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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Biokinetics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120180  Master of Biokinetics 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Rehabilitative Health/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
Reregistered  EXCO 0638/26  2026-02-02  2029-02-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-02-02   2033-02-02  

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.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Master of Biokinetics is to train researchers in the field of Biokinetics to contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level. The qualification focuses on the application and integration of a scientific (researched-based) and specialised level of knowledge and skills within the field of research. The qualification will empower learners with a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing, and applying methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging research problems within the field of Biokinetics. The qualification will prepare learners to conduct research that will be documented as scientific publishable articles and/or a research dissertation.

The qualification will produce knowledgeable and skilled graduates with competence in performing research to communicate and defend substantial ideas of research to a range of audiences and interact effectively within the professional group with different levels of knowledge or expertise, appreciate the components of scholarly writing and evaluate its quality. The qualification will also produce graduates who can contribute to the development of knowledge at a high level.

On successful completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Reflect critically on theory and its application in practice.
  • Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively.
  • Make sound judgements using data and information at their disposal.
  • Communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a theoretical underpinning and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of Biokinetics.
  • Design and critically appraise research.
  • Function as part of a multi-disciplinary team in accordance with good clinical practice and evidence-based research.
  • Apply a specialised level of understanding and knowledge in their area of expertise.
  • Apply and integrate a scientific (researched-based) and specialized level of knowledge and skills within the field of research.
  • Apply evidence-based medicine as a base for clinical reasoning.
  • Evaluate a range of knowledge sources and scholarly apply it in the required context.

    Furthermore, the qualification focuses on attitudes, systematic and creative problem-solving skills, scientific and academic communication skills, as well as on the integration of all these concepts, which will culminate in the production of high-quality research as evidenced by demonstrated dissertations and/or publishable interrelated manuscripts/publishable research articles. The qualification is research-based and consists of a compulsory module applicable to the dissertation and/or applicable to the publishable, interrelated manuscripts/publishable articles.

    Rationale:
    The profession of Biokinetics was established within the South African context to address the gap identified during the exercise-based intervention between functionality and performance optimisation. The body of evidence related to the benefits of exercise has increased over the years, particularly within the disease and injury prevention, management, and treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) or chronic diseases and neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. South Africa has an increasing burden of NCDs, therefore, the profession of Biokinetics is crucial as part of the multi-disciplinary health team to address this burden of disease within the South African context. Biokinetics address both the pathogenic and fortogenic paradigms of patient care.

    Biokinetics is a healthcare profession concerned with prophylactic, therapeutic, rehabilitative, and performance-enhancing exercise modalities to optimize function, movement, and sports performance across the lifespan. To design and prescribe safe and effective exercise interventions, Biokineticists undertake comprehensive health, fitness, and functional assessments, and implement and supervise scientific-based individualized physical activity and exercise programs for apparently healthy, diseased, and injured individuals throughout the human lifespan. Biokinetics forms part of the holistic and multidisciplinary approach to delivering evidence-based preventative and rehabilitative health care.

    The qualification will allow professionals in Biokinetics to focus more scientifically (research-based) on their specific field of specialisation and thus build on the advanced knowledge gained during their Bachelor of Biokinetics qualification. Qualified learners will display management and leadership skills, a specialised level of knowledge and skills within the field of research, as well as field-related knowledge and expertise, both within the South African as well as the international context.

