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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Infectious Disease 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125439  Master of Philosophy in Infectious Disease 
ORIGINATOR
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University 
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  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 0638/26  2026-03-10  2029-03-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-03-10   2033-03-10  

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 
The primary purposes of the Master of Philosophy in Infectious Disease is to educate and train physicians to acquire and illustrate updated knowledge, skill, and experience to deliver comprehensive, efficient and cost-effective care to patients who have suffered serious, complicated and/or life-threatening infectious diseases.

The qualifying learner will contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level in the subspeciality. They will be able to interact effectively with public health colleagues in such critical areas as HIV primary care education and training for general practitioners, and communicable disease outbreak investigation and control. They will also be able to perform invaluable roles in both the public and private sectors in hospital epidemiology / infection prevention and control, as well as rational antimicrobial utilisation.

Infectious Disease Subspecialists will be positioned for advanced and specialised professional employment in South Africa.

Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Illustrate an ability to interact effectively with public health colleagues in such critical areas as HIV primary care education and training for general practitioners, and communicable disease outbreak investigation and control.
  • Perform invaluable roles in both the public and private sectors in hospital epidemiology/infection prevention and control, as well as rational antimicrobial utilisation.
  • Analyse the complex relationships between various departments in a tertiary training hospital as well associated secondary referral hospitals to deliver preventative care and curative integrated services efficiently and effectively.

    Rationale:
    Well-trained and experienced physicians will be able to manage the conditions and procedures related to General Internal Medicine; however, a substantial number of conditions and therapeutic modalities require highly specialised knowledge in Infectious Disease (ID). Complex problems related to the heavy burden of Infectious Diseases persist in the South African healthcare system and require input and coordination from skilled specialists.

    According to the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA, 2020:1), Infectious Diseases constitute the single largest burden of illness afflicting mankind, especially in poorer regions of the world. The impact and future of the HIV and tuberculosis pandemics, and of novel, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, necessitate the training of infectious disease experts for the continent. Not only is more patient care required, but more clinical research on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, risk factors, prevention and appropriate management has become mandatory.

    South Africa, and the African continent are disproportionately affected by a high burden of infectious diseases, where widespread poverty and social collapse not only lead to an increase in infectious diseases, but also to decreased resources in dealing with it. Half of all deaths in Africa are caused by infectious diseases, compared to only 2% in Europe (Fenollar & Mediannikov, 2018). This means that resources for the development of expertise should be prioritised in efforts to manage and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

    Over the past two decades, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has faced multiple public health emergencies, with most of them related to emerging Infectious Diseases or resurgent Infectious Diseases (TB, HIV, Malaria, Cholera, Meningitis, Ebola, Measles, Yellow fever, Mpox, Zika, Rift Valley fever, as well as COVID-19). Multiple, and complexly related factors continue to cause an increase in Infectious Diseases in SSA, some of which include microorganisms adapting to climate and weather changes, shifting ecosystems, susceptibility to infection due to malnutrition, immunosuppression, or poor immunisation.

    There is overwhelming evidence that Infectious Diseases specialists add value to the healthcare system, specifically where Infectious Diseases consultations are associated with shorter hospital stays, lower antimicrobial prescribing, lower readmission rates, decreased mortality and lower healthcare costs (Schmitt, MacIntire, Bleasdale et al, 2019). Infectious Disease subspecialists are often called upon to give expert advice to committees, ranging from infection prevention and control (IPC) and antibiotic or antimicrobial stewardships (AMS) to hospitals, and to provincial and national committees making important policy decisions in areas such as essential medicines, HIV, tuberculosis, antibiotic resistance, vaccines, and emerging and re-emerging infections, and other viral haemorrhagic fevers.

