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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Nephrology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125441  Master of Philosophy in Nephrology 
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 purpose of Master of Philosophy in Nephrology qualification is to train physicians to acquire and illustrate updated knowledge and experience to practice renal medicine competently in a South African Setting.

The qualifying learner will demonstrate competence and team leadership in addressing the need for specialised skills to diagnose and manage adult patients in need of specialist nephrology services to ensure continued best patient outcomes, and to provide evidence for such best practice through scholarship and research.

The qualifying learner will be qualified to:
  • Act ethically and professionally, to think analytically, and to evaluate and apply relevant information through research, to also benefit the South African Health Care System.
  • Demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge in the field of Nephrology and its related area of professional practice.
  • Manage a wide range of specialised skills and competency in identifying, conceptualising, critiquing and implementing methods of inquiring and diagnoses to address medical challenges that demand high levels of expertise.
    " Apply specialist knowledge and theory in reflective, original, and creative ways to solve complex practical and theoretical problems.

    Rationale:
    Approximately 10%> 13% of the World's population is affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), and over 2 million people die each year due to limited access to Kidney Replacement Therapy (KRT), most of whom live in low- and lower-middle-income countries. It is estimated that another 1.7 million people die each year from Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).

    The International Society of Nephrology (ISN) Global Kidney Health Atlas (GKHA) reported that the median density of nephrologists increases with country income; it is 0.2 pmp in low-income countries, 1.6 pmp in lower-middle, 10.8 pmp in upper-middle, and 23.2 pmp in high-income countries. Of the ten countries with the lowest nephrologist density, nine are from the African region.

    In Africa, the burden of kidney disease is likely to increase substantially over the next decade, with contributing factors of high population growth rates, ageing of the population and, by 2040, an estimated increase of 140% in the number of people with diabetes. Although most African patients with kidney failure are unable to access KRT because of insufficient resources, the number of people receiving KRT in Africa is forecasted to increase by more than three times from 2010 to 2030.

    Recent studies in South Africa confirmed that there are not enough nephrologists, especially in the public sector and in certain provinces. Although the number of nephrologists has increased from 53 in 2002 to 141 in 2017, the overall density of 2,5 pmp, is well below the median of 10,8 pmp for upper-middle-income countries. South Africa, which represents one of the wealthiest countries in Africa, is also one of the most financially unequal countries in the world. This situation is highlighted by unequal access to healthcare, particularly the provision of KRT in the public sector, where access to KRT is highly rationed, and patient selection is based on suitability for transplantation and capacity.

    Given the growing burden of CKD, fuelled by increasing diabetes and hypertension prevalence, the nephrology workforce disparities in South Africa are of great concern, and it is vital to provide appropriate Nephrology training relevant to the local setting whilst remaining equivalent in status to other established subspecialty qualifications internationally.

    The development of the qualification to train Nephrology is also supported by the Southern African Nephrology Society, the Renal Care Society of South Africa and the African Society of Nephrology, who all encourage research relating to renal care and the collection and dissemination of technical, nursing, and medical information and knowledge. Subspecialist programmes further promote professional career paths in the healthcare environment and address the need for efficient healthcare to wider communities.

    Learners who enrol for this Professional Master's degree must be registered as an Internal Medicine Physician by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and must work as a consultant clinician in a position approved by the HPCSA. 
    		•

    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 MPhil in Nephrology.
  • Sufficient experience must be proven using a logbook, portfolio and certification by the Head of the Department of Surgery where the experience was gained.
  • The above information must be evaluated by the Head of the Department of Surgery of the institution and approved as equivalent. With the consent of the Head of the Department of Surgery and the Executive Committee (MEDEX) of the School of Medicine (institution).

