Master of Health Sciences in Health Management

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification in nursing is to develop the student to become a competent researcher and leader in the field of health management and to prepare him/her for further study at Level 10.

Rationale

The rationale behind this qualification is to promote scientific health management by health professionals as independent practitioners within a multi-disciplinary team to address the needs of the time, the province, the country and the person.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Formal Prior Learning

Prior accredited learning at the Further Education Training or Higher Education Training level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units or modules should be recognised if evidence can be produced that shows that the student has achieved, at a satisfactory level, the outcomes and associated assessment criteria specified for modules of the Bachelor of Arts in Behavioural Sciences and, if appropriate, allow the recognition of prior learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full.

Non-Formal and Informal Prior Experiential Learning

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who, after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning programmes prior to admission or to parallel programmes after admission. The University determines at all times the number of students admitted to any of its teaching-learning programmes, taking into consideration the availability of staff and facilities needed to manage such programmes.

Entry Requirements

In addition to the General Academic Rules and the Admissions policy of the University, the following minimum requirements for admission to the Master of Health Sciences in Health Management apply: a student must provide proof that he/she has obtained a first 4-year Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent) in Health Sciences Management.

This qualification comprises two compulsory modules at Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

• Dissertation, 148 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 32 Credits.

• Demonstrate specialist knowledge to enable engagement with and critique of current research or practices; and research in the field of health management.
• Evaluate current processes of knowledge production and choose an appropriate process of enquiry for the area of study or practice.
• Demonstrate a command of and ability to design, select and apply appropriate and creative research methods, techniques, processes or technologies to research problems in the field of health management.
• Use a range of research skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems in the field of health management.
• Make autonomous ethical decisions which affect research, and an ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in the context of health management.
• Design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information, in order to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in health management to produce significant insights.
• Use the resources of academic and professional or occupational discourses to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are the products of research or development in health management.
• Use a range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to a field, discipline or practice.
• Communicate to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise.
• Develop his or her own learning strategies which sustain independent learning and academic or professional development
• Interact effectively within the learning or professional group as a means of enhancing learning.
• Operate independently and take full responsibility for his or her own work.
• Where appropriate account for leading and initiating processes and implementing systems, ensuring good resource management and governance practices.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment

The foundation of research is assessed in a module on research methodology, and the conceptualisation, design and application of research is assessed by the completion of a dissertation on a relevant topic in health management.