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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
124590  Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 10  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0633/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science is to promote the career advancement of learners in the field of Nursing by enabling them to conduct independent, novel research within a specific Nursing Sciences discipline or through a multidisciplinary approach relevant to health-care needs.

The qualification will therefore provide advanced scientific research, education, and training for experienced nurse practitioners in the various nursing specialities and related fields. The qualification will equip learners with high-level scientific research, academic leadership, and innovation skills in a nursing context. This qualification is designed to further the scientific experience, competence, and knowledge of engagement and leadership of candidates in Nursing Science.

The qualification consists of pure research rather than coursework. Candidates will be required to plan and undertake a rigorous and advanced research project focusing on defined and conceptualised nursing and health related research problems culminating in the submission, assessment and approval of a final research report comprising an original thesis or another form of suitable submission that is commensurate with the nature of the discipline or field and the specific area of enquiry.

The qualification aims to broaden the range of the graduate's ability and prepare him or her to be at the forefront of health-care management and professional practice in the nursing field, empowered to demonstrate ethical and socially responsible behaviours and effective teamwork, high level critical and problem-solving skills, as well as communication and presentation skills.

The qualification is designed to prepare learners for development of complex, industry-driven nursing and health related research The defining characteristic of this qualification is that, in addition to the demonstration of high-level research and analytical capability, it will test the candidate's ability to integrate theory with practice through the application of theoretical knowledge to highly complex problems in a wide range of nursing and health related professional contexts.

Rationale:
The changing healthcare needs and challenges require innovation to deliver relevant and appropriate solutions at the national and global levels. In South Africa, there is a need to develop highly skilled nurse researchers with skills and competencies required for active participation in solving health-related problems, as well as developing and empowering younger nurses as nurse researchers. This qualification will strengthen graduates' skills and competencies as healthcare institutions require evidence-based practitioners to function effectively and ensure the achievement of positive health outcomes. The nursing field requires graduates with a doctoral degree to maintain a high-ranking profession and enhance the delivery of quality healthcare, as well as to produce graduate nurses.

There is also a need to increase the number of PhD holders among academics in all universities. South Africa currently has about 35% of its academic staff holding a doctoral qualification. This is far below the National Development Plan (NDP) target to achieve 75% of academics with a doctoral qualification by 2030. The low number of registered nurses with doctoral degrees is also evident in the nursing field. Due to the limited number of supervisors with adequate qualifications, universities offering nursing doctoral degrees handle many applications that exceed the supply of supervisors. This qualification will provide an opportunity to bridge the gap. Graduates of this qualification will be able to join higher education institutions as academics and contribute to the development of new nurse graduates, research projects, and solve health problems to achieve better health outcomes. In addition, graduates will remain in the clinical setting as practising nurses and as research champions, with the research skills and competencies to enhance evidence-based practice and address healthcare issues in their practice.

Nursing professionals are the backbone of health-care services, as they form the core of health-care provision. According to the 2020 State of the World Nursing Report, nursing is the largest occupational group, accounting for approximately 59% of the health professionals in the health sector. The current global nursing shortage is a widespread challenge resulting in a lack of professional and skilled nurses needed to care for individual patients and the population. The challenges include nurse staffing, nursing research and education resources, the increasing complexity of healthcare and care problems, technology, and the rapidly ageing populations in developed nations. Because studies have shown that an inadequate professional nurse in clinical settings has a significant negative impact on patient outcomes, including mortality, the nursing shortage is taking lives, and impairing the health and well-being of millions. It is a global public health crisis. The training of nurse practitioners with doctoral degrees will facilitate improvement in nursing education and practice, as the developed competencies will be applied in practice by these graduates. The literature review highlights that currently, most South African doctoral graduate nurses move to academia. However, there is a need to ensure assimilation of these graduates into practice, and that can be achieved through the production of more nurses with doctoral qualifications.

