| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
Advanced Clinical Practice MSc
Key Facts
- Level: Master's PG MSc
- Duration: 3 - 5 years Part-time
- Starting: September, January
- UK Fees 25/26 >:
- PGCert: £2,830
- PGDip: £5,660
- MSc (Top Up): £2,830
- MSc: Year 1 £2,830, Year 2 £2,830, Year 3 £2,830*
- Location >: Waterside
Overview
The University of Northampton’s MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice course aims to equip healthcare professionals with advanced clinical skills and knowledge needed to lead and develop complex evidence-based clinical decisions, whilst enhancing service delivery and improving health outcomes within Practice. Linked to the four pillars of ‘Advanced Practice’; clinical, education, leadership and research; students studying for their masters in advanced clinical practice will also benefit from learning with specialists from a range of healthcare settings, whilst ensuring patient safety and ethical practice.
Highlights
- Accredited Programme with Centre of Advancing Practice
- Work-based learning
- Inter-professional learning
- Professional body recordable prescribing qualification
Entry Requirements
- Applicants must hold an appropriate healthcare or bachelor’s degree with honours.
- Current professional body registration (UK registered).
- Employment within a relevant health and social care-related environment.
- Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years of experience in practice.
Course Content
- Course Details:
- Advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) enhance capacity and capability within teams by supporting existing and more established roles. They improve clinical continuity, provide more patient-focused care, enhance the inter-professional team and help to provide safe, accessible and high-quality care for patients (HEE, 2017).
- The University of Northampton’s Advanced Clinical Practice MSc course, studied part-time, is designed systematically using a modular approach that enables it to be flexible enough to respond to the needs of stakeholders whilst recognising that students studying this programme will also be employed within practice settings. Programme design ensures that the four pillars of advanced practice are developed and met by the end of the programme.
- Modules:
- Year One:
- Advanced Assessment and Consultation Skills (NURM145) – 20 credits- compulsory module
- Applied Assessment and Clinical Reasoning (NURM146)- 20 credits
- Diagnostic Reasoning for Practice (NURM081) – 20 credits
- Assessment and Management of Minor Illness (NURM089)- 20 credits
- Assessment and Management of Minor Injuries (NURM078)- 20 credits
- Year Two:
- Educating and Influencing Others in Healthcare (NURM079) – 20 credits- compulsory module
- Independent and Supplementary Prescribing (NURM114) – 40 credits
- Leading Innovative Specialist/ Advanced Practice (NURM136)- 20 credits
- Becoming a Professional Advocate (NURM127)- 20 credits
- Year Three:
- Advanced Professional Projects (NURM110) – 40 credits- compulsory module
- Research Dissemination (NURM144) – 20 credits (or NURM111 End Point Assessment if you are on the apprenticeship)
- Year One:
Programme Accreditation
- Centre for Advancing Practice accreditation: This advanced nurse practitioner course is accredited by the Centre of Advancing Practice. NHS England’s Centre for Advancing Practice has been established to standardise post-registration education by accrediting advanced practice courses that achieve the standards outlined in the multi-professional Advanced Practice Framework.
Fees and Funding
- 2025/26 Tuition Fees:
- UK – Part Time: £920 per 20 Credit Module
- UK – Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Practice: (60 Credits) £2,830 (1 Year)
- UK – Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Practice: (120 Credits) £5,660 (2 Years)
- UK – MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Top Up): (60 Credits) £2,830 (1 Year)
- UK – MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Full Award – 180 Credits): Year 1 (60 Credits) £2,830, Year 2 (60 Credits) £2,830* (may be subject to inflationary increase in 25/26), Year 3 (60 Credits) £2,830 (*may be subject to inflationary increase in 26/27). The fees quoted assumes students will be studying 60 credits each academic year from the outset over three years. However, the amount students will actually be charged each academic year will be depend on the amount of modules studied.
- UK – MSc ACP Degree Apprenticeship – can be fully, or part, funded by the apprenticeship levy. Employers can contact the apprenticeship team for further information via**
Staff
- Senior Lecturer in Nursing: Faculty of Health, Education and Society
- Senior Lecturer - Primary Healthcare: Advanced Clinical Practice MSc
- Senior Lecturer in Practice Development - Nursing: Faculty of Health, Education and Society
Further Study Opportunities
- There is opportunity for those who wish to continue educational study and work at academic Level 8 on completion of the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice award, to register for the Doctor of Professional Practice or a PhD which are also offered at the University of Northampton.
