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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110850  Master of Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification aims to prepare independent researchers in health sciences who can contribute to the generation of knowledge at an advanced level by conducting original research that addresses complex context-based issues, under the guidance of a research supervisor. The research project will culminate in the production of a research report in the form of a thesis in the traditional format or by publication. The qualification aims to provide graduates with specialised knowledge and competence in the discipline of Nursing; who can contribute to the field and national priorities for growth and development in the discipline of Nursing.

Rationale:
This qualification is necessary in order to provide the country with a cadre of researchers in health sciences (specifically in Nursing) who are able to provide strategic and evidence informed guidance and contribute in a scholarly way in addressing local, regional and global health related issues.

The graduates from this qualification should contribute in generating and/or broadening the knowledge base in the selected area of study within Nursing and influence health related policies and practices. This qualification will enable students to develop and become effective and skilled researchers in health sciences, equipped to become research orientated in their on-going professional development. The Degree will equip the candidate with the knowledge and the skills necessary either for employment in public or private nursing facilities (including teaching and research positions) or for further independent research toward a Doctoral Degree. This programme provides a pathway to Doctoral studies. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Prior learning will be recognised in the form of appropriate professional qualifications in health sciences, practical experience, or other recognized university qualifications if acceptable to the Senate for recognition for admission. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done in accordance with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Rule GR7 (b). The following learners who have a minimum of 5 years work experience in a research unit or as a nurse researcher will be considered for RPL. Students with a 3-year Degree in General Nursing or a Bachelor of Technology in Nursing.

A portfolio providing documentary evidence in support of the specific RPL application must be provided.

An applicant who has in any other manner attained a level of competence which, in the opinion of the Senate, is adequate for the purpose of postgraduate studies or research, may be admitted to the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The admission requirement will be a cognate Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Level 8 or a relevant Bachelors Honours Degree in Nursing, Level 8. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
This qualification consists of one compulsory module at Level 9 totalling 192 Credits, namely:
  • Master's Thesis in Nursing Full-time, 192 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply a critical and evaluative approach to analysing complex issues in the chosen field of research, within the discipline of Nursing, when identifying and conceptualising a research area.
    2. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the specialist body of theoretical knowledge and its application in the critique of current research or practices in a selected field of study.
    3. Utilise a wide range of specialised skills in designing and implementing an original research project that addresses complex issues in the chosen field of study.
    4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the most advanced research methodologies, techniques and technologies applicable to the selected area of study.
    5. Undertake independent research in the field of health sciences and generate a thesis which reflects independent thinking, originality, critical analysis.
    6. Defend research findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research, namely Nursing.
    7. Present research findings to a range of audiences using appropriate media or means to disseminate findings.
    8. Identify and manage the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline of Nursing. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Function at a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence.
  • Critically reflect on the implementation and evaluation of national and local health care plans and policies.
  • Implement reflective practice in relation to implementation of best practice benchmarks based on independent review, critique and synthesis of research outputs leading to improved community health for individuals, groups and communities.
  • Relate knowledge to the resolution of complex community health problems.
  • Contextualise health systems and processes based on an understanding of historical and current trends.
  • Critique, synthesise and implement specialised community health care interventions based on sound judgment using prevalence and incidence indicators related to specific community health needs.
  • Disseminate contextually relevant information not only within academic forums but also within community health care forums that represent key stakeholder within specific communities.
  • Conduct independent review, critique and implementation of evidence based practice.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The achievement of learning outcomes will be assessed through a thesis in the traditional format or by publication that will be submitted for examination on completion of the research project. The achievement of learning outcomes will be assessed through a thesis in the traditional format or by publication that will be submitted for examination on completion of the research project. If submitting by publication, the publication(s) must be in peer-reviewed, South African Post-Secondary Education (SAPSE) accredited journals. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Nursing, Level 10.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Nursing in Community Health, Level 9.
  • Master of Nursing in Gerontological Nursing, Level 9.
  • Master of Nursing in Nursing Research, Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.