Postgraduate taught programme
MSc
Advanced Professional Practice (Clinical Practitioner)
Advance your clinical career with a focused pathway that equips registered healthcare professionals to step confidently into Advanced Practice across diverse clinical settings.Advanced clinical practice across healthcare settings
Build the expertise to work confidently across pre-hospital, primary, and secondary care environments. Develop advanced skills in assessment, clinical reasoning, and diagnostic decision-making to deliver timely, evidence-based patient care in a wide range of healthcare settings.
Flexible, practice-focused learning
Study part-time with flexible delivery and tailored assessments linked directly to your own professional practice. Designed around a learner-centred approach, the programme supports your career development while allowing you to balance work, study, and personal commitments.
Research-led teaching with leadership opportunities
Learn from experienced academics and practising clinicians through an inter-professional curriculum informed by the latest research. Gain the opportunity to undertake your own research project and develop the leadership skills needed for roles in clinical practice, management, and education.
This programme is also available as an Apprenticeship MSc Advanced Clinical Practice. For further information on the apprenticeship route and details of how your employer can apply for you please visit our apprenticeship webpage.
Please note that when you enrol on this programme, you always enrol to study the master degree but we offer three exit awards: PgCert, PgDip and MSc.
Our written testimonial
We feel honoured and privileged to be delivering this programme here in the South West of England. The programme sits in the Faculty of Health, under the School of Nursing and Midwifery therefore bringing a richness of collaboration across disciplines.
We are a group of lecturers still practicing clinically from a diverse range of professional backgrounds, including qualified ACP’s, General Practitioners and a nurse consultant. We also bring in visiting lecturers who are specialists in their field enabling us to offer a high calibre of knowledge, expertise, and broad perspectives unique to Plymouth, through which we aim to guide you on your journey to gaining your MSc.
Our aim is focused on building and enhancing existing knowledge and skills and take these into the realms of Advanced Practice. Defined by NHS England (2025), an Advanced Level of practice allows you to eventually work autonomously and see undifferentiated patients independently by honing and developing your clinical examination skills underpinned by sound clinical reasoning and complex decision-making skills.
We have developed the content of this programme to be appropriate and relevant to a multitude of clinical environments, disciplines, and settings and as such has a generalist foundation. We embrace the opportunities for collaborative learning from a variety of disciplines such as nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, physiotherapists, midwives, operating department practitioners, occupational therapists, mental health nurses, learning disability nurses and many more, which ensures the course remains adaptable at its’ core.
The course is well established and has been in existence for over 10 years. In its current form, we have experience of delivering it since 2017. We continuously seek the opinions of our stakeholders across the South West to ensure the course is ‘fit-for-purpose’ across primary and secondary care and able to cover all sub-specialities from acute care through to long-term and palliative care.
We are an energetic and proactive yet reflexive team and use student and stakeholder feedback to influence changes to shape and allow our course to evolve therefore ensuring it remains contemporaneous.
We deliver the course through a blended learning approach using range of teaching methods and the team are educated and affiliated to the Higher Education Academy and the Association of Advanced Practice Educators (UK) (AAPEUK) which again, allows us to benchmark to national standards and ensures a high-quality course is delivered by design. We also have a superb university support network to assist students on their learning journey.
Creating a rounded, highly trained, generalist ACP able to work in any clinical setting is our aim and as you read through these pages, you will see how we do this, ensuring we meet all elements of Advanced Practice so that you can be proud that you can call yourself an Advanced Clinical Practitioner trained at Plymouth.
If you have any questions about the programme please don’t hesitate to email the team at mscadvancedpractice@plymouth.ac.uk.
The Advanced Professional Practice (Clinical Practitioner) Team
Details
Year 1
Postgraduate Certificate
To achieve a postgraduate certificate, you will need to obtain 60 credits by completing the three core modules below.
Core modules
APP701
Advancing practice in context 20 Credits
APP770
Advanced assessment for clinical practice 20 Credits
APP758
Advanced concepts in research: methodology and methods 20 Credits
Year 2
Postgraduate Diploma
To achieve a postgraduate diploma, you will have first completed the PgCert and need to obtain an additional 60 credits (to give 120 credits in total). This must include the core module and two optional modules of your choice.
