Program Overview

---

MSc Professional Nursing

Overview

The MSc Professional Nursing programme will enable you to graduate with a Masters and you will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as an Adult Nurse. Nursing is a rewarding, dynamic and highly skilled profession.

This course will equip students with the knowledge, skills and attributes to deliver person-centred, team-based, safe, effective care in today’s fast-paced, dynamic health service.

You will learn in our state-of-the-art clinical skills and simulation suite and complete practice placements in a range of settings. The course is taught by experts in acute and chronic care, palliative care, community nursing and mental health who will support you in becoming a caring, compassionate professional, working in partnership with people, families, and communities.

Our focus on interdisciplinary learning throughout the two year course will enrich your experience and help prepare you for the reality of professional practice.

Following the issue of guidance at the Department of Health, the tuition fee for this course may be fully funded by the Department of Health for students who have been habitually resident in Northern Ireland for three years prior to the commencement of the course, and students from the Republic of Ireland (excluding England, Scotland, Wales and the EU). Students on this programme are ineligible to apply for funding from the Student Loans Company. The programme is not available as a part time programme.

If you have previously commenced or completed a DoH paid place/bursary for a pre-registration nursing, midwifery or AHP course in Northern Ireland you may not be eligible for a funded place on this programme.

We are unable to offer this programme to students who are not eligible for a funded place, which will include GB and overseas students.

Successful students will graduate with a Masters and will be eligible to register with the NMC as an adult nurse.

Professional Accreditations

Graduates from this programme will be eligible to register with the NMC as an Adult Nurse. This course is designed to meet the NMC Future nurse: standards of Proficiency for registered nurses and has been approved by the NMC.

Career Development

This programme provides graduates with a fast-track to an exceptional nursing career. With many employers, having a Masters provides nurses with enhanced career progression opportunities.

World Class Facilities

Students on this programme will use our new, high specification Simulation Centre, which is the first of its kind in Europe. Students will learn in teams alongside students of other disciplines, including Medicine and Pharmacy, and will be able to access the latest learning technologies.

Student Experience

Students in the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen's are well supported through a network of Personal Tutors inside the University, as well as Link Lecturers and supervisors on placement.

Course Structure

The two year programme will comprise of 50% academic modules and 50% in practice learning. All modules are listed below.

Academic Modules

Students will be required to complete all compulsory modules, plus a Placement Portfolio to successfully complete this programme.

Modules

• Foundation of Adult Nursing Care (20 credits)
• Practice Learning 1 - Adult Nursing (0 credits)
• Safe Medicate 2 - Adult (0 credits)
• Quality Improvement in an Inter-professional Context - Part A (0 credits)
• Public Health and Supporting People with Chronic Health Care Needs (20 credits)
• Applied Life Science (20 credits)
• Professionalism, Caring and Communication in Nursing (20 credits)
• Essential Pharmacology (10 credits)
• Safe Medicate 3 - Adult (0 credits)
• Practice Learning 2 - Adult Nursing (0 credits)
• Supporting People with Specialist and Complex Needs Promoting Mental Well Being (20 credits)
• Quality Improvement in an Inter-professional Context - Part B (60 credits)
• Developing Leadership and Professionalism (20 credits)

Entrance Requirements

All applicants must normally have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 to include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject (i.e. Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Double Award Science or Single Award Science) or equivalent qualifications acceptable to the University. GCSE Applied Science is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Science. Essential Skills, Level 2 in Application of Number is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Mathematics grade C/4. (Qualified nurses and midwives may be considered to have met the GCSE entry requirements).

In addition to the GCSE requirements, or acceptable equivalent, all applicants must have an Honours degree in any subject with an award of 2.2 or above.

Applicants with a 3rd Class Honours degree or Ordinary degree would be deemed to hold the equivalent academic standing of an Honours degree, provided they hold additional post graduate qualifications in a health and social care related field alongside relevant healthcare experience. These applicants will be assessed through the provision of certificates and within the GEMS Portfolio completed as part of the admissions criteria for admission to the programme. All applicants applying via this entry route must meet the GCSE (or acceptable equivalent) requirements above.

