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: 

Diploma in Somatology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97935  Diploma in Somatology 
ORIGINATOR
NewBridge Graduate Institute (Pty)Ltd - Bank Avenue (formerly Centurion Akademie (Pty) Ltd) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 11 - Services  Personal Care 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  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   2033-06-30  

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 qualification aims to address the growing interest from the public's point of view in Health care and sensible lifestyle advice, including the improvement of the physiological and psychological well-being of the client and to reduce stress levels of normal day to day living. A qualifying learner who has achieved the assessment criteria of this qualification will be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the main areas of Somatology.
  • Apply the acquired competence as reflected in the communication through the design and implementation of appropriate programmes.
  • Evaluate, select and apply the appropriate applications and techniques to solve problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and social implications of management decisions and actions on the organisation, community and society at large by analysing existing societal structures.

    Rationale:
    The need for suitably qualified practitioners in the field of Somatology has become evident as measures need to be taken to address the challenges of sports management. Somatology aims to equip learners with knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that will enable them to be confident and independent and to contribute responsibly in the economic reconstruction, development and growth, and to adapt to and survive in an economically complex world.

    The qualification is designed to provide the necessary theoretical and vocational education and skills to be employed as a Somatology therapist as well as the necessary theoretical and practical foundation required by the field of Somatology and its associated professional bodies. After three years of intensive training the qualified learner will be fully capable of functioning as a Health and Skincare therapist and meet the high standards and the requirements set by the Health and Skincare industry and enable the Health and Skincare therapist to be in demand nationally and internationally. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learning that has been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal means is recognised for the fulfilment of the requirements of this qualification or part of the qualification. It is required that through assessment practices, the learner should demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification. Recognition of Prior Learning is performed by means of an Integrated Assessment as mentioned in the previous paragraph.

    This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow for accelerated access to further learning. All Recognition of Prior Learning is subject to quality assurance by the relevant accredited Education and Training Quality Assurance Body and is conducted by a registered workplace assessor.

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners are required to have the following qualifications in order to be considered for admission:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) allowing entry to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate (SC).
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits. Learners must choose one elective.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Soma Techniques - Theory and Practical 105, 30 Credits.
  • Skincare and body therapy - Theory and Practical 105, 30 Credits.
  • Anatomy, Physiology and pathology 105, 15 Credits.
  • Science, Physics and Chemistry for Health and Skincare Therapy Theory 105, 15 Credits.
  • Nutrition 105, 10 Credits.
  • Psychology 105, 10 Credits.
  • Sales and Marketing 105, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 6, 170 Credits:
  • Soma Techniques - Theory and Practical 206, 30 Credits.
  • Skincare and body therapy - Theory and Practical 206, 30 Credits.
  • Anatomy and Physiology 206, 20 Credits.
  • Science, Physics and Chemistry for Health and Skincare Therapy Theory 206, 20 Credits.
  • Nutrition 206, 10 Credits.
  • Spa therapy - Theory and Practical 306, 40 Credits.
  • Science, Physics and Chemistry for Health and Skincare Therapy Practice 306, 20 Credits.

    Electives at NQF Level 6; 20 Credits:
  • Psychology 206, 10 Credits.
  • Sales and Marketing 206, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 7; 60 Credits:
  • Soma Techniques- Theory and Practical 307, 30 Credits.
  • Anatomy and Physiology 307, 7, 20, Compulsory, 307, 20 Credits.
  • Nutrition 307, 7, 10, Compulsory, 3, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of the main areas of Somatology.
    2. Apply the acquired competence as reflected in the communication through the design and implementation of appropriate programmes.
    3. Evaluate, select and apply the appropriate applications and techniques to solve problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and social implications of management decisions and actions on the organisation, community and society at large by analysing existing societal structures. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
  • Key terms, concepts, laws, principles, rules and theories of health and skincare, including the knowledge and application of appropriate biological and physiological concepts are understood.
  • The principles and practice of anatomy, physiology and pathology and how they relate to the fields of health and beauty treatment in spa management and new product and electrical treatment development is understood.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The operation, functions and applications of electronic and electrical components and equipment as used and applied in the health and skincare practice in a salon and spa environment are understood.
  • Appropriate electro-technical applications and skills are evaluated, selected and applied according to particular industrially accepted methods and procedures and techniques within the context of a clearly defined problem in a health and beauty, familiar context.
  • Defined electro-technical challenges in an unfamiliar health and beauty related field such as skin, health, and medical related technology fields is identified and evaluated.
  • Known theory and skills to solve new unfamiliar problems within the context are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The most appropriate information related to the tasks is selected.
  • Well-developed processes of analysis, synthesis and evaluation based on acquired appropriate information are demonstrated adequately.
  • Similar and different systems operating within the same context indicating clearly the existing or non-existing relationships that characterise different electro-technical systems and their potential impact on each other are compared and evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Full cognisance of ethical implications such as intellectual property issues, privacy, copyright and confidentiality within the context of the Somatology profession, including the optimum and correct application and use of appropriate computer software, proprietary processes, design principles and data management and security is understood.
  • The different sources of information such as the quality and legitimacy of information pertaining to electro-technical applications are evaluated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative Assessments:
  • Assignments.
  • Tests.
  • Projects.
  • Tasks.

    Summative Assessments:
  • Examinations.
  • Structured assignments.
  • Projects both individual and group assessments.
  • Tasks. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The London School of Beauty & Make-Up in the United Kingdom (UK) offers the Beauty Therapy Diploma and Spa qualification. The qualification is designed to provide a balance of comprehensive practical and theoretical experience. The qualification will also allow learners to attend lectures in human anatomy and physiology. Some of the modules that are similar to those offered in the Diploma in Somatology are:
  • Anatomy and physiology of the human body.
  • Contra-indications to therapies.
  • Retail sales.
  • Dermatology.
  • Diet and Nutrition.
  • Spa water treatments.
  • Holistic Therapies.

    The Diploma of Beauty Therapy qualification from Beauty EDU in Australia also includes a lot of practical experience during the process of acquiring the qualification. The qualification offers learners a curated program of study that is designed to accelerate their professional development as a beauty therapist. Learners also receive the unrivalled opportunity to hone their practical skills on clients on campus.

    Conclusion:
    The Diploma in Somatology has some similarities in terms of the practical experience that is carried out during the attainment of the qualification. There are also similarities of some of the modules offered. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Possible articulating options are:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Health and Skincare at NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Marketing and Entrepreneurial Studies at NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Somatology at NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Marketing at NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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. NewBridge Graduate Institute (Pty)Ltd - Bank Avenue (formerly Centurion Akademie (Pty) Ltd) 


    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.