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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: 

Postgraduate Diploma: Pharmacological Principles of Drug Therapy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
88902  Postgraduate Diploma: Pharmacological Principles of Drug Therapy 
ORIGINATOR
North West 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
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  136  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification aims to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, skills and insight into pharmacological and ethical principles in order to exercise responsible selection of drugs to treat patients and to deliver a comprehensive service to the community. This will assist health care professionals, such as medical practitioners and pharmacists to practice more effectively in community medicine.

The specific role of these graduates will be to enhance the effective implementation of optimal individualised drug selection in treatment strategies for patients.

On completion of this Postgraduate Diploma, learners will be equipped to:
  • Practice more effective pharmacotherapy within health care services by applying therapeutic strategies based on pharmacological and ethical principles.
  • Think laterally and critically in the application of pharmacological principles of drug therapy.
  • Apply enhanced understanding in the pharmacotherapy area of community medicine.
  • Apply commercially and community-directed expertise to the benefit of the region, the country, the rest of sub-Sahara Africa and ultimately, the rest of the world.

    This qualification aims at assisting the health care professionals in South Africa (medical practitioners, pharmacists etc.) in practicing more effective pharmacotherapy in community medicine. This programme also provides a platform for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for medical practitioners and other health care professionals and is accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for this purpose.

    Rationale:
    This qualification focuses on combining theoretical and applied elements of pharmacological principles in community medicine. The qualification is of national relevance and will therefore not only improve public services, but will also widen the employment prospects of successful graduates.

    This qualification will produce graduates who will serve the needs of South Africa and the rest of the continent. The programme will develop, educate and empower graduates who will be able to make a contribution to Drug therapy and in doing so, enhance the health of our communities. The qualification also strives to reach high ethical standards and good stewardship.

    The specific role of these graduates will be to enhance the effective implementation of optimal individualised drug selection in treatment strategies for patients. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The applicant is assumed to have:
  • Cognitive ability and knowledge at NQF Level 7.
  • Communicative skills at NQF Level 7 in the language in which the qualification is presented.
  • Basic knowledge of pharmacological principles.
  • Competency in the use of a computer.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    Learners who have completed individual modules as certificate courses who then wish to enrol in the Postgraduate Diploma may apply for recognition of the completed modules, taking into account the RPL policy of the NW University.

    Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include, verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Quality Council.

    Access to the Qualification

    Admission is conditional on the applicant being in possession of one of the following Degrees:
  • Bachelor of Science: Pharmacy.
  • Bachelor of Pharmacy.
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB).
  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD).
  • A qualification regarded as equivalent to any of the above-mentioned degrees. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The modules are coursework only and include no workplace learning.

    Learners may also enrol for individual modules as certificate courses for purposes of CPD.

    The full qualification comprises nine compulsory and two elective modules, totalling 136 Credits. All modules are at NQF Level 8.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Principles of Pharmacokinetics, 8 Credits.
  • Principles of Pharmacodynamics,16 Credits.
  • Drugs and the Peripheral Nervous System, 8 Credits.
  • Drugs and the Central Nervous System, 16 Credits.
  • Drugs and the Renal and Cardiovascular Systems, 16 Credits.
  • Drugs for Pain, Inflammation, Fever and Airways Disease, 16 Credits.
  • Chemotherapy of Infections and Infestations, 16 Credits.
  • Hormones, Hormonoids and Hormone Antagonists, 16 Credits.
  • Integrated Pharmacology, 8 Credits.

    Subtotal: 120 Credits.

    Electives Modules - Select two:
  • Drugs for Gastro-Intestinal Tract and Skin Disorders, 8 Credits.
  • Vitamins, Haematopoetics and Immunopharmacology, 8 Credits.
  • Advanced Pharmacological Principles, 8 Credits.

