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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Care Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94860  Postgraduate Diploma in Health Care Management 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch 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  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  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:
The purpose of the qualification is to prepare graduates for advanced and specialized professional employment within the health system, and to contribute to the development of knowledge and skills in health care management at an advanced level in an applied work setting.

The curriculum has been designed based on workplace leadership and managerial roles, assignments are practical and applied, and include an applied professional assignment which resembles workplace experience and challenges in health care organisations.

In addition, the purpose of the qualification is to develop graduates who have the following attributes and competencies:
  • Graduates will be able to exercise appropriate leadership styles and behaviour and apply critical thinking skills.
  • Graduates will be able to develop an organisational culture which fosters a culture of diversity, openness and innovation.
  • Graduates will be able to promote a vision, set direction and manage change.
  • Graduates will understand and be able to apply principles of ethics and professionalism.
  • Graduates will have the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and to facilitate and negotiate.
  • Graduates will be able to apply principles of public sector accountability and governance to comply with best practices and enable quality of service delivery.
  • Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to apply business principles and practices to ensure the effective management of public and private health care organisations.
  • Graduates will have a well-developed understanding of the health care context and be able to innovate and develop solutions to challenges experienced in health care organisations.
  • Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to collect and evaluate information for evidence-based management decision-making.

    Rationale:
    The Ministry of Health since 2011 highlighted the need to 'overhaul' the existing health system and to review current management practices in health policy as a need for a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Care Management. Reports in 2011, 2012 and 2013 by the press and Auditor General indicate chronic organisational failure and persistent shortcomings in leadership and management at all levels of the public health care system. The health departments of three provinces have been put under National and Provincial Treasury observation and administration in 2012 and 2013. This indicates significant problems in financial governance, human resource management capacity and supply chain management. Most importantly these trends indicate limitations in leadership capacity at senior and top levels of management.

    Health care managers are required to manage health system transformation under conditions of financial constraint, to harness resources and use what resources they have effectively, to motivate staff, to engage in organisational restructuring and service changes to meet the new policy priorities.

    This qualification addresses the need properly train managers and professionals at both the public and private health care sectors to develop business management skills with a focused application on the health sector. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Care Management conforms to the University's Policy for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) as well as the ARPL policy of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

    The policy defines the process that must be followed in the assessment of an application for RPL at Postgraduate level and provides information pertaining to assessment tools that can be used in the assessment of RPL applications. The APRL process is subjected to the Faculty's quality assurance process. Unsuccessful applicants may appeal according to the relevant appeal procedures as stated in the University's General Calendar Part 1.

    Entry Requirements:
    Admission to the programme requires a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant discipline (health sciences, economic and management sciences, social sciences) at NQF Level 7. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 credits.

    Modules:
  • Health systems, policy and financing, 10 Credits.
  • Leadership and innovation in health care, 10 Credits.
  • Strategy, marketing and communication, 10 Credits.
  • Managing self and others for optimal service delivery, 10 Credits.
  • Evidence and information in health management, 10 Credits.
  • Financial leadership and governance for effective health care delivery, 10 Credits.
  • Managing Operations, 10 Credits.
  • Managing Health Technology and Infrastructure, 10 Credits.
  • Quality improvement, clinical governance and patient care, 10 Credits.
  • Project management, 10 Credits.
  • Health Management Report, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding of organisations, the external context in which they operate and how they are managed: with particular reference to health sector organisations.
    2. Apply analytical techniques to the decision making processes of health sector organisations and present their analyses in a clear and persuasive manner.
    3. Identify and select the appropriate method for dealing with staff.
    4. Demonstrate critical awareness of current issues in the health sector.
    5. Function as a health care manager with adequate financial background resource.
    6. Determine purpose and sustainability of the capacity with the health care management system.
    7. Develop processes and procedures for the management of one`s own health care management environment.
    8. Operate effectively and create relationships between elements within the system using available resources. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Goals and objectives of the health systems, including health, financial and social risk protection, equity, efficiency, effectiveness and choice are understood.
  • Health systems are organised, financed; how priorities are identified, resources allocated and providers are remunerated is demonstrated.
  • Different health system designs in relation to key functions such as organisation, financing and service delivery and their advantages and disadvantages are analysed and assessed.
  • Key challenges faced by health systems and responses are identified.
  • Global trends in health system reform are identified and familiarised with.
  • Leadership, change processes and management are explained.
  • Change management in the South African health care context and leadership are explained.
  • Path for ongoing improvement is developed and implemented.
  • Personal leadership and emotional intelligence skills are understood and displayed.
  • Patients, communities, stakeholders and the organisation are internally represented.
  • Organisational culture which fosters a culture of diversity, openness and innovation is defined.
  • Vision for continuous improvement and making use of appropriate tools is promoted.
  • Professionalism and ethics in the health care is understood and applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Key strategic issues facing senior healthcare management teams and the key analytical concepts are understood and described.
  • Analytical concepts appropriate to the organisation's situation, current strategic position, its immediate operating environment and its future strategic options, are evaluated.
  • Strategic management concepts to the 'healthcare industry concepts are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Impact of own inner dialogue and one with others on performance development and levels of personal stress is identified.
  • Frank and constructive skills to communicate with colleagues and team are practiced.
  • Diversity of people and situations are constructively responded to.
  • Skills to the aspects of the work environment including selection and recruitment and performance management are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Data from health information systems is analysed.
  • Search the literature, appraise, ask appropriate research questions and apply relevant research evidence in decision making is demonstrated.
  • Evidence and information on research in the public and private health sectors in South Africa is understood and applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The financial management cycle from financial planning and budgeting, to financial management functions in executing the budget (supply chain management, revenue management, expenditure management), accounting, the audit process and accountability is explained.
  • Institutional strategic and operational plans or capital projects budget is compiled.
  • Expenditure drivers, financial risks and medium term revenue are demonstrated.
  • Monthly and quarterly financial and performance reports and annual financial statements as proactive management tools are used.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Purpose of a process in terms of cost, quality, flexibility, delivery speed and reliability, and safety is defined (i.e. what the process needs to be good at).
  • Various ways of managing capacity of the system in the short and longer term are understood and implemented.
  • Appropriate metrics by which the process can be monitored and managed are defined.
  • Ongoing service delivery within health environment with respect sustainability issues is demonstrated.
  • Processes for continuous improvement to a management system are conceptualised and managed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • The continuum of care and beyond healthcare to community wellness and related concepts of the health technologies universe are linked and unpacked.
  • Health system performance measures such as coverage, quality and universal access, health technologies and physical infrastructure (HTPI) are linked.
  • Standards and guidelines related to international and national environments with regard to the design/innovation, regulation, planning, assessment, acquisition, commissioning and operation of HTPI, are demonstrated.
  • Support of appropriate and quality healthcare at all levels of delivery systems, processes and people needed to cost-effectively manage HTPI life-cycles are identified.
  • Link HTPI to health- and management information systems and minimum data sets and associated indicators for monitoring and evaluating HTPI performance are developed.
  • The potential and challenges of Health and related fields such as Health and telemedicine are explained.
  • Role of architectural and engineering interventions in airborne infection control in health facilities are appreciated. Selected project management tools to HTPI interventions are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Project and programme management is defined.
  • Project and programme objectives, outcomes and business strategies are outlined.
  • Aspects of project management process: staffing, resourcing, reporting, risk and conflict management are implemented.
  • Projects and programmes failure and how to ensure their success is explained.
  • Knowledge to analyse a health care management problem across the whole programme is applied.
  • Evaluation skills relevant to a health care management problem with theoretical knowledge are integrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The institution requires of Postgraduate Diploma in Health Care Management learners to follow a programme approved by the University with set outcomes pertaining to knowledge and skills.

