Welcome to the Faculty of Health Sciences. The Faculty of Health Sciences is one of two faculties within the College of Health Sciences both of which share the College’s mission to “…prepare graduates who are excellent scholars, functioning holistically, ethically and in a socially responsive manner within the African health care environment while actively engaging international collaboration and partnerships for education, research and service”. The Faculty is committed to producing healthcare professionals equipped with knowledge, skills and attitudes to achieve affordable, accessible and optimal health for all South African and African communities in the spirit of ''ubuntu'' and ''batho pele''.

Invitation from the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Sabiha Essack (B. Pharm., M. Pharm., PhD)

“In pursuit of our mission, I invite you to enrol for one of the many postgraduate programmes at Honours, Post-graduate Diploma, Masters, Doctoral and PhD levels in the Faculty of Health Sciences, to join a vibrant research culture and to make an invaluable contribution to health care in South Africa and the African continent

Postgraduate studies with the Faculty of Health Sciences
Our post-graduate studies provide students with opportunities to develop excellence in and mastery of a specific field of study or area of professional practice. Post-graduate study with the Faculty of Health Science enables students to:
• Develop advanced knowledge of specialist body of topics and/or professional practice;
• Acquire high order skills in analysis, critical evaluation and/or professional application through the planning and execution of project work or a piece of scholarship or research;
• Apply knowledge and skills to new situations in innovative and socially responsive ways and finally, to;
• Solve complex problems and think rigorously and autonomously.
The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) offers an existing range of innovative career-focused post-graduate degree qualifications including honours, post-graduate diplomas, masters and doctoral degrees in the following schools:
• School of Audiology, Occupational Therapy & Speech-Language Pathology
• School of Medical Sciences
• School of Nursing
• School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
• School of Physiotherapy, Sport Science and Optometry
• School of Dentistry (Postgraduate programmes are under development)

Except for the School of Nursing which is based on the Howard College campus, all the other Schools are based on the Westville campus.

 

Multidisciplinary post-graduate education in Health Sciences

 

Interdisciplinary education is regarded world-wide as an important mechanism for developing health science professionals capable of working collaboratively in complex health care settings to improve health delivery systems and client health outcomes. The FHS also recognises that many health professionals wishing to pursue post-graduate studies have limited opportunity to realise their goal because they are working professionals and/or live and work far from the site of study.

 

The Faculty therefore plans to launch a number of innovative post-graduate and inter-disciplinary post-graduate diplomas and course work masters degrees in 2010/2011. Some modules for these programmes will be offered on-line to accommodate working students. Table 1 summarises the proposed new programmes for 2010 and 2011.

For those candidates who have to juggle the demands of family, work and study and for those who are unable to get to campus regularly, the proposed new on-line, Faculty of Health Science Masters in Medical Sciences (Health Sciences) will be of special interest. Although this interdisciplinary on-line master in Medical Sciences is housed in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, is not a “pharmacy/pharmacology” masters. The School, because of its expertise in developing and delivering on-line programmes, will act as overall administrator for this programme.

The School of Audiology, Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology is launching a number of innovative programmes in 2010 in the Autistic Spectrum Disorders and in the therapeutic group work, all of which are multi-disciplinary in nature and open to teachers, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and other health professionals and care providers who meet the programme entry requirements.

A blended learning (on-line and face-face) PG Diploma and Honours in Research Administration is being developed for 2011, pending the official approval processes.

This is an exciting interdisciplinary and cross-college programme which aims to develop specialists in managing health science research activities including grants, projects and groups of researchers. It draws on the expertise of the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, Business Management studies, the University of KwaZulu-Natal Research Office and SARETI (South African Research Ethics Training Initiative which is based in the School of Psychology, Pietermaritzburg Campus) in preparing graduates for a career in research management within Universities or research-based organisations.  The School of Audiology, Occupational Therapy & Speech-Language Pathology will act as overall administrator for these programmes.

Table 1:         Proposed new Interdisciplinary Post-graduate Programmes

Host School	Post-graduate Diploma/Honours	Course-work masters	Commencement not guaranteed but:
School of Audiology, Occupational Therapy & Speech-Language Pathology	Post-graduate Diploma in Medical Sciences (Autism Spectrum Disorders)	Masters of Medical Philosophy (Autism Spectrum Disorders)	Pending all official approval processes: 2010
	Group Work	Group Work	Pending all official approval processes: 2010
	PG-Diploma and Honours in Research Administration		Pending all official approval processes: 2011
School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology		On-line Masters in Medical Sciences (Health Sciences)	Pending all official approval processes: 2010
		Online Masters in Pharmacy (Pharmacy Practice / Pharmacoeconomics)	Pending all official approval processes: 2010

The Faculty has developed a set of answers to questions students frequently ask when they are exploring possibilities for post-graduate specialisation in their primary health sciences discipline.

