Master of Health Sciences in Somatology
Purpose:
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Master's Degree
Credits
180
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
Durban University of Technology
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services
Subfield
Promotive Health and Developmental Services
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2031-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
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.
Entry requirements and RPL
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.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
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
- 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.
- Critically review, analyse and apply the results of somatology and other related literature to their investigation.
3 .Apply appropriate research methods and techniques correctly.
- 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.
Progression and comparability
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.
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.
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
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The intended purpose of this Master of Accountancy is to provide the learners with a professional, vocational, and sound understanding of the general theoretical principles and their applications in the field of research accountancy. The qualification will be treated according to the policies and procedures of the institution regarding master's dissertations, monitoring, and assessment of learners' progress in the qualification, provision for learners disputes regarding assessment results and Recognition of Prior Learning. The qualification aims to enhance research capacity and increase access by providing an opportunity to articulate to master's degree. The qualification will accommodate learners with a postgraduate diploma and relevant honours/qualifications on NQF level 8, a minimum of 120 credits achieved at other institutions as well as vertical articulation from relevant master's degrees.
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