If you share our commitment to delivering compassionate care and have a 2:2 or above in any undergraduate degree, our Master’s in Adult Nursing is the perfect choice for you to become a nurse in just two years.
Join our supportive community of nursing students and tutors, and study a dynamic course that emphasises hands-on training to prepare you for a fulfilling career in nursing.
Please note that the University is no longer accepting applications from international students requiring a Student Route visa to study in the UK for the MSc Nursing programmes starting in September 2026.
Accredited by:
Nursing & Midwife Council
We understand that real-world experience is crucial to developing your skills and knowledge as a trainee nurse. That's why 50% of your time on our MSc Adult Nursing course will be spent on placement in a variety of clinical environments, including accident and emergency, medical/surgical, older adults, palliative care, and hospice nursing.
As well as this, you'll build your confidence and gain a competitive edge by developing practical skills in simulated 'real life' settings, using our dedicated facilities. These include mock wards, simulated home spaces, and our brand-new immersive simulation room.
What's more, if you study our MSc in Nursing you might be eligible to receive an NHS grant of at least £5,000 per year of study, which does not need to be repaid. See the Fees and Funding tab below for more information.
You will graduate with a highly sought-after postgraduate degree in nursing, eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and qualified to enter an NHS role with a Band 5 salary (£28,407-£34,580 per year for 2024-2025).
![Chloe McKeating, MSc Nursing]()
I would like to go home after work and be able to sit at home knowing that I have made a difference to someone’s life whether that be small or large. I am a strong believer that you never stop learning, for me, the MSc is the next step on my journey.
Chloe McKeating, MSc Nursing
![Louise Caven, MSc Nursing]()
You are welcomed onto the course with smiles and kindness and nothing is ever too much trouble for the lecturers. The course is amazing, the skills you are taught to be able to go on placement, the equipment which is available for you to be able to learn the skills and the resource in the university to help you enhance your learning skills is something you wouldn’t get at other universities.
Louise Caven, MSc Nursing
As well as learning on placement, you will study a range of modules that enable you to explore all aspects of nursing, from the fundamentals of providing care to caring for patients with complex needs. On this course, you won't just learn theoretical concepts – our expert tutors deliver a dynamic curriculum, balancing theory with practical applications throughout each module, so you'll be applying your learning to real-world and simulated 'real-world' scenarios at every step.
This hands-on approach will actively engage you in your learning, build your confidence, and better equip you for the clinical situations you will face in your career.
This course is also available as MSc Pre-registration Nursing/Registered Nurse: Mental Health Nursing.
We use a range of teaching methods to match the learning outcomes and to ensure that you will experience methods best suited to your learning style.
Types and methods of assessment will include group seminars and presentations; essays; portfolio of evidence (achievement of clinical competences and written evidence); viva, examination; OSCE/practical skills assessments; map of patient/client experience; reflective essay; community health profile; reflective incident recording; poster presentation; dissertation.
There is a longitudinal practice module each year taking place over 2 to 3 placements per year. The second placement for each year is a summative assessment and must normally be passed to progress on the programme, and to enable registration with the NMC. A failed placement will be allowed one further attempt to recoup the fail. Failure of a second attempt at practice assessment will normally mean discontinuation from the programme. Qualified practice assessors assess students’ acquisition of skills and achievement of the NMC proficiencies in clinical practice. Practice assessors alongside academic assessors will confirm students are proficient to progress to NMC registration.
Students’ professionalism, attitudes, good health and character are vital aspects of this assessment. University Link Lecturers and Placement Education Facilitators support both students and assessors in the placements. Most of the theoretical work is linked to practice in some way and assessors will explore students’ underpinning knowledge, and how their personal and professional characteristics impact on their performance.
Our learning and teaching strategy is based on the philosophy that nurses occupy a privileged position within society. Patients, clients and members of the public have the right to expect the highest standards of professional behaviour. Training to be a nurse, whilst working and studying for this highly valued qualification is a challenging and stimulating process, on both personal and professional levels. The programme is designed to ensure that theory and practice are clearly linked throughout in order to enhance patient care. This includes the requirement for students to demonstrate the appropriate professional attitudes, values and character throughout their written work, their time on placement, and conduct on the programme.
