Program Overview

The Master of Science in Nursing program from the University of Central Lancashire is meticulously crafted to empower registered nurses with the essential tools and critical understanding needed to evaluate their practice and foster a dynamic, forward-facing approach. Upon completing the program, you'll possess the ability to analyze and apply relevant theories and models for contemporary leadership within your practice. Additionally, you'll develop skills to assess the practical application of nursing knowledge and its impact on patient outcomes and healthcare organizations. Through integrating real-world experience and new learning, you'll drive innovative leadership within the nursing profession, enhancing critical appraisal, creativity, and problem-solving skills crucial for ongoing professional growth.

Online

University of Central Lancashire

January, May and September

24 months

• You must be a registered, qualified nurse with evidence of recent professional development

• You will need to evidence your registration / qualification and share proof of recent professional development

• References from your sponsor or employer will be sought

• If you don’t speak English as a first language you will need to hold a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or an accepted equivalent

Requirement

Tuition Fee

£8,300

Course Type

Master's degree

Modules

1) Introduction to Postgraduate Research (20 credits)

Setting you up for success throughout the rest of the course and beyond, this module will take you through a broad overview of research principles and ethics to advance your research skills.

You’ll master the techniques to find and use literature and data more efficiently to streamline your research process.

Through your coursework, you’ll also strengthen your ability to analyse, present, and interpret such research to assess its 'real-world' implications.

As well as core academic competencies, you'll enhance important transferrable skills, including communication and presenting through peer study groups and problem solving.

2) Thinking Nursing (40 credits)

We’ll guide you in building the critical awareness and advanced learning capabilities needed to devise innovative approaches to develop your practice.

During this part of the course, you’ll learn how to explore and evaluate nursing knowledge, and critically examine the influence and contribution of nursing in patient outcomes in modern health and social care settings.

You'll be encouraged to share your personal experiences and insight in order to critically appraise both your individual role and the role of nursing as a practice within your organisation and the wider world.

Equipped with advanced strategies to help you on your lifelong learning and development journey, you'll become a more self-aware and creative nurse.

3) Organisational Leadership and Management (20 credits)

This module will develop your ability to think critically and strategically about your leadership or management practice.

You will learn how organisational structures respond to political and social change and analyse how leadership and management styles influence organisational change.

We’ll give you the tools to facilitate change and influence policy in whatever healthcare system you work within.

4) Practice Development (40 credits)

During this module, you will critically examine an area of your work environment and produce a proposal for practice development based upon your findings.

You will combine different practice development strategies with the aim of widening clinical boundaries, enhancing your personal practice and improving patient experience.

You will produce a portfolio on your chosen area of practice development and will identify and critically examine the benefits and challenges of implementation.

5) Dissertation (60 credits)

Your final project will be a dissertation – an opportunity to use the knowledge and skills you’ve gained on the programme to produce an in-depth piece of work.

This project can reflect your own clinical, professional, or philosophical focus, and can even address a challenge you face in your practice or place of employment.

You’ll decide on a research methodology before you proceed, and we’ll support you with a range of materials and contacts.

Innovative world-class study experience

Empowering registered nurses with essential tools and critical insights, the Master of Science in Nursing program at the University of Central Lancashire prepares you to embrace rapid technological advancements while enhancing critical thinking and creativity. Positioned for progression into healthcare management and leadership roles, you'll gain advanced IT skills and effective communication capabilities. Additionally, this program opens doors to further academic pursuits, including doctoral studies, setting the stage for a dynamic and fulfilling career trajectory.

Who is the course aimed at?

The part-time Master of Science in Nursing program at the University of Central Lancashire is tailored for registered nurses worldwide. It welcomes nurses from diverse backgrounds and specializations, offering specialist skills and inter-professional insights essential for advancing nursing practice. This program encourages critical reflection, preparing nurses to lead innovation in contemporary healthcare settings.

Why the University of Central Lancashire?

• 5 QS stars for excellence teaching

• Ranked 3rd in the UK for mental health support students

• Awarded Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Silver Award