The demand for skilled nurses across the world continues to grow, as do the demands placed on those already within that profession. In order to thrive within nursing, a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development is a must. This course has been developed to allow you to gain new skills and knowledge alongside your existing responsibilities as a nurse.

Designed for those hoping to progress to senior nursing roles, this course combines healthcare modules with a grounding in management and leadership. Not only will you improve the care you offer to your patients, you will also improve your ability to manage sensitive situations in different healthcare contexts - and to improve your management skills for the benefit of your position, organisation or region. A key part of the course will include producing a professional practice portfolio which will provide proof of your autonomy and your ability to develop your skills through reflective practice.

Our modules have been designed to be relevant globally, regardless of country or context, and you can choose from a range of optional modules to enhance your knowledge in certain areas of theoretical practice, such as:

  • the management of disease, including pathophysiology and pharmacology
  • the principles of pain management
  • the theoretical knowledge required to support the management of diabetes care both in primary and secondary healthcare settings
  • the role of nurses in meeting the needs of vulnerable individuals, groups and communities
  • the scientific concepts underpinning infection control and prevention
  • contemporary models and strategies to guide the design of effective health promotion activities
  • practical leadership skills underpinned by a critical appreciation of leadership theory

Towards the end of your course you will have the opportunity to produce a piece of original research in the form of a dissertation on an issue within nursing which you find interesting. You will investigate, analyse and report on your results effectively and ethically.

MSc Award
January, April, July, October Start
Part-time, Distance, Online Study Mode
24 months Duration

Entry Requirements For This Course

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That's why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within your two-week induction period of the course in order to continue with your studies.

Because of the work-based nature of the programme, all students must be working in clinical practice as a registered nurse or with a license to practice as a nurse with a nursing regulator or appropriate licensing board.

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the Academic Entry Route requirements for our MSc Nursing programme students must meet the following criteria as a minimum:

  • An undergraduate degree or equivalent in a health or social care related subject from an approved institution
  • Working in clinical practice as a registered nurse or licensed to practice as a nurse with a nursing regulator or appropriate licensing board

Work experience entry route

Students who do not have a degree may be eligible for entry and will be considered on an individual basis. In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our MSc Nursing, you must meet the following criteria:

  • at least three years' post-qualification work experience as a registered nurse or licensed to practice as a nurse with a nursing regulator or appropriate licensing board, supported by appropriate references

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0. Don't worry if you don't hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification - we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don't need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

View the latest updates from University of Essex Online

Location of University of Essex Online