MSc Nursing Studies (Adult) Pre-registration

Please ensure you read the guidance and complete the Portfolio of Evidence and Declaration before commencing your course application.

You must meet the course academic entry requirements and be highly motivated towards a career in nursing, demonstrate a good insight into the nurse’s role within the health and social care arena, and have excellent communication skills. 

Nursing courses are typically three years, so in order to join this two-year master’s degree, you are required to submit a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) portfolio of evidence. The portfolio is a condition for application and shortlisting.

You are also expected to have:

• a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English and maths. Key Skills/Functional Skills Level 2 in Communication and Application of Number can be accepted in place of GCSEs
• a degree with a 2:2 classification or above.

Recognition of Prior Learning

You must submit a reflective portfolio which demonstrates how you have achieved the NMC outcomes for year 1 of the course. Additionally, you must provide evidence that you have worked a minimum of 500 hours within a health or social care setting, either paid or voluntary. Your written reflection within the portfolio will be marked at level 7 (MSc).

Shortlisting criteria
Your application is measured against the following criteria:

• your ability to complete all sections of the application form fully and correctly
• the level of all qualifications and grades are specified
• appropriate academic entry requirements achieved or working towards qualifications
• personal statement supportive of chosen course and demonstrates an understanding of the uniqueness of the profession and the role of the professional
• satisfactory appropriate supportive references (academic/employer/character)
• completion of the RPL portfolio to a high standard.

If you are invited to interview and the date is not suitable, we may not be able to offer you an alternative date due to the high volume of applications received for this course – but it is important that you contact the admissions office immediately.

Interview criteria

An online or face to face interview is used as part of the selection process. This involves you answering a series of questions and scenarios measured against the six Cs and the following criteria, which has been mapped against the NHS Constitution:
• knowledge of chosen profession/career
• an appreciation of the demands of the course and chosen profession
• enthusiasm for the course/profession
• ability to communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally
• a future plan for the specialism.

If you are successful in both shortlisting and interview you receive a conditional offer which is subject to the following:
• evidence of achievement of the required academic qualifications
• a successful work-based risk assessment which will reflect the appropriate HEOPS recommendations
• an enhanced criminal history (DBS) check may be required for certain modules or placements which involve working with children and/or adults at risk. Where an enhanced DBS check is required, applicants will cover the cost of these checks which can only be processed through the University.
• satisfactory references.
Please note until these conditions have been successfully completed the offer of a place on the course remains conditional.

International applicants

• International applicants must have a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking or equivalent in line with the University English Language policy that equates to overall IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in writing before an unconditional offer is made.
• If you are successful at shortlisting, you are invited to attend an online interview (which will be arranged by the University).

If you cannot attend an interview as stated, you will be unable to proceed with your application.

Guidance and Portfolio of Evidence and Declaration forms
MSc Nursing – Written Assignment Guidelines
Confidentiality and Informed Consent Guidelines
MSc Nursing Portfolio of Evidence
Confidentiality and Informed Consent Declaration

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements

International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country

For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more

A diverse range of career opportunities are available within the NHS and private sectors in the UK and overseas. This course provides a stepping stone from which you can develop your expertise. You have the opportunity to explore future career and academic development opportunities, including becoming an NMC professional registrant, plus possible progression to becoming a non-medical prescriber, an advanced practitioner, alumni member or graduate researcher. Progression to doctoral studies may also be considered on completion of the course.

The current employability rate is excellent for nursing graduates. To gain a higher grade and leadership posts within the nursing profession, registrants are required to be qualified to master’s level. This course therefore enables you to be future ready and highly employable. Completion of the course positions you and may inspire you to pursue an accelerated career pathway towards becoming a future leader, clinical expert or researcher within the nursing profession.

RPL portfolio

Evidenced through the successful production of an RPL portfolio in accordance with University procedures.

Year 2 core modules

A Partnership in Care – Valuing the Experts by Experience

You will gain the requisite skills needed to analyse, conduct and assess qualitative research within the applied psychology setting. You will also gain an understanding of key theoretical approaches in designing qualitative research projects as well as practical experience in collecting and analysing qualitative data. The module aims to facilitate the development of a knowledge of and skills in using advanced qualitative research designs, specifically it will develop your knowledge and skills in qualitative research design and methods as applicable to applied psychology at MSc level. You will understand the relationship between theory and practice of interpretative approaches in psychological research, and explore different modes of investigation and analysis employed within these interpretative approaches.

Indicative content:

Theoretical approaches in qualitative research: phenomenological, ethnographic, social constructionist, discursive and narrative approaches
Sampling in qualitative research
Interview design and constructing the data corpus
Analysis of textual and visual data including Grounded Theory; Interpretative Phenomenological analysis; Narrative inquiry; Semiotics; Discursive Psychology; Conversation analysis; Critical discourse analysis & affective textual analysis
Trustworthiness and credibility

The assessment for this module is a 5,000 word qualitative research bid including feasibility study and data analysis (ECA, 100%).

Contemporary Public Health in Nursing Practice

You gain the knowledge, skills and understanding of the nurse’s role in health improvement locally, nationally and globally. Learning alongside master’s students from other areas of nursing, you explore current public health legislation and policies which impact on health and wellbeing, emphasising inequalities in health.