Master of Nursing (Research)

Master of Nursing (Research) (Qualification Code 65000)

Available: either Full Time/Part-Time

(NQF LEVEL: 9, TOTAL NQF CREDITS FOR QUALIFICATION: 180)

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

Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF).

Purpose of the qualification

The purpose of this qualification is to support and guide nurse specialists, in different nursing disciplines, to evaluate and/or critique existing knowledge and practices in nursing. They will provide scientific evidence for nursing practice and grow the scientific and professional body of knowledge of their discipline, by utilizing advanced scholarship and research methods.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a relevant Bachelor of Nursing degree on NQF/HEQSF Level 8 or another qualification deemed to be equivalent thereto
have obtained an average of at least 60% for such a degree.
be registered at 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 Master of Nursing (Research) programme for 2025 are now closed. Applications for 2026 opened on 9 April 2025 and will close on 31 October 2025.

All applicants will be subject to a departmental selection process. With some applications, that may be followed with an interview involving the Head of Department (HoD) and/or an interview panel.

Applicants must provide evidence that they have completed a formal qualification (to ensure that they have the foundational knowledge) in the speciality that they intend doing their Master's degree in, e.g. Postgraduate Diploma in Critical Care Nursing if they wish to conduct research on a topic related to Critical Care Nursing.

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 600 word essay

All applicants must submit:

a detailed CV with their application
the names and contact details of two referee tothe HoD one of whom must be a senior university lecturer who is able to report on the candidate's suitability for undertaking a research Master's degree
an essay of 600 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 Science Administration Offices as well as the Office for International Education (for international applicants).
Step 2: The screening is conducted by Departmentof Nursing Sience and communicated to the Faculty of Health Science's Administration Office.
Step 3: Communication of the application outcome is fascilitated via the Faculty of Health Science's Administration Office.

APPLICATION

Kindly note: Applications for the 2025 academic year are now closed. Applicants for the Master of Nursing (Research)  for 2026 have until 31 October 2025 to submit their application.

The application process is handled online through the Nelson Mandela University Admissions Office. You can access the 2026 application form by following this link

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

A completed U24 (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 Master's degree.

An essay of 600 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.

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 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 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 Honours’/undergraduate 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 certified copy of a foreign Nursing Council/Board certificate/proof of registration (for international applicants)
Proof of having completed a year of community service (not applicable for international applicants/those with foreign nursing qualifications)
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:

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 one academic year.

Requirements for the Master's Essay (600 words).

A 600-word essay for the Master 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 Master’s degree.

The rest of the essay must include:

a possible research topic,
a rationale for the study and
three (3) 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