MSc - Nursing/Registered Nurse: Adult Nursing

How you will learn

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. 

How you will be assessed

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.

NMC Standards for Proficiency in Clinical Practice

There is a longitudinal practice module each year taking place over 2 to 3 placements per year. All placements are summative 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.

Tuition Fees

2025 - 2026

• £9,535 - UK
• £16,900 - International

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.

International Finance

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.

Funding

You may also be eligible for additional funding through the NHS Learning Support Fund. 

If you're eligible, you can get access to:

• A Training Grant of £5,000 per academic year
• Parental Support of £2,000, if you have at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs 
• Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses 
• Exceptional Support Fund (Students experiencing financial hardship)

For more information on the Learning Support Fund please visit the Learning Support Fund Page.

Additional Costs

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.

Books and Journals

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).

Stationery

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.

Clothing and Equipment

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.

Other

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.