To address the shortage by 2030 in all countries, the total number of nurse graduates would need to increase by 8% per year on average, alongside an improved capacity to employ and retain these graduates. Current trends indicate 36 million nurses must be trained by 2030, leaving a shortage of 5.7 million, primarily in the African, South-East Asia, and Eastern Mediterranean regions. The case for investing in nursing education requires immediate action and has also been highlighted in the NDP 2030. The qualification will address the community's needs.

This qualification will contribute to research and strengthen the nursing services. It will empower professional nurses in basic and specialist nursing categories. The qualification will contribute to the creation of new knowledge through conducting various types of research in the field of nursing. Nursing and leadership in South Africa are committed to meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing the complex burden of disease, and ensuring responsiveness to population health needs. The qualification will prepare nursing science specialists to play a leading role in addressing these issues, enabling a legal, policy, and fiscal environment through research activities and findings in evidence-based nursing practice.

The demands on the knowledge, skills, and competencies of professionals in the health sector are increasing exponentially. There is therefore a dramatic increase in the demand for nurse scientists and professionals who can function not only as clinical nurses but also as sufficiently skilled and qualified nurse practitioners who can contribute to the creation of new knowledge and effectively engage with the problems, challenges and demands of the health sector in the broader economic environment and communicate their science effectively. The qualification has a strong academic and research focus. The institution has an established Department of Nursing with an existing Master of Nursing as a firm foundation on which to build the PhD. The qualification has a well-developed, integrated structure of learning domains. Learners with this qualification will effectively engage with the competence conceptual-contextual spectrum, representing the distinctive knowledge base, skills base, and application of these competencies, without being excessively complex.

The qualification was developed in consultation with stakeholders to provide the necessary information on the required learner profile, knowledge, and attributes from nursing education institutions, the public, and private sectors. National and Provincial policy documents issued by the Department of Health were included in the development of the curriculum. Guidelines provided by professional educational bodies such as the Nursing Education Association (NEA), the Forum for University Deans in SA (FUNDISA), the Council for Principals and Staff (CPAS), and the South African Nursing Council, as the accrediting body, guided the philosophical approach and the content of the curriculum. The Health Sciences Advisory Board Members and lay activists represented the community. The internal stakeholders, namely the nursing academic and clinical educators from the institution, contributed to the development of the qualification.

The demand for competent and skilful professional practitioners and managers with doctoral degrees to engage in the changing health-care environment is growing significantly. This qualification will consolidate the professional and academic proficiency of graduates through increased knowledge, conceptual and practical skills, motivation, and competence to:
  • Demonstrate sufficient expertise and critical knowledge in nursing theory and practice with an ability to independently conceptualise new research initiatives and create new knowledge and/or practice in their professional environment.
  • Contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in his/her area of nursing study or practice.
  • Develop new methods, techniques, processes, systems or technologies in original, creative and innovative ways appropriate to specialised and complex nursing and health-care related contexts.
  • Apply specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems in specialised and complex nursing and health-care related contexts.
  • Identify, address and manage emerging ethical issues, and to advance processes of ethical decision-making, including monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of these decisions in specialised and complex nursing and health-care related contexts.
  • Making independent judgements about managing incomplete or inconsistent information or data sets and systems in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis, for the development of significant original insights into new complex and abstract ideas, information, or issues in specialised and complex nursing and health-care related contexts.
  • Produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work which meets international standards, that is new or innovative by peers and makes a significant contribution to specialised and complex nursing and health-care related contexts.
  • Develop a communication strategy to disseminate and defend research, strategic and policy initiatives, and their implementation to specialist and non-specialist audiences using the full resources of an academic and professional or occupational discourse in specialised and complex nursing and health-care related contexts.
  • Apply theoretical underpinnings in the management of complex systems to achieve systemic change and an ability to independently design, sustain, and manage change within a system or systems in specialised and complex nursing and health-care related contexts.
  • Demonstrate intellectual independence, research leadership, and management of research and research development in specialised and complex nursing and health-care related contexts.
  • Operate independently and take full responsibility for his or her work, and where appropriate, to lead, oversee, and be held ultimately accountable for the overall governance of processes and systems in specialised and complex nursing and health-care related contexts. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL is a process of identifying the knowledge and skills of an applicant against the admission requirements of a qualification. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment, and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal, non-formal, and/or formal learning to define possible areas of recognition of acquired competence and knowledge levels.

