Postgraduate taught programme
MSc
Advanced Professional Practice (Nursing and Midwifery Professions)
Are you a registered health or social care professional looking to develop your advanced practitioner knowledge and skills? Build on your current experience, leading to improved ways of working and a positive impact on patient care.Interprofessional, practice‑led teaching
Learn alongside other healthcare professionals with teaching delivered by experienced academics and practising clinicians.
Research‑informed development of advanced practice
Build research skills, deepen your understanding of advanced clinical roles and prepare for senior positions that enhance patient care.
Flexible, learner‑centred study
Choose full‑time or part‑time routes and tailor your qualification with optional modules that fit your professional goals.
Details
Year 1
Postgraduate Certificate
To achieve a postgraduate certificate, you will need to obtain 60 credits. This must include one core module and two optional modules of your choice.
To achieve a postgraduate certificate, you will need to obtain 60 credits. This must include one core module and two optional modules of your choice.
Core modules
APP758
Advanced concepts in research: methodology and methods 20 credits
APP758
Optional module
Optional module 40 credits
Optional module 40 credits
Optional modules can be chosen from the master's level modules
A-Z list . Please contact the Professional Development Unit Admissions Team to discuss your options.
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 can include either three 20 credit modules or one 40 credit module and one 20 credit module of your choice.
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 can include either three 20 credit modules or one 40 credit module and one 20 credit module of your choice.
Optional modules
Optional modules 60 credits
Optional modules 60 credits
Optional modules can be chosen from the master's level modules
A-Z list . Please contact the Professional Development Unit Admissions Team to discuss your options.
MSc
To achieve a full master's degree, you will have first completed the PgDip and need to obtain an additional 60 credits (to give 180 credits in total). There is one core module.
To achieve a full master's degree, you will have first completed the PgDip and need to obtain an additional 60 credits (to give 180 credits in total). There is one core module.
Core module
APP753
Dissertation: Empirical Research or Systematic Review
APP753
Choose your modules
If you are studying the MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Nursing and Midwifery Professions) programme full-time, you will be supported to choose optional modules with non-clinical assignments, such as:
Postgraduate opportunities for health and social care professionals
Both the School of Health Professions and the School of Nursing and Midwifery offer the MSc Advanced Professional Practice programme; together we offer a wide range of specialist and generic pathways to meet the educational needs of all health and social care professionals.
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
Take the next step in your career
This programme allows you to tailor your qualification to your professional goals, selecting optional modules – including prescribing – that align with your area of practice. It is grounded in the four pillars of advanced practice set out in the Advanced Practice Toolkit: clinical practice, facilitation of learning, evidence, research and development, and leadership and management.
This qualification prepares you for Band 7 and Band 8 roles and a wide range of advanced positions within your field. Graduates can progress to non‑medical consultant or clinical specialist posts, as well as move into managerial, academic, or research careers.
Further study and research
If you enjoyed researching and writing your project dissertation, you may also wish to progress onto a PhD.
You can consult our
Doctoral College regarding MPhil or PhD studies, or discuss your plans with your programme leader.
You can consult our
Intercity Place
Discover the first‑class home for your healthcare education – an inspiring space where you’ll gain the skills, confidence and experience to thrive in 21st‑century healthcare careers.
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.
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 a society
Postgraduate study is about more than academic achievement. Joining a society is a great way to connect with other students, build friendships, develop new interests, and create a healthy balance alongside your studies.
Whether you're looking to meet people with similar interests, try something new, expand your professional network, or simply take a break from academic commitments, there's a society for everyone.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for UK students starting in
Full-time study
£11,700 per year
£11,700 per year
Module fees for repeated or part-time study
£650 per 10 credits
£650 per 10 credits
Tuition fees for UK students starting in
Full-time study
£12,100 per year
£12,100 per year
Module fees for repeated or part-time study
To be confirmed per 10 credits
To be confirmed per 10 credits
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 .
This programme is not open to applicants who will require a Student Route (formerly Tier 4) visa to enter the UK.
Additional costs
Please be aware that there may be additional costs to undertaking your studies relating to the printing of course materials and requirement for an initial outlay for travel and accommodation in respect of practice placement. If you have any questions regarding these costs please contact pduadmissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Fund your studies
As a postgraduate student at Plymouth, there may be funding options available to you, including postgraduate master's 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). 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.
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.
English language requirements
You will also need to be working in an environment that will enable you to meet the programme learning outcomes and have a clinical mentor in practice in undertaking a clinical module.
To enable you to meet the programme learning outcomes you will be supported to choose modules with non-clinical assignments.
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.
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 master's degree. Each 20 credit module has the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits and assumes a notional student effort of between 200-300 hours.
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 master's degree. Each 20 credit module has the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits and assumes a notional student effort of between 200-300 hours.
Extended entry requirements
- evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
- a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
- your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
- proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
Ready to apply?
After you apply
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
Duration
1 year
Course type
Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
This programme is not open to applicants who will require a Student Route (formerly Tier 4) visa to enter the UK.
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.
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