    All infectious diseases require a holistic approach for successful management. The Federation of Infectious Diseases Society of South Africa (FIDSSA) aims to contribute to a more integrated approach towards infectious diseases in Southern Africa, by also supporting the development of subspecialist training programmes in Infectious Disease. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access:
    The institution has a well-established unit that deals with RPL. Possible exemption, for a maximum period of 1 year (50% of the time), based on comparable training and experience gained at another recognised academic institution could be granted, subject to the following conditions:
  • The said periods of training must have occurred within at most two years before registering for the qualification in the subspeciality.
  • Sufficient experience must be proven using a logbook, portfolio and certification by the Head of the Department of Internal Medicine where the experience was gained.
  • The above information must be evaluated by the Head of the Department of Internal Medicine of the institution and approved as equivalent. With the consent of the Head of the Department and the Executive Committee (MEDEX) of the School of Medicine (institution).

    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • Be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Specialist. 
    		•

    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, NQF Level 9, 180 Credits.
  • Clinical Infectious Disease, 120 Credits.
  • Infectious Disease Research, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse the complex relationships between various departments in a tertiary training hospital as well as associated secondary referral hospitals to deliver preventative care and curative integrated services efficiently and effectively, to solve infectious diseases and manifestations timeously, and seek opportunities that may positively impact national health.
    2. Develop a clinical grounding in Infectious Disease through knowledge and evidence-based practical experience to master the requisite clinical reasoning and clinical procedural skills in diagnosing and managing patients presenting with field-specific disorders/conditions.
    3. Demonstrate core and specialised knowledge in laboratory microbiology, virology, immunology and infection prevention and control (IPC) and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS).
    4. Develop a sound Infectious Disease knowledge base via applied reading, bedside teaching, related case discussions, scientific meetings, and associated research activities. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply principles and good practice in managing complex patient cases within facilities where patients are being cared for e.g. tertiary, provincial and district level hospitals and community health care canters.
  • Illustrate updated knowledge and skill to select and apply appropriate clinical procedures in the delivery of Infectious Diseases services to benefit patients and their families / significant others.
  • Use science, technology and innovation across diverse healthcare systems and geographic regions effectively and critically, showing insight into the future of IDas an area of specialisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Illustrate updated medical knowledge and skill to identify, select and apply appropriate clinical procedures in the delivery of Infectious Diseases health care and services.
  • Provide consultative services and train medical officers, colleagues in interprofessional teams, registrars and medical learners to advance Infectious Diseases and related specialist services as part of an interprofessional team.
  • Accept responsibility and accountability for performed work within the context of Infectious Diseases as an area of sub-specialisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate experience in leading teams and managing Infectious Diseases units, wards and laboratories.
  • Provide advice to a wide range of stakeholders on infection prevention and control (IPC) and antibiotic or antimicrobial stewardships (AMS).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Research and critique best evidence from literature, discuss application to own patients and report on complex Infectious Diseases cases.
  • Critically evaluate available literature from multiple sources of information on related and complex infectious disease patient cases and their management.
  • Develop a research protocol, implement full research project, prepare, present, and defend research findings at professional and scientific meetings.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:
    The assessment plan adheres to the national requirements set by the HPCSA as the statutory professional body to ensure that learners can register as professionals in the field.

    The fellow-driven qualification provides for continuous programmatic assessments in both the clinical coursework module and the research module. The assessment strategy encourages reflexive praxis whereby learners(fellows) can develop evaluative judgement. Assessment opportunities are employed in such a way that learners should apply their knowledge and skills in real workplace-based experiences.

    Formative assessment:
    Continuous Workplace-Based Assessments (WBA) of the clinical coursework module:
    Direct observations, based on the list of prescribed EPAs, take place in clinical settings while the learners work with patients. Observers include the supervisor, but also other consultants in related disciplines as part of IPECP, colleagues, peers, nurses and medical officers. Observers provide written feedback to the learner, and feedback is discussed quarterly with the supervisor. Feedback is provided through the use of feedback tools such as Mini-CEX, One-minute preceptor, SNAPSS, ISBAR and other toolkits. A minimum of 10 observations is required per feedback cycle. If necessary, a remedial plan for corrective action is developed.

