The programme provides a robust higher education experience which will facilitate preparation for advanced clinical practice and leadership roles. Central to the programme is the aim to encourage research and scholarly activity which contributes to the delivery of clinically effective, evidence-based high quality care.

For the Programme aims to be achieved, students will require to assimilate, integrate and utilise knowledge derived from different sources and from separate fields of study. Modules will enable students, by the exploration of theories, concepts and research findings, to broaden their understanding of the development and provision of health care delivery and to consider issues of relevance to professional practice. Seminar presentations will allow issues to be viewed from a range of perspectives, so allowing students to articulate their opinions, engage in discussion and debate and appreciate diverse points of view.

A reflective, questioning approach will be fostered in classroom discussions and in seminars presented by students. In all modules students will be required to critically appraise up-to-date literature and research studies in order to advance their professional knowledge and understanding. Module assignments will require students to seek a wide range of information from appropriate databases and the World Wide Web.

The philosophy of this programme is rooted in a student centred approach to learning harnessing the expertise of well established practitioners with many years experience in the National Health Service. There is a high degree of student involvement in the learning process enabling participants to learn from one another in a constructive manner thus enhancing the educational experience.

A variety of informal and formal mechanisms are in place to lend support to students during their studies. These include informal student networks, designated academic advisers, mentors and module leaders. A comprehensive Students Services Department exists to offer impartial advice and help and an Effective Learning Service facility is available to help with academic work.

Students can select from three pathways

1. Clinical Practice Pathway
This pathway is designed to provide the necessary knowledge and skills for nurses working at an advanced level of practice within adult acute or critical care environments and those nurses dealing with clients with lifelong illnesses or those aspiring to work in these areas of practice. It will comprise of the compulsory modules Advanced Research Methods, Advancing Nursing Knowledge and the Research Dissertation and also modules on Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment and Management and Non-Medical Prescribing. There is also scope for students to undertake alternative modules to meet the demands of their practice.

2. Clinical Leadership Pathway
This pathway is designed to provide the necessary knowledge and skills for nurses working in advanced leadership roles such as the Senior Charge Nurse and those aspiring to this position. This study pathway would also be of interest to those aspiring to be Nurse Consultants. It will comprise of the compulsory modules Advanced Research Methods, Advancing Nursing Knowledge and the Research Dissertation and also modules on Clinical Leadership, Practice Development and Leading Change.

3. Generic Pathway
This pathway is designed for those nurses who do not wish to pursue a clinical or leadership pathway but wish to study towards a Master’s degree in Nursing. Students will require to undertake the compulsory modules Advanced Research Methods, Advancing Nursing Knowledge and the Research Dissertation and then select appropriate modules to make up the outstanding 75 credits.

This is a modular programme, each module being individually assessed. A variety of assessment strategies are used within modules, including: reports; projects; literature reviews; essays and examinations. A supervised research dissertation is submitted as the final assessment towards the award of MSc Advanced Nursing.

Overseas Students: Partial scholarships may be available and applicants will be advised of these arrangements upon receipt of an offer.