Core module
APP771
Clinical Decision Making and Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Practice 20 Credits
Optional modules
Optional modules can be two 20 credit modules or one 40 credit.
Optional modules can be chosen from the Masters level modules
A-Z list. Please contact the Professional Development Unit Admissions Team to discuss your options.
Final year
MSc
To achieve a full master degree, you will have first completed the PgDip and need to obtain an additional 60 credits (to give 180 credits in total). This must include the core module and an optional module of your choice.
Core module
SPP702
Substantive professional project 40 Credits
Optional module
Optional module 20 Credits
Optional modules can be chosen from the Masters level modules
A-Z list . Please contact the Professional Development Unit Admissions Team to discuss your options.
Association Of Advanced Practice Educators (AAPEUK)
Centre for Advancing Practice
Supporting statement
This programme is accredited by the NHS England’s Centre of Advancing Practice.
NHS England’s Centre for Advancing Practice has been established to standardise post-registration education by accrediting advanced practice courses that achieve the standards outlined in the multi-professional Advanced Practice Framework.
Practitioners who have completed accredited education programmes will be eligible to be listed on the Centre’s Advanced Practice Directory and obtain their Digital Badge as recognition of this level of practice.
Visit NHSE Centre for Advancing Practice website for more information.
Information on appropriate supervision in advanced clinical practice training:
The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.
Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:
Careers, industry and research
This pathway of study is the first step to facilitate your career in Advanced Practice. As you proceed through the course, you will be in a role that supports your development and training, using the ‘title’ of trainee ACP. You’ll be able to apply for Band 7 and Band 8a roles; and work as an advanced clinical practitioner with an expert knowledge base, complex decision-making skills and clinical competencies for expanded autonomous scope of practice in your field of work.
On completion of our MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Clinical Practitioner), you’ll be able to assess, diagnose, treat and manage patients who present with undifferentiated and undiagnosed conditions, across all sectors of healthcare (i.e. hospital, pre-hospital, primary care and secondary care settings). A majority of registered (NMC and HCPC) clinicians can also become non-medical independent prescribers (i.e. nurses, pharmacists, paramedics, physio’s, optometrists and many more) as directed by the disciplines own Codes of Conduct.
Career prospects after taking this programme include advanced practice roles such as consultant roles, advanced specialist practice roles, education (i.e. clinical academic practitioner), research and audit.
You can work in a wide range of settings including: general practices, secondary care (all specialities), walk-in centres, minor injury units, out of hours services, urgent care centres and rapid response services, Emergency Departments, intermediate care teams, generalist and specialist acute services, critical care and intensive treatment units, elderly care facilities, prison services, refugee / asylum seekers and homeless projects, and outreach initiatives and innovative community-based services and many more.
Encompassing the essential four strands of advanced practice alongside interpersonal skills and insight are essential in ensuring that advanced practice is a sustainable development in the future workforce planning and longevity of the NHS.
Discover advanced professional practice
Mrs Jo Amy Bailey
Lecturer in Advanced Clinical Practice
Programme Lead
Mr Tim Ayers
Lecturer in Advanced Practice
Dr Colin Roberts
Associate Professor Advanced Practice
Postgraduate student life
Postgraduate study at the University of Plymouth is about more than just getting a qualification – it’s a chance to explore your subject in greater depth, challenge yourself intellectually, and grow both personally and academically.
With a supportive learning environment and flexible study options – including part-time and January start dates – you can shape your studies around your personal and professional commitments. Our supportive teaching, and welcoming student community, means you’ll be part of an environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration and independent thinking. Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, Plymouth offers the space, resources and inspiration to help you thrive.
The University takes every single step to ensure that students are supported. There are continuous workshops on referencing, a writing café and peer-supported learning sessions. Furthermore, lecturers are generally aware and sensitive to transitioning to university therefore they are always offering support when needed.
Joyita
Postgraduate student
Postgraduate student
Your Plymouth community
At the University of Plymouth, you get the same access to support, sports and societies as undergraduate students. That means everything available to undergraduates is open to you too, whether it’s joining a sports club, attending events, taking part in student societies, or accessing health and wellbeing services.
