Doctor of Nursing

The purpose of the qualification is

1. To equip the qualifying learner with the necessary critical insight, maturity of judgement and experience to undertake independent advanced study and original research in the specialised field of Nursing Science.
2. To broaden and deepen the knowledge base of the field of nursing specialisation by the generation of new knowledge or insight and the exploration of uncharted territory,
3. To enable the qualifying learner, as a member of the international community of scholars, to participate in and contribute to the universal pursuit of knowledge and by so doing, advance the frontiers of science
4. To produce leaders in the field of Nursing Science who will take responsibility for the training of the next generation of scholars and for ensuring quality higher education in the future
5. To provide South Africa with a sufficient number of highly qualified Nurse Practitioners to maintain its leadership position on the continent and ensure that the country stays competitive in an era of growing global competition.

1. Senior Certificate with Matriculation Exemption or equivalent university admission qualification.
2. First degree: BCur (unless admission to the Master's programme has been obtained in accordance with the special requirements as stated for the MCur degree.
3. Honours degree: HonsBCur (unless a 2 year Master in Nursing Science has been obtained)
4. Master's degree: A Master's degree in Nursing Science of the university of Stellenbosch or any other degree of an acceptable standard as approved by the Senate of the university of Stellenbosch. Depending on the chosen area of research, additional work and or proof of competency may be required.

The DCur graduate will

1. Deal with complexities, lacunae and or contradictions in the knowledge and skills base of the chosen field of study.
2. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the complexity of the problems involved; cognisance of the latest developments on the international research science as far as the specific subject is concerned.
3. Demonstrate, as an expert nursing science practitioner, understanding of the relevance and applicability of proposed solutions and participates in the promotion of the quality of life of the local community, the South African population and the global community.
4. Do independent research in the chosen field of study and select appropriate tools and research methods with confidence.
5. Synthesise and evaluate information autonomously
6. Make sound evaluations on the basis of independently generated criteria.
7. Communicates fully and professionally with other colleagues working in the field
8. Produce a dissertation that place research within the broader context of the field and which withstands international intellectual scrutiny.
9. Contribute to original knowledge in the field of health and related sciences and undertake further research at an advanced level
10. Identify and find solutions to, health related problems through advanced research and the use of critical and creative thinking.
11. Demonstrate leadership of health care teams and groups in the community.
12. Demonstrate the capacity for advanced organisational management.
13. Critically appraise and explore a variety of research strategies.
14. Communicate professionally and confidently with other colleagues in the field of Nursing Science at both national and international levels.

The Dcur graduate will demonstrate

1. Intellectual independence
2. Mature and sound judgement, accountable and reliable assessment of the views of others.
3. Transcendence of personal prejudice and or parochial views
4. High levels of self-reflexivity and adaptability
5. An enquiring mind and an innovative spirit
6. Adherence to professional or self-defined ethics, academic integrity
7. Dedication to the ideals of scholarship.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Candidates must submit a Doctoral dissertation containing the report of their research.

The dissertation has to meet all the standards and requirements of a Doctoral dissertation - which includes proof of successful integration of all the elements required to substantiate the central thesis and contributions of the study.