• FAQ 1:            What are the different types of post-graduate qualifications and their minimum entry requirements?
• FAQ 2:            What post-graduate degree programmes are offered in the Faculty of Health Sciences and what are their potential career opportunities?
• FAQ 3:            What are the selection requirements for PG Studies?
• FAQ 4:            How do you apply for PG studies with the Faculty of Health Sciences?

We hope these questions and answers will assist you in making a decision about what type of post-graduate programme is best suited to your personal career, academic and professional goals. 

 

 

FAQ 1:       What are the different types of post-graduate qualifications and their minimum entry requirements?

 

 

 The South Africa Higher Educations Qualification Framework sets outs all the higher education qualification types and the minimum requirements for entry into each qualification type.

 

These minimum requirements should be read in conjunction with the admission criteria set by the Schools offering particular post-graduate programmes and qualifications.  Please see the relevant School website for detailed entrance requirements to the different programmes.

 

A postgraduate diploma (exit level 8) enables working professionals to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in an area of specialisation. A PG Dip is generally multi- or interdisciplinary in nature but may serve to strengthen and deepen the student's knowledge in a particular discipline or profession. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. A sustained research project is not required but the qualification may include conducting and reporting research under supervision. A three year undergraduate degree in a specific health science or humanities relevant to the proposed course of study, is the minimum requirement for access to PG Dip. 

 

 

The Bachelor Honours degree (exit level 8) is a postgraduate specialisation qualification that prepares students for research based postgraduate study. It serves to consolidate and deepen the student's expertise in a particular discipline, and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of that discipline. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. In some cases a Bachelor Honours Degree carries recognition by an appropriate professional or statutory body. A three year bachelor's degree is the minimum entry requirement.

 

A master’s degree (exit level 9) aims at educating and training researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level, or preparing graduates for advanced and specialised professional employment. Many of the Schools and disciplines in the Faculty offer two types of master’s degrees: by course-work and minor dissertation and by research. Masters by course-work is usually aimed at increasing the breadth and depth of professional practice and involves a number of taught modules and a minor research project. A research masters on the other hand, helps prepare for a career in research and is accomplished through a research project, under the guidance of a research supervisor.  The minimum requirement is an honours degree. A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 96 credits at level 8 (this is usually a four year professional degree) or a PG Diploma, may be considered by the School/ Faculty for entry to a cognate Master's Degree programme.

 

A doctoral degree (level 10) is the highest qualification awarded within the HEQ framework. Students are required to undertake research at the most advanced academic levels resulting in the submission, assessment and acceptance of a thesis. Course work may be required as preparation or value addition to the research, but does not contribute to the credit value of the qualification. The defining characteristic of this qualification is that the student is required to demonstrate high-level research capability and make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of a discipline or field. The work must be of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication. The degree may be earned through pure discipline-based or multidisciplinary research or applied research. A master’s degree is the minimum entry requirement for a doctoral degree.

The University and the Faculty of Health Sciences values potential applicants with professional experience and expertise in the anticipated field of study. We therefore recognise prior learning and welcome the opportunity to assist potential PG students in using this RPL system to access post-graduate studies. 

 

 

FAQ 3: What are the selection requirements for PG Studies?
The selection requirements are based on the HEQF minimum requirements and other criteria prescribed by the Faculty and the School concerned. Please consult the specific brochure for the requirements for the programme study you are interested in.

 

FAQ 4:       How do you apply for PG studies with the Faculty of Health Sciences?

Once you have decided upon your course of study, and consulted with the relevant school offering your proposed course, you should begin the applications process.

Review the University of KwaZulu-Natal postgraduate application process. This very informative site will guide both South African and International students through the application process.

To whom do you apply for PG study?

Except for nursing, all applications for post-graduate studies are made through the Faculty of Health Science Office. These details are given below. This office will also direct queries about post-graduate studies to the relevant discipline or School.

 

Where can you find the application forms for PG study?

a. You can get the forms from the UKZN website by clicking on “applying to UKZN” and then “How to apply”. This link should take you to the PDF Application form.

b. You can also contact the relevant health science faculty officer directly for application forms.