    The RPL is a multi-dimensional and multi-contextual process. The institution has an approved RPL Policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. The RPL process includes guidance, counselling, and the preparation of a portfolio of evidence for the past 10 years to be presented by the RPL candidate to meet institutional requirements. The applicant's documentation and portfolio or learning outcomes will be evaluated by the department to determine whether the applicant is competent for the requested level of study. A recommendation will be made and submitted for further engagement or further assessments to show proof of research skills and proficiency to be enrolled in the desired qualification. An appeal procedure is also in place to accommodate queries. RPL in this qualification will relate to gaining access to the qualification and/or advanced standing as described in institutional guidelines.

    Candidates are selected against the admission requirements of the programme. The guidelines of the institution's RPL policy will be adhered to. Advanced standing in doctoral studies is determined. RPL will be prioritised, as levels of legacy qualifications may pose a problem for admission to the doctoral degree. Applicants are required to give an overview of their qualifications and career, reflecting on the knowledge they have developed as a result, to be able to access the doctoral programme. In addition, they are required to indicate the topic for their thesis.

    RPL for access:
  • RPL for access applies to applicants who do not hold a master's degree in nursing or its equivalent at NQF Level 9
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.
  • Applicants may gain access to the qualification if they provide evidence of research activities in the last 3 years, and they have at least two article publications in a peer-reviewed, accredited journal as first author.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Master of Health Sciences in Nursing, NQF Level 9.
    Or
  • Master of Nursing, NQF Level 9.
    Or
  • Master of Nursing Science, NQF Level 9.
    Or
  • Master of Science in Nursing, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 10, totalling 360 credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 10, 360 Credits:
  • Research and Thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to formulate and effectively conceptualise nursing-related research and development problems to investigate research and interrogate such problems to contribute effectively and accurately to credible solutions in the field of nursing.
    2. Demonstrate mastery of the skills and methods of research and ability for advanced critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of new and complex ideas through the development and successful conclusion of an independent research project in the nursing field.
    3. Demonstrate ability to communicate and defend scientific process, methodology, findings, and conclusions of such research project with academic and professional peers and the broader health sector (specialist and non-specialist audiences).
    4. Demonstrate the proficiency to conduct the research project and follow the research process in an ethical and accountable manner. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Conceptualise a relevant research problem within the nursing environment
  • Apply sound knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the subject matter in the research project.
  • Conduct a critical evaluation of appropriate literature to support the research.
  • Develop and design a suitable and appropriate research strategy, research methods, and techniques to collect relevant and accurate data to address the research question/s towards the creation of new knowledge.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply appropriate research methods and techniques to address the research question/s of the research project towards the creation of new knowledge.
  • Apply, develop, and/or design suitable scientific data management and analytical tools and methods to analyse and interpret the collected data about the stated research question/s.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Compile, logically structure, and coherently develop a thesis report or another form of suitable submission, reporting on, interrogating, and developing coherent lines of reasoning and appropriately addressing the research questions.
  • Successfully produce a thesis report or another form of suitable submission, meeting national and international standards as evaluated by experts in the nursing field.
  • Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals offering original perspectives and thinking on the research problems under investigation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Adhere to all ethical principles in the process of conducting a research project and the dissemination of research findings.
  • Comply with all the relevant regulations and legal requirements, such as the Protection of Personal Information Act, in the research process. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    In terms of this qualification, the international comparability revealed that nurses who obtained similar qualifications are highly employable globally.

