Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science at Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Programme overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science is designed to enable graduates to make a significant and original contribution to nursing knowledge through advanced independent research. The qualification develops highly specialised research competencies, critical analytical abilities, and intellectual leadership to advance nursing science, inform evidence-based practice, and address complex healthcare challenges in South Africa and globally. The programme prepares scholarly leaders who can conduct innovative research in nursing science, develop healthcare policy, advance nursing education, and contribute to the transformation of health systems to meet the evolving healthcare needs of diverse populations Offering type listed: FULL-TIME: BELLVILLE CAMPUS; PART-TIME: BELLVILLE CAMPUS.

Faculty: Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences | Department: Nursing | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

Subjects listed on the programme page include Research and Thesis.

Career pathways

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science are prepared for distinguished careers as academic researchers, university lecturers and professors, healthcare policy developers, senior clinical practitioners, and nursing science consultants. Career opportunities include leadership positions in universities and research institutions, advanced roles in healthcare policy and planning, senior positions in national and international health organisations, and consultancy in healthcare innovation and quality improvement. Graduates contribute to advancing nursing knowledge, improving healthcare outcomes, and addressing critical health challenges through research, education, and policy development. Programme Structure The qualification consists of independent research culminating in a doctoral thesis. Students are required to complete a comprehensive research proposal within the first six months of registration and submit it for approval to the relevant research and ethics committees at the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences. Students must register on the HDC digital platform and attend planned research meetings and colloquiums on Wednesday afternoons. Total Credits: 360 SAQA Credits at NQF Level 10

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A relevant Master degree in Nursing Science at NQF Level 9 with a minimum aggregate of 60%. A pass in Research Methodology is required. Applicants who do not have a South African qualification are required to submit their qualifications to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for evaluation and equivalence to a South African qualification at NQF Level 9. International students from countries where English is not the official language must demonstrate proof of English language proficiency. Applicants must submit a detailed research proposal aligned with the department research focus areas in nursing science.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Doctoral applications for 2027 close on 15 March 2027 for national and international applicants. Applicants must first identify a research topic and available supervisor.

The application fee is R110 (non-refundable); the late application fee is R160. A deposit of R1,750 is payable on acceptance and a registration fee of R785 applies.

Apply through the official page: https://www.cput.ac.za/study-at-cput/postgraduate/apply

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