Postgraduate Programmes

Home » Faculty of Health Sciences » Departments » Podiatry » Postgraduate Programmes

MASTER OF HEALTH SCIENCES: PODIATRY (M9PD1Q)

Programme Duration

  • Full-time: Minimum 1 year and Maximum 2 years
  • Part-time: Minimum 1 year and Maximum 3 years
  • NQF level 9
  • Research Dissertation 100%

Purpose

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying students with the ability to:

1. Perform independent scientific research with an original component.
2. Contribute to knowledge of and insight into podiatry as well as the specific discipline of research.
3. Display skills in related research methodologies and in proper formulation through a Master’s dissertation.
4. Reflect upon decision-making, self-directedness and contributions to podiatric science.

Outcomes

The student will be able to:
1. Identify, formulate, prepare and solve research problems.
2. Execute the research project at the appropriate level.
3. Collect, organize, check, evaluate and write a proper literature review organizing the appropriate information in an understandable and logic manner.
4. Acquire learning abilities in the research context including the assessment of scientific literature, execution of research methodologies including the gathering of data and evaluating the information obtained.
5. Report research findings at the appropriate level.
6. Make conclusions, suggestions and recommendations based on the data collected that are reasonable and justifiable.

Rules of Access and Admission Requirements

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Podiatry or an equivalent qualification in Podiatry at an equivalent standard as determined by a Status Committee and approved by the Faculty Board.
  • Applicants should be registered with the HPCSA as a Podiatrist and have at least a minimum of one-year clinical experience.
  • The Department require a two-page synopsis of the research topic and methodology before the student is allowed to register or commence with his/her Master’s studies.

Selection Criteria

Selection will be based on:

• Consideration of a draft proposal by the Department’s Research Committee.
• Prior academic performance
• Structured personal interview

Pass Requirements

Pass mark of 50% for the dissertation.

Curriculum: A research project and a dissertation: The research component is 100%.

Module Name and Module Code

Semester One: Research Project and Dissertation: Health Sciences (Podiatry) DPD9XA1
Semester Two: Research Project and Dissertation: Health Sciences (Podiatry) DPD9XB1

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN HEALTH SCIENCES: PODIATRY (P9HS5Q)

Programme Duration

  • Full-time: Minimum 2 years and Maximum 4 years
  • Part-time: Minimum 2 years and Maximum 5 years
  • NQF level 10, 360 Credits
  • Research Thesis 100%

Purpose

To develop podiatry graduates that can make original contribution to podiatry knowledge and healthcare in general through conducting and disseminating high quality novel research to support and enhance the evidence-base for podiatry.

Outcomes

On completion of this qualification, the graduate should be able to demonstrate:

1. broad knowledge and systematic understanding of research as well as advanced and up-to-date specialised knowledge in podiatry,
2. familiarity with research methodology in general and the methods of podiatric and healthcare research in particular,
3. the capacity for scholarly analysis and synthesis as well as an ability to review and assess new and complex phenomena, issues and situations independently and critically,
4. intellectual autonomy and disciplinary integrity as well as the ability to make assessments of research ethics,
5. the ability to identify and formulate research problem with scholarly precision critically, independently, and innovatively, and to plan and use appropriate methods to undertake original research,
6. through a dissertation the ability to make a significant contribution to the production of knowledge through his or her own research,
7. the ability in both national and international contexts to present and discuss research and research findings authoritatively in speech and writing and in dialogue with the academic community and society in general,
8. the ability to identify the need for further knowledge,
9. specialised insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
10. the capacity to contribute to social development and support the learning of others both through research and education and in professional capacity.

Rules of Access and Admission Requirements

Selection Criteria

1. A Master’s degree in Podiatry or an equivalent qualification with a minimum of 65% for the dissertation.
2. A minimum of three years clinical experience.
3. Candidates will be required to submit an outline research proposal.
4. Selection process is based on consideration of the research proposal for the PhD, the availability of a suitable supervisor, and an evaluation of the theoretical and methodological expertise required to complete the study.

Pass Requirements: Pass mark of 50% for the thesis.

Curriculum: A research thesis. The research component is 100%.