UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG

Postgraduate Programmes in Nursing

The Wits Department of Nursing Education is situated in the heart of Johannesburg, surrounded by some of the busiest and best hospitals, clinics, and medical centres.

We offer a variety of postgraduate courses that are clinically relevant, to nurses. Courses are offered on a 1-day a week attendance, interspersed with seminars, clinical work and theoretical and practical activities breaks. You must be employed or actively involved in the speciality area elected.

A student reading towards a postgraduate degree at the University of the Witwatersrand can be assured of two facts : firstly, an advanced degree requiring a great deal of discipline, self-directed learning and commitment, and secondly, having attained the degree, the graduate can be justifiably proud in knowing that this qualification is nationally relevant and internationally recognized.

The following programmes are available:

A. Diploma in Advanced Nursing

By coursework over one year of full-time or two years of part-time study. you may elect to study in ONE of the following specialties:

Intensive Care Nursing
Child Nursing
Operating Theatre Nursing
Trauma and Emergency Nursing
Nephrology Nursing
Oncology and Palliative Care
Advanced Psychiatric Nursing
Advanced Midwifery
Occupational Health

Admission Requirements

A four year diploma in Nursing or a three year diploma and ONE additional postgraduate qualification.

Furthermore, any of the following may be eligible for admission:

The holder of a Bachelor of Nursing of this University
A graduate of any other university who has satisfied the Senate that she/he is qualified to undertake the line of study proposed
The holder of a four year diploma in Nursing (General, Psychiatric and Community) and Midwifery of a nursing college which has been accredited by the South African Nursing Council, or
The holder of a three year diploma in Nursing as well as two further basic or post basic diplomas from an institution which has been accredited by the South African Nursing Council or one other diploma

Curriculum for the Diploma

The curriculum for the Diploma in Advanced Nursing comprises four clusters of study branches as follows:

Curriculum A - Clinical specialties in the branches of:

Intensive Care Nursing
Child Nursing
Trauma and Emergency Nursing
Nephrology Nursing
Oncology and Palliative Care
Advanced Psychiatric Nursing
Advanced Midwifery
Occupational Health
Nursing Education

The following qualifying courses are included in the curriculum:

Professional Nursing Dynamics I
Basic Sciences related to Advanced Nursing Studies

Curriculum B - Community Health and Occupational Health

Occupational Health Nursing OR Community Health Nursing

Two (2) of the following courses:

Environmental and Occupational Health
Health measurement
Primary Health Care and social context of health

Curriculum C - Nursing Education

The following qualifying courses are included in the curriculum:

Professional Nursing Dynamics I
Basic Sciences related to Advanced Nursing Studies
Advanced Nursing Education

B. Master of Science in Nursing (MSc)

Master’s degree studies are offered in the specialty branches listed in A. Students must select ONE specialty preceding either by: Coursework and research report which requires the completion of three courses and a research project, with submission of a short report, over one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.

Research and dissertation, which requires advanced study and research with submission of a dissertation, over not less than one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. A research master’s degree does not lead to registration with the South African Nursing Council for an additional qualification.

Admission Requirements

Any of the following will be considered for admission as a candidate for the degree provided that you are registered as a general nurse with the South African Nursing Council and provided that you have satisfied the Senate that you are qualified to undertake the line of study/research proposed:

The holder of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Bachelor of Nursing of the University.
A graduate of any other university who has satisfied the Senate that he/she is qualified to undertake the line of study / research proposed, or
A person other than a graduate who has satisfied the Senate in the manner set out in the point immediately above,
The holder of the Diploma in Advanced Nursing with the permission of the Senate and is able to fulfil the academic requirements for admission to the degree programme.

Curriculum for coursework for MSc Nursing

The curriculum comprises one of the following combinations of qualifying courses:

Professional Nursing Dynamics II
Basic Sciences related to Advanced Nursing Studies
Research report

Two of the following specialities:

Intensive Care Nursing Science
Child Nursing Science
Advanced Midwifery
Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Science
Occupational Health Nursing Science
Advanced Nursing Education
Trauma and Emergency Nursing Science
Nephrology Nursing Science
Oncology and Palliative Nursing Science

Study Programme

The study programme will include contact time, self-directed study and practica. The nature and duration of the study programme depends on your specialty and choice of courses.

C. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A candidate reading for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is required to prosecute original research for at least two years full time or four years part time under the guidance of a supervisor, and submit a thesis. The student must be self-directed and self-critical.

Admission Requirements

Any of the following may be admitted as candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy:

The holder of a degree of Master degree in Nursing
By special permission of the Senate, graduate of any other university who has satisfied the Senate by means of an assessment mode determined by the Senate, that he/she is qualified to undertake the independent and original research.