This is an accelerated postgraduate programme developed for those who have already graduated with an undergraduate degree. You will gain the skills and experience to practice as an adult nurse in two years. You will spend half of your time in clinical practice or in simulation-based learning, giving you the opportunity to experience professional nursing from early in the programme. When on campus, you will learn alongside students from nursing programmes, medicine and a variety of allied health professionals.
Introduction
This two-year master’s degree equips you with the knowledge, skills and professional attributes needed to become an adult nurse.
Whilst the focus is adult physical health; we’ll prepare you to care for individuals across the lifespan who experience a range of healthcare challenges.
With an emphasis on evidence-based practice, you’ll discover the principles of adult nursing practice, local and global determinants of health, and how to manage complex care needs.
Your learning will be brought to life through extensive clinical experience, working with patients in a variety of settings, including inpatient wards, intensive and specialists care services, outpatient clinics and community settings.
Developed in collaboration with leading healthcare providers in the North West, the programme will be taught by experienced, registered practitioners. We’ll help you develop into a caring and compassionate nurse, able to support individuals and their families, and ready to lead and coordinate care as part of a multi-professional team.
On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be eligible to apply for professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as an adult nurse.
Who is this course for?
The programme is a pre-registration award for graduates wanting to study adult nursing for the first time at Masters level. Please note, it is not a professional development programme for qualified nurses or a conversion course.
What you'll learn
Professional standards for nurses, midwives and nursing associates, as set out by the Nursing and Midwifery Council
Relevant legal, professional regulatory and ethical frameworks
Anatomy, physiology, genomics and behavioural sciences
Commonly encountered physical and mental health conditions
Local and global determinants of health
How to assess patient needs and plan, provide and evaluate care
How to provide compassionate, evidence-based and person-centred nursing care
How to recognise deteriorating health needs
Public health principles including the promotion of good health and prevention of ill health
Leaderships styles and management skills in professional nursing
Care planning, delivery, interventions and referrals for complex health care needs
Collaborative working practices
Accreditation
On successful completion of the course, you’ll be eligible to apply for professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as an adult nurse.
Registration with the NMC is a pre-requisite to practice as registered nurse in the UK.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
Compulsory modules
Principles of Nursing Practice (ANUR700)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: whole session
The Principles of Nursing Practice has two significant elements: professional and caring practice and understanding biological and psychological aspects of human health and illness. The first element centres on professionalism, lawful and ethical practice which are fundamental to the effective provision of holistic nursing practice. Alongside this, the module has been designed to develop knowledge which is central to effective assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of therapeutic interventions. This will incorporate anatomy and physiology, behavioural sciences and holistic planning to inform person-centred assessments and care provision for individuals across the life span.
A hybrid approach to teaching delivery for this module will involve recorded online lectures accompanied by interactive seminars and small group tutorials to facilitate learning around the subjects addressed in the lectures and seminars and to provide for formative practice in preparation for the assessments.
As part of the teaching delivery a service user is invited in to discuss living with their condition and the impact nurses have had on their managing their condition and supporting them and their family.
This module has two summative assessments: a presentation and an unseen exam.
Developing and Enhancing Skills for Adult Nursing Practice (ANUR701)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: whole session
The Developing and Enhancing Skills for Practice is a Year 1, 20 credit module of the MSc pre-registration Nursing (Adult) Programme, delivered across semester 1 and will provide students with the knowledge and skills to undertake nursing procedures effectively, in order to provide compassionate, evidence-based person-centred nursing care.
The first practice placement learning opportunity: Practice Placement 1 (10 weeks), scheduled to take place during this first academic year, form part of this module. Students will benefit from practice-based placements across the Cheshire and Mersey region. Students will be supported in clinical practice by their Practice Supervisor, Practice Assessor and their University of Liverpool Academic Assessor.
The theory and skills taught in this module will develop the student’s proficiency in holistic safe practice, in order to assess patient needs and plan care, provide and evaluate care, and work towards leadership and coordinating care utilising a holistic approach to care planning and provision.
Learning and teaching will be delivered via synchronous and asynchronous sessions, engaging a mix of online and classroom-based activities, encouraging both critical reflection and examination of nursing practice. The acquired knowledge and skills will then be consolidated during the ten week practice placement.
The assessments will take the form of a practical exam and a written piece of work, successful completion of the ongoing achievement record which constitutes the practice placement, coupled with assessments which form part of the practice placement.
LOCAL AND GLOBAL DETERMINANTS OF ADULT HEALTH (ANUR702)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: whole session
1. To develop critical in-depth knowledge of the biopsychosocial factors which contribute to, and impact upon adult health and wellbeing including biological, and behavioural sciences.