    Country: Namibia
    Institution: University of Namibia
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Nursing Science
    NQF Level: 10
    Credits: 360
    Duration: Minimum of two years' full-time or four years' part-time
    Entry Requirements:
  • Hold a master's degree in nursing science or an equivalent qualification.
    And
  • Annually furnish proof of current registration as a nurse with the Nursing Council of Namibia

    Modules:
    The qualification consists of research only, which enables learners to apply knowledge, theory, and research methods creatively to complex practical and epistemological problems. Undertaking advanced research expands the knowledge field and is judged by research publications. An adequate body of advanced information relating to the selected field is independently retrieved and processed. A report should be compiled to communicate the whole research process.

    Assessment Strategies:
    The dissertation is internally and externally examined. Viva-voce examination.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Namibia (UoN) and the South African (SA) qualifications are registered at NQF Level 10 with 360 credits.
  • The UoN and SA qualifications accept applicants who have completed a master's in nursing or a related field.
  • The competencies to be gained in the SA qualification are similar to those in the UN qualification, with emphasis on conducting original research that expands knowledge in the field and is assessed by external examiners.
  • Both qualifications require the writing of a full thesis under the supervision of an appointed supervisor.

    Differences:
  • The UoN qualification is offered over two years of full-time study, whereas the SA qualification takes three years of full-time study.
  • The SA qualification accepts nurses who have a previous nursing qualification equivalent to a master's degree, whereas the UoN qualification requires proof of registration as a nurse and midwife. This will allow international learners to complete the qualification without the need to be registered with the South African Nursing Council, as it is not a professional practice qualification.
  • The UN qualification allows examination by internal examiners and includes a viva-voce examination, whereas the SA qualification.

    Country: Canada
    Institution: University of Alberta
    Qualification Title: PhD in Nursing Science
    Credits: 30 credits
    Duration:
    The qualification is designed to be completed within six years from the initial registration as a graduate.

    Entry Requirements:
  • A Master of Nursing degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale or an equivalent institution.
  • Evidence of 4500 hours of registered nursing practice, appropriate to the program category (i.e., Adult, Neonate, or Family/All Ages).
  • Applicants must be licensed as a Registered Nurse in a Canadian nursing regulatory jurisdiction.

    Purpose:
    The qualification prepares nurses to fulfil advanced nursing roles in diverse settings, including education roles in academic and clinical settings, formal leadership and management roles, clinical nurse practitioner roles, emerging roles in healthcare organisations, and preparation for advanced research training. The qualification will create opportunities to develop advanced knowledge and skills that support inquiry and research to address issues in healthcare and nursing practice. Both course-based and thesis-based study options provide a solid foundation for pursuing a PhD in Nursing.

    Learners who choose a clinical focus may, upon completion of the qualification, apply for Nurse Practitioner (NP) Adult licensure, Nurse Practitioner (NP) Family All Ages licensure, or Nurse Practitioner (NP) Neonate licensure with the nursing regulatory jurisdiction where they will practice. The PhD in Nursing is designed to educate for excellence in the development and testing of nursing knowledge and research-based nursing practice. The number and types of courses will vary according to the individual learner's needs.

    Learning outcomes:
    On completion of the qualification, graduates will be able to:
  • Demonstrate skills in designing, conducting, and disseminating high-quality research, contributing to the body of nursing knowledge.
  • Assume leadership roles in various settings, including academia, healthcare organisations, and policy-making bodies.
  • Translate research findings into practical applications to improve healthcare practices and outcomes.
  • Critically analyse complex healthcare issues and develop innovative solutions.
  • Effectively collaborate with professionals from diverse disciplines to address healthcare challenges.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to advancing the nursing profession through education, research, and professional engagement.
  • Address global and planetary health issues, demonstrating a commitment to health equity and social justice.
  • Develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and complete professional development activities to enhance their career goals.