    The institution is one of the South African universities accredited to train Biokineticists, which makes it eligible for registration as a Biokineticists with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The institution solicited input from the Biokinetics Association of South Africa (BASA) and HPCSA in the development of the qualification. The qualification will allow Biokinetics to be in line with the other professions that are regulated by the Board of Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Biokinetics. The qualification further allows learners with a four-year Bachelor of Biokinetics an opportunity to access a Master's degree. The qualification will enable graduates to become entrepreneurs, leaders, and researchers in Biokinetics, thereby improving the lives of different groups in the South African sporting community. The graduate will be equipped with the required theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to provide expert and researched clinical support services to communities, different specialist age groups, sports teams and individual athletes who depend on exercise for the development and improvement of their well-being and quality of life. The qualification contributes to equity and redress in South Africa by providing skilled and culturally sensitive sports practitioners who can promote and enhance physical and psychological well-being and health and thus contribute to the general upliftment of our society. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Biokinetics, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences in Biokinetics, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Biokinetics, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Biokinetics, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Biokinetics, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sports Science, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Human Movement Sciences, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • Be registered as a Biokinetics with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge to enable engagement with and critique of current research or practices, as well as advanced scholarship or research in the Biokinetics field.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate current processes of knowledge production, and to choose an appropriate process of enquiry for the area of study or practice.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing, and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within a field, discipline, or practice; and an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specialised context.
    4. Demonstrate command of and the ability to design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes, or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information, to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in an area of specialisation to produce significant insights.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to use the resources of academic and professional or occupational discourses to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are the products of research or development in an area of specialisation; and use a range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to Biokinetics field, to communicate with a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to make autonomous ethical decisions which affect knowledge production, or complex organisational or professional issues, and the ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in a specific context.
    8. Demonstrate the ability to make interventions at an appropriate level within a system, based on an understanding of hierarchical relations within the system, and the ability to address the intended and unintended consequences of interventions.
    9. Demonstrate an ability to develop his or her learning strategies which sustain independent learning and academic or professional development, and can interact effectively within the learning or professional group as a means of enhancing learning.
    10. Demonstrate the ability to act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a theoretical underpinning and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of Biokinetics. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Engage with and critique current Biokinetics research practice.
  • Critically evaluate current research practices as well as advanced scholarship or research in the Biokinetics field.
  • Define and integrate key terms, concepts, and theories in the Biokinetics research study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Evaluate and independently reflect current processes of knowledge production and choose appropriate processes of enquiry for the practice.
  • Select appropriate tools and research methods relevant to the Biokinetics field.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing, and applying methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging research problems within the field of Biokinetics.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Deal with complexity, and/or contradictions in the knowledge base and confidently deploy well-developed advanced research skills and methods, implementing the newest technology in study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Read scientific articles with insight regarding the methodological aspects.
  • Critically evaluate published literature in the Biokinetics field and apply it in practice.
  • Evaluate research, review literature, design and perform a study, collect data, perform statistical analyses on data, interpret results and draw conclusions.
  • Conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in the subspecialty.
  • Interrogate and evaluate multiple sources related to Biokinetics theoretical knowledge.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Conduct research that will be documented as scientific inter-related publishable articles and/or a research dissertation idea effectively.
  • Contribute to the current knowledge base in their area of expertise by presenting and communicating substantial academic ideas effectively.
  • Communicate the research recommendations and conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Present scientific findings to a research audience with different levels of knowledge or expertise.
  • Publish research results in accredited journals.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Critically reflect on ethical and professional business practices within their area of expertise.
  • Be ethically accountable towards the profession, clients, and the community.
  • Obtain ethical clearance prior to data collection.
  • Conduct data collection ethically with a clear demonstration of ethical sensitivity and awareness related to the research process and participants.
  • Identify and address and/or manage emerging ethical issues in Biokinetics professions and research, advance the process of ethical decision-making and evaluate the consequences of the decisions where appropriate.
  • Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Apply a specialised level of understanding and knowledge in their area of expertise.
  • Make sound judgements using data and information at your disposal.
  • Operate independently and take full responsibility for own work, and where appropriate accountability for leading and initiating processes and implementing systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Interact effectively within the professional group with different levels of knowledge or expertise.
  • Develop own learning strategies which sustain independent learning and academic or professional development and can interact effectively within the learning or professional group as a means of enhancing learning.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Be ethically accountable towards the profession, clients, and the community.
  • Display the ability to work independently and take full responsibility for their work, where accountability, leadership and the initiation of processes are central concepts.
  • Contribute as a member of a group making academic and professional presentations about relevant topics in Biokinetics.
  • Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a theoretical underpinning and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of Biokinetics.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment of dissertations and articles happens according to Faculty procedures, where internal and external examiners are formally approved and appointed by the Faculty Executive Committee as well as the Faculty Board. Clear timeframes and guidelines exist for examiners, to ensure that both learner and examiner know exactly on what dates the dissertation should be submitted by the learner and when the examiner is expected to submit their report to ensure an adequate amount of time for the learner to finalize their theses or dissertation in time for graduation.
    Assessors are expected to study the dissertation within the context and fundamental principles of the discipline and submit a report in this regard. Clear guidelines for this report are provided.

    Formative Assessment:
    Successful presentation of research progress at regular intervals is required. It is also expected from learners to engage in regular formal discussions with the promoter(s).

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment entails writing a dissertation. It contains a justifiable argument that is based on research and counts 100% of the achievement mark. The title of the dissertation will be submitted to the Faculty Board only on the recommendation of the Faculty Management.

    On completion of the dissertation and on the recommendation of the supervisor(s), the dissertation will be examined by two external assessors and one internal assessor.

    All Masters' degree dissertations are externally examined, ensuring quality, and providing a level of national and/or international benchmarking. The production of a high-quality Master-level conventional research dissertation or a research dissertation containing two interrelated published article/s or publishable manuscripts in which the learner must demonstrate that, under supervision, learners are able to conduct scientifically sound, theoretically grounded, ethical research on a Specialisation in Biokinetics, and is able to communicate research findings in an academically appropriate manner. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The following international Masters' qualifications are unique and comparable to the proposed Master of Biokinetics qualification:

    Country: Canada
    Institution: Western University
    Qualification Title: Master of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
    Duration: 6 Terms Full-time study Thesis-based
    Entry Requirements:
  • Four-year degree from an accredited university.
  • Achieved at least a 75% average over the last two years of the undergraduate degree.

