Master of Philosophy in Health Professions Education

Purpose

The programme will address the needs of a variety of stakeholders, including institutions where Health Professions are taught, all of whom require knowledgeable teachers and researchers and leaders in the field of Health Professions Education. Personnel of the national and provincial Departments of Health, especially those involved in teaching and training activities (including policy makers) will also benefit from completing this programme. The purpose of the programme is therefore to skill those involved in the teaching and learning function within the Health Professions Education context so as to enhance teaching and learning offerings at Universities and other Health Professions Training Institutions. Given the above, it is envisaged that the health services of the country will eventually benefit from the programme.

Rationale

The programme will promote excellence with respect to Education, Research and community interaction in the field of Health Sciences Education of the African continent. The programme will facilitate research and academic reflection. In this regard it will contribute to a body of knowledge in the field of Health Sciences Education. It will also ensure a rich learning environment, including interdisciplinary participation and approaches and international inputs. It will help to develop Health Sciences Education leaders who can contribute to the advancement of evidence based practice in Higher Education in the Health Sciences in Africa and thereby improve quality of health care.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Stellenbosch University has a comprehensive Recognition of Prior Learning Policy that is available on the University website.

Entry Requirements

Professional Bachelors' Degree (NQF Level 7) or equivalent in a Health Sciences/Profession related programme plus Honours Bachelors' Degree in Education or Social Sciences or equivalent (NQF Level 8) and currently or previously employed in a Health Sciences environment.

Single 15 Credit elective in the 2nd year. All other modules are compulsory. Programme includes a research assignment.

1. Understand, critically evaluate and apply contemporary and appropriate educational approaches in a health professions teaching and learning context.
2. Understand, critically evaluate and apply the principles of professional practice, with specific reference to ethics, reflection and social responsiveness, in a health professions teaching and learning context.
3. Understand, critically evaluate and apply findings derived from international and, in particular, African research into health professions education within the context of diversity and varying levels of resources.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• A scientific report comprising recommendations to facilitate educational transformation in a given health professions context is completed.
• A critical analysis of two teaching and learning interactions aimed at promoting student learning (both in terms of knowledge and attitudes) is conducted.
• An assessment plan is developed and evaluated.
• The application of a curriculum framework is critiqued and presented in the form of a written report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• An e-portfolio is developed across the two years of the programme in which students document their professional and personal journeys in a structured fashion.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• All modules include an assignment that requires students to engage with current literature (both international and local) and to draw on local contexts in which to situate their work, including their research projects.

Integrated Assessment

A structured longitudinal portfolio is completed by students across the two-year duration of the programme.