You’re a full member of the Plymouth community, and that comes with all the benefits. So take advantage of what’s on offer – get involved, stay connected and make the most of your time here.
Enrich your studies with the Postgrad Society
The Postgrad Society welcomes all postgraduate students – whether full-time, part-time, taught or research-based – offering a supportive space to connect beyond academic pressures. Join a vibrant community where you can unwind, celebrate achievements and meet likeminded peers through a wide range of activities – from pub quizzes, movie nights and beach cleans to trips along the South West coastal path and the annual Postgraduate Christmas Ball.
Events are thoughtfully planned around key postgraduate milestones and often in collaboration with other societies, so you can try new things and make the most of your university experience.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for UK students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Part-time study
£1,300 per 20 credit module
£1,300 per 20 credit module
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
Fees and costs of studying .
Fund your studies
As a postgraduate student at Plymouth, there may be funding options available to you, including postgraduate masters loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds, that can help towards costs.
Postgraduate Masters Loans (PGML)
You may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Masters Loan to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate masters course.
Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates
If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
- 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Entry requirements
You will normally have a first degree (BSc (Hons) at 2:2 or above or European first cycle equivalent plus a professional qualification in health or social care) plus a minimum of three years post-registration experience. You will be assessed individually for your ability to study at this level and therefore an interview may be necessary.
If you do not have a first degree at 2:2 or above (or the European first equivalent) but have appropriate practice-related experience relevant to the programme you may still be eligible to apply. In these cases, you would also be required to submit a short piece of writing as part of the admissions process.
The clinical supervisor/mentor must be a Nurse or AHP or Advanced Practitioner with an MSc in Advanced Practice and a prescribing qualification, or must be a Doctor (Registrar/Middle Grade or above).
Applicants whose first language is not English must also provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English in accordance with the University’s Admissions Code of Practice – IELTS of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each category.
AP(E)L:
Claims for credit for prior learning, whether certificated or experiential are accepted and will be assessed following University regulations and faculty procedures.
European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS):
This programme is equivalent to 90 ECTS credits (second cycle) with 30 ECTS credits at postgraduate certificate, 60 credits at postgraduate diploma and 90 credits at masters degree. Each 20 credit module has the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits and assumes a notional student effort of between 200–300 hours. We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
Ready to apply?
Applying for this programme
This programme is not open to applicants who will require a Student Route (formerly Tier 4) visa to enter the UK.
In addition applicants will also be required to upload as part of their application:
• References from two referees - ideally one academic and one work.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Additional Information Form (this will be sent to you automatically on receipt of your application via the Application Portal).
• A copy of your degree certificate or equivalent.
Any admissions questions please contact:
Email: pduadmissions@plymouth.ac.uk / Tel: +44 1752 586951
• References from two referees - ideally one academic and one work.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Additional Information Form (this will be sent to you automatically on receipt of your application via the Application Portal).
• A copy of your degree certificate or equivalent.
Any admissions questions please contact:
Email: pduadmissions@plymouth.ac.uk / Tel: +44 1752 586951
What happens after I apply?
After your application is submitted, it will be processed and reviewed by the Programme Lead for a decision on your suitability to study this programme. You may be asked to take part in an interview. Please regularly check your Applicant Portal for notifications and updates on your application.
Any questions please use the Contact Us facility on your Applicant Portal or email: pduadmissions@plymouth.ac.uk / Tel: +44 1752 586951
Any questions please use the Contact Us facility on your Applicant Portal or email: pduadmissions@plymouth.ac.uk / Tel: +44 1752 586951
Please note that you will be enrolled on the full MSc programme. You may choose to exit early with the qualification of PgCert upon completion of the appropriate 60 credits, or a PgDip upon completion of the appropriate 120 credits. More information is contained within the Programme Specification in the Course Details section of this webpage.
Duration
3 years
Course type
Part-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Visit us at a postgraduate on-campus open evening
Visit us on campus to find out more about postgraduate study, speak to academic staff, and take a look around our campus and facilities.
%20(1).jpg)