Advanced Nursing Practice MSc

Program Overview

The Advanced Nursing Practice MSc at Ulster University is a part-time program designed for commissioned ANP Trainees. It provides advanced practice training in nursing while students work in their clinical settings, leading to Band 8a Advanced Nursing Practitioner roles within sponsoring organizations. The program combines classroom sessions with practice learning and offers pathway-specific modules in various nursing specialties.

Program Outline

Advanced Nursing Practice MSc at Ulster University (2025/26 entry)

Degree Overview:

• Qualification: Master of Science (MSc)
• Faculty: Faculty of Life and Health Sciences
• School: School of Nursing and Paramedic Science
• Start date: September 2025
• Delivery mode: Part-time
• Admission requirements: Applicants must hold a 2:1 Bachelor's degree or equivalent with relevant work experience (commissioned position within Health and Social Care Trusts or GP Federations).
They must also satisfy additional criteria related to professional qualifications, registration, and employment.
• Overview:
• Students are commissioned by employers to undertake the course as ANP Trainees.
• The program provides advanced practice training in nursing while students work in their respective clinical settings.
• Successful completion qualifies graduates to fill advanced nursing roles within their sponsoring organizations.

Outline:

• Modules: The MSc consists of six modules:

Advanced Methods in Research and Development in Health and Social Care:

• This module equips students with research and project development skills.

Transforming Practice Through Person-Centred Leadership:

• Develops a leadership focus for advancing nursing practice and service transformation.

MSc Project:

• A research or development project (60 credits) under the guidance of an MSc supervisor.

ANP Portfolio:

• Demonstrates practice learning achievements during 258 days in clinical placements (compulsory, only available to commissioned program students).

Pathway-specific modules (1 of 5):

• Adult Medicine and Older People Care 1/2:
Develops expertise in advanced nursing for these patient populations.
• Children's Nursing 1/2:
Develops expertise in advanced nursing care for infants, children, and young people.
• Emergency Care (1st year option only):
• Two modules focusing on different types of emergency presentations, assessed with coursework, examinations, and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs).
• Mental Health 1/2:
Develops expertise in advanced practice for mental health patients across the lifespan with a strong focus on psychological therapies and pharmacology.
• Primary Care 1/2:
Refines advanced nursing practices specific to a primary care setting and management of various clinical situations.

Careers:

• Graduates are well-positioned for career opportunities as:
• Band 8a Advanced Nursing Practitioners within their sponsoring organizations
• Advanced practitioners in other settings
• PhD candidates in nursing or related fields

Assessment:

• Individual module assessments vary, ranging from coursework, essays, exams, presentations, practical demonstrations, OSCEs, and portfolio submissions.

Teaching:

• The program combines classroom sessions with practice learning in students' chosen clinical areas under the supervision of a Clinical Practice Supervisor.
• Lecturers are qualified with relevant experience in advanced nursing or specialty areas represented by pathway modules.