    Purpose:
    With research-based qualification offerings at both the Master's and PhD levels, Western's graduate qualification in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (HRS) combines disciplinary foundations with multidisciplinary breadth, providing learners with an opportunity to explore issues related to health and wellness across nine fields of study and from a variety of perspectives. Learners in HRS qualifications work closely with world-class researchers from across the Faculty of Health Sciences six schools, leveraging their expertise to think strategically about health-related issues facing people around the world.

    Fields of Research include the following topics:
  • Health and Aging.
  • Health Professional Education.
  • Health Promotion.
  • Hearing Science.
  • Measurement and Methods.
  • Occupational Science.
  • Physical Therapy.
  • Rehabilitation Sciences.
  • Speech and Language Science.

    Similarities:
  • The Western University (WU) and the South African (SA) qualifications require a four-year degree in the cognate field.
  • Both qualifications involve research that will contribute to the theoretical and practical knowledge of health and rehabilitation disciplines along with contributions to new, emerging aspects of health and rehabilitation that cross disciplinary boundaries.
  • The WU and SA qualifications consist of only a thesis and no coursework.
  • Both qualifications articulate vertically to Doctoral Studies.

    Differences:
    The WU qualification provides the scope of field research while the research topics in the SA qualification are not limited to scope.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Lasell University
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science
    Duration: 12-24 months
    Credits: 36 Credits
    Entry Requirements:
    Candidates seeking admission to Lasell University's Rehabilitation Science graduate degree must hold a bachelor's degree in a health-related field from an accredited institution.

    Purpose:
    Lasell's Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science is designed for educators and registered, certified and/or licensed health and rehabilitation professionals interested in expanded roles in professional practice, administration, research, and teaching. The curriculum provides learners with an interdisciplinary approach to the scientific process and a strong foundation in research experience and methodology, and effective treatment approaches to a rehabilitation science practice.

    Qualification structure:
    This qualification has a total of 36 credits comprised of 30 required credits (10 courses) and 6 elective credits (2 courses) which can be chosen from any graduate-level course.

    Similarities:
    The Lasell University (LU) and the South African (SA) qualifications require applicants who hold a four-year Bachelor's degree in a cognate field.
  • The LU and SA qualifications are offered over a period of one to two years of full-time study.
  • Graduates with both qualifications will develop the problem-solving skills necessary to assume leadership roles in research, clinical practice, and educational settings in health-related disciplines.

    Differences:
  • The LU qualification has 36 credits hours in the US system while the SA qualification consists of 180 credits.
  • The LU qualification consists of both compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of only thesis and coursework.

    Country: Portugal
    Institution: The University of Coimbra
    Qualification Title: Masters in Biokinetics
    Duration: 4 Semester(s)
    Credits: 120.0 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) Credits

    Entry Requirements:
    Applications to the Master's degree are available to:
  • Holders of a degree or a legal equivalent in the areas corresponding to those required in the opening procedures.
  • Holders of a foreign academic degree conferred because of a 1st cycle of studies in those specific areas, according to the principles of the Bologna Process, by a member State.
  • Holders of a foreign academic degree in those areas that may be equivalent to the graduation degree and accepted by the Scientific Board of the Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education of the University of Coimbra.
  • Holders of an academic, scientific, or professional curriculum, recognized as attesting the ability to attend this cycle of studies by the Scientific Board of the Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education of the University of Coimbra.

    Purpose:
    The qualification is based on the study of the movement from the study of the muscle that in addition to research opens doors to all professional activities that deal with improving and motion analysis. This qualification will serve to solve problems working in a profession where the capacities for self-learning skills are integrated with in-depth research. The qualification also aims at a specialist preparation for the application of knowledge and skills in multidisciplinary settings of professional intervention in applying the study of motion in the context of sport, such as postural adjustments to improve performance of physical exercise and complementary areas of physical activity such as postural ergonomics.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Coimbra (UC) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over two years of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require candidates to hold a four-year bachelor's degree in the related field.
  • The aim of both the UC and SA qualification is to deepen the scientific knowledge in sport science, in parallel with developing and refining skills in the context of specialized training in the movement inherent in physical activity.

    Differences:
    The UC qualification consists of 120 ECTS credits while the SA qualification consists of 180 Credits. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Biokinetics, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Health System Studies, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Sport Science, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Sports Science, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Biokinetics, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Biokinetics, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Sport Science, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Sport and Exercise Science, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. University of the Free State 


    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.