    WBAs are documented for recordkeeping, e.g. logbook with EPAs, skills and procedures, is signed off by the supervisor once the learner achieved competence. The logbook specifies the minimum number of patients and/or procedures, as well as the type. The logbook with signatures, records of observations with their written feedback, records of quarterly feedback meetings, and remedial plans all form part of the Portfolio of Evidence (PoE), as well as any other evidence of expected work (e.g., case-based presentations, participation in morbidity and mortality meetings, ward rounds where patients are being discussed, etc.).

    Entry into the final exit level assessment:
  • To enter the nationally set CMSA final clinical exit examination, an overall minimum mark of 50% is required by the institution department for the final Portfolio.
  • In addition, a sub-minimum may be required in sub-divisions of the Portfolio assessment as communicated to learners as per specific programme rules.
  • The learner must be declared competent by a properly constituted departmental assessment committee meeting and signed off by the HOD and supervisors for all EPAs required for the ID subspecialisation.

    The CMSA, as the appointed national assessment body, has the following additional requirements for admission to the summative examination:
  • Certification of having completed at least 18 months as a subspecialty trainee in an accredited subspecialty unit in a teaching hospital, registered and approved by the HPCSA.
  • Submission of a written report from the academic HOD in which he/s trained, indicating satisfactory completion of all training requirements.
  • Logbook, List of observations/ WBAs and Portfolio of Evidence.

    Summative assessment:
    The final national exit examination is the only recognised final examination for the clinical course work module in Infectious Diseases. The national exit examination through CMSA consists of both written and oral/practical components and contributes 100% towards the final mark for the clinical coursework module. The rules for the final national exit examination are clearly described and made available to prospective candidates.

    Continuous and final Assessment of the research module:
  • Research proposal to the School of Medicine Research Committee (SReC) within 9 months (not scored with marks > only feedback).
  • Institution Research Ethics clearance within 15 months after first-time registration (not scored with marks > only feedback).
  • Learners who apply to write the CMSA examination must submit a comprehensive Portfolio of Learning, which was reviewed and signed by the Head of the Internal Medicine Department at the institution, who will then write a letter to the CMSA certifying that the Portfolio of Learning was completed satisfactorily. The relevant content area of the Portfolio of Learning is prescribed by the CMSA as per SECTION 7: Research

    Final Assessment:
    The final research project requirement may be met in any ONE of the following ways:
  • A research-based mini-dissertation.
  • Publication or acceptance of a peer-reviewed original research article in a DHET-accredited journal with the student as the primary author.
  • An introduction and a conclusion must form part of the research work that has been done by the learner when publishable manuscripts / published articles are submitted in place of a mini-dissertation and as such will be assessed by two independent examiners, who will allocate a final mark.
  • The scores of the external examiners will be averaged to arrive at a final score for the research module.
  • To pass the research module, a minimum mark of 50% is required. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to the international qualifications from the following countries:

    Country 1: United States of America.
    Institution: The University of North Carolina, Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases.
    Qualification title: The Infectious Disease Fellowship.
    Duration: 2 years.

    Entry requirements:
    Applicants must hold an MD/DO degree and have completed an ACGME-accredited Internal Medicine residency (or equivalent) in the U.S. or Canada.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The Infectious Diseases Training Programme aims to train physicians to become future leaders in the infectious diseases field. To prepare trainees, the qualification offers world-class clinical training, protected research training, and individualised mentorship and career development.

    This qualification provides educational and mentored research training for solving the most pressing global health challenges. The qualification emphasises building a robust foundation for tackling infectious diseases through specialised fellowship training, research mentoring, and opportunities for clinical work.

    Key outcomes:
  • Ability to diagnose and treat complex, rare, and multi-organ system infections in both inpatient (ICU, general) and outpatient settings.
  • Detailed understanding of laboratory techniques, including rapid diagnostics, molecular diagnostics, and susceptibility testing.
  • Expertise in diagnosing and treating diverse pathogens, interpreting microbiology, managing HIV/opportunistic infections, and conducting research or scholarly activity to prepare for independent practice.