2. To develop critical understanding of the wider determinants of health, illness and health inequalities, which contribute to adult’s health and illness including cultural and social sciences.
3. To develop and enhance knowledge of holistic, person-centred practice and the critically appreciate evidence based therapeutic interventions for adults who live with illness; including the use of assessment models and health promotion.
Research for Professional Practice (ANUR703)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: whole session
The Research for Professional Practice module is a Year 1, 20 credit module of the MSc pre-registration Nursing (Adult) Programme, delivered across semester 2, which this module is part of a programme which on successful completion of the whole programme allows the individual to practice as a registered nurse within the UK.
It provides the student with the knowledge and skills related to research methods, evidence generation and the utilisation of knowledge in nursing practice and evidence-based practice.
Within the module the theoretical debate around legitimate sources of professional knowledge are explored and students reflect critically on the orthodoxies of what constitutes knowledge in the clinical area and practice-based evidence.
The module uses a blended approach to learning, engaging a mix of online and classroom-based activities, and assessment will take the form of an unseen exam and the completion of an ethics application.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Year two
Compulsory modules
SKILLS FOR REGISTRATION (MNUR704)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: semester 1
The Skills for Registration module is a Year 2, 20 credit module of the mental health nursing with registered nurse status (MSc) programme, delivered across semester 1 and will provide students with the knowledge and skills to undertake nursing procedures effectively to provide compassionate, evidence-based person-centred nursing care. The module aligns with the expectations outlined by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the professional regulator for nurses, midwives and nursing associates in the UK. The NMC set standards of education, training, conduct and performance to ensure that nurses are educated to a high standard in order to deliver safe and effective care at the point of entry to the professional register (NMC, 2018). Available at https://www.nmc.org.uk/standards/code/
Students will benefit from practice-based placements across the Cheshire and Mersey region, including Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, whose placement portfolio includes Acute, Forensic (high, medium and low secure), Psychiatric Intensive Care (PICU) and Child and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS). The first practice placement learning opportunity, Practice Placement 3, forms part of this module. This is a 10-week placement facilitated during Part 2 of the programme. Students will be supported in clinical practice by their Practice Supervisor, Practice Assessor and their University of Liverpool Academic Assessor.
The theory and skills taught in this module will develop the student’s proficiency in holistic safe practice. This knowledge will help students to assess patient needs and plan their care. It will also help students to provide and evaluate care, and work towards leadership and coordination of care utilising a holistic approach.
Learning and teaching will be delivered via synchronous and asynchronous sessions, engaging a mix of online and classroom-based activities which encourage both critical reflection and examination of nursing practice. The acquired knowledge and skills will then be consolidated during the ten-week practice placement. In order to set the context for this module, pre-registration mental Health Nursing with Registered Status, users of the service are invited to partake in teaching, simulation and assessment to ensure the authentic alignment of theory to practice. The total theory hours for this module will be no less than 200 hours.
The assessments for this module will take the form of a practical exam and submission of a written assignment. Both assessments are completed at university. As part of the module the students must also undertake a numeracy package and an exam. Students must also successfully complete their Practice Assessment Document (PAD) and Ongoing Achievement Record (OAR) which constitute assessment around clinical skill acquisition and deployment which are facilitated during the practice placement opportunity.
Leading in Adult Nursing (ANUR705)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: whole session
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the professional regulator for Nurses, Midwives and Nursing Associates in the UK. The NMC set standards of education, training, conduct and performance to ensure that nurses are educated to a high standard in order to deliver safe and effective care at the point of entry to the professional register (NMC, 2018 available at https://www.nmc.org.uk/standards/code/ ).
Leading in Adult Nursing is a Year 2, 20 credit module delivered across semester 1.
This module will introduce students to the professional context of leadership within Adult Nursing, with reference to relevant current policy. Leadership styles and skills including models of leadership, gender issues, motivation, developing effective communication, awareness and critical analysis of current health and social care leadership literature will be explored. The concept of complex health care needs in care planning and delivery, and appropriate interventions/referrals will be explored including common complexities and specialisms.
Learners will extend their knowledge of risk management and aversion, legislation, national frameworks and health policies which relate to national collaboratives and partnerships. In addition, students will be equipped to confidently take leadership and management decisions in measuring, evaluating and managing risk, vulnerability and patient safety. Learners will demonstrate consistent application of partnership in nursing care, shared assessment, decision making and goal setting when working with adults, their families and communities.
The module incorporates Practice Placement 5 (final placement) which is 12 weeks long. Students benefit from clinical placements across the Cheshire and Mersey region. Students will be supported in clinical practice by their Practice Supervisor, Practice Assessor and their University of Liverpool Link Tutor.
