University of Ballarat
Master of Nursing (Coursework)
About the Nursing School
The School of Nursing at the University of Ballarat is progressive and vibrant. Innovative programs for nurses and midwives
are delivered at two locations, Mt Helen (Ballarat) and Horsham. Programs are carefully constructed and regularly evaluated
to provide a balance between theory and practice. The focus is on helping students to accomplish their learning needs. The
School has also been delivering programs in Hong Kong since 1996. The Bachelor of Nursing (Postregistration) enrolled
over 2,000 Hong Kong nurses in 29 intakes from 1996 – 2005.
Staff and students work in a dynamic, collegial environment, centred around the learning needs of students. The School
values its diverse student and staff base and students find that staff are friendly, approachable and willing to work with small
groups and individuals to help them achieve their learning goals. The School also has strong partnerships with health care
providers and other universities, providing students with breadth and depth of experience.
School of Nursing graduate programs are varied and focus on advanced practice and research. They range from graduate
diplomas in nursing, midwifery and paramedicine, to the Master of Nursing and PhD. The School delivers its postgraduate
programs flexibly through the use of various forms of technology.
Staff of the School of Nursing are pleased to be working with colleagues at the Hong Kong Management Association in the
delivery of the Master of Nursing (Coursework) in Hong Kong. The program outlined in this brochure introduces potential
students to a Master of Nursing by coursework with sufficient flexibility to meet the needs of a wide cross section of the
professional nursing community.
Organising Institutions
The Master of Nursing (Coursework) (MN) Hong Kong program
is offered by the University of Ballarat, Australia, in partnership
with the Hong Kong Management Association.
The University of Ballarat
The University of Ballarat (UB) is a regional
university with a growing reputation for
relevance and excellence. Australia’s
third-oldest tertiary education institution,
UB boasts a strong tradition of education
and training delivery.
Proud of its past while firmly focused on the future, student-
UB meshes a youthful energy with its rich history, embracing centred and commercially capable, the University of Ballarat
the freedom and dynamism that comes from being a progres- continues to excel.
sive University with close links to industry and technology. UB
has emerged as a top ten University within Australia, and num- * Good Universities Guide 2011
ber one in Victoria for Good Teaching based on analysis by
the Department of Education, Science and Training. University Website: www.ballarat.edu.au
UB places great emphasis on the quality of its teaching and
learning, delivering a range of innovative programs through The Hong Kong
both its Higher Education and TAFE divisions. Embracing Management Association
diversity, UB is Australia’s only regional, dual-sectoral university
and a pivotal provider of post-secondary education for Central The Hong Kong Management
and Western Victoria. Six campuses in the region anchor the Association (HKMA) is a non-
range of programs that UB delivers throughout Australia and, profit-making incorporated body
increasingly, internationally. In addition to the six campuses established in 1960. Over the
in western Victoria UB offers programs at a number of other years, the Association, with a
locations in Australia and off shore. mission to train and develop human resources, has been
actively taking part in training tens of thousands of
Known for its supportive, community environment, UB offers management personnel and professionals, thereby raising
affordable study options with small class sizes, friendly staff the standard of management and improving its quality in
and easily accessible academic support. Many UB programs Hong Kong.
are developed in consultation with appropriate industries,
ensuring that courses are relevant and that graduates are As part of HKMA’s deep commitment to providing
sought after. UB qualifications are recognized internationally opportunities to local executives and professionals
for their quality and graduates regularly rate their study continuing development, the Association, in partnership
experience as extremely positive.* with a number of overseas universities, offers a series of
programs leading to Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral
With a proud track record in business innovation and Degrees in various areas of studies.
entrepreneurship, UB strives to enhance the relevance and
currency of its education, training, research and consultancy The Program (UBMN) Local Secretariat at the HKMA takes
capabilities. UB is actively engaged in the development and care of overall organisation of the Master of Nursing
expansion of its strategic partnerships as well as highly productive program, and will work with students to answer their
links with business, industry and the community. UB delivers questions as well as help solve their problems, throughout
multi-disciplinary commercial services to a range of high-profile the learning process.
clients, with existing alliances stretching around the globe.
Providing strong, practical knowledge and extensive experience HKMA Website: www.hkma.org.hk
in the development and supply of innovative, commercial solutions,
UB staff have undertaken and overseen major national and
international projects within both academic and commercial
environments.
Key Features
• 5 star rating received for teaching quality in 2011 Good Universities Guide
• UB offered nursing programs in HK since 1996 with over 2,000 nurses graduating
• Ideal for certificate holders of the (Hong Kong) Institute of Advanced Nursing Studies as 4 courses at Stage I of the Master
of Nursing (Coursework) program may be exempted
• The program can be completed within one year full time (exempted Stage I)
• Part time options are also available to assist with managing work/home commitments
• Entire program conducted via flexible distance learning therefore study can be conducted at a time that suits. No need to
attend scheduled classes
• Highly structured course materials to guide you along
• Strong and friendly home university academic support
• Valuable advanced qualification to enhance your prospects for career advancement
Program Overview
The Master of Nursing (Coursework) [MN] provides an opportunity for advanced education for nurses. The program enables
registered nurses to build a strong foundation as practitioners. The Coursework Units of the program provide a sound basis
for study in an Advanced Project or Minor Thesis.
