The education of nurses for specialist practice takes place mainly in nursing colleges. In view of ongoing debates about the future positioning of nursing education, an investigation regarding the incorporation of college-based specialist nurse education into universities was needed. The purpose of the study was to develop and describe a model for specialist nurse education in a university. The objectives were set in two phases: Phase 1 objectives were designed to enable the identification of concepts in relation to university education and Phase 2 objectives, to enable the development of a model for specialist nurse education in a university context. This paper gives an account of only the methodology used to meet the research purpose and objectives. It outlines the objectives of Phases 1 and 2, including a detailed description of the research design. In discussing the research design, particular attention was given to theory development. The research methods were described with reference to data collection methods and procedures, study samples and sampling methods, data analysis methods and processes, to ensure the trustworthiness of the study. The model is described in Part 2 of the article.