Masters degrees in Adult Nursing equip postgraduates with the skills to assess, manage, treat and monitor adult patients in a variety of health, clinical and care settings.
Related subjects include Adult-Gerontological Nursing and Nursing Studies, and it’s possible to study these courses either as an MSc or as a PGDip. Entry requirements typically include an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as Nursing, Midwifery or Medicine.
Our programme offers you the opportunity to gain professional registration in adult nursing, together with an academic postgraduate qualification.
It will develop you as an autonomous, reflective practitioner who has empathic qualities, is committed to delivering high-quality care and can empower individuals to maximise their own independence.
Clinical, decision-making and leadership skills are developed progressively throughout the programme. Biosciences and psychosocial, spiritual, ethical and legal aspects of care inform a holistic approach to care, alongside a strong emphasis on interprofessional learning.
In contemporary healthcare, collaborative practice is vital in meeting the complex needs of individuals and their families.
This programme is studied full-time over two academic years; over this period students must gain 2,300 hours of theory and 2,300 hours of practice for NMC registration. The programme is divided into modules.
On successful completion of the programme students may apply for registration with The Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Registered Nurse.
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
Year 1 (FHEQ Level 6)
Year 2 (FHEQ Level 7)
Individuals who have an undergraduate or higher degree in a relevant subject, normally obtained within the last five years, and experience of working in a health care environment.
Applicants are required to demonstrate that they have worked for a minimum of 575 hours within a paid healthcare role, gained within a year of commencing the programme. This is equivalent to 16 weeks of full-time work and may be achieved through part time-work over a longer period of time.
Applicants also need to be ambitious and passionate about a career in nursing, with the ability and drive to complete the programme in two years.
Nursing is the largest healthcare profession in the country and nurses play a role in the delivery of most healthcare services. Although many qualified nurses work in hospitals, they can also work in general practice surgeries, community settings, home healthcare, outpatient day surgeries, nursing homes, schools, mental health agencies, hospices, the military and industry.
Many of our graduates are initially employed by the NHS Trust in which they had their practice experience, before going on to further studies and employment opportunities. Some nurses develop careers in education or research, promoting advances in many areas of healthcare and health promotion practice. NHS Careers has further information.
Our students benefit from the support of mentors and other health care practitioners. The School of Health Sciences enjoys excellent partnership working with our local NHS Trusts and care givers within the independent sector.
Staff within the School of Health Sciences have internationally recognised expertise in areas such as cancer, dementia, ethics and compassionate practice.
As a postgraduate student, you will be taught by lecturers who are active researchers or have a wealth of experience in their areas.
The programme aims to:
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Nursing (Adult) at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
NO TUITION FEES to pay for UK and EU students - our NHS bursary is available to Nursing programme applicants who have lived in UK for last 3-years. To receive funding from the NHS Wales Bursary Scheme, students will have to commit to working in Wales for 2 years following the completion of their Nursing (Adult) course.
EMPLOYABILITY: 99% of Nursing graduates are employed in a professional or managerial job 6 months after graduating (Unistats 2016).
AVERAGE EARNINGS: Nursing graduates can expect a starting salary of £22,128 rising to £34,000 for a highly-experienced staff nurse.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: The Nursing programme is open to graduates with a 2:2 degree or above who have a minimum of 750 hours’ experience of working in health related environments, such as care homes, hospitals, community or homecare.
ACCREDITATION: Nursing graduates will be eligible to apply for Registered Nurse status with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Winner of the Student Nursing Times Award 2014 – Pre-registration Nurse Education Provider of the Year
The 2-year MSc in Nursing (Adult) is open to applicants who have already completed an honours degree and have a minimum of 750 hours’ experience in a healthcare setting in the last year.
The curriculum for the MSc in Nursing is designed to meet the needs of the changing demography in the wider population and the emerging health needs. A range of teaching and learning strategies are implemented to engage the learner including simulation, practice learning, lectures, skills rehearsals, and online digital learning resources.
Practice based learning is central to the students’ development, and Nursing (Adult) students will spend 40 weeks of their course on placement. Here they will gain experience in a diverse range of nursing settings, including community, nursing homes, and hospitals.
The Nursing (Adult) programme has been designed to develop the students’ personal and professional attributes, knowledge and skills required of a newly registered nurse.
The Nursing (Adult) course does not follow the usual University term times. The academic year starts in early September and ends late the following August.