When do applications close?

Please consult the Faculty of Health Science admission procedure guide as well as the specific School you wish to register with about their closing dates for applications for the different programmes.

Who do I contact to begin the applications process for PG study?

Again, please contact the relevant Faculty Officer to begin the process of application. Except for nursing, all other applications are made directly to the Faculty of Health Sciences.  

 

 

Contact for the application Process:	Name	Address	Contact Numbers and e-mail
Faculty of Health Science Admissions Officer	Mr Viren Singh	Faculty of Health Sciences Westville Campus University of Kwazulu-Natal Private Bag X54001 Durban  4000 South Africa	031 2607933 Singvr@ukzn.ac.za
School of Nursing Faculty Officer	Mrs Jennifer Mey	School of Nursing Howard College Campus University of KwaZulu-Natal Private Bag X54001 Durban  4000 South Africa	031 2602375 Meyj@ukzn.ac.za

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School of Audiology, Occupational Therapy & Speech-Language-Pathology

 

PG Programme Offerings in the Disciplines of AOSL-P

Discipline:	Masters Course-work	Masters Research	PhD
Audiology	Master of Communication Pathology (Audiology)	Yes	Yes
Occupational Therapy	Master of Hand Rehabilitation	Masters of Occupational Therapy	Yes
Speech-Language Pathology (S-LP)	Master of Communication Pathology (Speech-Language Pathology)	Yes	Yes

Discipline:	Masters Course-work	Masters Research	PhD
Audiology	Master of Communication Pathology (Audiology)	Yes	Yes
Occupational Therapy	Master of Hand Rehabilitation	Masters of Occupational Therapy	Yes
Speech-Language Pathology (S-LP)	Master of Communication Pathology (Speech-Language Pathology)	Yes	Yes

 

 

Career Opportunities

 

• Master of Communication Pathology (Audiology)

An audiologist with a research/coursework masters will be able to work in specialized areas of audiology. They may also decide to follow an academic career i.e. as a lecturer or researcher at a university or research unit.

·         Master of Hand Rehabilitation (Course Work)

Graduates will be specialised in the treatment of common and complex hand injuries and be able to work in rehabilitation departments or units that treat hand injuries, private practices which focus specifically on hand injury, in  industrial settings such as the mining and automobile industry where hand injury may be common

 

·         Masters of Occupational Therapy (Research)

An occupational therapist with a research Masters may be able to work in a specific specialised area e.g. in a paediatric practice or orthopaedic, psychiatric or neurological unit. Or they may decide to enter in to Academia and become a lecturer and researcher.

 

 

·         Master of Communication Pathology (Speech-Language Pathology)

Speech language therapists and other health and education professionals will be able to extend their existing professional qualification in the area of specialization.  Work opportunities exist in both the public and private sectors at hospitals, assessment and therapy centers, specialized education or health care units; mainstream and specialised schools; in private practice; or in academia (lecturing and research). 

 

 

Proposed new programmes pending all official approval processes:  2010/2011
School	PG-Dip OR Honours	Masters Course-work
Pending all official approval processes: 2010	Post-graduate Diploma in Medical Sciences (Autism Spectrum Disorders)	Masters of Medical Philosophy (Autism Spectrum Disorders)
	PG-Dip in Group Work	Masters in Therapeutic Group Work
Pending all official approval processes: 2011	PG-Diploma in Research Management AND Honours in Research Management	No

 

Career Opportunities for the Proposed Programmes

·        Post-graduate Diploma in Medical Sciences (Autism Spectrum Disorders)

Graduates will be competent to work with children with ASD and their families from the point of diagnosis through an efficient and targeted intervention programme. They will be able to adapt professional practice effectively and evaluate their practice regularly. They will work in a team with other professions and parents/care givers and act as consultants to generalist practitioners. After qualification they will be able to work in any setting which provides a service for children on the Autistic Spectrum.

• Post-graduate Diploma in Group Work

This programme will enable mental health care practitioners to develop advanced skills in group work and psychodrama techniques. Graduates will be able to use this medium to facilitate effective, efficient and accessible service delivery in both the public and private sector including hospital settings, crisis centers, correctional services, private practice, welfare organisations and non-governmental institutions.

·         Post-graduate Diploma /Honours  in Research Administration

Graduates will be able to work in a University research or research funding organization and manage the administration processes which support the research endeavour of such institutions, such as managing grants, patents, research data bases, and research capacity development. The honours programme requires a research project.