    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Any qualification in the related field. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 9, 180 Credits.
  • Clinical Nephrology, 120 Credits.
  • Nephrology Research, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse the complex relationships between various units in a hospital or medical centre to deliver integrated services efficiently and effectively, to solve kidney diseases and renal manifestations timeously and seek opportunities to improve inclusive care to patients in such a way that it may positively impact national health.
    2. Demonstrate advanced communication skills, ethical behaviour, updated specialist knowledge, and appropriate experience as it applies to the subspecialist field of nephrology.
    3. Develop a sound nephrology knowledge base via applied readings, bedside teaching, related case discussions, evidence-based practice, scientific meetings, and associated research activities to competently practice renal medicine in a South African setting. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply principles and best practices in managing complex nephrology cases within facilities where patients with renal diseases are being cared for, e.g., tertiary, provincial and district level hospitals, or community health care centres.
  • Demonstrate skills and experience to manage both ambulatory and inpatient settings.
  • Demonstrate skill and experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams and in managing units (including intensive care units) and wards where patients with kidney diseases are treated.
  • Accept responsibility and accountability for performed work within the South African context in the subspecialist field.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Illustrate updated knowledge and skill to select and apply appropriate clinical procedures in the delivery of nephrology subspecialist services to benefit patients with renal diseases.
  • Demonstrates proficiency in the management of patients requiring renal replacement therapy, including acute and long-term dialysis, and in managing all aspects of kidney transplantation.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in providing multi-disciplinary specialist services such as Intensive Care, Urology, Obstetrics and Surgery as it relates to kidney diseases and renal manifestations of systemic diseases.
  • Provide consultative services, train medical learners, registrars and nursing staff, to advance nephrology and related specialist services as part of an interprofessional team.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the effect that chronic disease has on the rest of the family and/or support teams.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Research and report on complex nephrology cases.
  • Critically evaluate multiple sources of information and literature on nephrology.
  • Prepare, present, and defend research findings at professional scientific meetings.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:
    The qualification provides for continuous and integrated programmatic assessments. The integrated workplace based assessments focus not only on theoretical knowledge but also on the application of knowledge and competencies during clinical work with patients under supervision, and include direct observations, clinical case discussions and presentations, clinical reasoning evaluation during ward rounds, clinical reports during departmental meetings such as morbidity and mortality meetings, observation of entrust able professional activities when working with patients with feedback and frequent (quarterly discussions) of these sets of observations, logbook and portfolio etc. Continuous programmatic assessments are implemented with monitoring and feedback tools such as Mini-CEX, One-minute preceptor, SNAPSS, ISBAR and other toolkits.

    Formative assessment:
  • Clinical coursework assessments include continuous workplace-based assessments, logbooks or portfolio projects which must be submitted every three months or more regularly as per qualification rules to the course coordinator for signatures and comment/feedback.
  • A learner may have more than one attempt at passing the clinical coursework assessments within the required time frames.
  • All clinical workplace-based rotations and Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) must be completed per logbook or portfolio requirements in the period stipulated for clinical training by the specific programme rules.
  • Senate may, on recommendation by the Head of Department and Dean of School, grant an extension of this period for one additional year.
  • To pass an Assessment a minimum mark of 60% is required.
  • The qualification is passed with distinction if the clinical coursework module and the research project overall mark of 75% is obtained within the prescribed minimum time.
  • Senate may grant a learner exemption from a clinical coursework final assessment by having passed another assessment of equivalent standard at the CMSA.

    Summative assessment:
  • All logbook or portfolio projects and/or other assessments, and satisfactory progress with a research project as stipulated in the qualification rules, must be completed and signed off by the department's course coordinator and HOD before a learner can enter such CMSA examinations.
  • Such examinations may be taken at the end of the academic year in the second year of a learner's registration, but only after the clinical training time and requirements have been completed and satisfactory progress with a research project has been demonstrated.
  • Senate may, on the written recommendation of the Head of Department and support by the Dean of School, grant a learner who has completed the required clinical training but who has not written and/or passed the final exit assessment provided for by CMSA at the end of the prescribed period, a twelve (12) month grace period to write and pass such final exit assessment. However, such a learner will no longer be allocated an HPCSA training number as the clinical training period will be deemed completed.

    If a learner has not completed the prescribed clinical coursework requirements (e.g. rotations, clinical time, EPA's) by the end of the period of registration for clinical training, as determined by the School and programme rules, or extensions to such time, the clinical training number allocation can be withdrawn, and the learner will be deemed excluded from qualification. In such a case, the institution may have to inform the employer or, in the case of international supernumerary fellows, may inform the government.

    In the case of a fellowship training post being made available by Gauteng DoH, the learner has a right to continue in the post only for clinical training purposes until the end of the period of registration for clinical training as determined by the School and programme rules or any extended period (N+2) granted for such purposes. However, should a student need time to complete research obligations related to the Master of Philosophy degree, and if the learner is registered by HPCSA as a specialist or sub-specialist, and should a Specialist, Sub-specialist, or Medical Officer post be available in the Department, the student may apply for such posts as per due process.

    The final exit examination (as required through the CMSA) will contribute 100% towards the final mark for the clinical coursework module.

