Postgraduate Diploma in General Practice (NQF L8)

Medical doctors registered with HPCSA, interested in being equipped with the knowledge and skills to survive in an environment with ever-changing influences of the external environment.

SAQA number: 50143

NQF Level 8

130 Credits

Accredited by the Council on Higher Education; Registered by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

HPCSA accredited for 27 Clinical and 3 Ethical CEUs on Level 2

Prospective students must be in possession of the MBChB or equivalent qualification and be registered with the HPCSA or a similar regulatory body outside South Africa.

The programme consists of the following learning components: 

• Distance e-learning (self-study) modules,
• Ten (10) Assisted virtual engagement sessions, and
• Various assessment tasks.

The following outline provides an overview of the content to be covered in this programme and the ways in which your progress will be assessed.  You will need to complete the Compulsory Modules, followed by the Core Modules, before proceeding with Elective Modules.

Compulsory Modules (2 modules)

• Medical Ethics
• Practice Management

Core Modules (6 modules)

• Mental Health
• HIV / AIDS
• Metabolic Syndrome / Type 2 Diabetes
• Cardio and common vascular conditions
• Tuberculosis
• Respiratory Disease

Elective Modules (Choose any 2)

• Rheumatology
• Rational use of Antibiotics
• Allergies
• Dermatology
• Diabetes Mellitus

On achieving this qualification, a learner will be able to:

• Dissect the effect and impact of the most important legislative provisions relating to health and healthcare practitioners and recognise and  analyse private healthcare delivery system practices in South Africa.  
• Identify and interpret situations where ethical principles are to be utilised and be able to debate and solve such ethical dilemmas.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively manage a healthcare practice as a business.
• Demonstrate the required competence to effectively and comprehensively assess, diagnose and manage paediatric, adolescent, adult and pregnant patients presenting with either communicable and non-communicable diseases, by following an evidence-based and patient-centred approach. 

The programme includes the following assessment opportunities:

• Ten (10) formative assessments in form of multiple-choice questionnaires.
• Ten (10) summative modular assessments in form of integrated clinical case studies and real-life challenges arising from clinical practice as well as a business plan.
• Two (2) written exams:
  • One after completion of the Core & Compulsory modules; and
  • One on the Elective modules.

Successful participants will be awarded with a Postgraduate Diploma in General Practice. 

For more information on the application process, click here.