    Similarities:
  • The entry requirement at both institutions into these programmes is a cognate Master's degree.
  • The duration of both qualifications is similar.
  • Both institutions are supported in a variety of research focus and outputs.

    Differences:
  • The UNC two-year Infectious Diseases Fellowship program is offered, with an option for a 3rd year focused on Advanced Research Training.
  • The USA qualification prepares clinical infectious disease specialists, while the South African qualification prepares researchers and academic professionals in infectious diseases.

    Country 2: Sweden.
    Institution: The European Union of Medical Specialists.
    Qualification title: The Speciality of Infectious Diseases.
    Duration: 2 years.

    Entry requirements:
  • At least 5 years (preferably 6 years) postgraduate training is usually required to achieve the necessary competencies, of which 2 years must be in Internal Medicine, which forms the "common trunk".

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The purpose of the Speciality of Infectious Diseases is to train medical doctors to become highly skilled specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control of infectious diseases. The programme equips trainees with advanced clinical knowledge and practical expertise to manage common, complex, and emerging infections, including those caused by antimicrobial-resistant organisms. It also emphasises infection prevention and control, antimicrobial stewardship, and public health preparedness, enabling graduates to respond effectively to outbreaks and evolving disease threats. Through clinical training, research, and leadership development, the programme aims to improve patient outcomes, strengthen healthcare systems, and protect public health at local, national, and global levels.

    Learning outcomes:
  • Exhibit appropriate attitudes and communication skills in dealing with colleagues and patients.
  • Have effective teamwork and leadership skills.
  • By the proper use of history, clinical examination and investigation can perform the core assessment required for all physicians practising in Infectious Diseases.
  • Can establish a differential diagnosis of patients presenting with clinical features of Infectious Diseases.
  • Can apply sufficient knowledge and skill in diagnosis and management to ensure safe independent practice in Infectious Diseases.
  • Can apply knowledge of the appropriate basic sciences relevant to Infectious Diseases.
  • Can develop management plans for the "whole patient" and have a sound knowledge of proper treatments, including health promotion, disease prevention and long-term management.

    Assessment:
    At the conclusion of the training programme, the proficiency of a trainee to practice as an Infectious diseases specialist should be established. To be confident that a trainee has acquired the necessary competencies, developmental progression during training should be monitored and assessed. To this end, milestones and linked entrustable professional activities (EPAs) have been provided to guide decisions about which professional activities have become entrustable during and at the completion of training; such decisions are based on multiple (specific and observable) workplace-based assessments (WBA's) carried out using a range of assessment tools over time; the acute admission to a medical unit is an example of a particularly important milestone in the progression of the trainee towards independence that can be entrusted with an EPA.

    Similarities:
  • The duration of both qualifications is similar.
  • Both the South African and Swedish qualifications have similar learning outcomes. The qualifying learner will be able to establish a differential diagnosis of patients presenting with clinical features of Infectious Diseases and use skills of lifelong learning to keep up to date with developments in Infectious Diseases.

    Differences:
  • The Swedish qualification is a clinical, practice-based medical training programme designed for qualified medical doctors, whereas the South African qualification is an academic and research-oriented.
  • The Speciality programme prepares clinician specialists, while the South African qualification prepares researchers and academic professionals in infectious diseases.

    Conclusion:
    Both the qualifications from the USA and Sweden are comparable to the South African qualification. The clinical qualifications prepare medical doctors for hands-on clinical leadership and service delivery in infectious diseases, whereas the South African qualification is designed to build strong research and academic capacity for those pursuing careers in research, policy, or further doctoral studies. Together, these qualifications are complementary, addressing both the clinical and research workforce needs required to effectively combat infectious diseases and global health challenges. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for the following articulation options.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • MPhil in Clinical Haematology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Adult Critical Care, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Medicine, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences, 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. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University 


    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.