    More than one assessment is required per module. Assessment formats include class tests, short assignments during tutorials, class participation, and longer written assignments prior to or after the contact sessions of a particular module. Learners will be required to read assigned texts before each class session. Assessment activities during the contact sessions are structured to inform the development of the larger assignment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Comparability studies were conducted on similar international qualifications to enhance quality and international standing of this qualification. It has proven to compare very well with similar qualifications offered at the leading universities such as the University of Sheffield Hallam and the University of East London in the United Kingdom.

    Postgraduate Diploma (Health Care Management and Leadership) - Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom (UK):
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Care Management and Leadership is designed to promote corporate and organisational medical leadership of health care. Medical practitioners work together to develop a shared understanding of the international wisdom and evidence of health care management and leadership practice. The qualification enables learners to achieve an advanced level of management and leadership, knowledge and skill, which can contribute to the development of your healthcare system.

    It is an intensive course built on contemporary theory and evidence in health care management and leadership. Evidence from the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that capacity and capability in management and leadership results in improved healthcare and patient outcomes and this qualification is designed to meet the demand for skilled workers in health care organisations.

    Bachelor of Science Honours (BSc Hons) Health Services Management - University of East London (UEL) - UK
    Modern health care providers are becoming knowledge driven. Learning organisations and performance of the workers and managers in them are determined by "intelligent experimentation, ingenuity, interpersonal skills, and resilience in the face of adversity" (Edmondson 2008).

    Such high quality, mass-customised healthcare of the future, will need graduates who understand the issues, and demonstrate ability to produce a fair and efficient allocation of resources, as safely as possible. The BSc Hons Degree in Health Services Management prepares students to be knowledgeable and enquiring. It provides them with the tools to develop resilience and good interpersonal skills necessary in contributing to improve health systems.

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Care Management consists of 11 modules offered at Honours level with each attracting 10 credit points except for the health care report with 20 credits points. The modules offered within the qualification are:
  • Module 1: Health systems, policy and financing.
  • Module 2: Leadership and innovation in health care.
  • Module 3: Strategy, marketing and communication.
  • Module 4: Managing self and others for optimal service delivery.
  • Module 5: Evidence and information in health management.
  • Module 6: Financial leadership and governance for effective health care delivery.
  • Module 7: Managing Operations.
  • Module 8: Managing Health Technology and Infrastructure.
  • Module 9: Quality improvement, clinical governance and patient care.
  • Module 10: Project management.
  • Module 11: Health Management Report (undertaken as one of the second year modules).

    Assessment will include:
  • Individual written examination.
  • Individual mapping assignment.
  • Group improvement assignment.
  • Formative assessments conducted regularly as determined by the course conveners.
  • 100% end of module report and A3.

    Conclusion:
    The results of the comparability studies conducted reveal that this qualification is on an equivalent standard quality-wise with some of the best health management qualifications in the world. This qualification compares very well with the qualification cited above. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification does not offer direct articulation possibilities vertically to a Masters Degree, since it does not have a research component into it, however with health care management as its focus this qualification can articulate vertically with postgraduate qualifications in other similar fields. Learners may also complete a research methodology module to enable a vertical articulation pathway.

    Horizontally this qualification may articulate with:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Health Care, at NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Health Services Management at NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Health Services at NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Health Measurements at NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Public Health Honours at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    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. Stellenbosch 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.