Program Overview

Programme: MMed in Clinical Pathology

The MMed in Clinical Pathology is a postgraduate degree that aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of clinical pathology.

Programme Information

• The programme is offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Anatomical Pathology.
• The minimum duration of study is 5 years, with a total of 576 credits at NQF level 9.

Admission Requirements

• General Admission Regulations: Refer to the UP Institutional Admissions Policy and the General Academic Regulations and Student Rules.
• Minimum Admissions Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (or equivalent) degree, or a relevant medical degree with modules equivalent to at least the first two years of the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree.
  • Currently registered as a physician with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and must have been registered for at least one year.
• Additional Requirements:
  • All applications must be accompanied by certified full academic transcripts, a certified copy of ID or passport, and a research concept note.
  • International applicants must submit a SAQA evaluation of their completed qualification, TOEFL or IELTS test results (if applicable), and a certified copy of their passport.

Programme Structure

• The programme consists of theoretical, practical, clinical, and applicable training, as well as a research component.
• Students must register for and attend the Applied Research Methodology module (TNM 802) and submit a dissertation (MMS 890) or a research article that has been accepted for publication in a subsidised periodical.

Examinations and Pass Requirements

• The sequence of examinations in the prerequisite subjects will be determined by the head of the department.
• A minimum final mark of 50% is required to pass in a subject, and a subminimum of 50% is required in the clinical section of the examination.
• Students are not admitted to the examination in a prerequisite subject more than twice, nor are they admitted to the examination in the major subject more than twice.

Core Modules

• APA 800: General Pathology 800 (24 credits)
• CHP 802: Chemical Pathology 802 (36 credits)
• HEM 801: Haematology 801 (36 credits)
• MBG 800: Microbiology 800 (300 credits)
• MMS 890: Dissertation 890 (180 credits)
• TNM 802: Applied Research Methodology 802 (0 credits)

Exemption

• The Faculty Board may grant partial exemption from the training and work on the grounds of comparable training and experience completed in another post or at another recognised institution.
• Exemption from a maximum period of 18 months may be granted with regard to four-year and five-year programmes.

Pass with Distinction

• The degree is conferred with distinction on a student who has obtained a final mark of at least 75% in their major subject.

General Information

• Registrars are expected to participate increasingly in the examining and treatment of patients in the hospital, as well as performing and interpreting tests in the laboratory (where applicable).
• The programme is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of clinical pathology, and to prepare them for a career as a specialist in clinical pathology.