50% of the teaching for Nursing students will take place in healthcare placements, and the other 50% will be taught at university.
The MSc Nursing (Adult) is made up of five modules:
Year 1:
Module 1 – Introduction to Nursing
Module 2 - Living with Long-term and Chronic Conditions
Year 2
Module 3 – Managing Complex Care in Deteriorating Situations
Module 4 – Leadership & Decision-making
Module 5 – Dissertation
Teaching is based on a social model and Nursing (Adult) students will be taught to appreciate healthcare and the well- being of the patient in the wider context. A range of teaching methods will be adopted in order to provide a stimulating learning environment. These will include; lectures, guided reading, seminars, discussion groups, scenarios, distance learning, practical sessions, simulated practice and Enquiry Based Learning.
Assessments will enable Nursing (Adult) students to develop creative, critical thinking and decision-making skills. Students will learn how to deal with real-life situations in the form of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE), poster presentations and will even write a journal article ready for publication.
There are no tuition fees to pay for the MSc Nursing (Adult) for UK / EU students.
To be eligible for WEDS funding international students must have residency for 3 years (working and living) in the United Kingdom. EU area students can also apply. Standard fees apply for international students.
FUNDING: You may be eligible for university funding to help support your study. Find out more about scholarships and bursaries and other opportunities.
Job prospects are very good for Swansea University Adult Nursing students, 99% are employed in graduate level jobs within six months of graduating.
Most work in the NHS. Clinical specialties are varied but typical areas of practice include accident and emergency, surgery and medicine, or the community.
Adult nursing graduates can expect a starting salary of about £21,000 rising to £34,000 for a highly-experienced staff nurse. Specialist nurses and practice managers can earn £45,000. Pay scales from the Royal College of Nursing website can be viewed here.
There has never been a more exciting time to join the nursing profession. Registered nurses can work in a variety of environments including hospitals, GP surgeries, clinics, nursing and residential homes, occupational health services, voluntary organisations, the armed forces and industry.
Nursing (Adult) graduates will be eligible to register as nurses for work in EU and EEA. UK trained nurses are very much sought after in Australia and New Zealand.
Recent Nursing programme alumni now work locally as ward managers, staff nurses and as community nurses. Take a look at our employability pages to read our graduate success stories.
The first year is divided into two parts. In part one you will undertake a bridging module introducing you to the foundations of nursing and healthcare. In part two you will look at the context of nursing within a variety of client groups within your specific field of nursing.
In your second year (part three) you will learn about the analysis and application of research and evidence base and the complexities of nursing at an individual and organisational level as well as preparing for your transition to registered nurse.
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.
Year 1 modules (part one and two)
-Introduction to Nursing for Graduates
-Nursing Practice Part 1
-Nursing the Acutely Ill Adult
-Long Term Conditions in Adult Nursing
-Nursing Practice Part 2
Year 2 modules (part three)
-Complexities of Adult Nursing
-Transition to Professional Practice in Adult Nursing
-Developing and Analysing Evidence-Based Practice
-Nursing Practice Part 3
Studying the MSc Nursing programme will enable graduate students to practice effectively within a professional values base in a variety of health and social care settings: emphasising compassion, communication and dignity in care. You’ll gain an advanced understanding, knowledge and the skills required in becoming a first level qualified nurse with a sound portfolio of clinical and interpersonal skills, preparing you for your preferred career pathway.
Successful completion of this programme will lead to a dual academic and professional qualification:
Academic - MSc Pre-Registration Nursing (180 credits at Level 7)
Professional - Registered Nurse (Adult or Mental Health) - registered with the NMC (Nursing & Midwifery Council)
ADULT NURSING FIELD
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
MENTAL HEALTH NURSING FIELD
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
This course aims to prepare graduates for future employment as a registered nurse, primarily within the NHS and independent health care sectors.
Registered nurses have a wide variety of career pathways open to them, which include:
The School of Nursing is committed to the values and principles of the NHS Constitution and these are integral to this programme. Our approach aims to foster a culture which embraces the NHS Values of:
UCLan is one of the foremost providers of health and welfare education in the UK and is committed to excellence in learning, teaching and research. But don't take our word for it… we have been awarded the highest independent quality assessment by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education for the design, content and management of our curricula, student achievement and standards of teaching.
Our student selection process is underpinned by the National Values Based Recruitment strategy. The selection process has to provide evidence that the future students would aspire to a high standard of excellence in professionalism which is consistent with the NHS values i.e. working together for patients, respect and dignity, commitment to quality of care, compassion, improving lives, and everyone counts.