    Assessment:
    There are two exams during the PhD program.
  • The candidacy exam (written and oral) must be completed by the end of the 3rd year.
  • The doctoral final oral exam is based upon the completed dissertation project.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Alberta (UoA) and the South African (SA) qualifications require applicants who have completed a Master of Nursing degree.
  • The purpose of the UoA and SA qualifications is to develop nursing scholars who generate and mobilise knowledge, speak as influential voices for nursing, and lead with purpose and inclusivity to enhance healthcare outcomes and nursing within a global context.
  • Both qualifications share similar learning outcomes.

    Differences:
  • The UoA qualification is completed within six years, whereas the SA qualification is offered over three years of full-time study.
  • The UoA qualification consists of four coursework modules that the learner must complete and be examined on in writing, before they can complete the dissertation project that is assessed through oral examination, while the SA qualification consists only of research-based and no coursework option, which culminates in the dissertation.
  • The UoA qualification has an additional requirement that the candidate must have published or done a conference presentation from their master's degree work, while the SA qualification requires holders of a master's degree in nursing and have published an article, but not specifically presented at a conference.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: University of Manchester
    Qualification Title: PhD in Nursing
    Duration: Three/Four years full-time
    Entry Requirements:
  • A minimum of an upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in a relevant subject.
    And
  • MSc/MPhil/MRes degree from a recognised institution.

    Purpose
    The qualification enables learners to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Nursing. The qualification offers learners the opportunity to work with internationally renowned scholars engaged in innovative research that will make a difference in people's lives and health, and social care. The qualification prepares learners for careers in research, academia, or healthcare settings. The qualification emphasises the importance of translating research findings into practice to improve patient care. The program also emphasises the development of transferable skills crucial for a research career.

    Specific learning outcomes:
    After successful completion of the qualification, graduates will be able to:
  • Develop a deep understanding of their chosen area of nursing research and critically evaluate existing literature and research findings.
  • Design and conduct high-quality research, including formulating research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, and analysing data.
  • Navigate ethical considerations in research, understand research governance procedures, and ensure responsible conduct of research.
  • Effectively communicate research findings through various channels, including academic publications, presentations, and engagement with the public and relevant stakeholders.
  • Apply skills in project management, literature searching, academic writing, and involving patients and the public in research.
  • Conduct independent, original research that contributes to the field of nursing

    Assessment:
  • Learner's progress is monitored via a detailed electronic system (e-prog) using a standard set of progress and monitoring forms.
  • Learners must submit work at specific stages, review their progress, identify their learning and development needs, and meet with their supervisors throughout the qualification.
  • Some meetings and evaluations are informal, while others are formal and documented
  • The qualification is examined by two external examiners by a viva examination and must be passed to progress to Year 2.
  • At the end of Year 2, learners will submit a progress report via eProg for assessment by the supervisors and postgraduate research tutor.
  • At the end of Year 3, the PhD thesis will be examined by an internal and external examiner.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Manchester (UoM) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered in three years of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who have completed a master's degree in nursing or an equivalent qualification.
    The purpose of the UoM and SA qualifications is to equip learners with the skills to conduct independent, original research that contributes to the field of nursing.
  • Upon completing the UoM and SA qualifications, graduates will be able to critically evaluate existing knowledge, design and conduct research, disseminate findings, and contribute to evidence-based practice.

    Differences:
  • he UoM qualification takes 3 to 4 years, and a master's degree is part of the entry requirements.
  • The focus in this PhD is on conducting a research project, and is completed by submission of a thesis report or another form of suitable submission.
  • Two external examiners assess the UoM qualification through a viva voce examination, whereas three external examiners will conduct assessment in the SA qualification, two of whom must be international, and oral defence is being discussed at the institution for possible implementation in the future. The SA qualification requires at least one peer-reviewed journal article publication by the time the thesis is submitted, as well as proof of submission of a second article before graduation. This serves as an opportunity and evidence of peer review that other institutions obtain through the oral defence. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Doctor of Nursing, Level 10
  • Doctor of Nursing Science, Level 10
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, Level 10 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Cape Peninsula University of Technology 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.