Master of Health Sciences in Somatology

The Masters qualification in Somatology is designed to develop a competent professional with knowledge and skills required for practicing research in the Somatology field and applying gained knowledge and skills in the appropriate workplace context. The holder of this qualification will demonstrate skills in conducting basic research, independently and in a supervisory capacity. This qualification will enable the professional to contribute to knowledge production in the Somatology field with methods which comply with the universal accepted standard for research at this level. The learner will be able to competently investigate a solution to a well-defined and abstract problem in a selected field of Somatology. They will increase their understanding and appreciation between academic theory and research and its practical application in the workplace, studying spa operations, project management, sustainable management systems, risk management, marketing, financial planning and strategy. Therefore, the learner will become a specialised Therapist and a life-long learner in this profession, in turn benefiting the community and society. Successful completion of this qualification will enable the learner to register for a Doctorate in Somatology.

Rationale

The qualification replaces the Master's of Technology Degree Programmes (MTech): Somatology and has been developed in response to the new Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF). The qualification is aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and HEQSF requirements. The Somatology curriculum is continuously reviewed and kept current in order to maintain employability of learners. Nationally, Universities of Technology collaborate to update and redesign their qualifications. Input from stakeholders of the Somatology qualifications enjoys priority and these stakeholders desire a Masters qualification for Somatologists.

The Somatology profession is currently experiencing a need for highly skilled Somatology learners (Global Spa and Wellness, 2015: online; South African Spa Associate (SASA), 2012: online; www.spajobs.co.za accessed on 17 May 2016). Additionally, the 21st century presents unprecedented growth opportunities for the Spa and salon industry and therefore, for the Somatology profession. Advances in technology, the confluence of the information and the internet age, and the sheer speed and expansion of communication capabilities have significantly accelerated the pace of globalisation. These advances have a positive influence on the growth of the beauty and aesthetic industries (including Somatology profession) world-wide, as well as within South Africa (Professional Beauty Association's statistics of 2014 and Global Spa Benchmark Report of 2009). Therefore, the salon and spa industry is an engine of job growth, despite economic challenges (Professional Beauty Association's statistics of 2014).

Given the need for highly skilled Somatologists and the advancement of the profession in South Africa, the offering of this qualification will play a crucial role in the development of the Spa and Salon industry in the country. Learners of the current qualifications, Diploma in Somatology and the Advanced Diploma in Somatology indicated a need to further their studies and to enter the field of research. The Masters qualification is envisaged to also address this need of the recent learners.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• The institutional RPL policy applied to widen access for potential learners with work experience within the sphere of Environmental Health and related disciplines.

Entry Requirements.

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor Honours in Somatology (National Qualifications Framework (NQF), Level 8).

OR

• Postgraduate Diploma in Somatology (NQF, Level 8).

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 10,180 Credits

• Research Project and Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the field of investigation.
2. Apply research methods and techniques appropriately and accurately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The listed and cited literature of the literature survey and the exposition of the research reveal familiarity with relevant and current trends in technologies, techniques, models and theories in the chosen field.
• Models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in the relevant field are analysed, explained and contrasted correctly in the written thesis of research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The use of literature surveys/experimentation/correlation/causal analysis is completely and accurately reasoned in the written thesis of research.
• The research problem is clearly identified, defined, and in depth discussed in the research proposal.
• The stated hypothesis directs the investigation.
• Logical interpretation of data reflects clear understanding of the relationship between facts in the study and the ability to evaluate conflicting information.
• Information sources are used accurately and appropriately and includes a range of media.
• Information technology skills are applied effectively in information searches, data-analyses, data presentation and the production of the dissertation.
• The appropriate mathematical and statistical methods are applied correctly to quantitative and qualitative data.
• The inferences, interpretations and conclusions from measurements and statistical analyses are valid.
• Language and numeracy skills are applied effectively in communicating the research problem, its investigation, outcome and recommendations clearly.

Integrated Assessment

Learners must submit a dissertation containing the report of their research. The dissertation has to meet all the standards and requirements of a Master's dissertation.