Advancing Nursing Science MSc / PGDip / PGCert

This programme will enable experienced nurses to study a blend of core and optional modules, to align with personal development requirements, to support the acquisition of knowledge, skills and attributes to take you to the next level in your career.

Course Structure

The course will run over 12 months if taken full-time. There is also scope to undertake this programme on a part-time basis, with up to five years to complete studies.

Accreditation of prior learning may be considered.

Benefit from the opportunity to study at a global Top 100 university at the heart of an ambitious city.

What makes this course different?

Suitable for home or international students, the MSc Advancing Nursing Science provides flexibility with the option of full time or part time study, through a blend of online and on-campus delivery. With a mix of core and optional modules, chosen from a wide range of level 7 modules in the College of Medicine and Health, you can build a programme of learning to fit with your specialist area of practice, providing the skills, knowledge and attributes needed to meet your career aspirations and enhance employability.

• Multi-professional learning environment: Collaborate and network in a multi-professional learning environment led by experienced academics, internationally renowned researchers and clinically active healthcare professionals.
• Develop essential skills: Equips nurses with the critical and reflective thinking skills, knowledge and attributes required to excel in the modern healthcare environment.
• Tailored learning journey: Flexibility in study, offering full time and part time options with the ability to plan a bespoke learning journey.
• Research opportunity: Opportunity to conduct an original piece of research, under expert supervision, with support to publish and disseminate findings.
• Accredit prior learning: Opportunity to accredit prior learning (subject to policy) and build a PGCert, PGDip or Masters level award to enhance your professional development and take your career to the next level.

The MSc Advancing Nursing Science is designed for registered nurses from a variety of clinical backgrounds from across the globe who are seeking to advance their career within nursing.

This programme will enable experienced nurses to study a blend of core and option modules to align with their career aspirations and personal development requirements to support the acquisition of knowledge, skills and attributes to take you to the next level in their career, with core modules at each stage of study ensuring coherent study at Masters Level.

The course will utilise existing modules within the Department of Nursing and Midwifery, the wider College of Medicine and Health and other aligned modules within Colleges across the University, subject to Programme Director approval. The establishment of cross course cohorts of learners, often multi-professional, will further support an inclusive and stimulating learning experience.

This course consists of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60 credit research project.

Taught modules - delivered through a blend of learning approaches, including lectures, seminars, small group tutorials, workshops, 1:1 supervision and group discussions.

Research Project - your research project will be on a topic of your choice, supervised by leading academics and researchers.

Assessments - assessments vary across the modules and include written assignments, presentations, OSCEs and unseen exams.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

MSc

2027/28 Session

The following must be taken:

Students must choose TWO module (20 credits) from the portfolio of level 7 modules available within the Department of Nursing and Midwifery and the wider College of Medicine and Health (subject to availability and Course Lead approval) including:

Postgraduate Diploma

The following must be taken:

Students must choose TWO module (20 credits) from the portfolio of level 7 modules available within the Department of Nursing and Midwifery and the wider College of Medicine and Health (subject to availability and Course Lead approval) including:

PG Certificate

The following must be taken:

• The applicant must have at least 12 months clinical experience post qualification.
• Evidence of registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council within the UK or your home country equivalent.

Please note this programme does not lead to UK nurse registration.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL iBT taken before January 2026: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4.5 in any 2 skills and 4 in the other two skills
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English presessional programmes

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

Fees for September 2027

Home fees

MSc 1 year full-time: £11,790

MSc 3 years part-time: £3,930 (per year)

PG Diploma 2 year part-time: £3,930 (per year)

PG Certificate 1 year part-time: £3,930 (per year)

International fees

MSc 1 year full-time: £25,920

MSc 3 years part-time: £8,640 (per year)

PG Diploma 2 year part-time: £8,640 (per year)

PG Certificate 1 year part-time: £8,640 (per year)

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2027 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Tuition fee deposits for international students

International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.

Funding Opportunities

A range of education and professional development grants for nurses, midwives, healthcare support workers, and those aspiring towards a career in nursing.

You do not need to be a member of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) to be eligible for an RCN Foundation grant. For more details please visit the RCN Foundation webpage.

Postgraduate Masters loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent). If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we offer a range of scholarships and funding opportunities. We also offer advice and guidance on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Appealing to both home and international registered nurses, the programme supports the development of future leaders in healthcare, equipping practitioners to navigate the challenges of modern health and social care delivery.

Your careers toolkit

Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.

Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:

• Careers support services and Careers Network
• Work experience and placements
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Alumni and employer connections
• Global opportunities and life experience
• Careers in the curriculum

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.