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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Speech Language Therapy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
124187  Master of Speech Language Therapy 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
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  Curative Health 
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  EXCO 0631/25  2025-04-17  2028-04-17 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-04-17   2032-04-17  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
101029  Master of Speech Language Pathology  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  180  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification aims to prepare independent researchers in health sciences who can contribute to the generation of knowledge at an advanced level by conducting original research that addresses complex context based issues, under the guidance of the research supervisor. The research project will culminate in a production of a research report in the form of a thesis in the traditional format or by publication. The qualification aims to provide achieving learners with specialised knowledge and competence in Speech Language Pathology who can contribute to the field and national priorities for growth and development in speech language pathology. There is a current shortage of research expertise in the field of speech language pathology, and it is necessary to develop a sound research ethos in the profession in order to build up the evidence required to ensure evidence based practice.

Rationale:
This qualification is necessary in order to provide the country with a cadre of researchers in health sciences who are able to provide strategic and evidence informed guidance and contribute in a scholarly way in addressing local, regional and global health related issues. The achieving learners from this qualification should contribute in generating and/or broadening the knowledge base in the selected area of study and influence health related policies and practices. This qualification will enable learners to develop and become effective and skilled researchers in health sciences, equipped to become research orientated in their on-going professional development. The qualification will equip the learner with the knowledge and the skills necessary either for employment in speech language therapy (including teaching and research positions) or for further independent research toward a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Prior learning will be recognised in the form of appropriate professional qualifications in health sciences, practical experience, or other recognised institution qualifications if acceptable to the Senate for recognition for admission. For the Masters in Speech Language Therapy the learner must be Continuing Professional Development (CPD) compliant and provide evidence of research in practice and or critical application of research in practice. A portfolio providing documentary evidence in support of the specific RPL application must be provided.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology, Level 8 or,
  • Bachelor of Audiology or Speech Therapy and Audiology, Level 8 or.
  • Bachelor of Speech Therapy and Audiology, Level 8.
  • A 4-year professional qualification in Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology or Speech Therapy or.
  • An Honours Degree in Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology or Speech Therapy, Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at Level 9 totalling 192 Credits:
  • Masters Research in Speech Language Therapy. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply a critical and evaluative approach to analysing complex issues in the chosen field of research in identifying and conceptualising a research area.
    2. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the specialist body of theoretical knowledge and its application in the critique of current research or practices in a selected field of study.
    3. Utilise a wide range of specialised skills in designing and implementing an original research project that address complex issues in the chosen field of study.
    4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the most advanced research methodologies, techniques and technologies applicable to the selected area of study.
    5. Undertake independent research in the field of health sciences and generate a thesis which reflects independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, ability to defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
    6. Present research findings to a range of audiences using appropriate media or means to disseminate findings.
    7. Identify and manage the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The Exit level Outcomes are assessed by means of evaluation of the research dissertation and the presentation of research finds to a range of audiences.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The dissertation is used to ensure integrated learning and assessment. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Speech Pathology, Level 9.
  • Master of Audiology, Level 9.
  • Master of Speech-Language Therapy, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Speech Language Therapy, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.