Master of Nursing Science

Purpose

The purpose of this Master of Nursing Science is to equip qualifying learners with advanced and integrated specialist knowledge and practical understanding in the field of Nursing Science. It further intends to develop learners as effective researchers in the field of Nursing Science with critical research skills to conduct qualitative, quantitative or mixed-method research to generate new knowledge in the chosen field; and to identify, investigate and answer relevant research questions in the field of Nursing Science to contribute towards the development of knowledge and understanding within the field. This qualification may be obtained through the research Master's Degree by dissertation, or structured by coursework and mini-dissertation. The coursework and mini-dissertation variant provides learners with an introduction to research methodology followed by a research project ending in a mini-dissertation. The dissertation only program will provide learners with the opportunity to develop as researchers capable of applying appropriate research methods in their specific field of interest.

Successful completion of this qualification will be able to

• Offer working professionals a strategic edge in their workplace and enhance their leadership capacities in the communities where they live and work.
• Understand and value the concept of lifelong learning as they will have developed independent thinking and problem-solving skills through the programme.
• Develop and use new knowledge creatively and effectively while exercising sound ethical judgement and appreciation for diversity in all its forms, respecting the realities of diverse social and cultural contexts.
• Use the resources of academic and professional discourse to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are the products of research or development in their area of specialisation.

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. The new knowledge and skills of the qualifying learners will enable learners to be leaders in practice and also grow as educators, ultimately promoting the health of the population of the citizens of South Africa through evidence-based practice.

Quality nursing care is based on the best available evidence that can only be acquired via effective and appropriate research. The production of new knowledge through research is thus imperative to better solve complex practical and theoretical problems within different fields of nursing.

This qualification will train and equip nursing professionals with the research skill to significantly contribute to the body of knowledge and knowledge solutions within this field.

There is a large need for this qualification. Lecturers at public nursing colleges (that train 80% of professional nurses) need to improve their academic qualifications for the colleges to be able to be approved as Higher Education Institutions.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Due to the nature of the nursing profession in South Africa where learners have received their basic nursing training not at universities only, but also nursing colleges, learners with relevant post-basic nursing experience and qualifications are considered through RPL for access to this qualification. RPL for access to the qualification will be granted and regulated by the general academic rules of the institution.

Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the credit accumulation and transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution RPL policy. The process will be managed by the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Through its RPL policy, the Faculty of Health Sciences will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and after RPL assessment, are in place. Learners will be assessed against NQF Level 8 competencies.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Nursing Science, NQF Level 8.

Or

• A 360 Credits Bachelor plus a relevant Honours, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Education, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Coursework and mini-dissertation variant

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits

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

Or

Dissertation only variant

Compulsory Module, Level 9

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge and understanding to engage with and critique research and practices within the field of Nursing Science and/or contribute to discipline thinking about nursing matters and issues.
2. Evaluate current processes of knowledge production in the field of nursing science and to select appropriate processes of enquiry for in the area of nursing.
3. Conduct independent inquiry in a specialised field of nursing science and to report the findings in academically appropriate ways.
4. Take autonomous ethical decisions which affect knowledge production and complex organisational or nursing issues, thus critically contributing to the development of ethical standards in nursing science.
5. Use and apply resources of academic and professional or occupational discourse to communicate and defend substantial ideas applicable to nursing that are the products of research, and demonstrate advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to the nursing discipline and to communicate to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise.
6. Demonstrate the potential to act as academic leaders and experts in the field of nursing and the provision of health services.
7. Demonstrate a high level of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability, concerning the ethical implications of research, the determination of socially relevant issues and research needs in South Africa.
8. Operate independently and take full responsibility for his or her work, and to account for leading and initiating processes and implementing systems in nursing, ensuring good resource management and governance practices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Engage with and critique of current research and practices within the field of Nursing Science.
• Design, implement and evaluate, programmes in the Nursing Science discipline based on scientific principles and research processes to address or solve nursing science problems adequately.
• Conduct a literature study and review on identified Nursing Science themes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Comprehend leading and current research within an area of specialisation in Nursing Science with significant insights.
• Show understanding of systematic and integrated knowledge and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories in the field of Nursing Science.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Analyse and apply specialised problem-solving skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within a field of health with specific reference to Nursing Science.
• Apply and develop intellectual independence and advanced research skills, sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies to the solution of complex, unfamiliar problems in the field of Nursing Science.
• Communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as in technology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Adhere to research and professional-ethical and legal standards of the nursing profession, country and the institution.
• Practice following the professional and legal frameworks for professional nurses.
• Show professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Identify, analyse, prioritise and interpret research problems in the field of Nursing Science and propose relevant solutions.
• Critically reflect on, and show understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within the related practice.
• Contribute to systematic, disciplined and critical thinking towards health matters and issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Design and implement a strategy for the processing, management and communication of information.
• Undertake research which addresses clinical, managerial, educational and research needs in the field of nursing science taking into consideration social, economic, environmental, cultural and demographic influences.
• Participate as a competent, responsible, professional accountable and reflective researcher, leader and consultant on current nursing science issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Plan, manage and optimise all aspects of research processes within complex and unpredictable contexts in Nursing as academic leaders and experts in the field of Nursing Science.
• 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.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Plan and manage to learn individually and effectively.
• Analyse and evaluate ethical implications of research on socially relevant issues and research needs in South Africa.

Integrated Assessment

Master's Degree by coursework and mini-dissertation

A learner will require a pass mark that makes up 50% as the final mark for the research methodology module and 50% research. The coursework part will make use of continuous formative assessment aimed at determining the learner's progress towards attaining the stipulated outcomes of the research methodology module and is followed by a summative assessment in the format of a three (3) and more hour written examination. The learner's ability to use and apply specific methodological skills is furthermore evaluated in his/her critical review of current literature in the subject area. The supervisor assesses continuously while the research is being executed and the mini-dissertation is being written. Examination of the dissertation is finally done by at least two external examiners, all experts in the field of specialisation.

Master's Degree by dissertation

The learner's ability to use and apply specific methodological skills is evaluated in his/her critical review of current literature in the subject area and the formulation and execution of a research project. The learner is to report on it and generate an integrated dissertation of research findings. The supervisor assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written. Examination of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialisation. A supervisor may not be appointed as an examiner.