Choosing a postgraduate degree is a big decision, and at North-West University (NWU), we’ve got the receipts to prove our Graduate Programmes are the perfect choice.
This guide is your ultimate resource, detailing the academic rigour, entry requirements, and career outcomes that will keep you ahead of the curve.
An NWU Postgraduate Degree is a Power Move
Choosing NWU for your postgraduate journey means you’re investing in a degree recognised both nationally and internationally.
We are committed to delivering academic excellence and producing graduates who are equipped with the skills, responsibility, and authority necessary to excel in their chosen fields.
Academic and Research Excellence
Our Graduate Programmes are designed to be dynamic and challenging. Whether you're pursuing a structured Master's degree or a research-intensive PhD, you will be engaging with cutting-edge research and highly experienced faculty.
- Expert Faculty: Our dedicated and competent staff ensure you are equipped with the critical thinking skills and specialised knowledge needed for professional registration.
- Specialisation Opportunities: A postgraduate degree opens doors for specialisation, allowing you to focus on high-demand areas within your profession. For example, after completing a basic nursing degree, students can specialise in various dynamic fields.
- Community Integration: NWU views its Schools, such as the School of Nursing, as integral parts of the community, ensuring that your studies have a real-world impact.
Get Started With a Postgrad Degree
Decoding NWU's Graduate Programmes
Our faculties offer a diverse range of Graduate Programmes, from Honours degrees (NQF Level 8) to Master's (NQF Level 9) and Doctoral studies (NQF Level 10).
Master's Degree (NQF Level 9)
A Master's degree is for those ready to deepen their expertise, lead research, or specialise professionally.
- Structure: Master's degrees are often split between a structured, taught component and a major research dissertation or thesis.
- Focus Areas: Programmes span across all nine faculties, including fields like Law (LLM), Business Administration (MBA), Education (MEd), and Health Sciences (Master of Nursing).
- Example: Master of Nursing: This programme is designed to promote health, prevent and treat disease conditions, and care for patients in a dignified manner, requiring high levels of competence and accountability.
Doctoral Degree (NQF Level 10)
The Doctoral degree is the pinnacle of academic achievement, focused primarily on original research that contributes new knowledge to your field.
- Requirement: It typically requires a substantial thesis based on independent, rigorous research supervised by expert faculty.
Outcome: Doctoral graduates are equipped to be thought leaders, researchers, and innovators in academia, industry, and the public sector.
Entry Requirements
Entry into Graduate Programmes is highly selective and competitive. You need to demonstrate strong academic performance in your previous degree.
|
Programme |
Required Prior Qualification |
Typical Minimum Academic Requirement |
|
Honours Degree (NQF 8) |
Relevant Bachelor's Degree (NQF 7) |
Specific minimum average (e.g., 60-65%) in the final year of the Bachelor's degree. |
|
Master's Degree (NQF 9) |
Relevant Honours Degree (NQF 8) or four-year professional Bachelor's degree |
Excellent academic record, often requiring an average of 65% or higher, and proof of research capability (e.g., a good mark for an Honours research component). |
|
Doctoral Degree (NQF 10) |
Relevant Master's Degree (NQF 9) |
Strong academic record at Master's level and a demonstrated capacity for independent, original research. |
Important Note on Selection: Many postgraduate programmes have a selection process that involves reviewing your academic record, a detailed research proposal (for research-focused degrees), and potentially an interview or selection test.
Career Outcomes
A postgraduate degree from NWU isn't just a certificate; it's a launchpad for your career.
- Specialisation and Authority: Completing a Master's degree, especially in fields like nursing, equips you with the specialisation needed for roles that require competence, responsibility, authority, and accountability after professional registration.
- Leadership Roles: Graduates are prepared for leadership, management, and executive roles across public, private, and non-profit sectors.
- Academic and Research Careers: For those who pursue research-based Master's and Doctoral degrees, opportunities emerge in educational institutions and dedicated research bodies worldwide.
Final Vibe Check
Applying for Graduate Programmes requires attention to detail.
- Check Deadlines: Master's and Doctoral applications often have earlier closing dates than undergraduate programs. Don't ghost the deadlines!
- Contact the Faculty: Before starting a research-based application, it is essential to contact the relevant faculty or School (e.g., the School of Nursing) to discuss potential supervisors and research topics.
- Prepare Your Research Proposal: If applying for a thesis-based degree, dedicate serious time to crafting a compelling and well-structured research proposal.
Choosing NWU for your postgraduate degree is choosing a future where you are not just keeping up, but leading the charge.
