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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Nephrology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125444  Master of Philosophy in Paediatric 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 purpose of the Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Nephrology is to train Paediatricians to acquire and illustrate updated knowledge, skills, and experience, who can further contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level in the subspeciality of Nephrology.

The qualifying learner will demonstrate competence and team leadership in addressing the need for specialised skills to diagnose and manage infants and children in need of specialist nephrology services to ensure continued best patient outcomes, and to provide evidence for such best practices through scholarship and research. Subspecialists in this discipline will be positioned for advanced and specialised professional employment in South Africa. Therefore, the proposed qualification supports the provisioning of services in a scarce healthcare field that the South African population needs.

The qualifying learner will be qualified to act ethically and professionally, to think analytically, and to evaluate and apply relevant information through research that will further benefit the South African Healthcare System.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, the qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Analyse the complex relationships between various units in a hospital to deliver integrated services efficiently and effectively, to solve kidney diseases and renal manifestation cases in neonates, infants and children timeously, and seek opportunities to improve inclusive paediatric care that may also positively impact national health.
  • Develop a clinical grounding in Paediatric Nephrology 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.
  • Develop a sound paediatric 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.

    Rationale:
    Optimal management of disease and clinical syndromes requires specialised knowledge of specific disease processes and available treatment options, as well as highly specialised diagnostic and management skills. Specialists who have received further training in Paediatric Nephrology can make an important contribution to patient care, as many patients in the South African population present uniquely and require specialised care. There is a limited number of Paediatric Nephrologists registered with the HPCSA and employed in public hospitals, especially in rural areas. Although the need for patient care is high, there is also a need for relevant research in the South African context.

    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.

    Due to the growing knowledge in medicine, the specialised management options and the enormous burden of disease in South Africa and the region, it became imperative to provide appropriate Paediatric Nephrology training relevant to the local setting whilst remaining equivalent in status to other established subspecialty qualifications internationally.

    Upon completion of this training, graduates may register with the HPCSA as Paediatric Nephrologists and continue on a career pathway in academic medicine, independent research and service delivery in both public and private sectors in South Africa. HPCSA already provided an endorsement letter for this qualification to be developed. 
    		•

    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 policy 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 of 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 (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 Framework, Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

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

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse the complex relationships between various units in a hospital to deliver integrated services efficiently and effectively, to solve kidney diseases and renal manifestation cases in neonates, infants and children timeously, and seek opportunities to improve inclusive paediatric care that may also positively impact national health.
    2. Develop clinical grounding in Paediatric Nephrology 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. Develop a sound paediatric 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 good practices in managing complex paediatric nephrology cases within facilities where children with renal diseases 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 nephrology subspecialist services to benefit children with renal diseases.
  • Demonstrate experience in leading teams and in managing intensive care units and paediatric 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:
  • Demonstrates proficiency in the management of neonates, infants and children requiring renal replacement therapy, including acute and long-term dialysis, and managing all aspects of paediatric kidney transplantation.
  • Illustrate updated knowledge and skill in the management of neonates, infants and children with congenital anomalies of the renal tract, nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, inherited and acquired forms of tubulopathy, urinary tract infection, vesicoureteral reflux, renal stone disease, hypertension, inborn errors of metabolism and inherited nephropathies.
  • Provide consultative services and train medical learners and nursing staff to advance paediatric nephrology and related specialist services as part of an interprofessional team and demonstrate an understanding of the effect of chronic disease on the rest of the family.

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

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:
    The qualification aligns with the Assessment Policy at the institution and uses various types of assessment that enhance learning. The assessment plan adheres to the national requirements set by the HPCSA as the statutory professional body to ensure that a qualifying learner can register as a professional in the field. The national exit examination is administered by the CMSA, the only recognised body appointed for such purposes by the HPCSA.

    Formative Assessment:
    Continuous Workplace-Based Assessments (WBA):
    Direct observations, based on the list of prescribed EPAs, take place in clinical settings while the learner works 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 documented feedback to the learner, and feedback is discussed with the supervisor. Feedback is provided using 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 record keeping, 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 as well as the type.

    The logbook with signatures, records of observations with its 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 presented and further discussed, etc.).

    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.

    Summative Assessment:
    The final national exit examination is the only recognised final examination for the clinical course work module in paediatric nephrology; the institution does not set a separate exit examination, and dual exit, therefore, is not applied, nor is it possible.

    The national exit examination through CMSA consists of both written and oral/practical components and contributes 100% towards the final mark for the clinical course work 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.

    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 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 following international qualifications:
    Country 1: United States of America.
    Institution name: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
    Qualification title: Paediatric Nephrology Fellowship.
    Duration: 3 Years.

    Purpose:
    The CHOP Paediatric Nephrology Fellowship qualification is a three-year program designed to train paediatricians by providing the necessary clinical and research skills to enable them to pursue an academic career in paediatric nephrology.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications include clinical training and a research component.
  • The duration of both qualifications is similar.
  • Learners at both institutions are supervised by an attending physician, and in both institutions, it is expected that learners should complete a research project before they may take the Paediatric Nephrology Subspecialty Board Examination.

    Differences:
  • The CHOP institution offers a fellowship qualification, while the South African institution offers a fully-fledged qualification.

    Country 2: Australia.
    Institution name: Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP).
    Qualification title: Advanced Training in Nephrology.
    Duration: 3 Years.

    Entry requirements:
    Prospective trainees must have:
  • Completed RACP Basic Training, including Written and Clinical Examinations.
  • A current medical registration.

    Purpose:
    The Advanced Training in Nephrology help learners to explore in-depth speciality training in diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract. Learners will train under supervision and prepare for independent practice as a consultant. The qualification builds learners' skills through work-based learning and assessment tools.

    Similarities:
  • Learners for both qualifications train under supervision and prepare for independent practice as a consultant.
  • Both qualifications build skills through work-based learning and work-based assessment tools.
  • The duration of both qualifications is similar.

    Differences:
  • The RACP requires completion of basic training as an entry, while the South African qualification requires a minimum of an NQF Level 8 medical degree for entry.
  • The RACP is a fellowship qualification, while the SA one is a fully-fledged qualification. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health, 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.