Advanced Healthcare & Clinical Practice

This 16 month taught Masters programme nurtures talented and innovative nurses and other professional practitioners, placing practice at the forefront. The programme is delivered through nine specialist pathways, enabling students from different professional backgrounds to review and update their practice and benefit from shared learning and then contribute to improving the quality and effectiveness of health and social care provision globally.



This programme produces exceptional practitioners who have:

• Skills necessary to promote and enhance innovative and emerging practice

• Intellectual and transferable skills necessary in positions of leadership

• Skills enabling the review and application of contemporary evidence to practice



The programme and pathways will appeal to practitioners working in a wide range of practice areas who are committed to their own personal and professional development. Graduates of this programme move into senior practice roles, management and leadership positions, or progress onto a career in research or education.



The specialist pathways are:



MSc (Critical and Acute Care)

MSc (Cancer Nursing: Supportive and Palliative Care)

MSc (Leadership and Management)

MSc (Mental Health Care)

MSc (Care of Older People)

MSc (Care of Children & Young People)

MSc (Intellectual Disabilities)

MSc (Practice Education)

MSc (Maternal and Family Health)



Admission to a specialist pathway may require applicants to have current or recent practice experience in the related area. The Programme Co-ordinator will provide individual advice on module choices at enrolment.



The programme is offered on a full-time basis only and combines face-to-face teaching with online delivery.



We work closely with our local Healthcare providers to design bespoke clinical experiences for our Masters students. Each student will undertake 225 hours' clinical experience in a setting relevant to their studies to allow them to develop their ideas to completion. Students undertake clinical placements within regional centres of excellence, and many develop contacts and friendships that continue throughout their careers.



Practice Placement Requirements



A key component of the programme is a mandatory six-week clinical placement, designed to support academic learning with practical, ward-based experience. This placement totals 225 hours and is typically completed within a Health Care Trust in Northern Ireland.



• Duration & Setting: Normally six consecutive weeks, full-time.



• Shift Patterns: Typically 37.5 hours per week, rota-based, with shifts starting as early as 7:30 am and ending as late as 9:00 pm. Placement rotas are developed by the ward team according to clinical need.



• Shift Types: Early, late, and potentially night shifts to ensure comprehensive clinical exposure.



• Placement Areas: Areas may include critical care, surgical, medical, care of older persons, children/neonates, and mental health settings. Senior leadership shadowing or clinical education placements are not offered; however, where possi

ble, single-day bespoke opportunities may be arranged subject to availability.



• Practice Expectations: Students must complete a clinical skills log and have their hours verified by practice staff. A full induction is provided before starting, and support is available from designated practice staff throughout.



• Nature of Work: These placements offer a diverse range of hands-on care experiences, from basic skills such as patient observations and hygiene assistance to more advanced clinical scenarios depending on the student’s level of experience.



This placement experience is designed to develop practical skills, deepen understanding of healthcare delivery, and provide valuable professional connections. Please note that the placement does not confer accreditation or professional recognition as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Specialist Nurse, or any other professional title; rather, it provides practice-based exposure. The term “Clinical” in the MSc award reflects the applied, practice-oriented nature of the programme, not a formal professional qualification.



There is an additional fee for placements which can be found under the "Fees and funding" tab.



Please note: Completion of this course does not qualify graduates for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Applicants must have a professional qualification in Nursing and must be registered Nurses. They shall normally hold a relevant 2.2 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.



Applicants with a 3rd Class Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) plus level 7 Post Graduate study will be considered on a case-by-case basis.



Students can elect to join a pathway or remain on the general Master’s programme. Admission to a specialist pathway often requires students to be working or have experience in a related area and may be dependent on viable numbers. Further details on the pathways and any professional prerequisites are available under Course Content on the course webpage here https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-taught/advanced-professional-clinical-practice-msc/#course



To be approved to take part in a clinical placement, you must first complete an Occupational Health appointment which will confirm you are able to complete this element. For a Nursing placement, it is mandatory that you have vaccinations and/or evidence of previous infection/immunity for Hepatitis B, MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), Tuberculosis (BCG) and Chickenpox. If you do not have any of these vaccinations or proof of previous infection/immunity you must inform QUB so a risk assessment can be completed and suitable placement area found. Failure to disclose accurate information may result in you being removed from the programme.



Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements should contact the Programme Co-ordinator for advice.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 30th July 2026. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

16 months (Full-time)

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

This Masters programme offers an opportunity for students to develop skills of analytical thinking within a clinical context. Alongside this, the programme facilitates the student's continued professional development. Graduates of this programme progress into management and leadership roles, or continue into a research or education capacity.