·         Masters of Medical Philosophy (Autism Spectrum Disorders)

Graduates will be independent practitioner-scientists specialized in the understanding, diagnosing, assessing, treating, managing and caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families. Their practice is evidence-based and they will be able to teach others in this field of specialization.  They will develop knowledge through research on the condition and its management in the African context. They will develop and implement policy, advocate for change and act as specialist consultants on complex issues. Graduate will be able to work in Universities, special schools, children’s homes and private practice.

·         Masters in Therapeutic Group Work

In addition to those opportunities outlined n the PG-Dip Group Work, graduates from this masters programme will engage with the process of research in extending the knowledge base of therapeutic group work in developing contexts.

The School of Medical Sciences

 

 

PG Programme Offerings in the Disciplines of:

 

Discipline	Honours	Masters Course-work	Masters Research	Doctor of Philosophy
Clinical Anatomy	Bachelor of Medical Science Honours – Anatomy	No	Master of Medical Science in Anatomy	Yes
Medical Biochemistry	Bachelor of Medical Science Honours - Medical Biochemistry	No	Master of Medical Science in Medical Biochemistry	Yes
Human Physiology	Bachelor of Medical Science Honours -Human Physiology	No	Master of Medical Science in Human Physiology	Yes
		Masters of Medical Science in Sports Medicine	Yes

 

Career opportunities for PG Medical Sciences

These programmes prepare scientists and academics with an integrated knowledge of the broad field of Anatomy or Physiology or Medical Biochemistry, which enables careers in industry, research or academic fields. Besides a career at an tertiary institution, postgraduates are particularly suitable for careers requiring wet laboratory skills such as is required in Pathology and Forensic laboratories, Research and Development laboratories in  Pharmaceutical and Nutrition industries, and laboratories in large Research Institutions. 

 

The School of Nursing

 

Post-Graduate Programme Offerings in the Streams of:

 

The School offers a Bachelor of Nursing Honours that enables candidates to pursue a particular nursing speciality for professional registration.

 

Nursing Streams	Masters Course-work	Masters Research	Doctor of Philosophy
Advanced Midwifery & Women and Child Health	Yes	Yes	Yes
Community Health	Yes	Yes
Critical Care and Trauma	Yes	Yes
Gerontology	Yes	Yes
Health Service Administration	Yes	Yes
Nursing Education	Yes	Yes
Nursing Research	Yes	Yes
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing	Yes	Yes

 

Career Opportunities

These programmes offer advanced specialisation in the respective streams and enhance career opportunities in the public health and private health sectors in clinical nursing, health systems management, nursing education in higher education and in research-based organisations and projects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

 

PG Programme Offerings in the Disciplines of:

 

Discipline	Masters Course-work	Masters Research	PhD
Pharmacy	Master of Pharmacy (Pharmacy Practice / Pharmacoeconomics)	Master of Medical Science (Pharmaceutics)	Yes
		Master of Pharmacy
Pending all official approval processes: 2010	Online Masters of Pharmacy (Pharmacy Practice/ Pharmacoeconomics)	No
Pharmacology	(Master of Medical Science Pharmacology is currently being re-structured and not on offer.)	Yes	Yes
Interdisciplinary   Pending all official approval processes: 2010	On-line Masters in Medical Sciences (Health Sciences)	No	No

Career Opportunities

 

·         The Master of Medical Science in Health Sciences

 

This programme is aimed at current health professionals and those with a relevant undergraduate degree wishing to pursue postgraduate study in health sciences majors. The Master of Medical Science in Health Sciences degree is for students who want to advance a career in the field of health care, particularly as researchers, academics or even senior health policy executives. This programme will allow students to learn more about health sciences and organization of a research enquiry. This program is a structured programme that can be individually tailored to ensure that all students gain maximum benefit from their study by aligning career aspirations with study options. Students will be able to undertake a major stream of study within the Masters program, giving them opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and skills, while also developing more generic research, project and management skills.

 

·         The Masters of Pharmacy

 

The two streams within this qualification provide the competencies required for the preparation of pharmacoeconomists, clinical pharmacists and drug utilization pharmacists. The purpose of the M.Pharm is to produce competent professionals who can practice in the area of pharmacoeconomic evaluations, clinical pharmacy services and drug utilization reviews.  Graduates from this programme will have economic, statistical, rational drug use and research methodology as well as scientific literature evaluation perspective on the application of the science of pharmacoeconomics and pharmacy practice.

