Master of Nursing Science

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to train learners who can deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgments using data and information at their disposal, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialists and non-specialist audiences; demonstrate independence, self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems; act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills.

The qualification further aims to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level and prepare graduates for advanced and specialized professional employment.

This qualification demands that candidates reflect critically on theory and its application in their research. They must be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, and design and appraise research to make sound decisions based on research results.

Upon completion of this qualification, the qualifying learner will be able to

• Apply knowledge of their field of interest or specialization.
• Utilise principles of nursing research to outline the research process of their studies.
• Apply the basic principles of academic writing of research.
• Design and critically appraise research.

Rationale

The demand for the qualification has increased, particularly, with the move of the South African nursing colleges to higher education and the need for readiness to implement the National Health Insurance. Nurse educators and practitioners are required to possess research knowledge and skills. As primary health care providers, nurses need to have the capacity to engage in knowledge generation and thus contribute to evidence-based practice and research utilization to address problems in the nursing education, practice, and administration contexts.

The Master of Nursing Science currently offered is April 2023 and there is a need for its review. The Institution is the only university located in the deep rural areas of the Eastern Cape Province, bordering KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho, whose education and health needs are provided in this part of the province. The qualification, therefore, attracts learners who want to pursue their academic career in Nursing from all these areas stated above. On completion, the learners of this qualification will be able to progress to doctoral qualifications.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for access

Guided by the institution's RPL policy and procedures, RPL will be applied for access to the Master of Nursing Science.

• The Department of Nursing will assess and moderate the POE and recommend the candidate for admission to the qualification.
• The faculty and departmental RPL procedures will also be applied:
• Candidates who meet all the admission requirements but attained an average score less than 60%, must produce evidence of engagement in formal or non-formal research projects or communication of research results in the form of publication in an accredited journal.

Alternatively, learners must attend the faculty non-credit bearing Research Methodology module and draft a peer-reviewed research proposal as a prerequisite.

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Nursing, NQF Level 8.

Or

• A relevant Honours Degree at NQF Level 8.

Or

• Relevant Postgraduate Diploma, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module, NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

• Research project, 180 Credits.

1. Apply knowledge of their field of interest or specialization.
2. Utilise principles of nursing research to outline the research process of their studies.
3. Apply the basic principles of academic writing of research.
4. Design and critically appraise research.
5. Make sound judgments using data and information at their disposal.
6. Conduct research based on legal and ethically sound research principles and methods.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes

• Apply sound knowledge of the field of interest or specialization.
• Identify relevant and researchable problems or topics in the respective fields.
• Apply the basic principles of academic writing of research.
• Illustrate the knowledge of systematic database search and critiquing of relevant literature to provide background to own research.
• Illustrate the ability to write the literature review and referencing using the institution's preferred referencing style (Harvard), reference management system (EndNote) and similarity check system (Turnitin).
• Select and motivate research designs appropriate to address research questions.
• Make sound judgments using data and information at their disposal.
• Conduct research based on legal and ethically sound research principles and methods.
• Apply effective discussion of results and literature control to reach scientific conclusions.
• Communicate clearly and disseminate the results or findings to specialist (subject, methodology) and non-specialist audiences in the format for publication in accredited journals.
• Apply knowledge of and write scientifically sound and ethically acceptable research proposals and obtain ethical clearance before conducting research.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Formative Assessment

Learners receive continuous feedback from the supervisor and departmental staff (during a presentation of the proposal and results).

Proposal approval by Research and Innovation Higher Degrees (RIHDC) and FHS Research Ethics Committees.

• Presentation and approval of research results by RIHDC

Summative Assessment

Summative assessment involves internal and external examination of the dissertation.

In addition, a master's degree learner is expected to prepare or publish at least one article.

Each candidate has an internal examiner who is the supervisor, one internal moderator and two external examiners all of whom should hold a doctoral degree.

Moderators and external assessors follow university-stipulated guidelines on the assessment of dissertations that emphasize proof of the candidate's acquaintance with the methods and techniques of research.

To be able to graduate the candidate must have published one (1) research article.