Assessment will take the form of a written assignment (3,000 words written as a Patchwork Text), a 20 minute presentation on a clinical scenario and the practice placement element.
Dissertation (ANUR706)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: whole session
The aim of this module is to enable students to develop an understanding and obtain practical experience of the research process and research skills required to undertake a supervised research project.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
You’ll learn through a blend of timetabled lectures, seminars, skills and simulation sessions, individual and group tutorials, and directed study time. Clinical placements complement theoretical study across both years of the course.
Service users have been involved in the development of the programme and will be invited to provide bespoke sessions outlining their experiences of being a patient nursed on a ward or in the community.
How you're assessed
Assessments include written and numeracy exams and a dissertation. There are also observed practical exams conducted in our simulation suites and assessments on your clinical placements conducted by your practice assessors.
All module and clinical placement assessments must be successfully attended, completed and passed in order to complete the programme and have the opportunity to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as an adult nurse.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
An exciting place to study
Major centre for education and research in health sciences
State-of-the-art facilities
Opportunities for in-depth study and development of advanced clinical skills
Flexible programmes for postgraduate study
Active research environment
Provides specialist training with taught and clinical placement components.
As a Nursing graduate from the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
You can look forward to a career in the National Health Service, Social Services or the private sector. Further career options include clinical education, research, project delivery or management. You may also choose to undertake further study in a particular healthcare speciality.
Typical employers include:
the National Health Service (NHS)
private sector clinics and hospitals
voluntary organisations
local authorities (for work in nursing and residential homes)
schools, further and higher education institutions
prisons and the armed forces
private sector organisations, such as leisure cruise companies and private nursing homes.
99% OF ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND NURSING STUDENTS FIND THEIR MAIN ACTIVITY AFTER GRADUATION MEANINGFUL.
Graduates Outcomes, 2018-19.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£9,250
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£29,100
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
You should include a personal statement of no more than 700 words in support of your application. This should reflect on your understanding of the profession and relevant qualities valuable to a healthcare professional.
Applications are welcome from graduates with an honours degree in any subject. GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics at grade C or grade 4 or above, or equivalent, are also required.
An interview forms part of the selection process. The interview follows the values-based recruitment (VBR) process and you will be expected to demonstrate the relevance of the NHS’ values. Literacy and mathematics tests will also be conducted, in line with Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requirements.
Recognition of Prior (Experiential) Learning RP(E)L
The NMC stipulate that the training of nurses responsible for general care must comprise a total of at least three years of study, which may in addition be expressed with the equivalent European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits. This must consist of at least 4,600 hours of theoretical and clinical training, the duration of the theoretical training representing at least one third and the duration of the clinical training at least one half of the minimum duration of the training.
In order to achieve these hours, successful entry onto the programme includes a portfolio detailing recognition of prior learning (RPL) that amounts to 620 theory hours and 570 practice hours, which must be approved by the relevant RPL assessor. These hours, added to the programme hours, will amount to a total of 4,600 hours. The 570 practice hours should consist of verified prior experience of care provision – this can be through paid work and drawn from one, or a range of, settings in which care of people’s health and wellbeing is provided. This care may include the physical, cognitive, social, learning or developmental needs of children, families or adults.
Demonstration of this experience does not need to be in all areas highlighted here. Alongside working in traditional care environments such as hospitals and care homes, you could also have gained experience as a carer both formally and informally. This can be through paid or voluntary work. Working alongside those who access social care is also acceptable. The emphasis is on the process of providing care for others.
In keeping with NMC guidelines, evidence of such activity will need to be evidenced. Signed verification of these hours by the organisation(s) or individuals involved in the provision/ receipt of care where this work has been undertaken will be required.
In regards to theory, a number of educational experiences may count towards the required theory hours. Courses such as counselling, health and social care courses that can be classed as certified learning will all be considered.
Please note: Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee a place on the programme as competition is high. You are encouraged to present the strongest possible application.
Declaration of Criminal Background
You will understand that as a health sciences student, and when you qualify, you will be asked to treat children and other vulnerable people. We therefore need information about any criminal offences of which you may have been convicted, or with which you have been charged. The information you provide may later be checked with the police.
If selected for interview you will be provided with the appropriate form to complete.
Health Screening
The University and the School of Health Sciences has an obligation to undertake health screening on all prospective healthcare students. Any offer of a place to study is conditional on completion of a health questionnaire and a satisfactory assessment of fitness to train from the University’s Occupational Health Service. This will include some obligatory immunisations and blood tests. Please visit the Higher Education Occupational Practitioners website for further information.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
other
IELTS
7.0 overall, with listening, reading and speaking at 7.0, and writing at 6.5. Please note, your IELTS test must have been sat and completed in person and not online.
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