Service user and carer involvement is viewed as an integral part of the programme and we are actively continuing to develop their involvement in curriculum development and delivery. Practice assessors involve service users, seeking their opinions when assessing students on placement contributing to the overall decision regarding the achievement of proficiencies.
Applicants need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, achieved in one sitting which must include English Language and Mathematics (Functional skills level 2 Mathematics and English also accepted).
Applicants must have a minimum 2:2 in an undergraduate degree. Please see below for examples of current students who had the correct requirements for entry.
Applicants for this course must have a minimum of 500 hours of verified hands-on care experience with patients & clients (bathing, feeding, moving and handling, toileting, etc.) This may be in a hospital, care home or in a residential establishment.
All applicants will be subject to a face to face interview (In-person or online) and must successfully complete a Portfolio of Evidence prior to commencing the course.
International applicants require an IELTS certificate that confirms a minimum score of 7 in writing alongside a minimum of 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking, so long as the minimum overall score of 7.0.
All places are offered subject to successful interview, as well as Disclosure and Barring Service clearance (DBS), medical fitness to practice and proof of qualifications.
If you're unsure if you meet our entry requirements, please get in touch with us at UoCAdmissions@cumbria.ac.uk or call 01228 588 588.
Personal statement
Your personal statement is expected to demonstrate an insight into your chosen field of nursing, including an understanding of care environments and current issues in contemporary nursing or health care, and should include an understanding of the NHS core values.
You should describe the concept of a professional attitude, effective communication skills, good time-management skills, and an awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses. An awareness of the NMC code and the vision for the training of the future nurse and how this can support the delivery of high-quality person-centred care should be included. You should convey your ability to work both independently and as part of a team and demonstrate motivation and a commitment to preparing to study as a nurse, demonstrating an ability to solve problems and to think creatively in conveying a capacity for leadership and how this is important in the nursing profession.
International applicants require an IELTS certificate that confirms a minimum score of 7.0 in writing alongside a minimum of 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking, so long as the minimum overall score of 7.0.
International Applicants (EEA and Non-EEA) coming to study in the UK, who do not have “settled” status or “leave to remain” will need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study.
Information about how to apply for a visa can be found here:
Additionally, all applicants must meet Fitness to Practice and Health requirements as well as a Disclosure and Barring Service Check. In addition, students who have resided outside the UK will be required to provide evidence of a satisfactory overseas police check. Instructions on how to complete these will be provided upon application.
Example 1:
B's and C's in GCSE's
Studied a BSc Psychology degree
Worked in a crisis house as a mental health recovery worker for 12 months.
Example 2:
Worked in multiple care settings- including community work, care homes and nursing homes.
Gained experience in nursing care, complex care and neurological care.
Studied BA Working with Children and Families.
All offers of a place are subject to satisfactory health screening. Further information will be provided following the offer of a place.
Please note that Professional Bodies such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) have certain requirements regarding health and character status of applicants and their ability to meet the required core professional competencies and to practice safely without direct supervision. Please read the NMC and HCPC information to find out more. Please ask us for advice and/or support as early as possible in the application process if you have any questions about this requirement.
For more information about core competencies and medical fitness to train please click here. There are fitness standards provided here for most programmes of study: health professions, social work and teaching.
In some instances, an applicant may be invited to attend a professional practice panel to discuss any recommended reasonable adjustments, and whether or not core professional competencies are achievable.
In order to be admitted and continue on the course, students must be deemed as medically fit for both practice and theory by the Occupational Health Department. If you have any concerns about a health condition/issue and its impact on your ability to undertake the course please contact the Occupational Health Department as early as possible in the application process.
If you are offered a place we require you to comply with an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) background clearance check. Details on the policy can be found here.
* Since 1 April 2015, all Higher Education Institutions delivering NHS training programmes are required to assess students for their values using the core requirements set out in the Values-Based Recruitment (VBR) framework. This assessment will take place as part of our recruitment process.
Enhanced DBS with checks against the Children's and Adults' Barred Lists
The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.
Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.
At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.
Read MoreYou may also be eligible for additional funding through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
If you're eligible, you can get access to:
For more information on the Learning Support Fund please visit the Learning Support Fund Page.
We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000..
Student Finance
There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.
Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.
£69.50 (2026/7 fee)
The University library holds copies of core texts (including some as e-books accessible online). You may want to purchase your own books and therefore would need to spend approximately £100-£200 a year on textbooks. However, journals will enable you to source the most up-to-date research and evidence for practice – these are available online via our library. A good all-around text to support you through both years of the programme is: Peate, Ian and Wild, Karen (2018) "Nursing Practice - Knowledge and Care". Wiley-Blackwell ISBN-10 : 1119237475 (paperback).
Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30-£40 per year for these items.
A good pair of black sensible shoes & black socks – you will be doing a lot of standing and walking in placement so make sure your feet are comfortable – go for comfort over fashion for your uniform shoes. Approx. cost £35-90. You will need to purchase a blue/black thigh-length waterproof coat to cover your uniform when you are required to wear it. (Cost variable.) A Stethoscope – we recommend the Pro Dual Head EMT Stethoscope. If you buy a fob watch (nurses’ watch) please make sure it is one with an easy to keep clean silicone cover. Cost approx. £10.
For half of the programme, you will be engaged in practice-based placements. Our placement circuit is across a wide geographical area and you may be required to travel for up to 90 minutes by public transport or car. Costs will vary depending on whether you use public transport with or without a discount, or your own transport, such as a car. You will have to fund any costs incurred by travelling to and from placement and any car parking charges. You are also expected to fund travel costs to and from the University of Cumbria. Membership of a union is strongly recommended (UNISON & Royal College of Nursing £10 per year). During the programme there may be opportunities to be involved in optional extra-curricular learning opportunities which may incur additional costs.
Approximately £30 to £40 per year
Required · Per year · Stationery
You should budget for stationery and consumables for personal use. These may include notebooks, pens and pencils, digital storage devices, printing and photocopying. The amount you spend will depend on your study preferences.
£69.50 (2026/27 fee)
Required · One-off · Checks, clearances and health requirements
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required before you start placements. The Entry requirements section for your course shows which barred lists the check covers.
Approximately £50 to £300 over the course of your studies
Optional · Throughout the course · Books and journals
Most core textbooks and journals are available through the University library. You may choose to purchase personal copies of books or other resources used to support your studies.
Some courses recommend particular books or provide an estimated annual budget for purchasing personal copies. Search for your course below for details.
Cost depends on the equipment and internet service you choose
Required · Throughout the course · Digital learning and IT
You will need regular access to a laptop or computer capable of accessing the internet and running software such as a word processor and Microsoft Teams. Microsoft 365 is provided as part of your studies. You will also need a reliable internet connection. The amount you spend will depend on the equipment and internet service you choose.
Required · Per placement · Placements
You will need to pay for travel to and from your placements. Placement locations vary, and a placement arranged by the University may require additional travelling time. The amount you spend will depend on the placement location and your chosen method of transport.
You may be eligible for financial assistance towards some placement travel or subsistence costs. Any assistance available will depend on the scheme and eligibility criteria in place at the time of your placement.
Cost varies depending on the placement location and your chosen method of transport
Required · Per placement · Travel and accommodation
Approximately £30 to £50
Required · Throughout the course · Travel and accommodation
Costs can be several hundred pounds and may occasionally exceed £1,000 per year
Required · Per year · Travel and accommodation
Cost varies depending on where you live and how often you need to attend
Required · Throughout the course · Travel and accommodation
Part-time students are usually employed by their sponsoring placement. You will need to pay for travel to and from the University and, if required, accommodation for academic blocks and required campus attendance.
Costs vary and may be up to approximately £300
Required · Per placement · Travel and accommodation
You need to complete at least 400 hours of vocational placement for BASRaT accreditation. Where possible, term-time placements are local and within reach by public transport, but some may be further away, not reachable by public transport, or need overnight accommodation. Your Placement Coordinator will discuss these with you.
