Advancing Practice in Nursing and Care - MSc/PgDip

Structure and exit awards

You can opt to study for the full MSc (180 credits) or a PgDip (120 credits).

You can also register as an associate student to complete a single module for CPD. On completion of a single module, you may wish to complete further modules and progress your studies to a named award. Please contact Kath Nicol or contact Susan Prior (Framework Leads) for further information on single module study.

Teaching, learning and assessment

All modules are delivered online and are studied from a distance. Additional support is available for those new to or returning to master’s level study.

There are a variety of assessment methods, including critical and reflective coursework, ePortfolios, presentations and practice-based assessments.

Teaching hours and attendance

No on-campus attendance is required at QMU, and course material is delivered entirely online. Each 20-credit module will equate to approximately 200 hours of study, including regular online contact and independent experiential learning.

Class sizes

You will join a multi-professional online community of learners and will have the opportunity to interact and share your experiences.

Teaching staff

You can read more about the teaching staff for this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

You will study the following modules: 

• Ethical Judgment and Decision Making (20 credits): This module will help you to examine, evaluate and consider the implications of ethics, judgment and decision-making processes in practice settings.
• Fundamentals of Advancing Practice (20 credits): This module will provide you with critical knowledge and understanding of advanced practice. This module requires you to be working in a specific area and/or have access to an appropriate workplace setting (paid or voluntary).
• Leading Advancing Practice (20 credits): This module will provide you with critical applied knowledge and understanding of collaborative leadership to facilitate transformation and innovation to advance practice.
• Methods of Enquiry (20 credits): This module will provide you with an understanding of research principles, a range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and appropriate analysis.
• Optional modules (40 credits in total): You will complete two optional modules (20 credits each) from any approved Framework modules.
• Dissertation (60 credits): For the MSc, you will also complete a dissertation.

The course supports nurses in expanding their professional influence through advanced knowledge, leadership development, and research capability. Graduates will be well placed to take on strategic, educational, quality improvement and specialist practice roles, enhancing their contribution to person-centred care and service delivery. With a flexible structure, the pathway enables learners to tailor their module choices to meet their individual professional development needs and career aspirations.

Entry requirements

• Honours degree or equivalent in Nursing or any healthcare degree.
• Evidence of valid NMC registration.

International students:

• You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 6.5 with no individual component score less than 6.0.
• Please note that as this course is fully online, the University cannot sponsor International students to study here on a student visa.

Other requirements

Some modules require individuals to be working in the specific area of practice and/or to have access to a suitable workplace setting, along with support from a line manager and workplace mentor.

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at QMU. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Applying for this course

For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of this page. 

Application deadline

Typically, December for a January start and August for a September start.

Contact Sara Moran-Winchester or Contact Admissions

More information on our forthcoming open events

• The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2027/28 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).
• The information on this page is correct at the time of posting (October 2026) but is subject to change. In the event that modules change, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students. Please keep an eye on this page for updates.