Master of Nursing Science

Purpose

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

Rationale

The rationale behind this qualification is to promote scientifically grounded practice by professional and community nurses 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 recognized 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 BA 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.

Entry Requirements

In addition to the General Academic Rules of the North-West University, the following minimum requirements for admission to the MNSc apply:

• A student must provide proof that a) he/she has obtained a first 4-year Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent) in Nursing Science, with at least a 60% average for the final year modules.

And

• He/she is a registered nurse with the South African Nursing Council.

This qualification comprises of one compulsory module and two elective modules at Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module

• Research Methodology, 32 Credits.

Elective Modules

• Dissertation, 148 Credits.
• Dissertation, 148 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge to enable engagement with and critique of current research or practices as well as focused research in the fields of community and professional nursing.

2: Evaluate current processes of knowledge production and choose an appropriate process of enquiry for the area of study or practice.

1. Command of and ability to design, select and apply appropriate and creative research methods, techniques, processes or technologies to research problems in the fields of professional and community nursing.
2. Use a range of research skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems in the fields of professional and community nursing.
3. Make autonomous ethical decisions which affect research, and demonstrate an ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in the context of community nursing.
4. 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 community nursing to produce significant insights.
5. 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 professional and community nursing.
6. Use a range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to a field, discipline or practice, to communicate to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise.
7. Develop learning strategies which sustain independent learning and academic or professional development, and can interact effectively within the learning or professional group as a means of enhancing learning.
8. Operate independently and take full responsibility for his or her own work, and, 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 applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Show and understanding of systematic and integrated knowledge and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as in technology.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Show professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively function 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.
• Critically reflect on, and show understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.

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 professional or community nursing.