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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Veterinary Physiotherapy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
124777  Master of Science in Veterinary Physiotherapy 
ORIGINATOR
Equine-Librium College (Pty) Ltd 
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  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  EXCO 0434/25  2025-08-21  2028-08-21 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-08-21   2032-08-21  

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 Science in Veterinary Physiotherapy is to equip learners with the necessary skills to initiate and complete a research dissertation at NQF Level 9, in the field of Veterinary Physiotherapy. The qualification aims to impact standards, professionalism, and service in the Veterinary Physiotherapy field by developing qualifying learners who are independent researchers and lifelong learners.

The qualification will equip learners with skills such as project management, research skills, logical thinking, clear writing, and effective editing.

Upon completion, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Integrate specialist subject matters and advanced theory in Veterinary Physiotherapy and contribute relevant scientific knowledge to the field of Veterinary Physiotherapy.
  • Analyse, synthesise, evaluate, and review research for the purpose of initiating, designing, and executing an appropriate research process to address the scope of enquiry.
  • Identify, analyse, evaluate, and address problems within the scope of the research area.
  • Act professionally and ethically in an academic environment with peers and supervisors.
  • Communicate research results effectively at an internationally acceptable standard to a variety of audiences.
  • Work independently and take responsibility for their work as well as demonstrate the ability to self-reflect and adapt.
  • Manage and complete a research project within the field of Veterinary Physiotherapy.

    Rationale:
    Veterinary Physiotherapy is a developing profession in South Africa. Knowledge and research on veterinary physiotherapy are very scarce and mostly gained through years of experience in the Physiotherapy industry. There is a great need for articulation and specialisation in this field of practice. Internationally, there are continuous requests for more research in veterinary therapy and rehabilitation.

    There are currently no registered post-graduate qualifications in Veterinary Physiotherapy in South Africa. This qualification aims to address this knowledge shortage and develop learners with the ability and competency to do independent research using relevant research methodologies and techniques to contribute to the field of Veterinary Physiotherapy.

    Veterinary Physiotherapists use evidence-based treatment interventions, such as soft tissue techniques, manual therapy, rehabilitation exercises, electrotherapy, neural mobilisation, and other physical modalities to treat injury or disease, restore and promote optimal health and function and prevent further injuries to animals. This qualification addresses the needs of the Veterinary Physiotherapy sector by providing learners who can advance the field through research of an internationally acceptable standard.

    The qualification also offers articulation options for learners who completed the BSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy, opening a pathway to post-graduate studies in the field and ensuring the continuing self-development of learners and their fields of interest. Learners further benefit from the qualification in the following ways:
  • to prepare for studies at the doctoral level.
  • to expand their knowledge in fields related to their current areas of interest.
  • to develop skills that will enhance their ability and independence in their chosen field. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The purpose of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is to provide reasonable access or exemption to learners who may not have had the opportunity to complete the learning formally. The institution will consider RPL for the following two purposes, as outlined in CHE's RPL Policy: access and exemption.

    RPL for access:
    RPL for access applies to applicants who do not meet the formal entry requirements of a qualification for admission purposes but have completed informal learning that prepared them adequately for the specific qualification. The following guidelines will apply to RPL for access:
  • RPL applications are evaluated against the entry requirements of the qualification in question.
  • Not more than 10 % of a cohort of learners in a qualification may be admitted through an RPL process.
  • Learners will be required to complete and pass an RPL assessment (with a minimum of 50%) to assess the qualification.

    RPL for exemption:
    Applicants who meet the entry criteria of a qualification, who believe that they have acquired the relevant knowledge and experience for a particular module/s through prior experience or other forms of learning (informal), may apply for exemption from those modules through RPL. The following guidelines will apply to RPL for exemption:
  • RPL applications are evaluated against the modular outcomes of the module/s applied for.
  • RPL cannot be used to grant an individual exemption from a full qualification; in terms of the CHE's policy, only 50 % of a qualification may be exempted.
  • Exemption/s granted for modules in higher education that is/are obtained through RPL, do not have any credits assigned to them; and
  • Applicants will be required to complete and pass an RPL assessment (minimum of 50%) to be exempted from the module.

