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SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Critical Care 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125443  Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Critical Care 
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 the Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Critical Care is to train paediatricians to acquire and illustrate updated knowledge and experience to deliver comprehensive, efficient and cost-effective care to neonates, infants and children who have suffered life-threatening injury or illness.

The qualifying learners will demonstrate competence in managing paediatric critical care units and in building a multi-professional patient-centred critical care team to provide appropriate care and support services to children and their families through the entire continuum of acute injury or illness.

Upon completion of this qualification, the learner will be able to:
  • Act ethically and professionally, think analytically, and evaluate and apply relevant information through scholarship and research to benefit the South African Healthcare System.
  • demonstrate competence in managing paediatric critical care units and in building a multi-professional patient centred critical care team to provide appropriate care and support services to children and their families through the entire continuum of acute injury or illness.
  • Act ethically and professionally, to thinking analytically, and to evaluate and apply relevant information through scholarship and research to benefit the South African Healthcare System.

    Rationale:
    Dedicated training for both medical and nursing personnel is needed to improve outcomes in critically ill and/or injured children. There are many physiological differences between adults and children, and the disease spectrum for critically ill children, as seen in a significant number of cases, include the increased morbidity and mortality due to specific conditions of paediatric trauma (sepsis, burns, head injuries, poisoning) or malnutrition in children who are admitted to hospitals and intensive care units (ICU) in South Africa.

    The unmet need for paediatric intensive care units (PICU) in South African hospitals, with appropriately qualified specialists and nursing personnel to care for critically ill or injured children, justifies the development of the qualification at the institution.

    The limited availability of PICU beds at academic hospitals, significant patient transportation distances, lack of available/affordable air transport, delay in time from admission to initial contact with referral centres, inadequate nurse-to-patient ratios to care for critically ill children, lack of auxiliary services (e.g. nutritional or imaging), and significantly less care during the evenings and over weekends are but a few factors that contributed to prioritising the development of this qualification at the institution.

    Sub-specialists of a high calibre will be trained at the institution at approved and accredited training hospitals, such as DGMAH, and will provide outreach services to other healthcare workers and in rural populations, as the institution has accepted its critical role in making a meaningful contribution to social responsiveness by addressing the needs of the communities it serves. It is vital to develop this subspeciality as there are very few sub-specialists in the field of Paediatric Critical Care to deliver a service to a large population that is mostly situated in rural areas, where the burden of diseases is prevalent in marginalised populations scattered over a large geographical area that has limited services.

    Paediatric Critical Care sub-specialists register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as the statutory body that controls the education, training and registration for practising of health professions registered under the Health Professions Act (Act 56 of 1974). As such, the Medical and Dental Professions Board (i) registers practitioners, (ii) establishes a generic framework of core competencies and exit level concerns for the training and education of clinical associate practitioners, and (iii) guides and informs curriculum development to ensure adherence by training institutions to core competencies and training frameworks. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    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 Paediatrics where the experience was gained.

    The above information must be evaluated by the Head of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the institution and approved as equivalent. With the consent of the Head of the Department of Paediatrics and the Executive Committee (MEDEX) of the School of Medicine.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). 
    		•

    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 Module, NQF Level 9, 180 Credits.
  • Clinical Paediatric Critical Care, 120 Credits.
  • Paediatric Critical Care Research, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse the complex relationships between various units in a hospital to ensure quality management, patient safety and the delivery of integrated paediatric critical care services to solve cases where neonates, infants and children may require major elective surgery or have suffered a life-threatening illness or injury.
    2. Demonstrate advanced communication skills, ethical behaviour, updated specialist knowledge, skills and appropriate experience as it applies to the subspecialist field of paediatric critical care.
    3. Develop a sound paediatric critical care knowledge base via applied readings, bedside teaching, related case discussions, evidence-based practice, scientific meetings, and associated research activities to competently practice as a clinical critical care paediatrician in a South African setting. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply principles and good practices in managing complex paediatric critical care cases within facilities where neonates, infants and children are being cared for e.g., tertiary, provincial and district level hospitals and community health care centres.
  • Illustrate updated knowledge and skill to select and apply appropriate clinical procedures in the delivery of paediatric critical care services to benefit patients and their families / significant others.
  • Demonstrate experience in leading teams and in managing paediatric intensive care units and paediatric wards where critically ill children are treated.
  • Use science, technology and innovation across diverse healthcare systems and geographic regions effectively and critically, showing insight into the future of critical care, responsibility towards the environment and an understanding of the humanistic role as bedside clinician.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Illustrate updated knowledge and skill to identify, select and apply appropriate clinical procedures in the delivery of paediatric critical care subspecialist services, such as vascular access, mechanical ventilation or airway management in critically ill children.
  • Demonstrate in-depth medical knowledge, technical skills and clinical experience necessary to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for critically ill children.> Provide consultative services and train medical learners and nursing staff to advance paediatric critical care and related specialist services as part of a multi-professional team, demonstrating an understanding of the effect of a critically ill child on the rest of the family.
  • Accept responsibility and accountability for performed work within the South African context in the subspecialist field.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Research and critique the best evidence from literature, discuss application to own patients and report on complex paediatric critical care cases.
  • Critically evaluate available literature from multiple sources of information on related and complex paediatric critical care cases and their management.
  • Develop a research protocol, implement a full research project, and prepare, present, and defend research findings at professional and scientific meetings.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:
    The qualification aligns with the institution's Assessment Policy and uses various types of assessment to enhance learning. The assessment plan adheres to the national requirements set by the HPCSA as the statutory professional body to ensure that graduates can register as professionals in the field.

