At the completion of the Ph.D. Program in Nursing Science, graduates will be able to:

1. Generate nursing knowledge and innovation through research processes and using digital technology competencies to solve problems, and respond to the health needs of people with cultural diversity, as well as to develop the quality of nursing and improve nursing outcomes.

2. Be a role model in practicing ethical principles, demonstrating morality, and professional ethics in professional and social development.

3. Reveal academic and research leadership qualities, give accurate guidance and lead the changes related to health and nursing professions, including transferring knowledge through appropriate information systems and technology.

4. Work effectively with others and build strong health and research networks both nationally and internationally.

5. Be a lifelong learner and learn with the skills to change one’s individual mindset from learning and experiences.

6. Be a good global citizen, value cultural diversity, be committed to doing good for humankind, and use the principle of sufficiency economy for self and social development.

          The doctoral program is structured as a three-year program for full-time students. Plan 1.1 and Plan 2.1 are as follows:

Plan 1.1: Research Program

          Students in this program must take at least 9 credits/semester of course 641-981 (Thesis). Additionally, they are required to enroll in course 641-816 (Seminar in Doctoral Thesis I) during their first year and course 641-917 (Seminar in Doctoral Thesis II) during their third year. They must also propose their research plan to their advisor to fulfill program requirements. Under the supervision of the Thesis Advisory Committee, students shall periodically present reports on their research progress, including a mandatory six-month progress report. Students must demonstrate research progress throughout the program, which is reviewed and approved by the Graduate Studies Committee. Students may be required to take additional theoretical courses, either within the Faculty of Nursing at Prince of Songkla University or at other schools, as deemed appropriate. They must discuss these courses with their advisor and obtain approval from their advisory committee before enrolling.

First Year:

          Students must demonstrate knowledge of inquiry and argument regarding theoretical frameworks and methodologies relevant to their topic of interest. They must also show basic competencies in data collection and analysis. The thesis title requires approval by the Program Committee chairperson at each semester's end. The thesis proposal shall be developed during this year, and students are expected to pass the qualifying examination by year-end.

Second Year:

          Students must update and synthesize existing knowledge related to their topic. The proposal defense must be completed in the first semester. Implementation of the thesis research plan—including data collection and analysis—must continue.

Third Year:

          Students must synthesize knowledge generated from their thesis and present their findings. A public thesis defense is mandatory and requires approval by the Thesis Committee. Students are also recommended to present their research study at an international and/or national conference.

Plan 2.1: Coursework and Research Program

          Students should complete core courses at the Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University. Elective courses (substantive knowledge and research methodologies courses) may be taken if offered by other schools, either in Thailand or in a foreign country, with the approval of the advisory thesis committee and the PhD program committee.

1. Plan 1.1 applicants

1.1 For Thai applicant – To be a graduate from an educational institution recognized by Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council in Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science or equal and earn Master’s degree in Nursing Science in Plan A or equal or Master’s degree in other related fields under the consideration of the PhD admission committee.

         For International applicant - In case of an applicant who is not Thai, she/ or he is needed to be prepared with Master’s degree in Nursing science or equal, and received nursing and midwifery license from her/ or his own country, if there is not, the applicant is needed to receive a certificate of registered nurse or certified by nursing regulatory authority from her/ or his own country

1.2 Have at least 1 research article (from research studies/thesis) published /received a letter of acceptance for publication in international standard journal or national journal over the past 3 years

1.3 Require proficiency in English by;

    PSU-TEP average score of 3 skills not less than 60

    TOEFL (Paper Based) not less than 500 score or

    TOEFL (revised Paper-delivered Test) not less than 46 score or

    TOEFL (Institutional Testing Program) not less than 520 score or

    TOEFL (Computer Based) not less than 173 score or

    TOEFL (Internet Based) not less than 61 score or

    IELTS not less than 5.0 score or

    CU-TEP not less than 60 score

     Only official test reports are accepted. Scores must be from within the last two years.

1.4 Earn current professional license to practice nursing approved by the Nursing Councils from their own country

1.5 Have good work experience, responsibilities and possess good behavior without a history of unethical and immoral behavior

1.6 No underlying disease to hinder the study

1.7 Other matters based on the appointed PhD. Committee’s consideration

2. Plan 2.1 applicant

2.1 Earn the requirements in item 1.1 - 1.7 except item 1.2 by having at least 1 research article (from research studies/thesis) published / received a letter of acceptance for publication in international standard journal or national journal over the past 5 years.

2.2 If the applicant graduated from Master of Nursing in plan B, the independent study must have adopted research methodology and must be published /received a letter of acceptance for publication in international standard journal or national journal at least 2 articles over the past 5 years.

Thai student

get the scholarship from original affiliation 85,000 baht/semester
private fund 50,000 baht/semester

International student

125,000 baht/semester