Nurses who have graduated with a BSc (Ordinary) in Nursing or equivalent, would be deemed to hold the equivalent academic standing of a BSc (Honours) with a minimum of one year's practice in nursing. N.B. This would not apply to students who took a BSc (Ord) as an exit degree due to part failure of their programme. All applicants applying via this entry route must meet the GCSE (or acceptable equivalent) requirements above.

Students who have a first degree in nursing and who are registered with the NMC will be eligible to apply for a field of practice in which they are currently not registered.

Applicants are required to complete a portfolio of evidence as part of their application. The portfolio is available to download as a supplementary form from the Additional Information section when completing your application on the Direct Applications Portal. It should include evidence of 650 hours of verified direct care, and personal statements that reflect the skills, knowledge and attributes for nurses based on the NMC Code. The portfolio is considered alongside the academic entrance requirements. Applicants who satisfy the academic and portfolio requirements or will be able to do so by 31st August 2025, will be shortlisted for interview. Please submit your portfolio as soon as possible and preferably at time of application. Qualified nurses and midwives will be considered to have met the portfolio condition and will not be required to submit a portfolio to be considered for interview. However, applicants with a BSc (Ordinary) in Nursing will be required to complete a portfolio for RPL purposes.

Interviews will normally take place in early summer and will evaluate the candidate's experience of healthcare, or other relevant direct care employment, paid or voluntary, as well as the skills, knowledge and attitudes expected of graduates. Offers are subject to satisfactory Occupational Health Assessment, Criminal Record check (Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check) and declaration and clearance of current or previous safeguarding proceeding, in addition to any academic requirements. More detail can be found on the School's website.

Closing date for applications: Friday 27th June 2025 at 4pm

In 2025 we are unable to offer this programme to students who are not eligible for a funded place, which will include GB and overseas students. In addition, students who have already received Department of Health funding for pre-registration Nursing, Midwifery or AHP courses in Northern Ireland will not be eligible to join this programme.

The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit the link below for more information.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

Please Select Your Country/Region Please Select Your Country/Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bolivia Bosnia And Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Cambodia Cameroon Canada Chile China Mainland Colombia Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Ecuador Egypt Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Fiji Finland France Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong (SAR) Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Latvia Lebanon Liberia Libya Lithuania Luxembourg Macau (SAR) Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Malta Mauritius Mexico Mongolia Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria Norway Oman Pakistan Palestine Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Africa South Korea Spain Sri Lanka St Vincent And The Grenadines Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates Uruguay USA Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking, and no less than 6.5 in writing, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see:

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Career Prospects

Studying for an MSc Professional Nursing degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from Queen’s are well regarded by employers both nationally and internationally.

The majority of our graduates pursue a career in nursing which is an interesting, rewarding and challenging career where work can be in a variety of health care settings from accident and emergency to working in patients' homes, with people of all ages and backgrounds. Nursing can also offer a diverse range of post registration opportunities to specialise in areas such as counselling; public health and health promotion; acute care, as well as education and research

Employment after the Course

Graduates of this programme will have the opportunity to quickly gain access to higher level and management roles, building an exceptional career from the very beginning.

Professional Opportunities

Further study is also an option open to Nursing graduates, and some may choose to follow a research pathway. There is a range of PhD Nursing opportunities available within the School; click here for more information.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | Commissioned – no fee / Non-commissioned £9,215*
---|---
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | Commissioned – no fee / Non-commissioned £9,215*
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | Course not open
EU Other 3 | Course not open
International | Course not open

*Non-commisioned fee of £9,215 is subject to change for

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

All students entering this programme are required to undergo an enhanced disclosure check with Access NI which costs £33.

In Year 1 students must buy a uniform from a QUB-selected uniform supplier (approximate cost £180), and a name badge (£10).

All students on this programme will undertake clinical placements, which can be anywhere in Northern Ireland. Students are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placements. Some reimbursement may be available for funded students.

