MSc Nursing (Adult)

Once you have completed the programme and registered with the NMC, most people get some experience as a staff nurse, usually within community or in-patient organisations operating within the NHS, voluntary and independent sectors of health. The opportunities are endless but some ‘typical’ career options are presented below.

Some people are keen to remain working directly with service users in clinical areas and seek promotion to senior staff nurse or ward sister / manager roles where their expertise is used to lead care given by a team of nurses. Some adult nurses develop particular clinical skills and knowledge that will allow them to become specialist nurses in a given area of care (e.g. district nurse, clinical nurse specialist or nurse consultant).
These clinical grades co-exist within a wider career framework incorporating management roles such as Modern Matron all the way through to very senior board level roles such as Director of Nursing in an NHS Primary Care or Acute Trust. These roles involve managing multi-million pound budgets and directly leading/ managing a large number of staff as well as strategically influencing how the NHS responds to new developments.
Some nurses develop interest in research and education and opt to pursue educationally focussed careers within the NHS or in further and higher education institutions such as the University of Hertfordshire. They still retain their professional registration and unique identity as an Adult Nurse but are involved in advancing nursing knowledge and influence through research and education.
Wherever your career takes you, as an Adult Nurse you will never stop learning and will undertake a variety of training and education throughout your career. This might be formal education such as specialist clinical courses or PhD studies or essential skills training associated with professional practice.

Normally a 2:1 honours degree in any subject. Consideration will be given to applicants with a 2:2 if their degree is related to nursing and they have previous care work experience.
GCSE mathematics and English at grade C or above (or equivalent).

Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be eligible to enter the Nursing and Midwifery Council Professional Register as an Adult Nurse and will be legally entitled to practice

Why choose this course?
This 2 year full time programme is especially designed for people who already hold a first degree wishing to become registered nurses. At the end of the programme you will be ready to take a key role in delivering and leading high quality care for service users.
You will also help service users make well-informed decisions relating to their health care needs and preferences by focussing on communication, professional, team working and leadership skills.
50% of learning will occur at the university studying the theory of nursing and 50% of learning will occur in practice placements so that you can integrate what you have learned and are “fit for purpose” in today’s health care settings.
Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to enter the Nursing and Midwifery Council Professional Register as an Adult Nurse and will be legally entitled to practice.