Program Objectives
The program is designed to enable students to critically examine the distinctive role of nursing. It has been planned to meet
the needs of nurses who wish to take a leadership role in developing innovative programs and practice in a variety of health
care settings, to undertake research in nursing or to investigate an issue in professional nursing.
Program Structure
The Master of Nursing (Coursework) program consists of four advanced courses, four courses in an identified speciality
stream and one Master level course. Students may exit with a Graduate Diploma following completion of the four advanced
and four speciality courses.
Applicants who have already completed postgraduate studies in a speciality nursing area may apply for exemption for the
four speciality courses.
Speciality areas on offer include Aged Care Nursing, Acute Care Nursing, Mental Health Nursing and Palliative Care Nursing.
Also offered is a Professional stream where any four courses can be selected across the four speciality streams or equivalent
cross-school or equivalent cross-institutional courses.
Stage III AWARD
Stage II 1 x Project/ Master of Nursing
Stage I 4 x Advanced Thesis (Coursework)
4 x Speciality Courses Courses (60 credit points) (180 credit points)
(60 credit points) (60 credit points)
Credit Transfer
Credit will be granted for previous successfully completed studies equivalent to a postgraduate certificate or a postgraduate
diploma. Specific postgraduate studies completed at recognised tertiary or industry providers such as the Institute of
Advanced Nursing Studies (IANS), Hong Kong will be recognised.
Certified documentary evidence of full transcripts of course, course descriptors and course results including CNE points
must be submitted, together will a fully completed credit application form. All applications for credit must be submitted at the
time of the applications. Applicants wishing to be considered for Stage I exemption must provide evidence of a minimum of
a postgraduate certificate or its equivalent in a specialist nursing area. Applicants who have already completed a Masters
degree may be eligible to apply for credit for Stage II subjects however they will need to provide appropriate documentary
evidence.
Duration
The program can be completed in 12 months of full time study if the applicant has successfully fulfilled the requirements of
prior studies and receive exemption for Stage I of the program. A part time option is also offered which allows students to
undertake one subject at a time rather than two. The part time option would result in a program duration of approximately two
years.
Entry Requirements
To be admitted in the Master of Nursing (Coursework) in Hong Kong, applicants should possess the following qualifications:
1. Registered nurse
2. A Bachelor degree in nursing or health related discipline, e.g. health science;
3. Evidence of English language competency at TOEFL 580 or higher, IELTS 6.5 or higher, or undergraduate studies in
English;
If requiring exemption from Stage I:
1. Completed study in a speciality area equivalent to a postgraduate certificate, e.g. through the Institute of Advanced
Nursing Studies or another university.
Mode of Delivery
The Master of Nursing program has been developed to specifically cater to the needs of the students who are working while
undertaking study. The School of Nursing has many years’ experience in nursing education in Hong Kong and understands
the difficulties that nurses have in managing work, shift hours, family and studies, while maintaining quality of life.
As the course is delivered online, students are able to work at their own pace without the need to attend daily or weekly
classes. In addition to the Coursework courses students will either undertake a research project (thesis) or an advanced
project, investigating a specific nursing issue.
An initial orientation session will be conducted in Hong Kong by University of Ballarat staff. Students will then be encouraged
to interact with lecturers and fellow students using technology such as online discussion forums, emails, podcasts and
skype.
Assessment
All courses are assessed. Examples of types of assessment tasks include online exercises, written scholarly papers,
creative projects such as portfolios of work or case study analysis.
Recognition of the Award
Awards obtained from the University of Ballarat are internationally recognised. All graduates, whether in Australia or offshore,
receive the same recognition and standing, and are able to use their qualification for further education and career
advancement.
Attachments
Please refer to the attachments of this brochure for:
1. Application Procedures (Information for New Applicants)
2. Program fees (Information for New Applicants)
3. Application Form
4. Application for Credit Form
Courses Subject Descriptions
Speciality Courses The following are course descriptions of the four (4)
Palliative Care: core subjects and the thesis/project of the program.
HCPAL6051 Foundations of Palliative Care Nursing
HCPAL6061 Assessing Complexity in Palliative Care Coursework (Advanced) Subjects
HCPAL6012 Managing Interventions in Palliative HCNUR 6031 NURSING INQUIRY
Care Context This course explores the underpinning epistemological
HCPAL6022 Specialist Palliative Care Nursing foundations of nursing. The related ethico-legal, socio-
political and economic influences are analysed for their
Acute Care: contributions to contemporary nursing knowledge. Stu-
HCNUR 6051 Foundation of Acute Care Nursing dents will evaluate their own level of knowledge develop-
HCNUR 6061 Assessing Complexity in Acute Care ment and map their pathway to high order professional
HCNUR 6012 Managing Interventions in Acute Care knowledge in nursing practice.
Settings
HCNUR 6022 Specialist Acute Care Nursing HCNUR 6011 NURSING RESEARCH
METHODOLOGIES
Aged Care (2012): This course will guide students through the process of
HCAGE 6051 Foundations of Gerontology refining a researchable problem, exploring different para-
HCAGE6061 Care of Older People in Diverse Health digms used in nursing research and selecting an appro-
Care Settings priate methodology to address the specific research
HCAGE6012 Screening and Assessment of Older question. The course prepares the student to develop a
People research proposal that applies sound research design
HCAGE 6022 Health Promotion and Disease Preven- and the principles of ethical research.
tion in Older People
HCNUR 6041 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN
Mental Health (2012): GLOBAL HEALTH
HCMTL6051 Assessment Skills in Mental Health This course explores the nature of contemporary health
Nursing both globally and within Australia, and the role and prac-
HCMTL6061 Theory, Knowledge and Practice in tices of nurses within the health workforce. Health is
Mental Health examined from the determinants perspective and bur-
HCMTL6012 Psychotherapeutic/Psychopharmaco- den of disease in Australia is seen as underpinning the
logical Interventions policy and resource situation. The complexities and con-
HCMTL6022 Advanced Mental Health Practice sequences of chronic illness are a particular focus, lay-
ing groundwork for the speciality courses in the program.
Patients are seen as having shifted from passive recipi-
Professional Stream: ents of care to critical consumers. Nurses are seen as
Any four selected courses from within or across the four occupying new and expanded roles supported by evi-
speciality steams OR equivalent cross-school OR denced-based reflective practice.
equivalent cross-institutional courses.
HCNUR 6101 POLICY, PLANNING AND
Core Courses LEADERSHIP FOR NURSING PRACTICE
HCNUR 6031 Nursing Inquiry This course aims to provide registered nurses with knowl-
HCNUR 6041 Contemporary issues in Global Health edge of leadership and contemporary healthcare sys-
HCNUR 6011 Nursing Research Methodologies tems to be more effective in influencing policy and the
HCNUR 6101 Policy, Planning and Leadership for allocation of resources. Policy is seen as being planned,
Nursing Practice implemented and evaluated within a broad based social,
economic and political context. Students will be asked
Project/Minor Thesis to use their leadership skills to analyse ways in which
HCNUR 7001 Minor Thesis they can use power and planning processes to positively
OR influence decision making and change within the health
HCNUR 7011 Advanced Nursing Project care arena.
Project/Thesis Courses
HCNUR7001 MINOR THESIS HCNUR 7011 ADVANCED NURSING PROJECT
A significant amount of nursing literature since the The Master of Nursing (Coursework) offers an
mid 1980s has emphasised the growing importance alternative strand to a research project for students
of research to the development of nursing as a who wish to study a special area of professional
profession. While most early research was conducted nursing or health care. A wide range of topics related
by academics and nurses undertaking higher degree to theoretical aspects of nursing, education, health
studies, it is exciting to see that there is now a ‘body of care policy and professional nursing issues lend
knowledge’ emerging that is driven by practitioners. themselves to in-depth study. Some students may
Initially, research efforts tended to address questions wish to undertake a practicum or travel off-shore to
about nursing and nurses, but in more recent years gain experience of another health care system.
this has shifted focus to examine clinical issues and
patient outcomes. An emphasis on collaborative The topic for study will have been identified during
research projects has also become a pathway for core units, and will be negotiated with the course
novice researchers to work across disciplines to gain coordinator.
experience in research methods and methodologies.
Academic Statutes and Regulations
Nevertheless it is important for nurses to develop skills
Students may refer to the University of Ballarat
in identifying researchable nursing issues, to plan a
Handbook (access on http://www.ballarat.edu.au/
research project and manage the project through to
aasp/student/ handbooks/) for information regarding
completion. It is also vitally important for nurses to
academic statutes and regulations.
communicate the findings of their research to their
colleagues by publishing in journals and presenting
papers at conferences. These strategies open up
new ideas for critical review by one’s peers, and
validate the claim of nursing to be a profession. The
concept of producing work of publishable standard is
emphasised throughout the Master of Nursing
program, and students are encouraged to submit their
essays to conferences and journals.
University of Ballarat
School of Nursing
Mt Helen Campus
University Drive
Ballarat, Vic 3350
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: 61 3 5327 9660
Fax: 61 3 5327 9719
Website: www.ballarat.edu.au/ard/nursing
Email: h.ryan@ballarat.edu.au
Hong Kong Program Secretariat
Towngas Management Development Centre
The Hong Kong Management Association
16/F Tower B Southmark
11 Yip Hing Street
Wong Chuk Hang
HONG KONG
Telephone: 2774 8500
Fax: 2365 1000
Website: www.hkma.org.hk/mn
Email: hkma@hkma.org.hk
MN-2011-3