Master of Health Sciences

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Health Sciences is to enable learners to develop high levels of specialised knowledge and expertise in research within the field of Health Sciences. The qualification aims to develop advanced problem-solving skills, critical and reflective thinking, as well as the ability to report on research conducted in ways appropriate to the relevant academic and disciplinary discourses. The learner will report the findings in a manner that meets the accepted criteria and ethical principles of the profession. Learners will contribute to the existing body of knowledge by applying advanced theoretical or applied knowledge to develop and advance the study and practice of Health Science principles.

Rationale

The qualification aims to develop the qualifying learners with insight, and the ability to conceptualise research initiatives and create new knowledge or practice in the relevant field of Health Sciences. It is essential in the South African environment to provide healthcare that is accessible to the community and is of a high professional standard. This qualification allows learners to apply their knowledge to solving healthcare problems, as well as engage in community upliftment. This qualification offers an opportunity for professionals both nationally and internationally, who currently hold a professional NQF 8 qualification or equivalent in Health Sciences. Learners who obtain the qualification can compete for research positions internationally. In the process, the qualification will allow the attraction of researchers from the continent of Africa and beyond, thus strengthening the internationalisation strategy.

The institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. The institution manages RPL according to its policy, and apply it as follows:

i. Through RPL, the learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the institution.

ii. RPL takes place in terms of the requirements and procedures as set out and applied by the Faculty of Health Sciences.

iii. RPL, in the case of a learner not comply with the formal entry requirements, is

• Conducted after payment of the prescribed fees following the Policy and guidelines of the institution;
• Based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience;
• Considered only where the prior learning corresponds to the required NQF-Level;
• Taking place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification;
• Considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
• Finally, decided upon by the Faculty of Health Sciences' Dean's Committee.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of one compulsory module at Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module, 180 Credits

• Research project and Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate advanced application of concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes about Health Sciences and associated fields.

2.Address managerial, educational and research needs/problems by taking social, economic, legal, ethical, environmental, cultural and demographic influences into consideration.

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive, systematic and integrated specialist knowledge and skills of the discipline.
2. Display advanced research skills.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Critically Analyse and evaluate technologies, techniques, models and theories in the specialist field by explaining models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in order to establish recent trends in the chosen field critically.
• Identify and solve problems by thinking critically and creatively in designing, executing and reporting on a specialised area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Effectively address Address managerial, educational and research needs and problems within the social, economic, legal, ethical, environmental, cultural and demographic trends/realities/frame-work effectively.
• Demonstrate constructive and effective interaction with people and environments, as relevant to the field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply theories, research methodologies, epistemologies, and methods/techniques relevant to the discipline.
• Utilise a range of specialised and related skills to identify, analyse and deal with complex problems and issues.
• Cite relevant literature and recent trends in the technologies, techniques, models and theories in the relevant field of health sciences.
• Demonstrate advanced information, retrieval and processing skills to identify, analyse, synthesise and independently evaluate quantitative and qualitative data in the field.
• Apply ethical decision-making skills within the specialised health science contexts when dealing with complex ethical and professional issues to make informed judgements on such issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify and define the research problem clearly.
• Develop and present a research project by applying the correct research methodologies and techniques.
• Systematically and creatively draw on the theories, research methodologies, methods/techniques (including statistical and mathematical techniques), literature and materials of their discipline/field of choice.
• Operate responsibility for their work autonomously.
• Critique and evaluate current research, and participate in scholarly debates, addressing both theory and practice, in the area of specialisation.
• Present and communicate the results of research using appropriate academic and professional discourse.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment

• Seminar presentations and learner/supervisor consultations.

Summative assessment

• Research Dissertation.