    Evaluation of the overall competence of the student will be based on:
  • An appraisal by the Educational Supervisor.
  • Submission of the Training Record (logbook).
  • An examination under the auspices of the CMSA will be held twice a year.

    Upon awarding of the qualification, the trainee may apply to the Health Professions Council of South Africa for subspecialty registration at the CMSA, also known as the Fellowship in the Sub-Specialty of the College of Physicians of South Africa: Certificate Nephrology (SA).

    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.
  • A learner must pass the research module/manuscript submission as evaluated independently by two external examiners.
  • 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: India.
    Institution: The Tamil Nadu DR. MGR Medical University, Chennai.
    Qualification title: Postgraduate training in Nephrology.
    Duration: 3 years.

    Entry requirements:
  • Learners must have completed MBBS and the required internship and hold an MD in General Medicine or Paediatrics with a minimum of 50% marks.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The Tamil Nadu DR. MGR Medical University, Chennai offer a postgraduate Nephrology programme through the Curriculum for Fellowship in Nephrology of the Board-based fellowship training. The Nephrology course curriculum focuses on advanced medical training related to kidney function, diseases, and treatments. Learners learn through clinical practice, seminars, and case discussions. The qualification also includes hands-on experience in dialysis units, transplant centres, and intensive care settings to help them understand real-life patient management.

    The qualification covers topics such as Renal Physiology, Chronic Kidney disease, Hypertension and renal transplantation. Learners also study diagnostic techniques and recent advances in nephrology. Through research projects and clinical rotations, they gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience to become skilled nephrologists.

    Similarities:
  • Both are advanced postgraduate credentials pursued after foundational medical education and qualification, and both require existing medical training before admission.
  • Both qualifications concentrate on the science and clinical practice of Nephrology rather than general internal medicine.

    Differences:
  • The Fellowship programme in India can be completed in 1 year. However, fellows are advised to consider an extension to two years. The duration of two years for the South African qualification is prescribed by the CMSA and the institution. At completion of the training programme, the Fellow will write an exit level theory examination, and an assessment will be done by one internal and one external examiner at the centre where the clinical training was offered, and not by the institution or an external board examination. The final practical examination will include an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), with a minimum of 20 stations, and the clinical section will have 4 tables with clinical cases.
  • The primary difference between the two qualifications is that a compulsory research component is not a requirement for the completion of the programme offered in India.

    Country 2: Canada.
    Institution: The Memorial University in Newfoundland.
    Qualification title: The Sub-Specialty Training Program in Nephrology.
    Duration: 2 years.

    Entry requirements:
  • The program accepts applicants who have completed at least three (3) core years of training in Internal Medicine.
  • Applicants must have qualifications acceptable to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador for the granting of an Educational License.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The purpose of the Sub-Specialty Training Program in Nephrology is to train physicians to become independent, specialist kidney doctors who can deliver advanced renal care, teach, and contribute to research.

    The qualification aims to:
  • Develop expert clinical competence in diagnosing and managing kidney diseases.
  • Train specialists in renal replacement therapies, such as Hemodialysis, Peritoneal dialysis and Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).
  • Provide exposure to kidney transplantation, including pre- and post-transplant care (often through rotations at transplant centres).
  • Build skills in multidisciplinary care, working with nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, and other specialists.
  • Prepare trainees for leadership, teaching, and research, enabling qualifying learners to teach medical students and residents, participate in or lead clinical research and contribute to quality improvement and health system planning.

    Similarities:
  • Both the Canadian and South African qualifications are centered on nephrology, demonstrating competence and team leadership in addressing the need for specialised skills to diagnose and manage adult patients in need of specialist nephrology services.
  • Emphasis on evidence-based practice, critical appraisal of medical literature, and research ethics.

    Differences:
  • The entry requirements for the Canadian programme are a medical degree and medical licensure eligibility, whereas the South African qualification requires a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and no medical license.
  • The Sub-Specialty Training Program in Nephrology produces clinical specialists who treat patients, while the Master of Philosophy in Nephrology produces research specialists who generate knowledge about kidney disease.

    Conclusion:
    Both the qualifications compared to the South African qualification share a commitment to advancing nephrology and improving kidney health outcomes; they differ fundamentally in purpose, training approach, and career outcomes. Together, they play complementary roles: one strengthens clinical service delivery, and the other advances scientific understanding and research capacity in nephrology. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for the following articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Medicine in Public Health Medicine, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Health Innovation, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Medicine, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health, 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.