    Formative assessment:
    Clinical Coursework module: Paediatric Critical Care
    Continuous Workplace-Based Assessments (WBA):
    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 student, and feedback is discussed 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 student achieved competence. The logbook specifies the minimum number of patients 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.).

    Summative assessment:
    The final national exit examination is the only recognised final examination for the clinical course work module in paediatric critical care; SMU does not set a separate exit examination, and dual access, therefore, is not applied.

    The national exit examination through CMSA consists of both written and oral/practical components. It contributes 100% towards the final mark for the clinical coursework module (50% for the written and 50% for the oral/practical exam). The rules for the final national exit examination are clearly described and made available to prospective candidates.

    Continuous Assessment:
  • 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).
  • Candidates who apply to write the CMSA examination must submit a comprehensive Portfolio of Learning, which was reviewed and signed by the Head of the Paediatrics Department at the institution, who will then write a letter to the CMSA certifying that the Portfolio of Learning was completed satisfactorily.

    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 learner as the primary author.
  • An introduction and a conclusion must form part of the research work that has been done by the student 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 
    The qualification was compared to the international qualifications from the following countries:

    Country 1: United States of America.
    Institution: University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
    Qualification title: Paediatric Critical Care Fellowship.
    Duration: 3 years.

    Entry requirements:
  • Applicants must have completed an accredited paediatric residency (or medicine-paediatrics combined residency) by the time they apply.
  • Prior training must satisfy eligibility for the paediatric board or certification.
  • Completion of residency is a prerequisite for entering the fellowship.

    Purpose/ rationale:
    The Paediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship is designed to train paediatricians to become highly skilled paediatric intensivists, specialists in the care of critically ill infants, children, and adolescents. Upon successful completion, fellows become eligible for subspecialty board certification in Paediatric Critical Care Medicine (through the American Board of Paediatrics).

    Similarities:
  • Both the USA and South African (SA) qualifications provide learners with in-depth medical knowledge, technical skills and clinical experience necessary to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for critically ill children.
  • Areas of expertise include neurological and neuromuscular diseases, respiratory and cardiac diseases, paediatric trauma (particularly head injury, burns and multiple trauma), multiple organ dysfunction and organ transplantation, as well as the care of children with sepsis, viral and toxin-related infections (including poisoning), management of peri-operative surgical patients and other forms of critical illness.
  • Research training and scholarly activities form an integral part of both institutions.

    Differences:
  • The USA offer the Paediatric Critical Care Fellowships over a three-year training period to five fellows at a time. This differs from the South African qualification, which offers the qualification over a minimum of two years, with a maximum of two fellows at a time.
  • The USA training program in Paediatric critical care is accredited by the American Board of Paediatrics (ABP), while the South African Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Critical Care is certified by the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (Paeds) and endorsed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
  • The South African qualification is offered for a period of two years, whereas the USA program is offered for 3 years.

    Country 2: Kenya.
    Institution: University of Nairobi.
    Qualification title: Paediatric Emergency and Critical Care.
    Duration: 2 years.

    Entry requirements:
  • Master of Medicine (M.Med) in Paediatrics and Child Health from the University of Nairobi or an equivalent qualification from an institution recognised by the University of Nairobi Senate.
  • Evidence of registration or eligibility for registration with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (or equivalent regulatory body in another country).

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The purpose of this fellowship is to train specialist paediatricians to competently manage acutely ill and critically ill children in emergency and intensive care settings. Fellows are being trained in management of acutely and critically ill children in the public and private, urban and rural, tertiary care and district level health care sectors which are all relevant to practitioners in sub-Saharan Africa.

    Objectives of the fellowship:
  • Strengthen the capacity of healthcare systems to reduce child morbidity and mortality by improving emergency and ICU care standards.
  • Equip paediatricians with specialised knowledge and hands-on skills in emergency stabilisation, intensive care management, paediatric resuscitation, mechanical ventilation and advanced life support.
  • Prepare fellows to lead paediatric emergency units and PICUs, train other healthcare professionals, and develop clinical protocols and guidelines.

    Similarities:
  • Both the qualifications at Kenya and South Africa are offered as a two-year fellowship at the respective training hospitals.
  • At both institutions, Fellows are being trained in management of acutely and critically ill children in public, urban, rural and tertiary care and district level health care facilities.

    Differences:
  • The University of Nairobi fellowship is geared toward practical clinical excellence for paediatric emergency and critical care in hospital settings, whereas the Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Critical Care in South Africa is a higher academic qualification blending clinical competence with research and scholarly output.
  • The research in the South African qualification is a mandatory major component, while the research in the University of Kenya is optional. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Nephrology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Neonatology, 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.