Service users, carers and the wider community are actively involved in the development, delivery and running of this programme. Service users and carers share their experiences with students at the University and are involved in providing students with feedback in clinical practice, as well as being involved in recruitment and assessment activities.
We are committed to delivering academic learning of the highest quality, helping you to stretch your mind and fulfil your university and career pathway ambitions.
Please Note: Applications for this full-time course should be made via UCAS.
Our programme will ensure you gain the characteristics today which employers are looking for in the nurses of tomorrow.
Our first-class team of skilled, expert and research-active nurse lecturers will work with you to make sure you achieve your full potential enabling you to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as an Adult Nurse. Our training will equip you to communicate effectively and develop the analytical and critical thinking, decision-making skills needed to make a difference.
Our MSc programme provides quality training alongside strong tutor support and a vibrant student experience, which is reflected in our position as 2nd in London for student satisfaction. Your training will ensure you develop in confidence and ability, preparing you to become a caring and compassionate clinician.
At the University of Greenwich, we are dedicated to supporting you to becoming professional nurses fit to take forward the Adult Nursing profession. We will offer you committed and passionate teaching in order to achieve your goals.
Your clinical placements will span across the whole spectrum of Adult Nursing. We offer the opportunity to undergo placements with internationally renowned Trusts such as St Bart's Health and Kings College NHS Foundation, as well as more locally based services in Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust.
The duration of your training will provide you with hands on experience and the time to put your theoretical learning into practice, alongside highly skilled Adult Nurses in acute and rehabilitation services as well as specialist fields such as intensive care nursing, emergency care and public health.
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Year 2
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
The programme will have conjoint approval for the University of Greenwich and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Completion of the Masters programme will enhance our student's employment prospects by creating reflective self-learners, promoting creative thinking and innovation whilst encouraging their future leadership, management, consultant nurse or research roles.
Fully equipped skills laboratories and simulated wards on campus are utilised to support learning.
At the University of Greenwich, we want to make the experience for our health and social care students as simple as possible, keeping costs to a minimum and ensuring our students get the best experience. To support our students on these courses we offer a package that includes;
*Eligible students only. Terms and conditions apply.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Adult Nursing is designed for students who already have a degree and are looking for progression and further challenges which can be fulfilled by undertaking a rewarding and lifelong career within the nursing profession.
Throughout the course, students will develop their knowledge, skills and interests in both general medicine and surgery in addition to specialist areas. They will learn through a range of methods including academic study, simulated practice learning and clinical placements where they will have the opportunity to work alongside other health care professionals in a multidisciplinary team.
Adult Nursing BSc and PG Dip – Read third year student Olivia Tompkins’ monthly blog to find out why she choose to study adult nursing at City, her experiences on the course and advice for anyone considering studying adult nursing City.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Adult Nursing prepares you for a fulfilling and rewarding career caring for adults of all ages who have had injuries, suffered accidents, acquired disease or have a range of healthcare needs.
Adult nursing is a challenging and fulfilling profession; as an adult nurse you need to be committed and dedicated with the willingness to give time to others with care and compassion. You will learn the skills of clinical decision-making that is supported by knowledge and experience of providing healthcare to a diverse population.
The course combines theoretical study with clinical experience gained at London’s leading hospitals, trusts and community settings. The School's facilities feature an excellent Clinical Skills Centre, including simulated wards, where you can prepare for your practice experience. Whilst on clinical placements you will also benefit from exposure to the capital’s diverse population.
On successful graduation you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which provides an internationally recognised professional qualification enabling you to practice in the UK and overseas.
Additional qualifications may be required in some countries.
Half of your time as a student will be spent gaining practice experience through laboratory based simulated practice and through clinical placements in health care settings.
Simulated practice is a significant component of your practice learning experience and will provide opportunities for you to rehearse a range of practical nursing skills and enact scenarios in a realistic, but safe simulated environment in our excellent clinical laboratories supervised by lecturers. Through this experience you will develop confidence as you prepare for your practice experience and gain a sense of purpose and belonging to the nursing profession.
Clinical placements can take place in a variety of settings such as:
Placements take place within our partnership of healthcare providers in Central and North East London who provide you with clinical placements, including Barts Health NHS Trust, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Clinical placements are a vital factor in promoting understanding and development of professional knowledge and skills.
