hold a Bachelor degree in Nursing or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution; OR
have completed hospital based training as a Registered Nurse; OR
have successfully completed the nested Graduate Diploma in Nursing (Research Methodologies) or nested Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Research Methodologies) offered by the University of South Australia, or an equivalent qualification from another Australian university.
In addition, applicants must:
hold a Current Practising Certificate as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia or, for international students, be eligible to be licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in their own country or place of residence; AND
have completed a minimum of one year of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse.
The program provides Registered Nurses 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 study. Students undertake 18 units of specialised courses in research methodologies, 13.5 units of core courses, a 4.5 unit course chosen from the Options available, and 18 units of minor thesis.
Courses in the specialty area of Research Methodologies have been specifically designed to provide students with a sound knowledge of research methods for application to professional practice or as a pathway in preparation for higher degree research study. Core courses allow students to identify policy and practice issues in nursing, and explore health team collaboration in their field of study. Emphasis is also placed on understanding research methods and how they relate to practice and processes within the health care sector. Students will have the benefit of integrating research findings into their practice. Option courses provide students with the skills to be lifelong learners and to be able to extend their competence and knowledge through critical analysis and reflection. The thesis provides students with the opportunity to be involved in research 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 nested 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 the 18 units of Minor Thesis 1 and 2 as the final two courses of their program.
4. The Minor Thesis courses must relate to nursing practice.
5. Students who have successfully completed a professional specialisation (other than the Research Methodologies specialisation) within the nested Graduate Certificate of Nursing or Graduate Diploma in Nursing are eligible for 18 units of credit and will not undertake the Core Courses or the Option course.
Notes
1. The Master of Nursing (Research Methodologies) 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 Practice (4.5 units).
4. Not all courses will be offered in each half of the year and may be subject to demand. Other optional courses may be negotiated, but must be approved by the Program Director in advance of enrolment.
5. Students undertaking a minor thesis of study will be assigned a supervisor and contract their study by negotiation in accordance with the University's guidelines on research.