    Subtotal: 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a sound ethical approach in all actions relating to the selection of drugs to ensure the best interest of the patient.
    2. Discuss the pharmacological principles underlying drug therapy for a comprehensive range of drug groups.
    3 .Evaluate existing drug prescriptions and advise the patients with regard to drug treatment.
    4. Combine individualised pharmacological treatment approaches for a wide range of disease states.
    5. Evaluate published clinical trials on drug therapy and keep abreast of the latest information on drug treatment.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Identifying and solving problems are demonstrated in the ability to manage drug therapy for multiple medical conditions. In addition, peer collaboration for problem solving is stimulated.
  • Team work is demonstrated in the interactions with fellow health workers and the various patients treated.
  • Organising self is demonstrated in the successful practice of clinical pharmacotherapy. A great deal of self-driven and independent study is required.
  • Collating information is indicated in the successful retrieving, analysing and reporting on information gathered from various reliable sources.
  • Effective communicating is demonstrated through the ability to successfully treat a patient.
  • Utilising science and technology is clearly indicated in the application of pharmacological principles when applying drug therapy.
  • Understanding the world as a set of related systems is indicated in the participation in discussions with peers, the patients and relevant senior professionals in the application of drug therapy. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    1.1 Make responsible decisions regarding drug selection that are based on sound ethical principles and in the best interests of the patient.
    1.2 Demonstrate a patient-directed approach to drug therapy by informing the patient of the actions and effects of the drugs and how they should best be used.
    1.3 Identify obvious cases of misuse of drugs.
    1.4 Demonstrate in depth knowledge of gene therapy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    2.1 Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the pharmacodynamic principles of the selected drugs.
    2.2 Use clinical pharmacokinetic principles to predict an appropriate dosing schedule.
    2.4 Apply knowledge and skills to identify drug mechanism related problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    3.1 Demonstrate a patient-directed approach and an ability to advise patients regarding effective anti-infective drug use in view of the global increase in microbial drug resistance.
    3.2 Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the principles of chronopharmacology.
    3.3 Analyse and evaluate treatment scenarios and propose rational (responsible) alternatives.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    4.1 Advise patients regarding effective anti-infective drug use in view of the global increase in microbial drug resistance.
    4.2 Demonstrate understanding of the different drug interactions and their clinical significance.
    4.3 Identify, analyse and discuss drug-related problems and debate solutions based on pharmacotherapeutic approaches.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
    5.1 Retrieve and analyse the latest information on drugs from various reliable sources for treating various disorders/conditions.
    5.2 Demonstrate understanding of the need to remain informed about infection control and treatment in an ever changing microbiological environment.

    Integrated Assessment:

    This is carried out according to Institutional and Faculty policy.

    The evaluation of the different modules individually and for completion of the Post Graduate Diploma will be conducted via:
  • Written assignments which are submitted through the e-learning platform of the institution.
  • Evaluation of contributions to electronic group discussions.
  • Electronic examinations, which meet all the criteria and requirements of a summative assessment (i.e. multiple choice, short and long questions).

    For final summative assessment of each learner an oral examination is compulsory. This may be conducted on site or by tele- or video-conferencing. The duration of such an oral evaluation is approximately 30 - 45 minutes. Two internal examiners and one external examiner will be present. The evaluation will focus on the learner's ability to integrate the broad spectrum of pharmacological knowledge and his/her ability to show a general insight into pharmacological principles of drug treatment in the clinical situation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The need for continuing and further training in pharmacological therapeutics is universal amongst Health Care professionals. The focus of this qualification and the needs it is intended to meet are unique to the South African context. The content and level have however been compared to programmes offered elsewhere which attempt fill the need for continuing and further training for health professionals in the area of pharmacology.

    This qualification was compared to the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies and the learning content offered:

    The University of Malta Offers Advanced programmes in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology. Particularly comparable is their Postgraduate Modular Diploma in Clinical Pharmacology. This study-unit discusses advances and developments in clinical pharmacology and toxicology.

    Study-unit aims:

    "This study-unit will provide a moderated forum for discussion on developments in various aspects of pharmacology. Through this unit students will have the opportunity to assess novel knowledge in pharmacology and the use of drugs in various clinical conditions". The topics covered include:
  • Medicines Regulation
  • Principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
  • Drugs used in neurological disorders
  • Drugs used in the treatment of allergies and adverse drug reactions
  • Antimicrobial agents
  • Drugs used in respiratory disorders
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Antihypertensive, diuretics and Antiarrhythmic drugs
  • Analgesics
  • Antidiabetic agents
  • Anti cancer drugs and immunotherapy
  • Drugs acting on Endocrine system
  • Drugs acting on the GI tract
  • Drugs used in Obstetrics and gynaecology
  • Drugs used in the management of anaemias
  • Toxicology and poisoning

    Through this unit students will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of various drugs in specific medical conditions and in individualised drug prescribing. The application of clinical pharmacological principles for optimising regimens for the individual patient will be discussed for specific drug classes.

    The University of Toronto also offers a Graduate pharmacology course where a series of lectures and student presentations emphasises recent advances in understanding of pharmacological principles. Areas covered include drug metabolism, molecular biology, pharmacogenomics, receptors & signal transduction, clinical pharmacology, and behavioural pharmacology.

    Conclusion

    Although the focus of the South African qualification is different, the content is comparable to the programmes cited and this implies that the qualification is internationally comparable. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with similar cognate Postgraduate Diplomas at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with a Master's Degree: Pharmacology at NQF Level 9 provided the required research competence is in place. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    External moderators moderate all of the study material at regular intervals.

    In addition, all question banks have been moderated by an external moderator, to ensure that the assessment criteria are met and that the evaluation indeed measures the set learning outcomes.

    The final oral evaluation of the total programme is evaluated by two internal and one external evaluator, with the assistance of a trained facilitator. 

    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 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. North West 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.