Master of Nursing Science (MNSc)

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Detailed Program Information

Program Code
MNUSC

Program Faculty
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Special Notes


The following specialisations are not available to international students in 2025:

  • Acute Care Nursing
  • Anaesthetic and Recovery Nursing
  • Cardiac Nursing
  • Emergency Nursing
  • Intensive Care Nursing
  • Oncology Nursing
  • Orthopaedic Nursing
  • Perioperative Nursing



 

Academic Year
2025

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Display a sound knowledge of a broad range of research methodologies and methods.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to design and conduct a research project in a rigorous and ethical manner.
  3. Demonstrate the skills to critically evaluate research and make informed decisions for practice change when appropriate.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to work as an effective member of a research team.
  5. Display a sound understanding of the philosophical basis of nursing research.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to identify and describe the major theoretical perspectives that inform nursing practice.
  7. Demonstrate the ability to be a critical and informed thinker regarding issues related to nursing and health.
  8. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively using a range of mediums.

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 pathway 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.   Have at least two years’ post registration experience as a registered nurse. For the specialisation pathway, this must be in the field of the specialisation to be undertaken.

Direct entry to the second stage of the Master of Nursing Science requires a completed Graduate Diploma in Nursing Science or equivalent. For the specialty Masters, the previously completed Graduate Diploma must be in the same specialty as the Masters Program. 

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 clearance 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 Director 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.

Program Maximum Duration: As specified in Table 1 of the Coursework Academic Programs Policy, this program must be completed within a Maximum Duration which includes any periods of non-enrolment, leave of absence or approved study at other institutions for credit towards a Program. 
 

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 Pathway and electives to the value of 18 units or
  • the Systematic Review Pathway and electives to the value of 18 units.

Core Courses

Major

Published on: 29 November, 2024 | 11:25:34

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