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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Gastroenterology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
91724  Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Gastroenterology 
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  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 equip the learner with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage all aspects of clinical paediatric gastroenterology. At the end of the coursework component, the learner will be able to diagnose and evaluate patients with gastroenterological diseases, liver diseases and disorders of nutrition and will be able to manage and investigate patients appropriately and to determine a therapeutic strategy.

In addition to managing children with complex paediatric gastroenterology conditions, the graduate would be expected to be able to:
  • Undertake research in paediatric gastroenterology.
  • Develop and manage treatment protocols.
  • Plan and manage gastroenterology services.
  • Educate nursing and medical staff.
  • Undertake and interpret procedures and investigations relevant to paediatric gastroenterology.

    Rationale:
    Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver and disorders of nutrition are important causes of morbidity and mortality in infancy and childhood, particularly in developing countries such as South Africa. Optimal management of these conditions requires specialised knowledge of the specific disease processes and treatment options available, as well as diagnostic and interventional skills. Paediatricians trained in the discipline of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition can make an important contribution to specialised care of these children.

    Due to the growing knowledge in the field and specialised management options, it is important to define the sub-specialty in a way that will be appropriate to the relevant setting whilst remaining equivalent in status to other established subspecialty programmes. The discipline encompasses all aspects of congenital and acquired diseases of the intestine, liver and pancreas, incorporating an emphasis on nutritional requirements, diseases and nutritional support of infants and children. The care of children with gastrointestinal and liver disease differs from that of adults. From birth through infancy and adolescence into adulthood, dramatic physiological and anatomical changes occur. These involve every aspect of intestinal, liver and pancreatic function as well as changing nutritional requirements to ensure adequate growth and development. As a result, children not only present with a different spectrum of disease, but respond differently to illness and treatment.

    Training in South Africa also needs to take into account the specific disease profile seen here, as well as the limitations of the health service in a developing economy. The spectrum of diseases is that of both economically developed and developing countries. Diseases common to developed countries such as inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, cystic fibrosis and biliary atresia are frequently encountered. In addition there is an enormous burden of disease related to infectious diseases, including HIV and TB and malnutrition related to poverty.

    There is an obligation not only to manage these challenges optimally but also to provide leadership in the research of these diseases. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners undertaking studies for this qualification must:
  • Comply with the requirements for Registration as a Medical Practitioner as prescribed by the Medical, Dental and Supplementary Health Services Act.
  • Be registered as a specialist Paediatrician in terms of the Act.
  • Be appointed against a HPCSA-approved training number.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    Admission this Master's Degree could be granted to learners not in possession of the specified Degree that meets the admission requirements at the discretion of the Institution and in accordance with the relevant legislation.

    Access to the Qualification:
    Prior to commencing with education and training in the relevant sub-speciality, learners must be able to provide proof of:
  • Compliance with all the requirements for registration as a specialist in one of the primary specialities listed against the relevant sub-speciality.
  • Registration as a specialist in that field.
  • Appointment as a learner by the HPCSA. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Qualification Rules:
    This qualification comprises two compulsory parts, viz., Paediatric Gastroenterology theory and prescribed practical procedures - 120 Credits and a dissertation not exceeding 20 000 words - 60 Credits. All the Credits are at NQF Level 9. Total required credits for the qualification: 180.

    Modules:
  • Anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas.
  • Histology of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas.
  • Molecular Biology of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas.
  • Embryology of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas.
  • Physiology and Pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas.