Cost depends on what you already own
Required · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
You'll spend a lot of time in the field, so you'll need weatherproof clothing, including a waterproof coat and trousers, sturdy walking boots, a rucksack (ideally with a waterproof cover) and plenty of warm outdoor layers. You may also want a flask and lunchbox for days out in the field.
Cost depends on what you already own
Required · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
Essential kit includes a waterproof jacket and trousers, walking boots, well-fitted wellington boots, a warm hat and gloves, a day rucksack (ideally with a waterproof cover) and other outdoor clothing such as thermals, fleeces, walking trousers and socks. You may also want a flask, water bottle, lunchbox and your own binoculars for field trips. Many outdoor shops in Ambleside offer student discounts, so you may prefer to buy some items after you arrive.
Cost depends on what you already own
Required · One-off · Clothing and uniform
You'll need clothing and footwear suitable for walking in an upland environment in Cumbria, whatever the weather.
Cost varies depending on your placement and attendance requirements
Conditional · Variable · Travel and accommodation
You may need to pay for travel to placement and to the University campus, including parking, and for accommodation at placement or on campus if required.
Cost of a new enhanced DBS check
Conditional · Variable · Checks, clearances and health requirements
You will need to pay for any additional DBS checks, for example if you lose your certificate, if you suspend your studies for a year or more, or if a placement provider asks for a new check because your certificate is more than a year old.
Approximately £35 to £90
Required · One-off · Clothing and uniform
You will do a lot of standing and walking on placement, so you will need a comfortable pair of black, sensible shoes and black socks.
Cost varies
Required · One-off · Clothing and uniform
You will need a blue or black thigh-length coat to cover your uniform when you are required to wear it, for example on community placements.
Approximately £10
Required · One-off · Equipment
If you buy a fob watch (nurse's watch), choose one with a silicone cover that is easy to keep clean. Some placements may require one.
Cost depends on what you already own
Conditional · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
Some placements expect you to wear smart casual clothing appropriate for a professional working environment rather than a uniform.
Approximately £120 to £300, depending on your course
Required · One-off · Clothing and uniform
You will need appropriate trainers and University sports kit for practical sessions and placement. Kit includes a polo shirt, Dri-FIT t-shirt, long-sleeve top, shorts and straight or slim-fit tracksuit bottoms. You will receive information about buying it before your course starts. On some courses this budget also covers equipment such as a model skeleton or portable massage plinth.
Cost depends on what you already own
Required · One-off · Clothing and uniform
You will practise clinical skills on each other in university sessions, so you will need loose, comfortable clothing that keeps you covered, such as tracksuit or jogging bottoms or shorts, a plain polo shirt, t-shirt or vest top, and trainers or shoes with non-slip soles.
Cost depends on the items needed
Conditional · Variable · Clothing and uniform
Your placement uniform is provided. If you need additional or replacement items, you may have to pay for them, depending on the reason they are needed.
Approximately £20 to £40 or more
Required · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
You need to buy your own placement footwear. Sensible, plain black, comfortable and supportive flat shoes are suggested, and your placement Trust's uniform policy will give further guidance. You may need to replace them during your course, and you may want separate footwear for the theatre environment.
Approximately £200 to £300
Required · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
Uniform tunics and trousers are provided by the University. You will need plain black socks, plain black cardigans or jackets, plain black flat shoes and a fob watch for clinical practice.
Approximately £15
Required · One-off · Clothing and uniform
A laboratory coat is required for practical activities.
Cost varies
Optional · Variable · Clothing and uniform
You may choose to purchase CSI-branded polo shirts or softshell jackets.
Cost varies by union, for example about £10 a year
Recommended · Per year · Professional membership and registration
Membership of a union, such as UNISON or the Royal College of Nursing, is strongly recommended.
Cost varies
Optional · Variable · Professional membership and registration
You may wish to subscribe to nursing journals such as Nursing Times or Nursing Standard. You will need to fund any monthly or annual subscription yourself.
£92 per year (2025/26 fee)
Required · Per year · Professional membership and registration
Student membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is needed for your course. The fee is subject to an annual increase.
