Master Of Science (Nursing) And Doctor Of Philosophy

Current challenges facing the health care system offer opportunities for nursing research to make a substantial impact on the health of the population and to improve approaches to patient care.

There is a shift in emphasis from treatment to prevention of illness and from acute illness to chronic conditions as well as an urgent need to translate successful research findings into clinical practice.

Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies provides two graduate research degree programmes, namely, Master of Science (MSc) in Nursing and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

The programmes aim to position nursing research at the forefront of the health care sciences to develop a dynamic, vital, and productive community of investigators who conduct rigorous research to establish the scientific and evidence base for patient care.

Aims of Programme

The Master of Science (MSc) (Nursing) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are designed for research training. The Master qualification can be taken as a stand alone qualification or, if the student demonstrates the ability, can be converted to a Doctor of Philosophy qualification.

Besides coursework, student is required to complete a thesis of a maximum of 80,000 words for graduation.

There is no specialisation of the degrees awarded. These milestone Singapore based qualifications enable nurses to take their study in a full-time or part-time mode.

The MSc (Nursing) and PhD programmes aim to develop graduates characterised by their:

• ability to identify, formulate, and address problems through research;

• drive for evidence-based nursing research and practice;

• creative and strategic approach to lead the nursing and healthcare-related profession nationally and internationally; and

• entrepreneurial spirit to lead innovation which will impact the profession and healthcare industry.?

The programmes will ensure all graduates have:

• the ability to carry out independent primary and secondary research;

• a sound grounding in translation of evidence to clinical practice;

• developed critical analytical and writing skills; and

• the leadership skills to further nursing and healthcare-related research both nationally and internationally.

Curriculum

Candidates will undertake research under the supervision of staff members from NUS Nursing during their period of candidature.

At the end of their candidature, candidates to submit a thesis to be examined by a Board of Examiners as follows:

• MSc (Nursing) programme: 40,000-word thesis

• PhD programme: 80,000-word thesis

In addition, they are required to fulfil a coursework component comprising of the following to graduate either with an MSc (Nursing) or a PhD degree. Coursework courses include core research skills, as well as research development courses:

MSc (Nursing) programme:

A total of 20 units comprising of three core courses + one elective course (at Level-5000)

PhD programme:

A total of 28 units comprising of three core courses + three elective courses (at Level-5000 & 6000)

All candidates should also complete a mandatory online Responsible Conduct in Research course within four months of their enrolment.

To be confirmed a PhD candidate, a candidate is required to pass a PhD qualifying examination within two years from the date of admission.

Candidates deemed weak in English by the School would also have to sit for the Diagnostic English Test and take additional English Language courses conducted by the Centre for English Language Communication.