School of Physiotherapy, Sport Science and Optometry 

 

PG Programme offerings n the disciplines of:

 

Discipline	Honours	Masters Course-work	Masters Research	Doctor of Philosophy
Physiotherapy	No	Master of Physiotherapy	Yes	Yes
Sports Science	Biokinetics	Master of Sports Science in Biokinetics	Yes	Yes
	Exercise Science	Master of Sports Science in Exercise Science
	Leisure Management	No
Optometry	No	Master of Optometry (currently being re-structured and not on offer)	Yes	Yes

 

 

Career Opportunities

• Master of Physiotherapy (Course work and Research)

Post-graduate studies in physiotherapy will enhance career opportunities in government practice (hospitals and clinics), private sector hospitals and clinics including industry and the mining sector, in specialized facilities for care across the life-span, in private practice, in elite sports and sports centers and in research. The discipline has a well equipped fully computerised research laboratory allowing for basic and clinical research in neuromuscular and cardiopulmonary fields.  

·         Sports Science

Career opportunities in the fields of Biokinetics, Exercise Science and Leisure Science are available to our graduates. The programme provides access to working in the health, fitness and leisure industry as private practitioners, corporate consultants, and exercise consultants/specialists to elite sport and as recreation officers / consultants in the private and government sectors. 

What about international students?

Please consult the UKZN international home page http://ukzninternational.ukzn.ac.za or follow the link http://ukzninternational.ukzn.ac.za/HomePage1720.aspx for essential information and guidance about international applications and requirements including application forms, fees, evaluation of foreign qualifications for equivalency in SA, study permits, Department of Health foreign workforce clearance, health insurance and accommodation.

In summary:

·        All foreign students need to have their existing degree/s evaluated for equivalency in SA by the South African Qualifications Authority before they can be accepted onto a programme of study.

·        Prospective nursing students must also obtain a foreign workforce clearance for the SA Department of Health and limited registration to practice as a nurse with the South African Nursing Council in order to be finally accepted into a programme of study.

a.      Original degree evaluation for equivalence (all students)

All postgraduate international students must have their original degree evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) to ascertain equivalence to South African qualifications before they can be selected into any programme of study.

This evaluation process can be an extremely lengthy process (months) and we therefore suggest you begin the process at least 8 months before you intend to apply for study.

Please consult the SAQA website http://www.saqa.org.za/ and then click on the “Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications” on the left hand side of the page for the application form and information about how to complete the form. SAQA Application form and instructions

Please submit this equivalency evaluation with your application forms.

b.     Post-graduate nursing students (Foreign workforce clearance and limited registration with the South African Nursing Council)

Steps:

a.      Submit your application for study along with the supporting documents including the SAQA Evaluation to the School of Nursing.

b.      A PROVISIONAL letter of acceptance is issued if these documents and the equivalency certificate are in order.

c.      Use this PROVISIONAL letter of acceptance from the University to apply for Foreign Workforce Clearance through the Department of Health.

d.      Once Foreign Workforce Clearance has been obtained, apply immediately to the South African Nursing Council for limited registration as a foreign nurse for study purposes and to your own country for a study permit and Medical Insurance.

Your provisional acceptance into the School of Nursing will be withdrawn if you do not have written proof of SAQA equivalence, DOH Foreign Workforce clearance and registration with the SANC at the time FINAL acceptances into the programme are issued. These processes can take up t0 18 months (SAQA, SANC, and foreign workforce clearance) so t is essential that you begin well in advanced of submitting an application for study.  Please consult the Faculty Officer for the School of Nursing for information about this procedure.

FINAL acceptance will only take place after all foreign qualification and evaluation documents have been received.

Work/study permits (All students)

You must apply for the relevant permit immediately you have been accepted onto a course of study. It is the responsibility of the student and not the School or Faculty to apply for this permit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the postgraduate diploma candidates engage in a study of one of a number of listed medical sciences with specific prescribed course work with the aim to advance knowledge in that specific field of study in order to enrich personal knowledge and optimize service to clients, patients and the community in general. 

Duration - In general the minimum duration of postgraduate diplomas is two semesters of full time study or four semesters of part time study, but variations do exist. 

Admission criteria - In general applicants for the postgraduate diplomas should hold a Bachelor of Medical Science, or a Bachelor of Science, or a MBChB, or a Bachelors degree in one of the health professions – once again specific requirements may apply to specific fields of study.  All applications must be approved by Faculty Board on recommendation of the Post Graduate Education Committee of the Faculty. 

