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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Forensic Mental Health 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
104754  Master of Philosophy in Forensic Mental Health 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The aim is to train competent forensic mental health workers to assess the psychological issues in designated individuals, and to rehabilitate mentally disordered offenders. This involves the development of excellent clinical skills in the assessment and treatment of offenders with mental health problems, and developing research and critical appraisal skills. This will include attaining skills in writing medico legal reports, providing expert testimony, and acquiring skills in dealing with civil litigation. The candidate will develop good communication skills and be able to work in a multidisciplinary team and work with multiple external agencies who may be caring for the mentally ill offender (state patient). A further aim is to develop teaching, leadership and management skills. It is hoped that the candidate will be a strong leader in the field of forensic mental health and also be an advocate for the mental health needs of mentally ill offenders.

Rationale:
This qualification provides advanced training in the theory and practice of forensic mental health. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Entry Requirements:
To be eligible for consideration, a candidate must have (a) a Master of Minimum admission requirements Master of Medicine in Psychiatry Medicine in Psychiatry of the University or another university recognised for this purpose, or a qualification recognised by the Senate as an equivalent (such as the fellowship in psychiatry from the College of Medicine of South Africa); or (b) a Master's Degree in clinical psychology of the University or another university recognised for this purpose, or a qualification deemed to be equivalent; or (c) a professional qualification in a mental health discipline such a social work, occupational therapy or nursing; or (d) an Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree of the University or another university recognised for this purpose, or a qualification deemed to be equivalent; or (e) a professional qualification with requisite experience deemed to be equivalent to any of the above. All candidates must be practising in, or have the intention to practise in, the psycholegal field. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules:
  • Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Forensic Mental Health Part 1 (PRY7013W) Level 9, 120 Credits.
  • MPhil in Forensic Mental Health Part 2 (PRY7014W) Level 9, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop clinical, research and teaching skills in forensic mental health, and have specific clinical skills in the specialist psychiatric assessment and treatment of offenders using a bio-psycho-social formulation that is culturally sensitive and includes differential diagnoses. This includes a specialist knowledge of psychopathology, assessment tools, medical investigations and treatment modalities including various psychological therapies and medical treatments.
    2. Develop specialist skills and also be able to work at the primary and secondary care level to provide ongoing support to other community agencies.
    3. Demonstrate leadership skills, and be an effective communicator with patients, families, colleagues and outside agencies.
    4. Able to work in a multidisciplinary team as well as work with multiple agencies such as department of justice, correctional services, police and director of public prosecutions.
    5. Teach junior colleagues and other professionals and families.
    6. Develop ongoing professionalism, continuous learning, self-reflection, appraisal and leadership.
    7. Take a lead in clinical governance, and be an advocate for forensic mental health services.
    8. Have an in-depth understanding of ethical aspects in the field. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome:
  • Demonstrate required knowledge and clinical skills in forensic mental health and produce a dissertation.
  • Assess the candidate' knowledge and minimum clinical skills in forensic mental health.

    Integrated Assessment:
    On-going assessment of performance through regular supervision sessions and through oral and observed clinical examinations every six-month. At the end of the programme, candidates will have been assessed formally by means of in-course assessment reports (33%) a three-hour written Part 1 examination (33%) the presentation and examination of a dissertation (34% of total mark). (b) Part-time candidates will undergo the same in-course assessment and examination procedures but will be allowed an extra (third) year to complete coursework and dissertation requirements. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Similar to qualifications offered in the United States of America, United Kingdom and Australia. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates vertically to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.