The program provides Registered Nurses working in mental health settings with knowledge and skills in research methods, and develops their ability to independently undertake research.
Content & Structure
The program consists of 54 units of study offered over 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent. Students undertake 13.5 units of core courses, 22.5 units of negotiated studies, and 18 units of minor thesis or project.
Courses available as negotiated studies integrate knowledge related to the biosciences, social and behavioural sciences, technology, health policy and advanced clinical decision-making, and innovative and scholarly practice. These courses are undertaken and applied to the context of mental health to provide students with the skills to be lifelong learners and to be able to extend their competence and knowledge in mental health settings through critical analysis and reflection. Core courses allow students to identify policy and practice issues in nursing, and explore health team collaboration in the mental health field. Emphasis is also placed on understanding research methods and how they relate to health and practice and processes within the mental health care sector. Students will have the benefit of integrating research findings into their current practice. The project or thesis provides students with the opportunity to be involved in research or project work in mental health which explores evidence that substantiates their practice.
1. Credit for previous studies or in recognition of prior learning may be granted in accordance with University Policy. Maximum credit allowed is normally one-third of the total units of the program.
2. Students who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Nursing (Research Methodologies) at the University of South Australia will be awarded a total of 36 units of credit in the Master of Nursing (Research Methodologies).
3. Students must complete 18 units of Minor Thesis 1 and 2 as the final two courses of their program.
4. The Minor Thesis course must relate to mental health practice.
Notes
1. The Research Methodologies specialisation may not be offered every year and may also be subject to demand.
2. Students not intending to undertake the course, Introductory Statistics, should consult the Program Director.
3. Core courses (13.5 units) comprise Collaborative Approaches to Health (9 units) and Applying Research to Nursing and Midwifery (4.5 units).
4. Not all courses will be offered in each half of the year. Other optional courses may be negotiated, but must be approved by the Program Director in advance of enrolment.
5. Students will be assigned a supervisor and contract their study by negotiation in accordance with the University's guidelines on research.