Master of Nursing

Purpose

The primary purpose of this course is for the student to conduct either an intervention or a (qualitative or quantitative) research project and report the results in the form of an article of publishable standard.

Rationale

There are currently few programmes at a Masters level offered in the region, and there are large numbers of nurses with a Degree who face specific challenges and needs in health care practice that require research in and around the Amathole district. There is a need to develop research capabilities of nurses in this district. Nurses with research capabilities will assist to inform best practise and strategies to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

Furthermore, external donor funding specifically destined to transform the scholarship of the Nursing Sciences, with a view to improving the health of the people of this region by introducing Masters and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes, has been received to the value of R16 million. Some of this funding is destined to upgrade infrastructure and promote human capital development, which will enhance research support capacity. Some donor funding has already been used for the building of new teaching facilities and for the purchase of library books for senior research degrees and more equipment is to be purchased for the computer laboratory to accommodate the needs of Masters and PhD students.

The academic staff involved in the programme has an average period of experience of more than 30 years each in diverse fields within the Nursing Sciences, but also including management, education, research and policy making. Advantage must be taken of this extensive knowledge base whilst it is available to younger students in the system.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The candidate must be able to demonstrate completion of a level of education that is equal to or equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (Level 8), subject to the approval of the Head of the Department of Nursing Science.

Entry Requirements

Unless the Senate decides otherwise and subjects to the specific requirement set out in rule National Senior Certificate (NSC) 14 for a particular field of study, a candidate shall be admitted to the studies for the Degree of Master Curationis only if he/she:

• Is in possession of the Degree of Bachelor of Nursing Science (B Cur) or B.Cur, (I et A).
• Is registered with the South African Nursing Council as a professional nurse.
• NB: The international students must follow the SAQA, South African Nursing Council (SANC) criteria of having a dual registration.

The said registration must be maintained throughout the period of study.

This Master Curationis is obtained by full dissertation and there are no modules.

Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate an understanding of independent research.
• Conduct an independent research.
• Demonstrate an understanding of research methods and analytical techniques.
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct a comprehensive literature review.
• Demonstrate an understanding of scientific academic writing.
• Compose an original research doctoral thesis.
• Contribute new knowledge in a chosen field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

• The ability to conduct an independent research.
• The ability to show understanding of independent research.
• The ability to apply research methods and analytical techniques.
• The ability to conduct a literature review.
• The ability to write in a scientific and academic manner.
• Create an original research doctoral thesis.
• Add knowledge to the chosen field.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

• Presentation of the research proposal to the ethical research committee and attainment of ethical approval to conduct the study.
• Periodic supervised development of the research project.
• Extensive literature review and development of scientific arguments around.

Summative Assessment

• The output of the research project that meets both internal and external assessment.
• Producing research product that could implement change in the health service system including policy development.