£26
Optional · Per year · Professional membership and registration
You may choose to join the British Psychological Society (BPS) as a student member.
Currently £5
Recommended · Per year · Professional membership and registration
Membership of the Student Law Society is optional but recommended.
Around £25
Optional · Per year · Other
You can choose to attend the annual Law Ball.
Cost depends on what you already own
Required · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
Placements require sensible, professional clothing and footwear appropriate to the setting.
Cost depends on what you already own
Required · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
You will need suitable clothing for teaching and taking part in PE sessions.
Approximately £40 in total
Required · One-off · Equipment
You will need to buy an adult stethoscope, an 8-inch plastic goniometer and a tape measure.
Up to £60
Required · One-off · Equipment
You will need a stethoscope. The programme team recommends a dual-head model.
Cost depends on the equipment you already have
Required · Throughout the course · Digital learning and IT
Parts of this course are taught online, so as well as a laptop or computer you will need a webcam, microphone and speakers or headset, and an internet connection good enough for live video calls.
Approximately £250 to £750 per conference, including fees, travel and accommodation
Optional · Variable · Other
You may choose to attend conferences that are not part of your course. Costs depend on the length of the event, the venue and the accommodation you choose. Many conferences are free for students.
Approximately £50 to £150, including fees, travel and accommodation
Optional · Variable · Other
You may choose to attend conferences that are not part of your course. Costs depend on the length of the event, the venue and the accommodation you choose. Many conferences are free for students.
Approximately £50 to £150, including fees, travel and accommodation
Optional · Variable · Other
You may choose to attend a conference that is not part of your course. Costs depend on whether it is a one-day event or you stay overnight, the venue and the accommodation you choose.
Conditional · One-off · Placements · Year 2
In Year 2 you can arrange a four-week elective placement within the UK. You will need to fund this yourself, and the cost depends on the location.
Usually £30 to £60 per hour
Required · Variable · Other
While you are in supervised practice you need regular clinical supervision with an approved supervisor: at least 90 minutes each calendar month, with more if you exceed 12 hours of client sessions in a month. On the MA and PgD this runs from shortly before supervised practice begins (around March or April of Year 1) until it ends.
Usually £30 to £50 per hour
Required · Variable · Other
You must complete at least 10 hours of personal counselling or psychotherapy during the course.
Approximately £50 to £70 a year
Conditional · Per year · Other
If the insurance at your supervised practice setting does not cover you, you will need to arrange and pay for your own professional indemnity insurance while you are in supervised practice.
Cost varies
Required · Throughout the course · Other
You will need to pay for travel to and from your supervised practice setting, and for audio recording and playback equipment.
Approximately £250 (2025/26)
Required · One-off · Field trips · Year 1
The Year 1 training residential is a core part of the course and attendance is required. You are responsible for your own travel to the venue; students often car-share to keep costs down.
Approximately £60 to £100
Optional · One-off · Travel and accommodation · Year 1
If it is available to your year group, you may choose to study alongside prisoners from a local prison. You will need to pay for travel for 6 to 10 trips; students usually car-share to keep costs down.
Approximately £400 to £600
Optional · One-off · Other · Year 1
You can choose to take BPS-accredited psychometric training in ability and personality testing, at around a third of the usual cost. It is separate from your degree.
Cost varies depending on where you travel from
Required · Throughout the course · Travel and accommodation
You will need to arrange and pay for your own travel to the Ambleside campus, in-person sessions and field or site visits.
No cost to you
Information only · Not applicable · Field trips
The institute pays for field trips and provides any personal protective equipment (PPE) you need.
Cost varies
Conditional · Per trip · Field trips
Cost varies
Optional · Variable · Professional membership and registration
Cost varies depending on your placement location and travel arrangements
Required · Per placement · Travel and accommodation
The Fusehill Street campus has been the setting of life-saving treatments since World War I. Now, it's home to world changers, life-savers, crime fighters, and entrepreneurs with access to high-quality facilities and innovative thinking.
Find out moreAn Open Day is your opportunity to explore one of 5 campuses, meet your lecturers, and find out how the University of Cumbria could become your new home.
