Master of Nursing Science (MNSc)

Program Code
MNUSC

Program Faculty
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Special Notes

The following specialisations will not be offered in 2023:
- Oncology Nursing
- Orthopaedic Nursing

Academic Year
2023

These Program Rules should be read in conjunction with the University's policies (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies).

Overview

The Master of Nursing Science is designed to provide opportunities for nurses to develop advanced skills in clinical inquiry, practice and leadership in professional nursing. The Master of Nursing Science provides graduates with a rigorous grounding in research methods, critical analysis, clinical management and leadership and theoretical perspectives that inform nursing.

Students are able to specialise in: Acute Care Nursing; Anaesthetic and Recovery Nursing; Cardiac Nursing; Emergency Nursing;  Intensive Care Nursing; Oncology Nursing; Orthopaedic Nursing and Perioperative Nursing. Students may also complete the program with a Non-Specialist Nursing Science award without undertaking any of the specialisations.

The Master of Nursing Science is an AQF Level 9 qualification with a standard full-time duration of 2 years.

Conditions

Condition of Admission
The Master of Nursing Science consists of 48 units of study. The first stage consists of 24 units of study equivalent to a Graduate Diploma in Nursing Science.

An applicant for admission to the program of study for the Master of Nursing Science shall be registered, or be eligible for registration, as a nurse in Australia and for specialisation stream must be employed at a minimum of 0.64 FTE in the specialty setting (if applicable). Not applicable to international students.

and
      
a.    have qualified for a degree of Bachelor of Nursing, or equivalent, at a university accepted for the purposes by the University
       and
b.    For the specialisation stream, have at least two years’ post registration experience as a registered nurse in the field of the specialisation to be undertaken (if applicable).

Direct entry to the second stage of the Master of Nursing Science requires a completed Graduate Diploma in Nursing Science or equivalent.

Condition of Enrolment

Immunisation: Prior to any clinical placement, students will need to provide evidence of immunisation status. Students are required to have the appropriate level of immunisation required by the Immunisation for Health Care Workers in South Australia Policy Directive for tuberculosis (TB) screening and criminal history clearances (CHC), Prescribed Communicable Infections (PCI) screening, including recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.

Interruption of program: Students must apply for permission from the Program Coordinator or Delegate before taking a Leave of Absence. Absence without approval will result in the loss of place in the program. An application may be made to be re-admitted to the program subject to the admission procedures in place at the time.

 

Academic Program Rules for Master of Nursing Science

There shall be a Master of Nursing Science.

Qualification Requirements

To qualify for the Master of Nursing Science, the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study from one of the following specialisations with a combined total of not less than 48 units, comprising:

1.  Courses to the value of 24 units from Stage 1 including core courses to the value of 9 units and a specialisation to the value of 15 units from the following:

  • Acute Care Nursing
  • Anaesthetic and Recovery Nursing
  • Cardiac Nursing
  • Emergency Nursing
  • Intensive Care Nursing
  • Oncology Nursing
  • Orthopaedic Nursing
  • Perioperative Nursing
  • Non Specialist Nursing Science
2. Courses to the value of 24 units from Stage 2 comprising of core courses to the value of 6 units and either:
  • the Research Dissertation Stream and electives to the value of 18 units or
  • the Systematic Review Stream to the value of 18 units.

Core Courses

Major