    Dissertation:
    The research topic/problem is selected in consultation with the supervisor.
    The work involves:
  • The preparation of a research proposal.
  • A literature review.
  • Data collection.
  • Analysis of finding/s.
  • Drawing of conclusions.
  • Recommendations.
  • The preparation of the dissertation of not more than 20 000 words in length. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit Level Outcomes:
    1. Demonstrate skills in taking a medical history, performing a physical examination, formulating a differential diagnosis and developing an appropriate diagnostic and management plan.
    2. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic knowledge base of the epidemiology of the principal diseases in paediatric gastroenterology and hepatology with emphasis on the differences between developed and developing countries and the specific circumstances pertaining to South Africa.
    3. Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of the theory, research methodologies and techniques relevant to the physiology, pathophysiology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of important nutritional, intestinal and liver diseases in infancy, childhood and adolescence.
    4. Carry out a research project in paediatric gastroenterology, produce the required dissertation within the allocated timeframe and submit a paper on the subject that meets the standards for publication in a peer review journal.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in the qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome:
  • Awareness of the bioethics involved in the clinical management of patients is clearly demonstrated.
  • Ethics and a professional approach are clearly demonstrated at all times, whether dealing directly with patients and/or their significant others or in the pursuit of research and the production of an original dissertation.
  • Acquisition of competence in the performance of specific diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, the interpretation of findings with the related complications, indications and contraindications is clearly demonstrated.
    Range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures:
    > Upper GI endoscopy (performance of at least 100).
    > Colonoscopy (performance of at least 50).
    > Endoscopic procedures (polypectomy, removal of foreign bodies, sclerotherapy).
    > Oesophageal, gastric and small intestinal biopsy.
    > Rectal biopsy.
    > Liver biopsy (performance of at least 20).
    > Performing and interpretation of oesophageal pH-metry and manometry.
    > Performing and interpretation of anorectal manometry.
    > Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
    > Transit studies.
    > Pancreatic function testing (screening tests, faecal elastase and intubation tests).
    > Radio-nucleotide scans.
    > Barium studies.
  • Knowledge of and skills in managing nutrition in children are clearly demonstrated through the following:
    > Assessment of nutritional status of all patients examined.
    > Dietary requirements of children.
    > Pathophysiology of malnutrition.
    > Theory, techniques and practical application of enteral and parenteral nutrition support.
    > Working in nutritional support teams by cooperating with other specialists and multidisciplinary health care professionals, such as psychologists, dieticians, speech therapists, surgeons, pathologists and laboratory scientists.
  • Managerial, academic and clinical skills are clearly demonstrated in the:
    > Conducting of a clinical audit.
    > Organising and delivering formal and informal under- and postgraduate teaching programmes.
    > Application of knowledge and understanding of the health priorities of South Africa in teaching programmes and clinical situations.
  • Research skills are clearly demonstrated in the following:
    > Critical evaluation of clinical results from audits, papers and literature reviews.
    > Application of the principles of clinical study design and protocol development.
    > Application of the data collection process (including collation, database development).
    > Data analysis and interpretation including medical statistics and data presentation.
    > Application of research methods, techniques and technologies appropriate to an area of specialisation; an ability to undertake a research project and write up a research dissertation under supervision.
    > The publication of at least one article in a peer-reviewed journal.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment:
    This takes the form of three monthly assessments of learners made by the consultant gastroenterologists involved in the training programme relating to:
  • Required acquisition of technical procedures.
  • Clinical and basic science knowledge relating paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition.
  • Formal review of progress in the research project being submitted, and the keeping of a logbook recording all procedures is mandatory and is verified by the head of the training unit.
    The level of competency in performing the procedures is verified by the training supervisor or head of the unit at the end of the training period.

    Summative Assessment:
    This comprises:
  • A written examination (two three-hour papers).
  • An oral/OSCE/OSPE/clinical component (Duration maximum 3 hours).
  • A dissertation on an approved topic embodying advanced research under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by Senate.
    This comprises a dissertation on an approved topic embodying advanced research under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by Senate. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    In terms of the required research component and theoretical knowledge (and practical skills - where applicable) this qualification meets international standards in terms of the requirements for a Masters' Degree. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with other similar Master of Philosophy Degrees at NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with a cognate Doctoral Degree at NQF Level 10. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The Clinical work is examined by an approved external examiner.

    The dissertation will be by two examiners, one internal and one from another academic institution usually in South Africa.

    All examiners will hold one or more of the following degrees: Fellowship of the College of Physicians (FCP), Member of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP), Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP) and Doctor of Medicine (MD).

    In addition, all examiners must hold an academic appointment that may be either full-time or part-time. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    All examiners/assessors are listed on a panel of approved examiners of the College of Medicine. 

    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. University of Cape Town 


    All qualifications and part qualifications submitted for public comment, or 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.