Doctor of Nursing

Summary

Take the next step and develop your leadership with a professional doctorate that combines coursework and original applied research.

Warning

This programme may not be suitable for you as an international student, due to one or more of the following reasons:

• The qualification is only available as part-time study.
• The qualification is delivered by distance or online modes.
• The content is mostly specific to the New Zealand context.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss an alternative programme in your field of interest, contact the International Office.

Take the next step in your nursing career and expand your knowledge and skills in clinical practice. Make a significant contribution to the profession of nursing by addressing contemporary issues challenging the sector.

A combination of taught courses and research thesis will develop your professional understanding and expertise in research, evaluation and professional practice including reflective practice. The Doctor of Nursing will enable you to strengthen collaboration with other health professionals and establish ways to improve quality patient-centred care.

Link your applied research with sector influencers through the University’s connections and proximity to the Ministry of Health, other national health-focused agencies and nursing colleagues.

Pathway to the Doctor of Nursing

To gain entry to the Doctor of Nursing programme, you must have completed a Bachelor’s degree with honours, or a Master’s degree, or postgraduate diploma in nursing or equivalent and have a minimum of five years’ experience in a relevant professional role.

You’ll also need to be approved for entry by the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Education, Health, and Psychological Sciences.

This doctorate is only available to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

What to expect

In your first two years, or Part 1, you’ll complete coursework that lays the foundation for your thesis. You will learn how to research in a professional context and prepare a research proposal.

Your learning will take place in block days of seminars, workshops and guest lectures giving you the flexibility to fit in study with work, and you’ll stay connected through online forums.

You’ll need to complete Part 1 and gain approval from the Associate Dean before you can enrol in Part 2.

In Part 2 you’ll complete your thesis, writing a document of up to 70,000 words that demonstrates your substantial research. You’ll already know your supervisor, having worked closely with them throughout Part 1.

Workload and duration

Candidates are expected to complete the Doctor of Nursing part time, allowing two years for the coursework and up to four years for the thesis—a maximum of six years in total. As the on-campus teaching is limited to block lectures, you can continue to work while you study.

You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of points you’ll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10-12 hours work.

Scholarships

You can apply for a postgraduate scholarship offered by Victoria University of Wellington to help fund your studies.