Advanced Nursing Studies: The University of Manchester

Course description
The University of Manchester's School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work is at the forefront of developments in nursing and was placed top of the table for nursing and midwifery research in the 2008 UK Research Assessment Exercise.
The MSc Nursing Studies programme has been successfully training graduates since the 1970s. It has an international reputation and former students have gone on to influential positions in nursing practice, education and research. The programme has always admitted students from across the country and worldwide.
In 2006, the well established MSc Nursing Studies was redesigned and renamed MSc Advanced Nursing Studies to reflect recent developments in nursing and health care. It is specifically designed for students who wish to prepare for advanced nursing roles. The programme provides a generic preparation for a wide range of advanced nursing roles in education, research, management and clinical practice. The core knowledge and skills required to develop in these advanced roles make up the compulsory elements of the new programme.
The key themes of the new programme are:

• Understanding the context of care
• Developing research skills and skills of critical inquiry
• Developing the ability to critically evaluate the evidence base to practice
• Developing a commitment to practice improvement
• Developing a commitment to user/carer involvement
• Exploring the values underpinning nursing and healthcare
• Fostering lifelong learning

Module details
The taught part of the programme comprises 6 compulsory course units which draw on the following themes:

• Ethical perspectives and aspects related to nursing and healthcare
• Critical appraisal of evidence and evidence-based practice
• Leading, changing and developing nursing and healthcare practice
• Nursing and Healthcare Policy in practice
• Research design
• Service user participation and information giving

A variety of optional units are also available. On completion of the taught units of the programme, successful students will, subject to other progression requirements being met, progress to their research dissertation for the MSc.
Career opportunities
The course prepares students for advanced nursing roles in clinical management, clinical practice, teaching and research.
Entry requirements
Academic entry qualification overview:
A recognised professional nursing or midwifery qualification and either an Honours degree (normally 2.2 or above or equivalent) from an approved higher education institution or evidence of previous advanced study, research or professional experience, which the University accepts as qualifying the candidate for entry.
For Nurses working in the NHS in Greater Manchester who wish to apply for a place funded through the Continuing Education Service level Agreement (SLA), line manager support and Trust SLA authorised signatory is also required.
English language:
Students whose first language is not English are required a hold IELTS 6.5, with a score of 6.0 or above in each component, TOEFL 575 paper-based or 230 computer-based, or evidence of equivalent learning.
Other international entry requirements:
This is a well-respected programme which attracts nurses from all over the world. International students are encouraged to apply. NMC registration is not required for Nurses registered overseas. Details of English proficiency must also be provided along with the application.