The masters degree in Departments of Nursing Science at South African Universities: types, growth and policy differences and similarities

Abstract

In this exploratory study nine masters programmes in nursing were surveyed to establish the types o f programmes available, the growth o f masters students over the years and the policies governing each programme. Data were collected by means o f a questionnaire developed by the investigator. From the findings it could be established that considerable variation existed in the type o f form o f degree offered, that growth was steady but slow and that both similarities and differences existed in the policies o f the departments. Several areas were identified for additional research.