SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Master of Nursing Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
16468  Master of Nursing Science 
ORIGINATOR
University of Port Elizabeth 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Rehabilitative Health/Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  240  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 2663/05  2006-07-01  2009-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-06-30   2013-06-30  

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.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
  • To prepare candidates for advanced practice in a field of nursing science.
  • To facilitate registration of the masters degree in specialised field of nursing science as an additional qualification with the South African Nursing Council.
  • To provide a qualification in a specialised field of nursing which is internationally recognised for advanced nursing practice.
  • The programme is designed in line with the health care needs of the South African society. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Possession of a four-year Baccalaureus Curationis or a three-year Baccalaureus degree and professional registration as a nurse.
  • A pass mark of at least 60% in the major subjects for the Baccalaureus degree.
  • Candidates must occupy a post or produce proof of experience relevant to the chosen field of nursing speciality.
  • Proof of personal professional indemnity insurance coverage. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Specific Exit-level Outcomes

    The following are, depending on the field of speciality, the programme outcomes:

    1.1 The graduate will as Clinical Nurse Specialist be able to:

    1.1.1 Analyse and interpret the health profile of the South African population within the context of the field of specialisation.

    1.1.2 Identify, interpret and utilise health services at national, regional and local level relevant to the needs of individual patients / families / groups / community.

    1.1.3 Identify and evaluate factors influencing the health and safety of patients families / groups / communities and plan, prioritise, implement and evaluate nursing / midwifery interventions accordingly.

    1.1.4 Critically evaluate appropriateness of diagnostic and therapeutic measures in a variety of patient situations.

    1.1.5 Identify, establish and utilise resources relevant to the field of speciality.

    1.1.6 Maintain him/herself confidently, competently and assertively in the health team, relevant to the field of speciality, in a comprehensive health care system.

    1.1.7 To act as a consultant in his / her area of specialisation.

    1.2 The graduate will as a Unit Manager and Clinical Teacher be able to:

    1.2.1 Actualise the ethical principles of the profession in his/her daily practice and lifestyle.

    1.2.2 Function effectively as a clinical nurse specialist within the legal scope of practice of the registered nurse / midwife and the ambit of other relevant legislation.

    1.2.3 Interpret and assume responsibility in accordance with the dynamics of the composition of the health team to ensure adequate, holistic health care.

    1.2.4 Create an environment conducive to caring and learning and establish learning opportunities, and where relevant, programmes, in accordance with the needs of patients / family / groups / community, staff and students.

    1.2.5 Accompany patients, students and staff in accordance with collaboratively established needs.

    1.2.6 Evaluate the outcomes of learning to enhance the quality of patient care and progress.

    1.2.7 Execute managerial skills to create a safe and adequate health care and working environment in which nursing can take place effectively.

    1.2.8 Utilise physical and human resources optimally and cost-effectively.

    1.2.9 Operationalise quality improvement measures to secure safe and adequate service structures and processes.

    1.2.10 Manage problem solving systematically through independent, critical, analytical and creative thinking.

    1.3 The graduate will as an Administrator of Nursing and Health Services be able to implement the principles of strategic management in order to:

    1.3.1 Manage human resources in a health care at executive level.

    1.3.2 Facilitate the establishment and maintenance of a quality improvement programme in a health care.

    1.3.3 Manage the budgeting process for a nursing service.

    1.3.4 Develop and implement measures to ensure cost-effective utilisation of physical and financial resources.

    1.3.5 Assess and interpret the need for change in a nursing service and mobilise management practices and systems to facilitate change.

    1.3.6 Present him / herself confidently, competently and assertively in the health and management teams, in a comprehensive health care setting.

    1.3.7 Act as an consultant in the field of nursing and health care management.


    1.4 The graduate will as a Nursing Educationist be able to:

    1.4.1 Interpret and utilise regulatory processes influencing nursing education to enhance its social accountability.

    1.4.2 Develop nursing education programmes in accordance with scientifically identified needs.

    1.4.3 Critically evaluate existing nursing education models in order to be innovative in his/her educational practices and nursing school management.

    1.4.4 Establish and manage a quality improvement programme in a nursing school.

    1.4.5 Present him/herself confidently, competently and assertively within the context of education policy and decision making.

    1.4.6 Act as a consultant on the development and maintenance of nursing education policies and programmes.


    1.5 The graduate will as a Researcher be able to:

    1.5.1 Interpret and utilise quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.

    1.5.2 Generate and analyse a database to finally describe the research problem for which recommendations have to be made.

    1.5.3 Construct, design and write a research report based on scientific principles.

    1.5.4 Communicate research in publications and conferences.

    1.5.5 Disseminate research findings to stakeholders to improve nursing practice.

    1.5.6 Critique own and other research.

    1.5.7 Manage and utilise information technology systems effectively and to integrate the data thus generated meaningfully in the research process.


    2. Critical Cross-field Outcomes


    Because the critical cross-field outcomes prescribed by SAQA are integral to the process of nursing education, they are potentially embedded in all the specific outcomes. In the above outcomes the emphases are as follows:

    On completion of the programme competencies of learners will include -

    2.1 Problem solving, critical and creative thinking: this outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme in order to function as an independent practitioner (Link with 1.2.10 specific outcomes).

    2.2 Working effectively as a member of a team: this outcome is embedded in specific outcome 1.1.6.

    2.3 Self organisation and management: this outcome is embedded in specific outcome 1.2.

    2.4 Information processing: this outcome is embedded in specific outcomes 1.1 and 1.5.

    2.5 Communicating effectively: this outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme in order to function as an independent practitioner (Link with 1.1 - 1.5 of specific outcomes).

    2.6 Effective and critical use of science and technology: this outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme in order to function as an independent practitioner (Link with 1.1 - 1.5 of specific outcomes).

    2.7 Demonstrating a systemic understanding of the world: this outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme in order to function as an independent practitioner (Link with 1.1 - 1.5 of specific outcomes).

    2.8 Reflecting on and exploring learning strategies: this outcome is embedded in specific outcomes 1.2.4 - 1.2.6.

    2.9 Participating as citizens in social life: this outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes through the practice of nursing.

    2.10 Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts: this outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme in which learners will identify and respond to the needs of a diverse group of health care users.


    2.11 Exploring education and career opportunities: this outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme. Learners will identify their personal learning needs for further development (Link to Articulation possibilities).

    2.12 Developing entrepreneurial opportunities: this outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme because the learner is prepared to function as an independent nurse practitioner at primary, secondary and tertiary health care levels. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The criteria for assessing learners are based on the learning outcomes listed above and the strategies that will be used to ensure that the specific and critical cross-field outcomes are achieved comprise:
  • Formative assessment by means of:
    - assessment of assignments;
    - clinical nursing evaluations;
    - case presentations, seminars and nursing rounds.
  • Summative evaluation by means of:
    - written examinations;
    - clinical examination;
    - examining of a research dissertation by an internal and external examiner. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The degree and credits obtained are:
  • Recognised by the South African Nursing Council as having met the national standards required for the qualification.
  • Recognised by other universities for entrance to the Doctoral degree in Nursing Science. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Individual modules are moderated internally and/or externally by an accredited assessor with an equivalent qualification at another university. Accreditation of the programme is also performed by the South African Nursing Council. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors of the programmes are employed by the Department of Nursing Science.

    For qualification an assessor must have:
  • A relevant Magister degree.
  • Registration of an additional qualification in specialisation field with the South African Nursing Council.
  • Registration in Nursing Education.
  • At least five years experience of teaching at tertiary/higher education level. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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.