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.

  • Courses

    The courses set for this programme comprise

    • Clinical Research (30 credits)
    • Clinical Leadership (30 credits)
    • Advanced Child Nursing Practice (a) (35 credits)
    • Advanced Child Nursing Practice (b) (40 credits)
    • Independent Study Project (45 credits) to develop an evidence-based practice protocol in a child health care setting.

    More information here.