• Expected Outcomes of the PhD Program in Nursing Sciences
  1. Strengthening the Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of Nursing
     Enable students to gain a deep understanding of the history and philosophy of nursing, as well as the development of its theories and practices, thereby reinforcing the scientific and professional identity of nursing.
  2. Advancing Specialized and In-depth Knowledge
     Equip students with advanced knowledge in specialized areas of nursing, with the ability to critically analyze and apply relevant theoretical and empirical literature in research and healthcare practice.
  3. Producing and Disseminating Original Research of Scientific and Societal Value within the Palestinian Context
     Empower students to design and conduct original, ethical, creative, and culturally appropriate research that reflects the priorities of Palestinian society and the needs of its healthcare system. Develop their skills in writing and publishing this research in peer-reviewed journals and in presenting findings to practitioners and policymakers, thereby contributing to improved healthcare quality and strengthening the role of nursing in shaping health policies.
  4. Interdisciplinary Research Leadership
     Prepare graduates to be leaders and critical thinkers, capable of effective collaboration, innovation, and driving change at both national and regional levels.
  5. Commitment to Ethical and Professional Values
     Promote the principles of integrity, transparency, and ethical responsibility across all stages of research, academic practice, and professional conduct.
  6. Developing Leadership and Educational Capacities
     Prepare academic and professional leaders capable of university-level teaching, supervising research, and developing curricula, thereby contributing to advancing nursing education in Palestine and the region.

• The program primarily targets nurses (male and female) holding advanced academic qualifications:
  1. First Priority – Nurses with a Master’s degree in Nursing
     • This group represents the core target population of the program.
     • They are expected to further develop their expertise through doctoral-level research, leadership, and academic roles.
  2. Second Priority – Nurses with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a Master’s degree in a related health discipline
     • Admission of this group shall not exceed 10% of the total intake.
     • Relevant disciplines include Public Health, Health Administration, Clinical Nutrition, Community Health, or other closely related health sciences.
     • This category enriches the program by integrating interdisciplinary perspectives into nursing research and practice.

  General Requirements:

  • Proficiency in English to meet academic research and publication standards.
  • Demonstrated academic or professional experience in nursing or health-related fields.
  • Commitment to conducting original, ethical, and culturally relevant research that reflects the priorities of Palestinian society and its healthcare system.

Upon successful completion of the program the student should be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of health equity, social determinants of health, and nurse-led models of care to improve health outcomes for a population and/or system of care.
• Design, implement and evaluate evidence-based nursing procedures, protocols and guidelines to improve the quality-of-care practice.
• Apply conceptual models and theories from nursing and other elevant disciplines to design and conduct research.
• Demonstrate scientific integrity and ethics in research across phases of the research process
• Apply appropriate methods and analytic strategies to design, conduct, and evaluate research across phases of the research process, from discovery to translation.
• Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams to perform research using socioculturally aligned approaches.
• Disseminate research findings through publications, presentations, and other scholarly venues to advance the evidence base for nursing and healthcare, with a focus on promoting health equity and social justice.
• Conduct research relevant to the field of Nursing.

The outcomes of this program are to prepare graduates who will:

• Possess knowledge of the history and philosophy of nursing science.
• Master in-depth knowledge in a substantive area including the relevant theoretical and empirical literature.
• Conduct original, ethical, and culturally competent research.
• Collaborate effectively with other research disciplines and lead interdisciplinary research teams.
• Disseminate research findings to a wide variety of audiences including practitioners, policy makers, and the scientific community.

The holders of PhD in Nursing Sciences have an opportunity to work

1. Academic Positions: Faculty member or Researcher
2. Clinical Leadership: Chief Nursing Officer, Clinical Director/Manager of Nursing
3. Consultancy and Training: Healthcare Consultant, Educational Consultant
4. Global Health: National and International NGOs
5. Government Agencies: Public Health Official, Health Department Administrator
6. Entrepreneurship: Healthcare Entrepreneur
7. Continuing Education: Continuing Education Coordinator
8. Professional Associations: Leadership Roles in Nursing Associations

First: General Rules & Conditions:

1. This plan conforms to valid regulations of the programs of graduate studies.
2. Specialties of Admission:

-The First Priority: Master’s in nursing

-The second Priority: BSc nursing graduate holding master’s degree in health specialties not exceeding 10% of admission

3. Admission Policy

-First Policy

-English Language Proficiency

Second: Special Conditions:                                                                                                                         

None.

