Master of Nursing (Honours)

The Master of Nursing (Honours) is an additional option for students completing the Master of Nursing. It is envisaged that this option will be used by clinicians with an interest or experience in research work to develop a formal and detailed proposal for higher degree study or to conduct in-depth exploration of a topic of professional relevance.

The Master of Nursing (Honours) is the bridge between a coursework Masters degree and a PhD. Students who receive First Class or Class 11, Division 1, Honours in the Master of Nursing (Honours) degree are eligible for entry into a PhD. Students may carry forward into a PhD the work undertaken for the Master of Nursing (Honours).

Applicants for the Master of Nursing (Honours) course are accepted on the basis of previous qualifications and experience, plus the nature and scope of the student’s intended research project and its relevance to nursing.

The admission requirements for a Master of Nursing (Honours) include:

• an appropriate Masters degree with a credit average or above, or hold qualifications deemed by the Dean to be equivalent;
• be registered or eligible for registration to practice nursing in an Australian state or territory (or in their country of origin); and
• relevant post-registration experience as a registered nurse.

Students intending to apply for candidature must submit a 1-2 page research proposal with their application. See Writing a research proposal for further information on how to write a research proposal.

The degree may be undertaken on either a full-time or part-time basis.
Full-time: one semester
Part-time: two semesters. Only local students may undertake the course on a part-time basis.

You may start your Master of Nursing (Honours) in March (Semester 1) or July (Semester 2). However, it is advisable that you apply at least two months in advance.

The Master of Nursing (Honours) degree is an entirely research-based degree assessed by thesis. Candidates write a thesis on a topic of their choice. During their candidature students work closely with their supervisors who must be consulted regularly concerning the general planning of the thesis and the work in progress. Participation in the Faculty’s research student seminar program including the annual presentation of a seminar is expected.

Because the Master of Nursing (Honours) is a thesis-based research degree there are no coursework classes to attend. However, candidates may be required to undertake some coursework units of study that are approved by the supervisors.

The maximum length of the Master of Nursing (Honours) thesis is 20,000 words.

Candidates will need to have decided on a basic topic of study before applying for a Master of Nursing (Honours), and, as part of the application procedure, attach a two page research proposal. It is also essential to have chosen a basic area of research and to have discussed the research project with an academic member of staff and/or a preferred supervisor before completing the application form.

To assist with choosing a topic and supervisor, prospective candidates may like to explore the research interests of the academic staff of the Faculty. Candidates may also wish to explore current students’ research topics. There are also existing research opportunities within the Faculty, offering specific topics and projects on which you can complete your PhD.

To support candidates in their research the Faculty has extensive facilities. The Faculty endeavours to provide full-time Master of Nursing (Honours) candidates with an office with a desk and a computer. Shared office facilities are also available for part-time students. Research students are located together within the Faculty and have their own common room. All students are given free email and web access, including links to all University libraries and their databases.

Local students – no fees.
International students - should contact the International Office for the current fee schedule.

International students are required to meet the Faculty’s English language requirements of IELTS 7 in each band and 7 overall. In addition, international students may only enrol in the degree on a full-time basis.

More information on being an international student at the University of Sydney, including fees and application forms, can be found at www.usyd.edu.au/io.

General enquiries
Mr David Hopkinson
Administrative Officer
Phone: 61 2 9351 0778
Email:

Academic enquiries
Dr Jo Patching
Sub-Dean (Research)
Research Development Support Unit
Phone: 61 2 9351 0648
Email: