Research in hybrid coursework nursing Master degrees: A content analysis of university websites

Aim

To map the research project component of nursing hybrid Master degrees in Australia and New Zealand, as documented in university websites.

Background

Master degrees are completed by many nurses internationally. These degrees take many formats, one of which combines coursework and research. Little is known about the components, structures and intended outcomes of the research project component of these hybrid Master degrees.

Methods

Websites of members of the Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery of Australia and New Zealand were systematically searched for details of the research project components of hybrid Master degrees. All content was downloaded and hyperlinks searched for information about the research component. A preset template was used to guide the extraction of the website content related to the structure and components of the research pathways. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to generate the findings.

Results

Twenty-seven university websites contained content of hybrid nursing Master degrees. The volume and format of the website information varied greatly. There was variation in the proportion of the research component in the degree (range 8 %-50 %; median 33.3 %), the type of research undertaken (primary, secondary or both), the final output (thesis, report or manuscript) and its size (range 2000–25,000 words). Learning outcomes (n = 178), where included, varied in focus and content.

Conclusion

Findings indicate the research pathway components of hybrid nursing master degrees across Australasia vary widely. Information provided on many university websites was insufficient for nurses to confidently choose a program that would align with their career goals.