Course Descriptions

Obligatory Courses (21 Credit Hours)

1. Philosophy of Nursing Research – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   This course delves into the philosophical underpinnings of nursing research, examining the foundational concepts that guide the discipline. Students explore epistemological and ontological considerations, investigating the nature of knowledge, reality, and the relationships between researchers and their subjects. The course aims to deepen students’ critical thinking skills and theoretical perspectives, fostering an appreciation for the philosophical roots that influence nursing research design, conduct, and interpretation.

1. Nursing Theories and Conceptual Models – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   The “Nursing Theories and Conceptual Models” course is designed to provide doctoral students in nursing with an in-depth exploration of nursing theories and conceptual models. This course aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical foundations that guide nursing practice, research, and education. Students will critically analyse and evaluate various nursing theories, examining their relevance, applicability, and impact on the evolving discipline of nursing.

1. Advanced Quantitative Research in Nursing – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   The “Advanced Quantitative Research in Nursing” course is designed for doctoral students in nursing seeking an in-depth understanding of advanced quantitative research methodologies. This course equips students with the skills necessary to design, conduct, and critically evaluate quantitative research studies in nursing. Emphasis is placed on advanced statistical techniques, research design considerations, and the application of quantitative methods to address complex healthcare questions.

1. Applied Statistical Analysis in Nursing Research – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   The “Applied Statistical Analysis in Nursing Research” course is designed to provide doctoral students in nursing with practical knowledge and skills in applying statistical methods for analysing and interpreting data in research studies. This course emphasises using statistical software, hands-on data analysis, and interpreting findings in nursing research.

1. Measurement in Nursing Research – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   The “Measurement in Nursing Research” course is designed for doctoral students in nursing and focuses on the principles and practices of measurement in the research context. This course provides an in-depth exploration of various measurement instruments used in nursing research, emphasising the development, validation, and application of measurement tools in diverse healthcare settings.

1. Advanced Perspectives in Qualitative Research – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   The “Advanced Perspectives in Qualitative Research in Nursing” course is designed for doctoral students in nursing who seek to deepen their understanding and skills in qualitative research methodologies. This course explores advanced concepts, diverse theoretical frameworks, and innovative approaches to qualitative inquiry in the context of nursing and healthcare research.

1. Health Policy and Quality Assurance in Nursing – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   The “Health Policy and Quality Assurance in Nursing” course is designed for doctoral students in nursing, offering a comprehensive exploration of healthcare policy development, implementation, and evaluation, as well as the principles and practices of quality assurance within nursing and healthcare contexts.

Elective Courses (15 Credit Hours – Choose 4)

1. Special Topics in Nursing – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   The “Special Topics in Nursing” course is a dynamic and flexible offering that explores contemporary and emerging issues within the field of nursing. These topics are tailored to reflect the current trends, challenges, and innovations in healthcare. This course delves into specialised topics that may include but are not limited to cutting-edge research, healthcare technologies, policy changes, or evolving healthcare delivery models. The course content is updated regularly to ensure relevance to the rapidly changing landscape of nursing and healthcare. This course aims to develop in-depth knowledge regarding topics (s) related to PhD- level nursing, such as Advanced Information Technology in Practice, scientific grant writing, and Health Policy. Learning experiences may include clinical experience.

1. Public Health Nursing – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   This course prepares students to focus on populations, individuals, groups, and families and their indoor, workplace, and outdoor environments to improve the overall health of communities. This course focuses on theoretical, methodological, and ethical issues related to individuals, groups and family research, including health promotion, risk reduction, vulnerability, and health risk, in the context of acute and chronic illness across the life span. Students are prepared for program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Community health principles form the basis for instructing individuals, families and other groups regarding disease prevention and health promotion.

1. Advanced Leadership and Management in Healthcare Practices – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   The “Advanced Leadership and Management in Healthcare Practices” course is designed for doctoral students in nursing, providing an in-depth exploration of advanced concepts and strategies related to leadership and management within healthcare settings. Emphasising the role of nurse leaders in driving organisational excellence, this course prepares students to address complex challenges and lead transformative initiatives in diverse healthcare environments.

1. Clinical Trials – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   This course introduces issues in the design, conduct, and data analysis of clinical trials, emphasising the practical use of methods. Topics include types/objectives of the clinical trials, study design, blindness, randomisation and stratification, sample size determination, interim monitoring, ethical guidelines, data analysis and interpretation of results. Parallel design, factorial designs, cross-over designs, nested designs for superiority, non-inferiority, clinical equivalence and bioequivalence trials will be discussed. Other topics include the role of clinical trials in meta-analysis and clinical trial data management.

1. Nursing in Global Context – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   This course provides students with knowledge of global health issues and goals. It focuses on similarities and differences concerning health care among cultures. Transcultural nursing theory will provide the framework for exploring concepts of culture, cultural values, culturally diverse nursing care, ethnocentrism, race and ethnography.

1. Chronic Illness Management in Nursing Practice – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   The course is carefully crafted to equip nursing students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities associated with chronic illnesses and to develop advanced skills necessary for effective care across the lifespan. This course delves into evidence-based approaches, emphasising delivering holistic and patient-centred care within diverse healthcare settings. This course also provides nursing students with advanced knowledge and skills in managing chronic illnesses across the lifespan. This course focuses on evidence-based approaches to caring for individuals with chronic conditions, emphasising holistic and patient-centred care within various healthcare settings.

1. Nursing Education and Pedagogy Development – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   The course is designed to prepare nursing educators with the knowledge, skills, and pedagogical strategies essential for effective teaching and curriculum development in nursing education. This course integrates theory and practice, emphasising the application of evidence-based teaching methodologies to foster an engaging and learner-centred educational environment. This course provides opportunities for learners to explore theories, standards, and techniques to design, deliver, and evaluate a curriculum and learner outcomes will be emphasised. This course will highlight the philosophical and historical influences in nursing education within a contemporary context for curricula development. Students will learn to analyse a written curricular plan, including a mission statement, philosophy, and other essential elements.

1. Academic Writing for Nursing Scholars – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   The course is designed to provide doctoral students in nursing with advanced skills in academic writing, preparing them for the rigours of scholarly communication and research dissemination at the doctoral level. This course covers a comprehensive range of topics, focusing on the nuanced and sophisticated writing skills required for doctoral-level scholarship. The course is tailored for doctoral students in nursing, providing advanced skills and strategies necessary for preparing research manuscripts for publication. This course empowers students to navigate the complexities of academic publishing, from conceptualising impactful research to effectively communicating findings through scholarly journals.

1. Critical Appraisal of the Scientific Literature – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   The “Critical Appraisal of the Scientific Literature” course empowers students with the skills and knowledge to critically evaluate and analyse scientific literature across various disciplines, focusing on healthcare and nursing research. This course aims to develop a discerning and evidence-based approach to literature review and interpretation, providing students with the tools needed for informed decision-making and scholarly contribution. The course is also designed to provide nursing students with a foundational understanding of methodological quality in research design and execution. This course is a gateway to developing critical thinking skills essential for appraising the methodological rigour of nursing research studies. Students will engage with key concepts, tools, and principles to evaluate the quality of research methodologies in nursing and healthcare.

1. Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing Research – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   The “Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing Research” course is designed to provide doctoral students in nursing with a comprehensive understanding of the ethical and legal considerations inherent in the research process. This course explores the moral principles, regulations, and legal frameworks that guide nursing research, emphasising responsible conduct, protecting human subjects, and promoting integrity in research practices.

1. Nursing Science Seminar Series – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   The “Nursing Science Seminar Series” is a dynamic and interactive course designed to foster a scholarly community and provide a platform for exploring and discussing current trends, emerging topics, and cutting-edge research within the field of nursing science. This seminar series serves as a collaborative space where students, faculty, and guest speakers engage in intellectual discourse, share research findings, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of nursing science.

1. Preceptorship and Mentorship in Nursing – 3 Credit Hours
   Course Description:
   The “Preceptorship and Mentorship in Nursing” course prepares nursing students and practising nurses for the critical roles of preceptorship and mentorship in clinical and academic settings. This course focuses on developing the skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate a positive learning environment, foster professional growth, and enhance the transition from student to practitioner or novice to expert in nursing. The course also covers preparing experienced nurses for the pivotal role of clinical instructor, facilitating the integration of theoretical knowledge into clinical practice for nursing students. This course focuses on developing the teaching and assessment skills essential for creating a dynamic and supportive learning environment in various clinical settings.

Thesis (18 Credit Hours)

Doctoral Dissertation
Independent, original research addressing a significant nursing or healthcare problem. Must reflect cultural relevance to the Palestinian context, follow scientific integrity, and produce publishable results that contribute to nursing knowledge and practice.