This programme is a research-based programme. The rationale is to prepare graduates to be leaders in their field, capable of addressing National and African health priorities, building on their prior knowledge acquired in the underpinning nursing programme.

The MSc(Nursing) programme aims to prepare graduates who will be able to demonstrate competence in the research process, and an understanding of the main approaches and paradigms – both qualitative and qualitative – in health sciences research. The programme aims to facilitate the development of reflective practice, the utilisation of appropriate theoretical foundation for nursing practice,identify researchable nursing or midwifery problems and conduct research, the findings of which will contribute to the advancement of the nursing/ midwifery knowledge and/or practice.

  • Selection criteria

    • have a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and have achieved a minimum aggregate of 65% in the final year of the Bachelor’s degree; or have a qualification recognised by Senate as equivalent to the above
    • be registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a nurse and/or midwife if the dissertation has a clinical component
    • International applicants who wish to conduct research in South Africa that has a clinical component must register with the South African Nursing Council as a nurse and/or midwife
    • submit evidence of successful study in an approved postgraduate-level course in research methodology (or the equivalent) within the past three years. (Applicants who do not meet this requirement will be required to successfully complete a postgraduate-level course in research methodology before submission of the proposal for review)
    • submit, with the application, a concept paper of the proposed research project which should be related to the research focus areas 
    • have an approved level of basic computer literacy
    • show evidence of English literacy 
     

  • Programme structure

    The programme is by full dissertation of 180 credits (maximum of 50 000 word dissertation). Students register for a single course. Research should be undertaken in one of the research focus areas of the Division of Nursing and Midwifery Students will be assigned a research supervisor.

     

  • Duration

    A minimum of two years full time registration or a maximum of four years.

  • Research focus areas

     

  • Research setting

    • Research may be undertaken in South Africa or in the country of an international candidate.
    • If an international candidate wishes to conduct clinical research in South Africa, they will need to be registered as a nurse and/or midwife (as appropriate) with the South African Nursing Council.
     

  • Research approval

    • Research studies may not commence until the Faculty of Health Sciences Human Research Ethics Committee approval is granted, and the necessary permissions from research settings/institutions.

    In the case of international students, in addition to UCT research ethics approval, they will need to get research ethics approval from a local (in-country) higher education or research institution, as required by the country concerned