Join a specialist programme for qualified nurses that will build on your existing nursing expertise. We’ll enhance your leadership, research and communication skills and prepare you for advanced and innovative practice as a specialist nurse, nurse manager, nurse educator or nurse researcher.
The MSc Nursing programme is a contemporary, vocational programme of postgraduate study that immerses qualified nurses in key issues and ideas relating to the four pillars of professional nursing: communication; leadership; education and research.
Developed in conjunction with the needs of modern professional healthcare organisations, and in collaboration with key stakeholders, the programme aims to nurture innovative professional practice.
The curriculum has been specifically designed to advance students’ existing knowledge and enhance their skills in what is a highly specialised field.
The programme offers students the opportunity to compare and contrast the professional environment of the UK National Health Service with service organisations and delivery in other countries, providing them with a valuable global perspective on healthcare.
You’ll also receive training in leadership and management skills for advanced clinical practitioners and receive expert insights into how to manage complex care needs.
Optional modules enable you to focus on specific aspects of patient care of professional interest. You can specialise in areas ranging from managing critically ill patients to assessing risk, promoting mental health and wellbeing, and managing the emotional impact of diagnosis.
As part of the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing’s commitment to the promotion of interprofessional learning, this programme has a module in which nurses learn alongside therapeutic radiographers which is imperative for the development of professionals who are comfortable working as part of a multi-disciplinary healthcare team where collaboration is vital.
The programme is led by a small team of experienced and dedicated nursing staff who form part of a larger team of healthcare experts in the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing. Our interactive, small-group teaching sessions are designed to enhance your transferable skills, from critical thinking and problem-solving, to communication, leadership and teamwork.
For greater educational and professional flexibility, we also offer early exit points at postgraduate certificate and postgraduate diploma levels to ensure that we cater for the needs of nurses with diverse professional responsibilities or personal circumstances.
The programme is suitable for nurses who already hold a professional nursing qualification which confers eligibility to practice in the country of training.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
You’ll complete one compulsory module in semester one, two compulsory modules in semester two, and a dissertation across three semesters.
A combined total of 60 credits of optional modules will also be selected across semesters one and two.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| PERSPECTIVES IN ADVANCING PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (HEAL442) | 20 |
| DISSERTATION (HEAL451) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You’ll complete one compulsory module in semester one, two compulsory modules in semester two, and a dissertation across three semesters.
A combined total of 60 credits of optional modules will also be selected across semesters one and two.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATION FOR ADVANCED CLINICAL PRACTICE (HEAL484) | 20 |
| MANAGING COMPLEXITY IN CLINICAL ENVIRONMENTS (HEAL441) | 20 |
| DISSERTATION (HEAL451) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You’ll complete one compulsory module in semester one, two compulsory modules in semester two, and a dissertation across three semesters.
A combined total of 60 credits of optional modules will also be selected across semesters one and two.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (HEAL451) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You will learn through a range of blended approaches which include:
Throughout the programme you will be encouraged to take an independent and self-directed approach to your study and to use the range of learning resources available to support your academic development. Individual modules adopt a range of teaching and learning strategies to enhance your learning experience.
The programme also provides opportunities for 1-1 tuition and you will be allocated a supervisor for your dissertation.
The programme is assessed through essays, portfolios, presentations and case studies. The varied assessments include a 10,000-word dissertation.
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.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
If you enrol on a master’s degree and complete 60 credits you may be able to exit the programme early and earn a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) for the work you have completed. This usually amounts to one semester when completed full-time.
If you enrol on a master’s degree and have completed 120 credits you may be able to exit the programme early and earn a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) for the work completed. This usually amounts to two full semesters when completed full-time, without having to complete the final dissertation module.
The School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing draws on over 100 years of teaching delivered by dedicated staff with real-world, practical experience. We are a hub for an extensive network of professionals, academics and researchers, so you can be confident that a degree from us will prepare you for a lifelong career in healthcare services.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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The programme enables registered nurses to extend the scope of their skills and knowledge into new areas. You’ll graduate well placed to apply for promotion or to extend the professional roles and responsibilities in your current position.
Key transferable skills, including practice development, research-led practice and professional leadership, will open up exciting career opportunities and help meet the demand for senior nurses and managers in the NHS and other providers.
The MSc Nursing provides a strong foundation for registered nurses to enhance their career development. It’s particularly suitable if you’re a UK or international nurse seeking to pursue:
The programme could also be a gateway to nursing scholarship through PhD study.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £11,700
Part-time place, per year - £5,850
Full-time place, per year - £28,300
Part-time place, per year - £14,150
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year. The part-time fees are based on a course duration of two years. Fees may vary on a pro-rata basis for alternative part-time course durations.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
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 paying for your studies..
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.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | You must hold a professional nursing qualification which confers eligibility to register and practice in your country of training. We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a relevant subject. If you completed pre-registration studies to diploma level, this diploma will be considered if evidence of professional development at level 6 or level 7 is provided. As this nursing programme does not include any mandatory clinical practice requirements, overseas applicants do not need to seek professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. |
| 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. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
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.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
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.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 11 November 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions