Program Overview

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Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) Program

The University of British Columbia's PhD in Nursing program is designed to prepare students to generate, integrate, and implement new disciplinary knowledge aimed at improving nursing, health, and health care. This program offers students the opportunity to work with a supervisor to develop a research training program that meets their individual goals.

Why Choose the UBC PhD in Nursing?

The UBC PhD in Nursing program provides students with the opportunity to:

• Prepare for leadership roles within academic institutions, practice settings, and policy arenas
• Graduate with a portfolio that showcases their competencies and skills
• Network with eminent scholars at seminars and conferences
• Gain opportunities to access independent studies, practicums, and research and teaching opportunities
• Meet and learn from leaders in nursing practice, research, and policy

Core Curricular Components

The required coursework comprises nine credits, including:

• NURS 580: The Philosophy of Evidence
• NURS 581: Leadership in Knowledge Application and Translation
• NURS 554: Advanced Research Methods
• Two terms enrolled in the doctoral seminars (0 credits)

NURS 580 - The Philosophy of Evidence

This course introduces the philosophy of science and evidence as it is understood in the context of nursing scholarship. The learning activities provide an opportunity for critical appraisal of the ways in which scientific activity within the applied health sciences, and particularly nursing as a practice discipline, is distinguished from other forms of scientific activity.

NURS 581 - Leadership in Knowledge Application and Translation

Through an examination of philosophies, theories, and praxis in the application of nursing knowledge, this graduate-level course prepares students to lead innovative research, education, and practice in knowledge application and translation.

NURS 554 - Advanced Research Methods

This course involves intensive inquiry into research design issues relevant to nursing and health research, including the conduct of interdisciplinary research.

NURS 601 - Doctoral Seminars

This course is designed as a set of student-centered seminars to provide an ongoing opportunity for students to discuss phenomena relevant to nursing science, academia, and the process of undertaking doctoral thesis research.

Portfolio of Research and Leadership Competencies

To be prepared to assume leadership as a nursing scholar, students will develop a portfolio of relevant experiences that demonstrate their achievement of the following set of competencies:

• Writing for peer-reviewed publication
• Writing competitive research funding proposals
• Conducting peer reviews
• Conference and seminar participation
• Research teamwork
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Knowledge application
• Community engagement
• Teaching
• Mentoring and consulting skills

Comprehensive Examination

Students must complete their comprehensive exam within the first 24 months in the doctoral program. The comprehensive exam comprises two essays in the form of a take-home exam and an oral defense.

Candidacy Examination and Advancement to Candidacy

After successfully completing the comprehensive exam, students will work with their supervisor and committee to develop a research proposal, which must be publicly defended through an oral candidacy examination. Successful completion of the oral candidacy exam leads to advancement to candidacy, normally occurring within 36 months from admission.

Dissertation Research

Students complete their dissertation research under the supervision of their committee. They must submit the written dissertation and complete the final oral examination no later than 72 months of their admission to the doctoral program.

Dissertation Planning

The PhD dissertation is an original piece of work that offers students the opportunity to hone their research skills, become an expert in a specialized area of knowledge, and contribute to their field of scholarship.

General Timeline

• First Year: Confirm a dissertation supervisor and establish a dissertation supervisory committee.
• Within 2 Years: Complete the comprehensive examination.
• Within 3 Years: Complete the candidacy examination and advance to candidacy.
• Within 4 Years: Submit the dissertation for external examination and complete the final oral examination.