Facilities
- The Learning Hub is at the heart of the campus and home to the student information desk.
Related Courses
- Doctor of Professional Practice in Health and Social Care: This course offers senior managers and advanced practitioners the opportunity to develop their academic and research...
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The University of Northampton's MSc Advanced Clinical Practice course aims to equip healthcare professionals with advanced clinical skills and knowledge needed to lead and develop complex evidence-based clinical decisions, whilst enhancing service delivery and improving health outcomes within Practice. Linked to the four pillars of ‘Advanced Practice’; clinical, education, leadership and research; students studying for their masters in advanced clinical practice will also benefit from learning with specialists from a range of healthcare settings, whilst ensuring patient safety and ethical practice.
Outline:
The MSc Advanced Clinical Practice course is designed in a systematic manner using a modular approach which enables it to be flexible enough to respond to the needs of stakeholders whilst recognising that students studying this programme will also be employed within practice settings. Programme design ensures that the four pillars of advanced practice are developed and met by the end of the programme. The full MSc Advanced Clinical Practice award consists of six compulsory modules (180 credits) which include:
- NURM080 Advanced Assessment and Clinical Reasoning (40 credits): This module focuses on developing advanced assessment and clinical reasoning skills, enabling students to critically analyze patient presentations and make informed decisions.
- NURM114 Independent and Supplementary Prescribing (40 credits): This module provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to prescribe medications independently and supplement existing prescriptions, enhancing their ability to manage patient care effectively.
- NURM079 Educating and Influencing Others in Healthcare (20 credits): This module focuses on developing students' skills in educating and influencing others within the healthcare setting, enabling them to effectively communicate and advocate for patient care.
- NURM110 Advanced Professional Projects (40 credits): This module allows students to undertake a significant research project, applying their knowledge and skills to address a specific clinical issue or area of interest.
- NURM144 Research Dissemination (20 credits): This module focuses on the dissemination of research findings, equipping students with the skills to effectively communicate their research to relevant audiences. The PGCert in Clinical Practice requires you to complete NURM080 and NURM081 (60 credits).
Teaching:
Our MSc ACP suite of programmes will be delivered by a range of teaching methods such as core lectures, group work, online activities, use of case studies and clinical simulation to compliment and enhance work-based learning objectives.
Other:
Clinical supervision throughout the programme is recommended to support development. Masters in Advanced Clinical Practice Students will be required to identify a suitable clinical supervisor for work-based learning modules (NURM080 and NURM114) to supervise and sign off clinical practice skills prior to enrolment. Advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) enhance capacity and capability within teams by supporting existing and more established roles. They improve clinical continuity, provide more patient-focused care, enhance the inter-professional team and help to provide safe, accessible and high-quality care for patients (HEE, 2017). Programme accredited by NHSE Centre of Advancing Practice.
University of Northampton
Overview:
University of Northampton is a public university located in Northampton, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as continuing professional development courses. The university is known for its focus on social impact and its commitment to creating a better society through its students, research, and engagement with the wider world.
Services Offered:
The university provides a variety of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus halls of residence are available for students.Employment Promise:
The university offers an employment promise to help students find work after graduation.Student Perks:
Students receive various perks, including laptops, trips, and internships.Support:
The university provides comprehensive support services to students, including academic, wellbeing, and accessibility support.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University of Northampton can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university has a modern campus with a full range of integrated learning environments, including a 24/7 library and learning zone. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and societies, and there are numerous events and activities throughout the year.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Social Impact Focus:
The university is committed to making a positive impact on society through its research and engagement.Modern Campus:
The university has a new, modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities.Employment Promise:
The university's employment promise helps students find work after graduation.Student Support:
The university provides comprehensive support services to students.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
Programs in various fields, including business, sport, nursing, law, psychology, computing, and design.Master's:
Programs in various fields, including business, education, health, and social work.Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
Courses designed to enhance professional skills and knowledge.Other:
The university has a strong focus on research and has several research institutes and centers. It also has a strong commitment to equality and inclusion and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
Entry Requirements:
- Applicants must hold an appropriate healthcare or bachelor’s degree with honours.
- Current professional body registration (UK registered).
- Employment within a relevant health and social care related environment. Nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and pharmacists with current professional body registrations are encouraged to apply. Students who do not have a relevant Bachelor degree must satisfy the University that by virtue of their professional standing, qualification and/or training that they are fit to register for, and to benefit them from, their proposed programme of study. Evidence of recent level 6 study is required.
