Nursing & Midwifery Doctoral Programme

The doctoral programme facilitates specialist nurses and midwives to become competent and socially responsive researchers and clinical practice leaders in local settings.
The degree provides the opportunity for a candidate to undertake independent research and advanced study under the guidance of a supervisor, building on previous knowledge gained in a particular subject area at master’s level. The thesis presented must constitute a substantial contribution to knowledge in the chosen subject and may embody only the original work of the candidate.
The programme is designed to enable students to acquire both methodological sophistication and substantive knowledge appropriate to a discipline, developing theoretical models and frameworks that promote indigenous ways of caring.
The proposed research should fall into the research focus areas of the Division of Nursing and Midwifery.
The following admission criteria apply:

• a master’s degree in Nursing OR have a qualification recognised by Senate as equivalent.
• be registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a nurse and/or midwife if the dissertation has a clinical component. If an international applicant, registration with the SANC is required if the dissertation has a clinical component
• submit with the application a concept paper of the proposed research project, using the guidelines provided
• shall have an approved level of basic computer literacy
• shall show evidence of English literacy
• a suitable concept document – see here for guidelines
• proposed research should be within the Division’s Research Focus areas

Duration

A minimum of two years full time study

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.

Documents required

1. Curriculum vitae, including names and contact details of referees
2. Academic certificates – MSc (Nursing) or Master of Nursing
3. Academic transcript - MSc (Nursing) or Master of Nursing  
4. Professional registration certificate – Certificate of registration with the South African Nursing Council, and current license. International applicants to submit certificate of registration with their national regulatory body for Nursing and Midwifery 
5. Computer literacy
6. English literacy
7. Concept paper for proposed research project using supplied guidelines

APPLICATION LINK

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE LINK