Nursing

The Master of Science (MSc) in Nursing is a challenging post graduate qualification for nurses, midwives or health visitors from all fields of practice. This course will assist qualified staff to develop personally and professionally in a wide range of topics and issues including communication, health promotion, leadership, person-centred practice and research.



In the full-time mode, the MSc Nursing (general pathway) is typically completed over one calendar year.



There are several pathways available:

MSc Nursing Palliative Care Pathway

MSc Nursing Dementia Care Pathway

MSc Nursing Nursing Practice in the UK Pathway

MSc Nursing Education Pathway

MSc Nursing Emergency Care Pathway

MSc Nursing Leading Practice Pathway



MSc Nursing (general pathway): This will allow students to build upon their existing knowledge, skills and values. This course will challenge students about their practice and offer different opportunities to enhance their knowledge, understanding and critical thinking through classroom and personal study. Nurses undertaking this option often self fund. International applications from individuals who are qualified as nurses in their own country are particularly welcome for this course. As this course is for qualified nurses, it does not include registration as a nurse. All staff contributing to the programme hold or are working towards a teaching qualification.

Full-Time Programme

Year One

Advanced Methods in Research and Development in Health and Social Care

Transforming Practice Through Person-Centred Collective Leadership

Ethics and Professional Decision Making This module is optional

Advanced Knowledge in Symptom Management in Palliative Care This module is optional

Quality Improvement in Nursing Practice This module is optional

Principles of Palliative & End of Life Care This module is optional

Global Perspectives in Transforming Health This module is optional

Principles of Nursing Assessment This module is optional

Evidence Informed Practice for Nursing in the UK This module is optional

Enhancing Readiness for Nursing OSCE Assessment This module is optional

The Care of the Patient Requiring Urgent and Emergency Care in Hospital Setting This module is optional

Caring for the Person Presenting with Minor Injury and Major Trauma in a Hospital Setting This module is optional

Enhancing Learning and Teaching in the Practice Setting This module is optional



Year Two

MSc Project

Principles of Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Healthcare Practice This module is optional

Advanced Communication for Transforming Nursing Practice This module is optional

Informed Practice in Dementia Care This module is optional

Essentials of Pathophysiology This module is optional



Part-Time Programme

Year One

Advanced Methods in Research and Development in Health and Social Care

Transforming Practice Through Person-Centred Collective Leadership

Ethics and Professional Decision Making This module is optional

Advanced Knowledge in Symptom Management in Palliative Care This module is optional

Quality Improvement in Nursing Practice This module is optional

Principles of Palliative & End of Life Care This module is optional

Global Perspectives in Transforming Health This module is optional

Principles of Nursing Assessment This module is optional

Evidence Informed Practice for Nursing in the UK This module is optional

Enhancing Readiness for Nursing OSCE Assessment This module is optional

The Care of the Patient Requiring Urgent and Emergency Care in Hospital Setting This module is optional

Caring for the Person Presenting with Minor Injury and Major Trauma in a Hospital Setting This module is optional

Enhancing Learning and Teaching in the Practice Setting This module is optional



Year Two

MSc Project

Principles of Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Healthcare Practice This module is optional

Advanced Communication for Transforming Nursing Practice This module is optional

Informed Practice in Dementia Care This module is optional

Essentials of Pathophysiology This module is optional



Year Three

MSc Project

PG Cert/PG Dip

Applicants must:

(a) have gained



(i) an Honours or non-Honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which is recognised by the Senate as being of an equivalent standard; or



(ii) an equivalent standard in a Postgraduate Certificate, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification; and



In addition, applicants should normally • be working in the field of nursing • hold a registered/licensed Nursing professional qualification



and (b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).



or as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii):



(c) In exceptional circumstances, where an individual can demonstrate evidence of successful completion of a minimum of 10 credit level 6 study or above, OR wishes to complete a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence of successful completion of level 6 study or above or that which is used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.



Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate their competency in written and spoken English through the achievement of an IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual band score (in the four bands of listening, speaking, reading and writing) below 5.5.



If a student exits on completion of the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma it is recommended that students return to the next level of the course within five years of leaving with the lower award.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants



For those who do not have English as a first language, the minimum requirement for this course is an academic IELTS of 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Attendance

Attendance will be at the Jordanstown campus (dependent on availability).



MSc Nursing (general pathway): attendance on this part time option is normally one day per week, however this can vary depending on optional modules chosen.



The final component of all MSc Nursing pathways is a research project (dissertation). This module is by supervision and as such there are no face to face taught classes. Occasionally additional workshops may be offered. Regular supervisory meetings will take place where students will be supported by an experienced member of academic staff. These meetings will be arranged between supervisor and supervisee over the duration of the research project (normally an academic year in part time mode).

Start Date: September 2025.

Career options

The MSc Nursing encourages qualified nurses, midwives and heath visitors from all fields of practice to develop high levels of reflection, decision-making and criticality in nursing theory and research. This is particularly useful for nurses who wish to develop their careers and strive for promotion, particularly those aspiring to higher roles in research, leadership and education. Also available within the programme, are MSc Nursing pathways in Health Assessment, Dementia Care, Palliative Care, Education and Leadership.