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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Advanced Diploma in Somatology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
35938  Advanced Diploma in Somatology 
ORIGINATOR
NewBridge Graduate Institute (Pty)Ltd - Bank Avenue (formerly Centurion Akademie (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
Advanced Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Level 6  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 EXCO 0415/23  2021-07-01  2023-04-18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-04-18   2027-04-18  

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 learning programme is to train learners in the challenging field of Somatology. A sound academic background as well as thorough practical training will enable the somatologist to apply her knowledge and skills in the workplace. The programme ensures life long learning and development of skills, knowledge values and attitudes for learners from all walks of life, including the economically disadvantaged.

Somatology aims to equip learners with knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that will enable them to be confident and independent and to contribute responsibly in the economic reconstruction, development and growth, and to adapt to and survive in an economically complex world.


Rationale

Somatology provides qualifying learners with basic knowledge of and competence in the application of modern wellness techniques. The learner will be able to independently carry out required duties, make decisions and solve problems and or do referrals in the context of the workplace. It will also prepare the learner to be sensitive to issues of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation as well as to have respect for the human body. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners accessing this programme will have demonstrated competence on the previous level against the standards on that level (i.e. NQF 4), and that learners are competent in the provider`s language of instruction.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The structure of this programme makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible where the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this Somatology qualification and be awarded the qualification in part or in whole.

The Recognition of Prior Learning may allow:
  • For accelerated access to further learning.
  • For accelerated access to a higher level.
  • For the exemption of certain subjects. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    On successful completion of this programme learners will be able to:
  • Use their knowledge and skills to commence a career in Somatology.
  • Apply their values and attitudes to the benefit of their co-workers and the social environment.
  • Demonstrate Somatology knowledge and skills by applying skills ethically and responsibly.
  • Analyze and interpret information in order to make informed decisions.
  • Communicate effectively in a business environment.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and participate in activities that promote effective business relations.
  • Demonstrate an ability to manage and organize themselves effectively within the context of their field of study.
  • Do the necessary referrals. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    On passing this programme the learners will be able to:
  • Acquire skills, knowledge, attitudes and values that will improve the standard of living, human development, productivities and opportunities for all citizens and from all walks of life.
  • Relate skills, knowledge and values to real world situations; ensure the balance between theory and practice; articulate with the world of work and self-development.
  • Develop general and specific skills in entrepreneurial activities.
  • Demonstrate acquired knowledge and values developed in entrepreneurial activities.
  • Collect, analyze and internet information in order to make informed decisions.
  • Communicate effectively in a business environment.


    Integrated Assessment

    Because assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the qualification to integrate theory and practice through formative and summative assessment processes.

    Assessment methods and techniques

    Theory:
  • Class tests, semester tests, final examinations, essays/assignments, oral presentations and simulations.

    Practicals:
  • Write-ups, projects, practical tests and examinations and simulations.
  • Resource centre utilization:
  • Resource centres - in particular computer centres - are utilized by learners in the preparation of essays, reports and assignments, and for the analysis of data. The extent to which these, and other, resources have been utilized will be evidenced in the assignments.

    Experiential learning:

    Experiential learning constitutes an important proportion of the programme. The following sections outline the outcomes of experiential learning, the syllabus, administration monitoring and assessment of experiential learning.

    Experiential learning:
  • In these instances practical work is conducted in an operating, industry-related context.
  • Learners are required to undertake experiential learning that is conducted over weekends and during vacations.

    Desired outcomes for week-end/vacation experiential learning:
  • For learners to be exposed to and gain experience in a salon/wellness centre, etc.
  • For learners to gain sufficient knowledge of the working place and to apply this to their theoretical and practical knowledge.
  • To experience how their theoretical and practical training is applied in a real situation.
  • To gain experience in the interaction with clients and other staff members/therapists.
  • To gain experience in a working organization and to prepare learners for their professional lives.

    Syllabus for experiential learning:
    Experiential learning during each academic year (weekends and vacations). Learners are required to undertake experiential learning in their three years of training. Learners have to complete their logbooks by the end of each year, which is based on and contains the outcomes outlined in the syllabus.

    Administration for experiential learning:
    A letter to the salon owner/manageress who will be taking the student for experiential learning and an agreement between the manageress/salon owner and Centurion Akademie.
  • Questionnaire on the performance of the learner to be completed after every treatment.
  • Follow-up by the lecturer to ensure that both parties are satisfied.

    Placement of learners for experiential learning:
    Learners are responsible for their own placements for vacation/week-end work. The lecturer responsible for experiential learning and the learner arrange with the manageress of the salon for experiential work to take place. 10% of all salons are visited and the rest are contacted by phone.

    Recording of experiential learning:
    Learners have to complete a Logbook and keep a journal. The journal includes all experiential work carried out. The learner`s performance is documented - this is kept at Centurion Akademie, learners may have a copy for their own records should they so wish.

    Monitoring and evaluation of experiential learning:
    Regular contact is kept with learners during their experiential training periods. Contact is also kept with the supervisor/person in charge of the learner. See details below for assessment of experiential learning.

    Assessment of experiential learning:
    A logbook must be completed and a journal kept. The logbook and journal of all work in which the learner was involved must be signed off by the employer/supervisor if completed to their satisfaction.

    The logbook and journal must be submitted at regular intervals throughout the year. The logbook and journal are evaluated to ascertain that the required outcomes are met. The questionnaire on the performance of the learner given to the employer must be completed and returned to Centurion Akademie to be evaluated by the staff.

    Supervision/mentorship during experiential learning:
    The supervisor or salon owner supervises the day-to-day work of the learner. The head of department or lecturers liaise regularly with the supervisor or salon owner by phone about progress of the learner. The head of department or a lecturer is always available to assist the learner and the supervisor. 10% of salons are visited. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Similar programmes in other countries such as the US, UK and Australia compare favourably with the proposed programme regarding:
  • Outcome and assessment criteria,
  • Degree of difficulty and
  • Notional learning time

    Centurion Akademie has also registered for the International Examinations of ITEC and CIDESCO. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    By structuring the programme within the SAQA guidelines learners will be able to articulate both horizontally and vertically to other programmes and institutions as equivalent qualifications offered by other institutions also follow these SAQA standards. Taking different subjects from different fields and from other faculties further enhances horizontal articulation.

    However, such articulation is also greatly dependent on individual agreements between institutions, and Centurion Akademie is in the process of negotiating such agreements with other institutions as a matter of high priority. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderators need an appropriate qualification of at least two levels higher than the level they will be moderating.

    Centurion Akademie appoints moderators and external examiners who are experts and specialists in applicable fields as assessors. They are appointed on a mutually agreed written contract. Examination papers and memoranda are given to the relevant person to evaluate before examinations. Scripts are marked by the examiners and then given to the relevant person for moderation. Papers of students who failed are referred to the relevant moderator for a final decision. Examiners and moderators confirm the final marks.

    The external examiners and moderators evaluate every theory paper of the final examinations when the subject is completed. During their experiential learning period the learner`s evaluation forms (logbooks) are completed by the mentors from the industry and related organizations. Specialists and experts in the industry will assess the practical and experiential learning component on the completion thereof.

    It is required of all assessors to be registered assessors as required by the appropriate ETQA. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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. NewBridge Graduate Institute (Pty)Ltd - Bank Avenue (formerly Centurion Akademie (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.