Nursing Practice MSc

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With this master's degree, you can elevate your nursing experience, knowledge, and skills while opening new career opportunities and deepening your understanding of what significant employers like the NHS are looking for.

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Overview

This master's degree is designed to assist nursing students in advancing their careers as registered nurses in the UK. The course is tailored explicitly for overseas nurses preparing for their NMC OSCE exams, with specialised modules in the second term to support their assessment success. It is also open to experienced nurses seeking to enhance their clinical or teaching skills.

The course focuses on developing the skills and values necessary to practice as a registered nurse, allowing you to select your area of practice, such as adult, child, mental health, or learning disability nursing. Additionally, you’ll learn critical self-evaluation and lifelong learning, which are essential for healthcare professionals.

For more information read the programme specification.

*This programme is not approved by the NMC and does not lead to NMC registration. If you are an international student who wants to work as a nurse within the UK, you will need to register separately with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). This programme will help to prepare you for the NMC registration by providing you with the academic and clinical skills the NMC are looking for and will test in their Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Once registered, you will be able to work as a nurse in the UK.

Why us?

We provide a free two-week IELTS preparation short course for nursing students, designed to help you achieve the required IELTS score of 7.0 for NMC registration.
Personalise your learning by picking modules relevant to your area of clinical work.

We’re proud to be shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2024. 
We're 2nd in the UK for International Student Diversity (QS World University Rankings: Europe 2025).

Course structure

This full-time course spans one year and requires more independent reading and research than an undergraduate degree.

All modules will necessitate research using primary and secondary sources to develop subject knowledge and complete module assessments. Self-directed study is also integrated into all modules to encourage students to take greater responsibility for their learning experience, including reading, class preparation, group activities, revision, and assessment work.

To challenge and engage students, the program team aims to incorporate innovative teaching and learning approaches, such as gamification, online discussion forums, and wiki-based projects.

Additionally, students will learn modules in a simulation facility equipped with an immersive simulation suite, mock wards, a mock house for community simulations, and various simulation mannequins for teaching purposes.

IELTS short course

As part of our commitment to supporting our students, we offer a free two-week IELTS preparation short course exclusively for nursing students after completion of their programme. This 12-hour course is designed to help you achieve the required IELTS score of 7.0, a crucial step for NMC registration in the UK. The course covers key areas including speaking, listening, reading, writing, and important aspects of language such as phonology, morphology, and syntax. You'll also participate in a mock IELTS exam, giving you the preparation needed to succeed.

CORE MODULES:

Advanced Approaches to Applied Learning for Health (30 credits)

This module is designed to equip you with essential skills for success in higher education and beyond. You'll dive into key areas like critical thinking, academic writing, reflective practice, and evidence-based nursing, all while building the confidence to tackle challenges in your academic journey. This module is about boosting your abilities as a learner and preparing you to excel in your studies and nursing career.

Advanced Decision-Making Skills in Healthcare (30 credits)

You'll dive deep into critical evaluation, learning to improve your decision-making skills in real-world healthcare scenarios. This module is designed to help you sharpen your clinical reasoning, judgement, and decision-making abilities, which are crucial for your nursing career. You’ll explore critical models and frameworks used in clinical judgement across different healthcare settings, giving you the tools to make informed, confident decisions in your practice.

Leadership and Innovation for Sustainable Healthcare (30 credits)

This module aims to build your confidence, helping you to take on leadership roles and promote sustainable healthcare through new ideas in nursing. You’ll learn critical leadership skills, allowing them to lead positive changes, think creatively, and provide excellent, patient-focused care in your work.

Research Methods (30 credits)

Learn how to conduct practical secondary data analysis, critically evaluate research articles using the right tools, and gather solid evidence to answer essential nursing and public health questions. You'll gain the skills to back up your practice with reliable research, helping you make informed decisions in your field.

Research Project (30 credits)

Get the opportunity to dive deep into a health issue of your choice using secondary data to conduct independent research. You’ll explore a topic that interests you, applying the skills and knowledge gained throughout the programme. This is your chance to showcase your expertise while developing valuable research skills.

OPTIONAL MODULES:

Advanced Health Assessment – Learning Disability Nursing (30 credits)

You'll cover everything from professional accountability and promoting health to assessing needs, planning, and evaluating care. The module also focuses on leading teams, improving safety and quality, and coordinating care—all while meeting the proficiency standards for registered learning disability nurses.

Advanced Health Assessment – Mental Health Nursing (30 credits)

Whether you have a non-NMC-approved qualification or an NMC-approved qualification in a different nursing branch, this module will equip you with everything you need to excel in mental health nursing confidently.

Advanced Health Assessment – Paediatric Nursing (30 credits)

This module aims to help health, social care, and nursing professionals care for children with short-term and long-term health problems. It prepares you to work across primary and secondary care, meeting children's health needs. During the module, you’ll learn how to assess children's physical health and use health promotion strategies. It also covers critical nursing skills that are important for working with children.

Advanced Health Assessments – Adult Nursing (30 credits)

Sharpen your clinical skills through hands-on simulation practices, putting you in realistic scenarios where you can build confidence and expertise. You’ll master the entire patient care process—from assessment to planning, implementing, and evaluating care—ensuring you’re ready to deliver personalised, evidence-based care in real-world settings.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.

To study this course, you need:

2:2 honours degree in nursing; or

Equivalent professional qualifications

You must meet the minimum English language requirements to join the course:

6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (IELTS)

We accept a range of English language tests and qualifications for students from all over the world. View the complete list here.

Accreditation of prior learning (APL)

APL is the term used when you get credit towards your course for something you learned in the past. It means you might only need to study some of the course, including several modules.

This can come from:

Previous learning

Work experience

If you could get APL, contact our Admissions team.

Fees and finance

2024/25 fees

The annual fee for this course is:

£8,000 for UK Home/EU (settled/pre-settled status only)
£17,400 for International/EU (non-settled status)

For the 2024/25 academic year, even though you are classified as an International Student, EU nationals receive a £6,400 scholarship, which reduces the fees from £17,400 to £10,500. The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter.

2025/26 fees