Master of Social Science in Health Research Ethics

Purpose

The qualification aims to impart to its trainees applied competence in the ethics review of research protocols, so that they are able to contribute meaningfully and effectively in the ethical review of research in Africa, provide leadership in the formation and Functioning of Research Ethics Committees in Africa and aims to drive scholarship and research in Research Ethics in Africa. It also provides advanced multi-disciplinary education in Health Research Ethics to senior professionals in Africa whose work influences Health Research Ethics and strengthen institutional capacity to continue health research ethics education, development and research in Africa. Finally, it increases ethics review committee awareness of ethical issues in Health Research and extend the impact of South African Research Ethics Training Initiative (SARETI) programmes by facilitating networking of professionals with Health Research Ethics Training and experience in Africa.

Rationale

The overall goal of the qualification is to build African capacity for the ethical review and implementation of health research and to strengthen Africa's institutional training capacity to achieve and sustain this aim.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Social Science Honours, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Ethics, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 192 Credits.

Compulsory Modules 1, Level 9, 128 Credits

• Critical Issues in Informed Consent, 16 Credits.
• Institutionalising Ethical Review of Health Research, 16 Credits.
• Research Dissertation Subsequent Year, 64 Credits.
• Introduction to Bioethics, 16 Credits.
• Research Ethics: African and Indigenous Perspectives, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, 64 Credits (Choose 4)

• Religion and Ethics in Health Research, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Human Rights for Health Researchers, 16 Credits.
• Children and Health Research, 16 Credits.
• Behaviour and Research, 16 Credits.
• Responsible Conduct of Research and Research Integrity, 16 Credits.
• Ethical Issues in HIV Vaccine Trials, 16 Credits.
• Ethical Issues in International Collaborative Health Research, 16 Credits.
• Evaluating Research Designs, 16 Credits.
• Ethical Issues in Community - Based Research, 16 Credits.
• Ethical Issues in Women's Health Research, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Health Law and Health Research, 16 Credits.

1. Provide trainees with a solid theoretical foundation and practical competence.
2. Conduct and lead ethical review and implementation of health research.
3. Train others in providing this review; assists trainees in institutionalising research ethics and ethics review capacity.
4. Prepares African professionals to assume leadership positions in health research ethics in Africa.
5. Pursue a career or further doctoral studies in this field.
6. Demonstrate applied competence in the ethics review of research protocols.
7. Contribute meaningfully and effectively in the ethical review of research in Africa.
8. Provide leadership in the formation and functioning of Research Ethics Committees in Africa.
9. Trainees will drive scholarship and research in Research Ethics in Africa.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Critically engage in research ethics scholarship and debate.
• Evaluate and contribute to the role of empirical data in complex research ethics debates.
• Critically engage in research ethics scholarship and debate.
• Evaluate and contribute to the role of empirical data in complex research ethics debates.

Integrated Assessment

All programmes comply with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and use a learner-centred approach that emphasises the knowledge, skills and values that should be acquired by the learner. Assessment is based on learner presentations; seminars; lectures; assignments; self-study. Evaluation is also based upon: Class participation and participation in group discussions; Group assignments and presentations; Exercises in facilitation of discussion within groups; Short and long essays written in response to problem cases the learners will have to evaluate; Scenario/case study based exam questions. The approved institution criteria for the registration of external examiners are observed and monitored by the Programme, the Discipline and the Postgraduate/Research Committee. Members of staff employed by the institution in terms of the Universities academic criteria are considered competent to serve as internal moderators. They are selected from staff teaching on the relevant modules. External examiners are staff external to the institution in either academia or practice, with specific expertise in the specialisation. The minimum criterion for an examiner in this programme is a Master's Degree in the relevant field. We have a well-established pool of national and international experts who can assist.