The School of Nursing and Midwifery of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho in the Volta Region has introduced a two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Nursing Studies programme.

Being the first postgraduate programme of the School, it would provide nursing professionals with the opportunity to upgrade their field of practice.. 

The programme would also enable the students to conduct independent research in the field of nursing, while they are prepared for their PhD. 

Out of 35 applicants, 10 were selected to start with the program. 

Speaking at the launch, the Vice Chancellor of UHAS, Prof Lydia Aziator, counselled the School to partner with the Office of International Programmes to apply for mobility grants, to enable the students to interact and explore other universities and as well undertake research.

She said the university inches towards achieving its vision of establishing the largest School of Nursing and Midwifery in the sub-region. 

The Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Prof. Ernestina Donkor, indicated that the University received approval to run MPhil in Nursing Studies after it presented documents to offer MPhil in all 3 programmes being offered by the school. 

She said the sole objective of offering the programme was to enable nurses and midwives to develop their research skills “so that they will also be able to contribute to the body of knowledge of nursing and midwifery in the country”.

She is expectant that the number of students would increase when the structure for the School of Nursing and Midwifery is completed at the permanent site of the University. 

“In 2024, we hope to move in, so when we get there, our numbers will increase, while we also build on our faculty strength”, she said.

“We are fully equipped to run this program well so that the nursing and midwifery discipline will also be recognised well in Ghana”, she concluded. 

The Head of the Department and Postgraduate Coordinator for the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dr. Peter Adatara, said the introduction of the postgraduate program would help consolidate the gains of the University.

He said the students would do a year of coursework and use the final year to engage in research work. 

The introduction of the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Nursing Studies brings the number to four Schools in UHAS offering postgraduate programmes.

The rest 3 schools are Public Health, Allied Health Sciences, and Basic and Biomedical Sciences.