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Postgraduate Diploma in General Practice
The Postgraduate Diploma in General Practice will equip general practitioners with the knowledge and skills to thrive in an environment with ever-changing influences of the external environment. The programme meets the needs of medical practitioners in the continuous expansion of their knowledge to ultimately satisfy the needs of the community and other role players such as the HPCSA and the Government. The clinical subjects address the more pressing public health issues, while the non-clinical subjects are designed to help general practitioners deal with a rapidly changing healthcare environment. The qualification provides an easily accessible curriculum which allows for continued professional development around subjects of direct relevance to the medical practice environment.
Requirements
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To apply for this qualification, a student requires:
• A Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) or equivalent qualification, and to be registered with the HPCSA or a similar international regulatory body.
We recommend having the following to study online:
Computer skills:
Computer skills and the ability to perform common tasks
Email and file management (create, access, edit, save, upload and download documents)
Ability to use a word processing program
Web-browsing skills
Computer requirements:
Laptop or PC
A stable internet connection
Video recording
Audio storage and playback
Audio recording
Web browsing
Document creation
Access to social networking
E-book storage and reading
Study notes storage and reading (PDF, MS Office)
Video storage and playback
• Completed application form.
• Certified copy of South African Identity Document (South African citizens only) / official passport (foreign students).
• Certified copy of highest qualification and any other certification as proof of meeting minimum entry requirements for this programme.
• SAQA and USAF verification as it is required for verification of recognition of foreign qualifications.
The following supporting documentation must be included if you are applying for CAT:
• Certified academic transcript(s) of training from a previous educational institution or FPD at the same NQF Level.
• Study guide that supports the credit claim at the same NQF Level.
The following supporting documentation must be included if you are applying for RPL:
• Testimonials/reference letters from previous or current employers.
• Portfolio of Evidence of your work experience and skills equivalent to an NQF Level.
• Full curriculum vitae indicating employment history and work experience in relevant field.
• Portfolio of evidence of research project (if applicable).
MODULES
This programme will run over 18 months and is split into modules that are eight weeks long. This includes seven weeks of study and a one-week break.
Total Fees: R3,890
Credits : 15
This module allows students to identify ethical dilemmas arising from clinical practice and equips them with the competencies to critically reflect on conflicting ethical principles and address identified ethical issues, in line with professional prescripts and health law.
Total Fees: R3,890
Credits : 15
This module will teach an understanding of the challenging world of business, how to design business plans, introduce business innovations and allow for the practice to remain relevant and competitive.
Total Fees: R3,890
Credits : 15
Mental health conditions often remain undiagnosed with profound long-term consequences to the patient. This module will provide you with a foundation for the comprehensive assessment, screening, diagnosis and patient-centred management of a patient with underlying mental health conditions.
Total Fees: R3,890
Credits : 15
South Africa not only has the world’s largest HIV patient population but also the largest treatment programme in the world. This module will equip students with the latest, evidence-based clinical practices in the comprehensive management of patients with HIV/Aids. Medical practitioners are often at the forefront in the first encounter of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of tuberculosis. Furthermore, the module provides the latest body of knowledge on the epidemiology, transmission, diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies towards tuberculosis.
Total Fees: R3,890
Credits : 15
The general practitioner is vital in the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of conditions like Type 2 Diabetes and metabolic syndrome. This module will provide students with an in-depth overview of the aetiology of this metabolic syndrome, and its associated complications as well as evidence-based clinical management practices in various patient populations.
Total Fees: R3,890
Credits : 15
Cardiovascular disease remains one of the top diagnoses in general practice. This module will equip the general practitioner in the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with the complete spectrum of cardiovascular conditions. It will equip students with the required competence to diagnose and manage patients with inflammatory and chronic lung disease, inclusive of the latest developments in the era of COVID-19, and provides guidance on the prevention of long-term clinical sequelae.
Total Fees: R3,890
Credits : 15
A basic understanding of rheumatology in its widest sense is important for general practitioners, to take a more active role in the diagnosis and management of patients with these conditions. This module aims to provide practitioners with the necessary skills to effectively manage commonly occurring rheumatological conditions. The module will also provide the foundation for the assessment, differential diagnosis and holistic management of patients presenting with common dermatological conditions.
Total Fees: R3,890
Credits : 15
This module will provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand the mechanisms of action of various antibiotic classes, the root causes in the development of antimicrobial resistance and the selection of appropriate antibiotics, by applying rational prescribing principles. The module will also provide insight into the early diagnosis and prevention of hypersensitivity, cost-effective approaches to investigating a suspected allergic patient and the formulation of a management plan to address allergic conditions.
Total Fees: R3,890
Credits : 10
This module will focus on action research in one of six key areas: Mental Health, HIV/Aids and TB, metabolic and respiratory disorders, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, rheumatology and dermatology, and antibiotics and allergies. Students will select a topic based on its prevalence in their practice and conduct hands-on research to develop and implement solutions that enhance patient care. The module will sharpen critical thinking and decision-making skills essential for a successful career in general medical practice.
FEES FOR 2025
*Fees quoted are for 2025 and are subject to an annual increase.
Number of modules: 9
Programme credits: 130
SAQA ID: 50143