Students may wish to buy a Fob Watch or Pinard Horn, approximate cost £15.

Non-funded students pay a placement charge which is for the provider facilitating the clinical placement. It is collected by the QUB Student Finance Office and is passed on to our placement provider partners. The cost for was £4,500 per year and may be subject to change.

This charge will be owed for each academic year a placement has commenced. Students who require a temporary withdrawal from their programme during an academic year will still be liable for this charge each year, regardless of the duration completed.

Please note that students on an NHS funded place cannot apply for loan funding from Student Finance NI.

To be eligible for a commissioned (funded) place, students must normally be resident in NI or RoI for at least 3 years before the start of the programme. More information is available in the Bursaries Booklet, available here:

Link to website with information:

We are unable to offer this programme to students who are not eligible for a funded place, which will include GB and overseas students. If you have previously been in receipt of a DoH paid place/bursary for a pre-registration nursing, midwifery or AHP course in Northern Ireland you may not be eligible for a funded place on this programme. Funded students cannot access funding from Student Finance NI.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus

Course location

Nursing & Midwifery

Can't find something?

We're here to help with any questions or queries you may have about this course

Ask a question

• University Road, Belfast
  Northern Ireland, BT7 1NN
• +44 (0)
• __
• __
• __
• __

Top links

• Jobs
• Semester dates
• Contact us
• Visit us
• Schools / Departments

Study

• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• International students
• Find a PhD
• Find a course

Information

• Privacy and cookies
• Website accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Modern slavery statement
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• University Policies and Procedures

Queen's University Belfast is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC.

VAT registration number: GB

EORI Numbers GB

XI

Return to top __

Manage cookies

Search Search Close Search

Queen's University Belfast - Logo

Close Menu - Off Canvas

Mobile Search Search

• Study
  • Back
  • Study
  • Find a Course
  • Undergraduate
  • Postgraduate
  • International Students
  • Students from Great Britain
  • Fees & Finance
  • Scholarships & Funding
  • Open Learning
  • Short Courses
  • Accommodation
  • Life in Belfast
  • Open Days & Campus Tours
  • The Graduate School
  • Sport
  • Your Student Guide
  • Student Life
• Research
  • Back
  • Research
  • Research Themes
  • Global Research
  • Research Areas
  • Research Excellence Framework
  • Research Strategy
  • Research Impact
  • Our People
  • Research Opportunities
  • Postdoctoral Development Centre
  • Governance, Ethics and Integrity
  • Research Contacts
  • Search Our Research
  • Find a PhD
• International
  • Back
  • International
  • International Students
  • Applying to Queen's
  • English Language Requirements
  • Tuition Fees
  • International Scholarships
  • University Preparation Courses
  • Exchange and Study Abroad
  • Find Your Country / Region
  • China
  • India
  • USA
  • Middle East and North Africa
  • South East Asia
  • Sub Saharan Africa
  • Why Study at Queen's
  • Contact us
• Business
  • Back
  • Business
  • Commercialisation
  • Partnering with Industry
  • Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
  • IP & Innovation
  • Business Support
  • Business Engagement
  • Chief Executives' Club & Events
  • Queen's Business School
  • William J Clinton Leadership Institute
  • MBA (Master of Business Administration) programme
  • Recruit Our Students
• About
  • Back
  • About
  • Campus & Facilities
  • Sustainability
  • Social Charter
  • Public Engagement
  • Visit Us
  • News
  • What's on
  • Leadership and Structure
  • Strategy 2030
  • Faculties & Schools
  • Professional Services
  • University Department List
  • Rankings and Reputation
  • Work at Queen's

---

• Helpful links
  • Back
  • Helpful links
  • Jobs
  • News
  • What's on
  • Semester dates
  • Library
  • Giving
  • Ask a question
  • Staff Directory
  • 中文网
• Staff
• Students
• Alumni

• * QUB Facebook

  • QUB Twitter
  • QUB Instagram
  • QUB Youtube

×