The course is taught by academics who:
You will also work with service users who have an insight and understanding of the requirements of care delivery by nurses from a personal perspective.
Course activities include the following:
Assessments include the following:
Clinical Practice Assessment – Pass/Fail
This course is based on the theory of relationship-centred care and the psychological, social and biological factors influencing health. These themes are explored in the context of acute and long-term care and later in the course there is an emphasis on leading and managing in professional practice.
The course has three parts with two progression points which must be successfully completed in order to progress to the next part. The modular structure of the programme is developmental and students study at HE level 7 throughout the programme with students expected to demonstrate increasing levels of self-directed independent study as the programme progresses.
Student independent learning time varies during the programme and is focused more in the theory modules and averages between 30-50 hours a week.
All modules are compulsory.
Career prospects are excellent with Postgraduate Diploma students securing employment as Band 5 Staff Nurses with Trusts including Barts Health NHS Trust, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and University College London Hospital's NHS Foundation Trust.
Nursing is a lifelong career and there are excellent progression opportunities in clinical management, education, research and clinical specialisms and many and varied career paths ranging from sister/ charge nurse, community nurse to nurse director. Specialisms include the following:
Postgraduates can complete the MSc programme at City. In order to be awarded an MSc you need 180 credits at level 7 (M level). Postgraduates will have 120 credits if a merit\distinction has been awarded you will be able to consider this option after you have finished the course.
The MSc Nursing with Registration (Adult) is for graduates from every academic discipline, from Accounting to Zoology, who want to become a qualified adult nurse and gain a master-level qualification.
This is a stimulating and challenging programme, integrating theory and practice in the discipline of nursing. Clinical nursing practice is at the centre of the programme and takes place in a variety of settings in the Leeds area. It includes regional healthcare specialities, such as renal, liver, neurology and cardiac.
You’ll study at the University campus and through our Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll experience a variety of different field-specific clinical placements, including acute and long-term settings, and will care for people in hospital and in the community.
Students who successfully complete this programme will be able to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
The first year of the course is designed to introduce you to theoretical knowledge, skills and attitudes required for clinical practice. Underpinning subjects, such as biology, sociology, psychology, communication and the theory and practice of nursing, are taught via a level 3 (degree level) module. You spend time in clinical practice in this year, where you'll develop a number of nursing skills and apply your theoretical knowledge.
Over the next two years of the programme you'll further develop your knowledge and skills, but more specifically in relation to adult nursing. The first module of this year will be at level 3, but all remaining modules will be at Master’s level. You study modules specific to nursing, as well as more generic leadership and research modules. You’ll have access to modern School of Healthcare facilities.
There is the opportunity to study an optional module from a menu centred on either research, advanced practice or management. The optional modules include the opportunity to have an observational placement abroad.
Clinical experience
Clinical experience during the programme will include some weekend and night duty shifts to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) recommendations. Time is also given in the programme for independent study and assessment preparation.
Holidays are allocated for the whole three years to meet University and NMC regulations and cannot be negotiated. We make every effort to link these to school holidays at Christmas, Easter and in August.
The programme will provide you with:
Year 1 Compulsory modules
Year 2 Compulsory modules
Year 3 Compulsory modules
For more information on typical modules, read Nursing (Adult) MSc in the course catalogue
This programme gives you the opportunity to gain and develop a vast range of theoretical nursing knowledge and practical skills through taught sessions and attendance in clinical practice. You’ll attend the University one or two days a week and will be in clinical placement for the remainder of the week.
There is flexibility within the modules for you to develop your knowledge and skills in those areas of practice most appropriate to the work environment, and you’ll be able to learn with other healthcare professionals. You’ll have access to a wide range of different clinical specialisms, including hospital and community placements. You’ll also develop research skills and carry out a dissertation project related to nursing practice.
At the end of the programme, we’ll support you in meeting the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requirements for entry to the professional register.
When and where do I study?
Intake for the programme is in September of each academic year.
Study is at the University of Leeds and through use of the institution’s Virtual Learning environment (VLE) Blackboard® and you will experience a wide variety of different, field specific clinical placements. They will include acute and long-term settings as well as caring for people in hospital and community. You will be required to attend the University one or two days per week and will be in clinical placement for the remainder of the week.
Clinical experience during the programme will include some weekend and night duty shifts in order to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council recommendations.
Time is also given in the programme for independent/private study and assessment preparation.
There is a work-based learning focus with assessment methods linked to your practice and your work.