    The institution's RPL process will apply to this qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Physiotherapy, NQF Level 8
    or
  • Bachelors Degree in a cognate field, NQF Level 8 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Research Methodology, 30 Credits.
  • Research Project, 150 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Integrate specialist subject matters and advanced theory in Veterinary Physiotherapy and contribute relevant scientific knowledge to the field of Veterinary Physiotherapy.
    2. Analyse, synthesise, evaluate and review research for the purpose of initiating, designing, and executing an appropriate research process to address the scope of enquiry.
    3. Identify, analyse, evaluate and address problems within the scope of the research area.
    4. Act professionally and ethically in an academic environment with peers and supervisors.
    5. Communicate research results effectively at an internationally acceptable standard to a variety of audiences.
    6. Work independently and take responsibility for own work as well as demonstrate the ability to self-reflect and adapt.
    7. Manage and complete a research project within the field of Veterinary Physiotherapy. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate specialist knowledge through engagement and critique of research done.
  • Apply advanced theory to relevant scientific knowledge.
  • Demonstrate that the scientific knowledge contributed is relevant and applicable.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Compile research into a comprehensive review of the information.
  • Prove that the information reviewed is relevant and applicable.
  • Demonstrate that the proposed research process is feasible.
  • Apply relevant theory to address the scope of enquiry the research process.
  • Demonstrate that the research process was completed successfully.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Conceptualise a method of enquiry to address the identified problems within the scope of knowledge.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Complete an ethical approval process.
  • Grant ethical approval.
  • Uphold the agreement with the supervisor.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Communicate research results using discourses appropriate to the field of Veterinary Physiotherapy.
  • Communicate research results through a presentation at an international conference.
  • Communicate research results to undergraduate learners at an acceptable level.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Uphold plagiarism regulations.
  • Evaluate progress and performance and submit suggestions for improvement.
  • Make observations and reflect.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Create and follow a schedule for the completion of the research project.
  • Complete a research portfolio according to qualification requirements.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The assessment strategy for this qualification aligns with the institutional assessment policy and includes both formative and summative assessments. Multiple formative assessment opportunities are provided to learners to ensure competency, development, and guidance to achieve academic success. Formative assessment is weighted at 40% for all modules, and summative assessment is weighted at 60%.

    Formative Assessment
    Formative assessment includes drafting protocols, developing ethical considerations and working towards a comprehensive research proposal.

    Summative Assessment
    Summative assessment includes a research dissertation as well as an article regarding research findings.

    Feedback is a core aspect of formative assessment and is provided to learners in both written and discussion formats. Learners need to successfully complete a research dissertation to achieve the qualification outcomes of this qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Master of Science in Veterinary Physiotherapy was compared with similar qualifications from the United Kingdom and Australia.

    Country: United Kingdom (UK) Institution: Writtle University College
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Veterinary Physiotherapy Credits: 60 credits
    Duration: one year
    Entry requirements: Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Writtle University College is one of five universities in the UK that offer an MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy. The qualification is a research dissertation, which offers learners the opportunity to conduct research independently within their scope of inquiry. Writtle University's qualification leads to a Ph.D. in Veterinary Physiotherapy.

    Qualification structure:
    The two qualifications have the same content as they both entail a research dissertation regarding the field of Veterinary Physiotherapy.

    Similarities:
  • The Writtle University College (WUC) and South African (SA) qualifications are offered in one year full-time.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy.
  • The WUC and the SA qualifications focus on research, and learners must complete a research dissertation.
  • Both qualifications progress to the Doctoral Degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy.

    Difference:
    The dissertation required by WUC is only 60 credits, while the SA consists of a 150-credit research project.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of Melbourne
    Qualification Title: Master's (Research) in Veterinary Science Duration: A minimum of two years

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification aims to equip learners with research competencies. Although the number of credits for the thesis is not specified by Melbourne University, completion of a full thesis is required. The qualification must be completed over a minimum of two years and articulate vertically to a Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Science.

    Qualification structure:
    Although Veterinary Physiotherapy is not specifically listed, the research scope would allow research including Veterinary Physiotherapy. The qualification outcomes:

    Exit level outcomes
  • Definition and solution of a research problem
  • Analysis of data and the judgment of evidence
  • Demonstration of specialist knowledge
  • Communication of research to professional colleagues and the wider community in both written and oral form
  • Presenting research results in publishable quality
  • Commitment to research ethics and code

    Similarities:
  • The South African (SA) and the University of Melbourne (UB) qualifications require applicants who have completed the Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Physiotherapy
  • The entry requirements differ but are both on the same level as the UB qualification. It also requires a four-year bachelor's or honours level qualification, NQF level 8 or equivalent; a minimum of 2 years of experience, or learners who do not hold a BSc Veterinary Physiotherapy degree but are registered with SAVC may apply for admission access through the RPL process
  • Both qualifications focus on similar outcomes.

    Difference:
    The UB qualification takes two full-time years of study, while the SA qualification requires one year of full-time study.

    Conclusion:
    The South African qualification compares well to an international standard. The qualifications offered by other universities support learners' mobility in the knowledge field in other countries. All three qualifications articulate to the Doctoral /PhD level qualifications such as a Ph.D. in Veterinary Physiotherapy in the UK, a Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Science in Australia, and a Ph.D. Veterinary Science in South Africa. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Veterinary Science, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Veterinary Science, NQF Level 10.

    Diagonal Articulation
  • There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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. Equine-Librium College (Pty) Ltd 


    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.