
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:
The qualified learner will have the competence to conduct independent research under minimal guidance in a chosen field, and contribute to knowledge production in that field. The research problem, its justification, process and outcome are reported in a dissertation, which complies with the generally accepted norms for research at this level.

Rationale:
The traditional Western medical field acknowledges the value and positive medical research supporting various complementary, alternative and adjunct therapies and methodologies (CAM). Due to the availability of and access to information the general public is also more knowledgeable in terms of the health and well-being of the human body, as well as new therapies, techniques and technologies within the allopathic field, and are therefore demanding a more holistic approach from health practitioners. Thus, the focus within the field of Somatic therapies has also shifted from a more aesthetic focus to a multi-skilled health and wellness related focus. This field has seen significant developments in terms of new technologies, techniques and products which place the practising Somatologist in a position to receive referrals from health care professionals, and vice versa. It is therefore vital for qualified Somatologists to investigate, explore and contribute new knowledge within the profession. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Rules for awarding RPL credits towards the conferment of status for the qualification will be under the policy of the institution and agreement with the relevant Education Training Quality Assurance (ETQA).

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirement for admission into this master's qualification is.
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises a compulsory Research Project at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Research Project, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the use of a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the field, discipline or Somatology practice; and an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specific context.
    2. Critically review, analyse and apply the results of somatology and other related literature to their investigation.
    3 .Apply appropriate research methods and techniques correctly.
    4. Apply appropriate communication skills reporting the results, both in written and oral form that will enable the utilisation of the study by profession. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Reflect the listed and cited literature of the literature survey and the exposition of the research familiarity with relevant and recent trends in technologies, techniques, models and theories in the chosen field.
  • Analyse, explain and juxtapose the models, principles, methods, techniques and methodologies in the chosen field in oral presentations and written record of research.
  • Justify fully and accurately the use of literature surveys/experimentation/correlation/causal analysis in oral presentation and the written record of research.
  • Identify and define in detail the research problem in the research proposal.
  • Direct the stated hypothesis in the investigation.
  • Reflect logical interpretation of data and a clear understanding of the relationship between facts in the study and the ability to evaluate contradictory information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Critically-review literature of relevant and recent trends in technologies within the Somatology field/discipline.
  • Justify fully and correctly the use of literature surveys/experimentation/correlation/causal analysis in oral presentation and the written record of research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Use correctly and appropriately information sources and include a range of media.
  • Apply practical information technology skills in information searches, data-analyses, data presentation and the production of the dissertation.
  • Use-correctly the appropriate mathematical and statistical methods to quantitative and qualitative data.
  • Validate the inferences, interpretations and conclusions from measurements and statistical analyses.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply effectively and correctly the language and numeracy skills in communicating the research problem, its investigation, outcome and recommendations.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The learner will submit a dissertation for summative assessment on completion in compliance with the institution's requirements. Through the dissertation, the learner is expected to present mixed research findings, interpreted and linked to the existing literature but with critical self-reflection, across the entire area of investigation. The supervisor will provide constant formative feedback. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    South African providers, notably the institution, has therefore little comparability and can be seen in this instant to be the flagship in this profession. However, while some private providers offer specialised courses, they do not meet the national or international needs, particularly in the area of research, and further advancement in the Somatology field.

    As the Somatology profession is not regulated in South Africa, the scope of modalities it offers varies extensively, and the responsibility to provide quality ethical training is essential. The following international qualifications were used as comparisons, however, branch into specialisation fields in contrast to the Somatology Masters in Health Sciences qualification which was designed with industry input for our South African context of research.

    The University of Miami in the United States of America offers a similar course titled Master of Science in Skin Biology and Dermatological Sciences. The 1.5 years Master's qualification is a teaching process for research in skin and dermatology, covering basics skin biology and clinical complications. The content includes the following modules/courses, namely, Introduction to Dermatology; Skin Anatomy and Histology; Skin Biology and Pathophysiology; Skin Microbiology and Immunology; Dermato-epidemiology; Advances in Dermatology; Frontiers in Sciences; and Research Rotation. An Aromatherapy in Palliative Care course is offered as a post-grad to health care professionals within the Institute of Palliative Care department at the California State University.

    The University of Barcelona (Spain) also offers Masters in Dermopharmacy and cosmetology. It is a two-year course focusing on working procedures, quality assurance and legislation of cosmetic preparations as well as to develop aspects of scientific research in dermopharmacy and cosmetology.

    Newcastle University (North East England) offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Palliative Care (120 credits). This qualification is a two-year online course focusing on delivering care to patients from biological, psychosocial and ethical perspectives. Its content includes Palliative Care Themes and Perspectives (E-learning); Handling Loss, Grief, and Bereavement (E-learning); Research Methods 1 (E-learning); Managing Pain (E-learning); Contemporary Issues in Palliative Care Practice: Management of Symptoms in Advanced Diseases (E-learning).

    Sheffield Hallam University (United Kingdom) offers the Postgraduate Diploma in Supportive and Palliative care (120 Credits). This qualification is a three-year course, aimed at health care professionals working in the field of supportive and palliative care in a clinical setting. It enables the professional to be competent in treating and supporting patients with chronic illness to achieve the best quality of life. The content includes but not limited to End of Life Decision Making; Loss, Grief and Bereavement; Complexities of Symptom Management; Collaborative Working in Supportive and Palliative Care; and Research Methods for Practice.

    The Wrexham Glyndwr University (Wales - United Kingdom) offers a Bachelor of Science (BSc) (Honours) Complementary Therapies for Healthcare (Level 5). The BSc (Hons), Complementary Therapies for Healthcare, is a four year fulltime/six years' part-time qualification which enables learners the opportunity to develop professional skills in preparation for working in the practice of complementary therapy. The content Includes Foundation in Bodyworks; Foundations in Research; Developing Academic and Personal Skills; Nutrition; Anatomy and Applied Physiology; Developing Educational and Personal Skills; Nutrition; and Bodyworks in Practice.

    The Southern Institute of Technology: School of Massage Therapy (New Zealand) offers a Bachelor of Therapeutic and Sports Massage (Level 7). This Bachelor course, first provided in 2002 was the first massage qualification in New Zealand and the Southern Hemisphere to be approved and is the only massage qualification supported by the only dedicated massage research institute in New Zealand. This three-year bachelor qualification enables qualified learners to be prepared for careers in both the therapeutic and sports massage fields. The content includes Health Aspects of Exercise and Nutrition; Surface Anatomy; Physiology for Massage Therapy; Professional Studies; Therapeutics I, II, III; Pathology for Massage Practitioners; Massage for Physical Performance; Clinical Reasoning and Functional Assessment; Clinical Practice I, II, III; Research Statistics; Research and Advanced Professional Development; Advanced Clinical Reasoning and Clinical Practice III; and Advanced Professional Studies. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Health Sciences, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Health Sciences in Somatology, 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. Durban University of Technology 


    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.