Nursing

The MSc Nursing has been developed in response to identified demand from both local and international nursing graduates and anticipated demand following discussions between university staff and local stakeholders. Higher level study for nurse graduates is embodied in the aims of the World Health Organisation Strategic Direction for Nursing and Midwifery (2011-2015) and by the Department of Health (2010), reflecting the advancement of nursing as a global profession.

The programme content has been the subject of discussions and evaluation involving those from within the University, clinicians, students including international students and a representative of the user group and disability forum. Their views and ideas have helped inform the programme aims and module content.

The structure and delivery of modules within the programme is informed by The University of Northampton's Learning and Teaching, Widening Participation Objectives and the Equality and Diversity Policy and is subject to ongoing review.

Click here for a detailed list of modules.

Students will study three compulsory modules, plus two designated modules or one designated and one elective module and a dissertation. Details are given below:

Compulsory modules

Research Methods in Health and Social Care

This module is designed to introduce students to a wide range of research issues relevant to healthcare professionals. Students will refresh existing skills and will also be given the opportunity to develop further skills in the execution and interpretation of research.

Professional Artistry

This module provides the synthesis of personal and professional self for the purpose of future development. It presents a synergy of the science of nursing with professional artistry underpinned by the concepts of knowing creativity, emotional intelligence, emotional labour and reflexivity.

Dissertation

The dissertation is an opportunity for the student to demonstrate the learning that has occurred over his/her membership of the programme by undertaking an investigation and producing an extended written piece of work which illustrates the autonomy and significant insights gained by the student.

Designated modules

• Leading People in Health and Social Care Organisations
• Leading Public Health Practice
• NMC V300 Nurse Prescribing
• Comparative Health Systems
• Agents of Change
• Enhancing the Preceptor and Mentor Dynamic
• Transcultural Nursing

Elective modules

• Postgraduate elective choice
  

The assessment strategies in this award give students the opportunity, through critical reflection, to review their personal learning and development in relation to work-based education in relation to advanced level nursing. Students are enabled to collate portfolio compilation of evidence, test a number of assessment tools to review aspects of nursing and nursing practice and explore research methodologies and literature review.

From September 2012, pre-registration nursing curricula within England will educate and train Professional Nursing to all degree status. Clearly many of these graduate professionals will aspire to leadership, teaching or research positions throughout nursing hence the development of the MSc in Nursing is both timely and opportune to support this career structure.

In addition, employment opportunities in Nursing are favourable in many countries across the world within public and private healthcare services, social services, special education and the voluntary sector.