Master of Nursing Science At UP

Master of Nursing Science At UP

Master of Nursing Science (M Cur) Background

The vision of the Department of Nursing Science is to contribute directly to the South African healthcare services by producing nursing specialists through relevant, nationally and internationally comparable programmes. Registered nurses with the potential for postgraduate studies come from all corners of South Africa. We need to reach these talented people to help them to become well-equipped leaders of the nursing profession.

Master’s degree by virtue of dissertation

A student has to complete a module in Nursing Research Methodology and a dissertation. A bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science and an applicable post-basic qualification are required for admission. The master’s degree may only be awarded in the field of the prerequisite degree or equivalent qualification. The duration of the programme is at least one academic year. The above-mentioned degree is presented in the same specialisation areas as for the master’s degree by virtue of course work.

Master’s degree by virtue of course work

The programme extends over two years. The curriculum comprises the chosen field of specialisation in Advanced Nursing Science, Advanced Dynamics of Nursing Practice, Nursing Research Methodology and a research mini-dissertation. Contact classes take place at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria. During these contact sessions, students are exposed to a variety of learning experiences, such as lectures by experts, multidisciplinary discussion sessions, high-quality information technology, seminars, group work sessions, accompaniment by expert lecturers and co-operative learning with peer group members.

Specialisation fields

The following master’s programmes are offered:

Non-clinical programmes:

  1. M Cur (Nursing Education)
  2. M Cur (Nursing Management)

Clinical programmes:

  1. M Cur (Advanced Community Nursing Science)
  2. M Cur (Advanced Critical Care Nursing Science)
  3. M Cur (Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Science)
  4. M Cur (Advanced Neonatal Nursing Science)
  5. M Cur (Advanced Emergency Nursing Science)
  6. M Cur (Advanced Child Nursing Science)
  7. M Cur (Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Science)

All programmes will not necessarily be offered every year.

Registration of an additional qualification

These programmes lead to the registration of an additional qualification with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

Medium of instruction

The medium of instruction is English, but students may write assignments, tests and examinations in either Afrikaans or English.

Examinations

Examinations take place during June and November each year.

Entry requirements

  1. For the non-clinical master’s degree: another approved bachelor’s degree may also be considered
  2. For the clinical master’s degree: a bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science
  3. Matriculation or Grade 12 certificate with university exemption are required

 Specific admission requirements

 Clinical programmes:

  1. A student must hold at least a part-time position in an accredited clinical facility, deemed applicable by the Head of the Department for the field of study for the master’s degree;
  2. Access to clinical facilities related to the area of specialisation;
  3. Registration with the SANC;
  4. Registration with the SANC non-clinical programmes.

Application for Masters Degree

Prospective students can email Dr TK Bello (tk.bello@up.ac.za) for application forms. Applications will be considered on receipt of the following:

  1. a fully completed application form
  2. a certified copy of the applicant’s matriculation certificate
  3. a certified copy of the applicant’s bachelor’s degree certificate in Nursing Science or equivalent, where applicable
  4. certified copies of all SANC registration certificates;
  5. proof of current registration with the SANC
  6. a certified copy of the first page of the applicant’s identity document
  7. a marriage certificate or divorce order, where applicable
  8. the required non-refundable application fee of R200.00

Completed forms must be submitted to:

Application and Selections
University of Pretoria
Pretoria
0002

Registration fee payable at registration

Please consult http://www.up.ac.za/feesfunding

Registration date & venue

To be confirmed

For more information regarding the M Cur programme, contact:

Dr. Shirley Mogale / Prof Tanya Heyns

Department of Nursing Science
School of Health Care Sciences

Faculty of Health
University of Pretoria
Private Bag X20
Hatfield
0028
South Africa

Email:   nursing@medic.up.ac.za  /  Shirley.mogale@up.ac.za / tanya.heyns@up.ac.za 

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

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Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

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  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
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💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

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📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

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