Nursing - Advanced Practice Nursing

Year 1 (40 Credits)

RequiredNU6610: Decision Making and Advanced Practice Professional Roles

RequiredNU6521: Advanced Research Methods

RequiredNU6520: Leadership, Quality Improvement and Governance

RequiredNU6312: Advanced Health Assessment



Year 2 (70 Credits)

Required NU010.I: Professional, Ethical & Legal Issues of Nurse and Midwife Prescribing)

Required NU1191: Pharmacology, Health and Medicinal Prescribing

Required NU6522: Research Dissertation

Required NU6506: Clinical Practicum

Required NU012.I: Competency Assessment



Clinical placement



As part of the entry requirements (as above), applicants will be working in the clinical area in which they plan to become an advanced nurse practitioner. As part of the programme requirements and in line with the NMBI standards (2017), applicants will have to complete 500 supervised clinical hours with their designated clinical mentor. In addition, applicants will have to complete 96 supervised clinical hours relating prescribing medicinal products.



Ultimately, the clinical placement component of the programme plays a critical role in preparing graduates to meet the demands of a dynamic and evolving sector. The clinical component of the programme enables students to apply and further develop their advanced knowledge and skills in real-world settings, ultimately preparing them to become competent and confident Advanced Nurse Practitioners. The clinical area encourages reflection and learning, with support from academic and clinical mentors who help students connect their work-based learning to their broader educational goals.

2 years, part-time.

Next start date September 2026

The advanced nurse practitioner role is highly sought after in both the Health Service Executive (HSE) and private healthcare settings. These roles are expanding in response to healthcare system needs, particularly in rural and community-based services. Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) as a Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner (RANP) provides national recognition, improving mobility across healthcare settings and regions. The advanced nurse practitioner role typically offers a competitive salary in comparison to other clinical nurse roles.



ANPs are employed in a variety of specialist areas, including:



Emergency and urgent care

Chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes, COPD, heart failure)

Mental health and psychiatry

Women’s health and gynaecology

Paediatrics and adolescent care

Oncology and palliative care

Community and primary care settings

Specialist areas such as plastics, gastroenterology, neurology, urology, critical care and other areas.

With national recognition through RANP registration, graduates also gain access to:



Policy and advisory roles in healthcare organisations

Multidisciplinary leadership positions

International career opportunities in advanced practice nursing

Graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing (Advanced Practice Nursing) are well-positioned for a wide range of advanced roles within the healthcare system. Many go on to become leaders in clinical practice, education, and research. Also, some Advanced Nurse Practitioners have progressed to doctoral-level study (PhD) and secured roles as lecturers, researchers, and academic leaders within third-level institutions.