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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96500  Doctor of Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 10  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
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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:
Apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods to practice advanced study and research methodology procedures in the specific field of nursing and the application of results. The learner will distinguish him/herself as an expert in the specialised field of study and will show competency in initiating and coordinating continued research activities.
  • Responding to the needs of the community.
  • In life-long learning and the appreciation of the value of education and society.

    Qualifiers will demonstrate knowledge, skills and applied competence in the field of study that provide opportunities for continued personal growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
    In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

    The qualification recognises formal and non-formal prior learning (incorporating experiential learning) at a Higher Education and Training Certificate Level 8 in nursing or a functional equivalent.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Master of Nursing, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify, define and provide solutions to complex problems, and advise authoritatively on such matters of all Degrees of predictability pertaining to the specialised field of study.
    2. Possess in-depth and comprehensive knowledge in a complex and specialised area and across specialised or applied areas and demonstrates intellectual independence in the application of scientific methods and procedures and autonomous synthesising of information that expand or redefine existing knowledge.
    3. Providing expertise in the nursing profession in the advancement and further development of knowledge in the specialised field of study.
    4. Initiating research and applying advanced research methodology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Produce documented proved research record proving expertise in the field of study.
  • Demonstrate ability/skill to achieve the major Skills/Applied Competency of the qualification.
  • Demonstrate understanding, of the embedded knowledge that underpins the end result/outcome.
  • Integrate or connect performances and reflect on, evaluate and adopt competencies.
  • Demonstrate learning via module specific learning outcomes as well as exit learning outcomes.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment across the qualification forms an integral part of the teaching and learning process. In achieving the learning outcomes, learners are required to comply with the minimum assessments set for the level of the qualification, as per the Institution's Assessment Policy. Assessments vary depending on the module and the outcomes of the module; however, all modules are formatively and summatively assessed. The assessment of theoretical modules is usually in the form of assignments, practical's and written tests or examinations.

    A learner should provide evidence of learning competency (knowledge, skills and attitude) using a documented, proven research record proving expertise in the field of study. A panel of at least two internal and two external examiners, apart from the promoter(s) will determine the acceptance or not of the documentation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with similar international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. University of the Free State 


    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.