Nursing and midwifery knowledge is built in the following focus areas for the advancement of nursing and midwifery practice across Africa:
Nursing & Midwifery Masters Programmes
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, 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.
The following admission criteria apply:
- 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. If an international applicant, registration with the SANC is required 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 (at least NQF level 8) 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 departmental review)
- submit with the application a concept paper of the proposed research project, using the guidelines provided
- have an approved level of basic computer literacy
- show evidence of English literacy
Please note: There is no alternative Recognition of Prior Learning admission route to the master’s by dissertation programme (MM002).
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 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
- Curriculum vitae, including names and contact details of referees
- Academic certificates – Bachelor of Nursing or Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing
- Academic transcript - Bachelor of Nursing or Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing
- Professional registration certificate – Certificate of registration with the South African Nursing Council as a general nurse, midwife and specialist nurse, and current license. International applicants to submit certificate of registration with their national regulatory body for Nursing and Midwifery
- Professional references
- Evidence of clinical experience of nursing children
- Computer literacy
- English literacy
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This coursework and dissertation programme (MM017) comprises course work (modules must total a 90-credit weighting) and a minor dissertation (90 credits). Two compulsory modules: AHS5014F Research Methods and AHS5022S Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice must be taken. Elective modules may be taken from a range offered in the Faculties of Health Sciences or Humanities. Details of these will be made available on acceptance into the program.
The following admission criteria apply:
- a four-year bachelor’s degree in Nursing OR a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing, i.e., NQF level 8; AND have achieved a minimum aggregate of 65% in the final year of the bachelor’s degree or the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing; 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 - registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) is required for applicants from outside South Africa if the dissertation has a clinical component
- have an approved level of basic computer literacy
- show evidence of English literacy
- In addition, the application should indicate the intended research topic, purpose, design, scope, and research setting. (The research topic should be within the research focus areas of the Division of Nursing & Midwifery)
There is an alternative admission route (Recognition of Prior Learning) for this master’s programme for students who do not meet the admission requirements set out above.
The following admission criteria apply:
- shall have a four-year Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery (preference will be given to applicants who have achieved at least an average of 70% in the final-year courses)
- shall submit for evaluation a full portfolio of prior learning, a curriculum vitae and supporting letters of reference
- may be required to undergo an interview with the programme convener
- shall successfully complete a prerequisite learning course or courses before registering (will be sent to eligible candidates)
- have an approved level of basic computer literacy
- show evidence of English literacy
Duration of master’s programmes
A minimum of one (1) year full time and two (2) years part-time.
The MSc Nursing by coursework and dissertation or by dissertation only must be completed within three years full-time or four years part-time.
Programme structure
This 180 credit programme comprises coursework (courses must total a 90-credit weighting) plus a minor dissertation (90 credits) of a maximum of 25 000 words. Taught core courses provide the candidate with a base for critically examining nursing practice by achieving a sound understanding of the principles and methods of research and professional issues. These courses are in Research Methods I and Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice. Elective courses reflect the interests and areas of practice of individual candidates. (Once an applicant is accepted onto the programme discussion will take place with the programme convenor and research supervisor to guide the choice of elective courses.)
The student will be assigned a research supervisor
Duration
A minimum of two years full time registration or a maximum of four years
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
- Curriculum vitae, including names and contact details of referees
- Academic certificates – Bachelor of Nursing or Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing
- Academic transcript - Bachelor of Nursing or Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing
- 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
- Professional references
- Computer literacy
- English literacy
- Research outline (as specified in selection criteria)
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This professional master’s programme equips specialist paediatric, children’s or critical care children’s nurses for an advanced practice role. Further information on this programme can be found at: Master of Nursing in Child Nursing | The Harry Crossley Children’s Nursing Development Unit (uct.ac.za)
This clinical masters programme is structured according to the South African HEQSF 2013 guidelines for a professional masters programme – to educate and train graduates who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level such that they are prepared for advanced and specialised professional employment. In this programme the purpose and outcome is to achieve advanced clinical expertise
The first specialisation to be accommodated in the professional masters programme is Children’s Nursing leading to a Master of Nursing in Child Nursing (MNCN). It is envisaged that other specialisations will be added in due course.
This 180 credit Masters programme is offered as a collaborative degree between the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health and the Division of Nursing and Midwifery in the UCT Faculty of Health Sciences. The MNCN programme is taught by the Harry Crossley Child Nursing Development Unit (HC CNDU [www.childnursingpractice.uct.ac.za] in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, with programme development supported by The Harry Crossley Foundation and ELMA Philanthropies. Intentional interdisciplinary learning is a core value in the design.
Clinical exposure
This programme is an intentional clinical emersion model which supports innovative approaches to active inter-professional learning, always linked to exploring best practice and evidence based, applicable to students’ local settings. Practical workplace engagement fosters a high level of clinical competency and intra-professional communication in multiple and diverse settings. These include all levels of health care provision in urban and rural settings.
On completion of this programme graduates will
- be advanced specialist nurses, proficient in clinical leadership roles at the bedside and in the clinical governance of health facilities and systems;
- be expected to function as Advanced Nurse Specialist, proficient in critiquing, utilising, applying and evaluating clinical research;
- possess knowledge and skills in the practice of advanced children’s nursing by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to competently plan evidence-based nursing care, and with the skills to direct and implement such care.
Selection criteria
- a four-year degree in Nursing
- have a qualification recognised by Senate as equivalent to the above
- have achieved a minimum aggregate of 70% in an approved postgraduate diploma in Nursing at HEQSF level 8
- be registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a general and specialist nurse
- have at least two years’ clinical nursing experience in child nursing post-SANC registration as a specialist nurse
- International applicants must submit proof of registration as a nurse and a paediatric nurse in their home countries
- International students must register with the South African Nursing Council as there is a substantial clinical component to the programme
- have an approved level of basic computer literacy
- provide evidence of English literacy.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
A registered nurse or midwife who does not meet the selection requirements may be considered for admission for alternative access through recognition of prior learning. Such candidates shall
- have a four-year diploma in Nursing and Midwifery
- have at least a postgraduate diploma in Nursing at HEQSF level 8 with a minimum aggregate of 70% for the postgraduate diploma in Nursing
- submit for evaluation a full portfolio of prior learning, a CV and supporting letters of reference
- have an approved level of basic computer literacy
- provide evidence of English literacy
- successfully have completed a prerequisite learning course or courses before being allowed to register.
In addition, may be invited to an interview with the programme convener.
Duration
A minimum of two years registered full-time or a maximum of four years.
Documents required
- Curriculum vitae, including names and contact details of referees
- Academic certificates – Bachelor of Nursing or Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing
- Academic transcript - Bachelor of Nursing or Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing
- Professional registration certificate – Certificate of registration with the South African Nursing Council as a general nurse, midwife and specialist nurse, and current license. International applicants to submit certificate of registration with their national regulatory body for Nursing and Midwifery
- Professional references
- Evidence of clinical experience of nursing children
- Computer literacy
- English literacy
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