The postgraduate diploma is offered in the following disciplines:

1.      Clinical HIV/AIDS Management – This programme consist of special issues with HIV/AIDS; HIV/AIDS related diseases; anti retroviral therapy; an introduction to medical bioethics and diagnosis; and management of sexually transmitted diseases.

2.      Occupational Health – This programme matches the Masters of Public Health and includes occupational and environmental health; principles of toxicology; epidemiology and biostatistics; occupational hygiene; psychological and sociological issues; and includes a mini research project.

3.      Medical Informatics – This programme includes medical information systems; electronic medical records; artificial intelligence; planning, management and ethics of telemedicine; basic programming courses; and an E-Health project.  

4.      Telemedicine – This programme includes planning, management and ethics of telemedicine; tele-education; medical informatics; applied skills in telemedicine; health measurement descriptives; experimental learning in telemedicine; and an E-Health project.

5.      Public Health – The curriculum is fully modularised, comprising core, specialist and elective modules.  The qualification is only offered part-time, on a block release system, with each module requiring an initial 2-3 days face-to-face contact at the beginning of the semester, and the subsequent 2-3 days offered as separate days in subsequent months of the semester.  Specialisation fields include: Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Hospital Management; Medicines Management; Occupational and Environmental Health; and Reproductive, Adolescent and Child Health.

6.      Forensic Science – This programme includes medical law; ethics and counselling; applied anatomy, physiology and thanatology; injuries and forensic sciences; clinical forensic medicine; and a two elective modules from the forensic field.

Medical Microbiology or Infection Prevention and Control: The honours degree is only presented in the field of medical microbiology.  Candidates engage in a study of appropriate specialization in the field of medical microbiology and research.

Duration - The minimum duration of the honours degree is two semesters of full time study or four semesters of part time study. 

Admission criteria - Applicants for the honours degree should hold a Bachelor of Medical Science; or a Bachelor of Science, with majors in Cell Biology and one of the subjects Microbiology, Immunology or Biochemistry; or holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science; or Professional Pharmacy degree acceptable to Senate of the UKZN.  All applications must be approved by Faculty Board on recommendation of the Post Graduate Education Committee of the Faculty.

Masters in Medicine (MMed) (Specialist training):

The degree comprises coursework and/or in-service clinical training and a research project leading to a dissertation or a published article.  Coursework and clinical training comply with the requirements of the HPCSA for the training of specialists.  In general candidates have the option to either write the University examinations or the College examinations.  Successful completion of the examinations will qualify a candidate for registration as a specialist with the HPCSA and fellowship of the appropriate College. 

Duration - In general the minimum duration of the MMed degrees is at least eight semesters and candidates shall be required to serve in an HPCSA-approved specialist training post in the appropriate discipline, but variations do exist. 

Admission criteria - Applicants for the MMed degree should hold a MBChB, or have been admitted by Senate to the status of such a degree.  The research component of all applications must be approved by Faculty Board on recommendation of the Post Graduate Education Committee of the Faculty

The MMed degree is offered in the following disciplines:

The Doctorate degree is offered as a pure research degree by all disciplines in the Faculty (as mentioned in C) and can be obtained by submission of a classical thesis based on the research or by submission of a number of publications (5) that follow the same topic.  Specific rules apply and the research of all applications must be approved by Faculty Board on recommendation of the Post Graduate Education Committee of the Faculty.

Duration – The minimum period of registration for the PhD is four semesters full time or eight semesters part time.

Admission criteria - Applicants for the PhD should hold:

i.    A Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Degree or been admitted to the status thereof; or

ii.   A Master of Medical Science Degree; or a Master of Science Degree; or a Master of Science in Agriculture; or Master of Science in Engineering; or Master of Arts; or Master of Social Science; or been admitted to the status thereof; or

iii.  A Bachelor of Medical Science Honours; or Bachelor of Science Honours; or Bachelor of Science in Agriculture; or Bachelor of Science in Engineering; or been admitted to the status thereof and been exempted by the Senate from the Master’s examination.

For additional information on all the post graduate programmes offered by the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, and for the application pack, please contact the Post Graduate Office on:

Tel: 031 260 4416 (t), 031 260 4723(f),

E-mail: heslopd@ukzn.ac.za.

Address:   Post Graduate Office

                Room 410

                Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine

                University of kwaZulu-Natal

                Private Bag 7

                Congella

                4013

Website:  www.ukzn.ac.za