Overview

The MSc in Advanced Practice (Nursing/Midwifery) is available as a part-time programme completed over two academic years from the date of first registration for the programme (i.e. 60 credits in Year 1 and 50 credits in Year 2).

There are both academic and clinical practice elements to this programme.

Students entering prior to 2020/21 should refer to the MSc (Nursing) (Advanced Practice Nursing). 

Attendance

Full attendance is required at all scheduled teaching activities in all modules, including at clinical placement. Where this does not occur, students will be expected to satisfactorily explain and support with evidence (e.g. medical illness certificates, explanation of other mitigating circumstances causing non-attendance) all absences and this must be considered acceptable by the relevant module coordinator(s) and Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Unavoidable planned absence must be discussed and agreed with each module coordinator(s) of affected module(s) in advance. Each situation will be assessed on an individual basis. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a student being deemed not to have fulfilled the requirements for entry to the subsequent examination. These regulations apply also to students who are studying for the qualifications of some other regulatory body. The Deputy President and Registrar, UCC will certify whether or not the student's attendance has been satisfactory on the basis of recommendations from Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery.

Exit Award: Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Practice Nursing/Midwifery

Students who successfully complete modules to the value of 40 credits (including NU6161, NU6162 and NU6163) may choose to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Practice Nursing/Midwifery (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award).

Exit Award: Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing/Midwifery (Nurse/Midwife Prescribing and Professional Practice)

Students who successfully complete modules to the value of 60 credits (including GP6002, MH6014, NU5048, NU6162, NU6163 and PF5011) may choose to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing/Midwifery (Nurse/Midwife Prescribing and Professional Practice) (NFQ Level 9, Major Award).

Exit Award: MSc in Nursing/Midwifery Studies (Nurse/Midwife Prescribing and Professional Practice)

Students who successfully complete modules to the value of 90 credits (excluding NU6161) may choose to exit the programme and be awarded an MSc in Nursing/Midwifery Studies (Nurse/Midwife Prescribing and Professional Practice (NFQ Level 9, Major Award).

Programme Requirements

For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements. 

Programme Requirements

Module List

Code	Title	Credits
Year 1
Students take 60 credits as follows:
Core Modules
GP6002	Systematic Approach to Assessment and Evaluation	10
MH6014	Advanced Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals	10
NU5048	Nurse Prescribing, Professional, Ethical, Legal & Communication	10
NU6162	Decision Making and Advanced Practice Professional Roles	10
NU6163	Leadership, Quality Improvement and Governance for Advanced Practice	10
PF5011	Holistic Approach to Prescribing Medicinal Products and Clinical Practicum	10
Year 2
Students take 50 credits as follows:
Core Modules
NU6160	Dissertation for Advanced Practice	30
NU6161	Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum	20
Total Credits		110

Examinations

Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Learning Outcomes for MSc in Advanced Practice (Nursing/Midwifery) (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate the application of ethically sound solutions to complex issues related to individuals and populations.
  
• Utilise advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities in clinical decision-making.
  
• Demonstrate the ability to contribute to the professional body of knowledge related to his/her area of advanced practice.
  
• Negotiate and advocate with other healthcare professionals to ensure that the rights and wishes of the person are respected.
  
• Manage and assess risk and promote a safe environment and quality patient/client care.
  
• Lead in multidisciplinary team planning for transitions across the continuum of care.
  
• Practice as a learned member of the multidisciplinary team in the delivery of quality healthcare for individuals and families across a variety of contexts and practice.
  
• Demonstrate creative and critical thinking abilities and reasoning skills in using theoretical, empirical, and scientific knowledge in nursing assessment, diagnosis, and practice.
  
• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the theory and regulatory framework for the prescription of medicinal products.