Doctor of Nursing (Research)

Doctor of Nursing (Research) (Qualification Code 66300)

Available: either Full Time/Part-Time

(NQF LEVEL: 10, TOTAL NQF CREDITS FOR QUALIFICATION: 360)

This programme has been approved in terms of the new Higher Education

Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF).

Purpose of the qualification

The purpose of the qualification is to enable advanced nursing specialists, academics and nurse researchers to conceptualise new or innovative research initiatives and conduct independent research, to test and create new scientific and professional knowledge of nursing.

Admission requirements

Applicants must:

hold a Masters degree in Nursing, from an approved/accredited higher education institution, at NQF/HEQSF level 9 that is relevant to the discipline/field of study in which they wish to do their Doctor of Nursing (Research) degree.
be registered with the South African Nursing Council or relevant professional body, as a nurse.

Please note:

Incomplete applications will not be processed for 2025. Applications for the Doctor of Nursing (Research) programme for 2025 are now closed. Applications for 2026 opened on 9 April 2025.

All applicants will be subject to a departmental selection process that will include an interview with the Head of Department (HOD) and/or an interview panel.

Applicants may be required to complete a research methodology module and/or other research-related coursework successfully in preparation for the completion of a dissertation.

The applicants suitability will be co-determined by the quality of the 1000-word application essay

All applicants must submit:

a detailed CV with their application
the names and contact details of two referees to the HOD, one of whom must be a senior university lecturer who can report on the candidate's suitability for undertaking a research Doctoral degree.
proof of having attended a post graduate research methodology course
an essay of 1000 words relating to their research topic. Please see the information/requirements of the essay below.

Admission process

The admission process generally follows the below three steps:

Step 1: The admission is facilitated by the Nelson Mandela University Admissions and Faculty of Health Sciences Administration Offices as well as the Office for International Education (for international applicants).
Step 2: The screening is conducted by the Department of Nursing Science and communicated to the Faculty of Health Science's Administration Office.
Step 3: Communication of the application outcome is facilitated via the Faculty of Health Science's Administration Office.

Application:

Kindly note: Incomplete applications will not be processed. Applications for the Doctor of Nursing (Research) programme for 2025 are now closed. Applications for 2026 opened on 9 April 2025.

The application process is handled online through the Nelson Mandela University Admissions Office. You can access the application form by following this link.

To complete the online application, you will need to provide the following documents:

Completed U24 (postgraduate application) form

A full (comprehensive) CV with a detailed description of your clinical experience

The names and contact details of two referees, one of whom should be a senior university lecturer capable of providing insights into your suitability for undertaking a research Doctoral degree

An essay of 1000 words relating to your chosen research topic (including a brief autobiographical sketch) - applicants must choose a topic within the ambit of the departmental research themes and acknowledge that their proposed research topic is subject to change

Proof of having attended a postgraduate research methodology course

Certified copies of your previous tertiary diploma/degree certificate(s), matric certificate and certificate(s) of conduct (dated not older than 3 months)

Stamped academic records from your previous tertiary institution(s)

A certified copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable and if your previous qualification(s) are in your maiden name) (dated not older than 3 months)

A certified copy of your ID/passport and visa (if applicable, for applicants that are international/non-permanent residents) (dated not older than 3 months)

Please see the information/requirements of the essay below.

a possible research topic,
a rationale for the study,
a problem statement,
an aim of the study and
six (6) references to support the rationale.

Please note that upon the screening of your completed application, you may also be requested to provide the Department of Nursing Science with:

A copy of your final Master's research project and proof of any research publications to date.
A certified copy of your latest South African Nursing Council (SANC) receipt/SANC practise certificate/SANC e-Register (not older than 3 months) or SANC e-Register OR certified copy of a foreign Nursing Council/Board certificate/proof of registration (for international applicants)
Proof of having attended a postgraduate research methodology course, if required

The following research themes have been identified as focus areas for the Department of Nursing Science at Nelson Mandela University:

For more information on the Doctor of Nursing (Research) qualification, you can visit this link.

Please feel free to explore the provided links for more detailed information. For enquiries, kindly contact nursingresearch@mandela.ac.za

Duration of study

The programme extends over a period of at least two academic years.

Requirements for the Doctoral essay (1000 words)-

A 1000-word essay for the Doctor of Nursing (Research) degree must be submitted with the application form.

The first 200 words must be an autobiographical sketch concerning your professional career and should also indicate why you intend to do a research Doctoral degree.

The rest of the essay must include:

a possible research topic,
a rationale for the study,
a problem statement,
an aim of the study and
six (6) references to support the rationale.

The Department of Nursing Science acknowledges that the research topic is subject to change. Please contact the Department of Nursing Science if you have any questions relating to the above.

Nursing Science