Advanced Healthcare Practice

This taught Masters programme nurtures talented and innovative nurses, midwives and other professional practitioners, placing practice at the forefront. The programme is delivered through ten 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 (Midwifery Care)

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 or part time basis and combines face-to-face teaching with online delivery. Those taking the programme on a full-time basis may be eligible to do so incorporating a Clinical Practicum by the agreement with the Programme Co-ordinator.



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).

Applicants must have a professional qualification in Nursing, Midwifery or Allied Health and Social Care Services. 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 Advanced Professional Practice (MSc) | Courses | Queen's University Belfast (qub.ac.uk)



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 (for September 2026 intake). 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.



*CLOSING DATE FOR JANUARY 2027 INTAKE IS 20th NOVEMBER 2026 at 12pm*

3 years (Part-time)

1 year (Full-time)

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

This Masters in Advanced Healthcare Practice 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.