Universities and Online Degrees Guide

Stellenbosch University

Master of Nursing

The Master of Nursing in Health Professions is offered by Stellenbosch University.

Program Length: 2 YEARS.

Master of Nursing offered by Stellenbosch University at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Programme description
The primary purpose of the master’s programme is to develop researchers who can contribute to the existing body of knowledge at an advanced level.

As a master’s degree student you must demonstrate self-direction and originality in identifying and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a theoretical underpinning, and continue to advance your knowledge, understanding and skills.You can follow one of two streams within the Master of Nursing programme, namely:

• 1. Master of Nursing (structured option); and
• 2. Master of Nursing (thesis option).

The two options are discussed separately in more detail below.

Programme outcomes
On completion of the programme, you will be able to master the following skills:

• Effective application of the science of health care regarding disease and technology, and of advanced and sophisticated theoretical and clinical subject data in the chosen specialist field of nursing science.
• Responsible and accountable participation in the promotion of the quality of life in the
• South African community as well as in the promotion of health care delivery in South Africa with acknowledgement of cultural differences.
• Demonstration of nursing leadership through:
  • identification and solving of health care issues and problems through research and the use of creative and critical thinking;
  • effective organisation and management of comprehensive health care services; and
  • effective leadership of health care teams in the academic and clinical fields.
• Independent research and effective communication of findings to improve training programmes and health care services.
• Comprehensive knowledge in the chosen specialist or research field.
• Advanced theoretical knowledge in nursing science and applying it in practice.
• Knowledge of recent literature and research with respect to the specialist field.
• Demonstration that you have the ability to:
  • briefly evaluate relevant literature;
  • identify, define and research complex problems;
  • perform independent research including all steps of the research process;
  • extrapolate data implications and impact, and bring this in relation to broader issues; and
  • question orthodox theory and practices, present and implement new ideas and methods.
• Understanding and application of appropriate academic and professional values.
• Self-reflection and adaptability to a higher degree of academic milieu and argumentation.

The objectives of the programme are to:

• equip you with sophisticated knowledge and understanding of phenomena specific to the field of nursing science;
• empower you to perform independent and advanced research; and
• develop a pool of specialised nurses with the necessary clinical, management, research and educational knowledge, skills and attitude to be leaders and specialist consultants in health care services.

1. Master of Nursing (structured option)

Programme content

First year

Research Methodology (60)
Contemporary Health and Nursing Practices (30)

 

Second year

Research Thesis (90)

Assessment and examination

• Flexible assessment takes place during the first year.
• You must achieve a class mark of at least 40% in each module to qualify for the examination in each module.
• You must achieve a final mark of 50% in each module.
• The class and examination marks contribute 50% each towards the final mark for each module.
• The final mark for the first year of study is calculated as the weighted average of the marks for the two first-year modules.
• Flexible assessment takes place during the research process in the second year, with assessment by an internal and an external examiner on completion of the thesis. A minimum mark of 50% is required for the thesis. This assessment also includes an oral examination. The final mark for the thesis is calculated as follows:
  • internal examiner - 30%;
  • external examiner - 30%;
  • supervisor - 10%; and
  • oral examination - 30%.
• The final marks for the first year of study and the thesis contribute 50% each towards the final mark for the master's degree.

2. Master of Nursing (thesis option)

Programme content

Research Thesis (180)

Assessment and examination

• internal and an external examiner on completion of the thesis. This assessment also includes an oral examination.
• The final mark for the thesis is calculated as follows:
  • internal examiner - 30%;
  • external examiner - 30%;
  • supervisor - 10% and
  • oral examination - 30%.
• You must obtain a minimum final mark of 50% for the thesis to pass the programme.