The MNurse (Adult) course is a unique postgraduate nursing degree, designed to grow the nursing workforce by opening up the profession to a much wider range of people. In this article, you can find out more about this master’s in nursing, from the skills and knowledge you’ll gain to how it can help your career in healthcare once you’ve graduated.
Who is the MNurse (Adult) degree suitable for?
The MNurse is a full-time, two-year master’s in nursing, which acts as a fast track option for those who already hold a health-related degree (usually at 2:2 or above) and want to pursue a career in nursing. This postgraduate nursing degree is an intense course requiring a high level of commitment, but studying over two years means you can become a Registered Nurse more quickly, as opposed to taking the traditional undergraduate route of three years. When you graduate, you’ll have achieved a master’s in adult nursing.
To be eligible to study on the MNurse course, you must demonstrate a minimum of 600 hours of theory gained from your first degree, as well as 600 hours of healthcare experience to APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning) or RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning). The healthcare experience can either be gained in a professional capacity or through indirect means, such as caring for a family member or friend. Applicants also need to have GCSE English and maths at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) entry requirements.
What skills and knowledge will I gain from studying for this master’s degree in nursing?
The MNurse course curriculum covers the seven platforms of nursing proficiency and has been designed to promote the development of a high level of skills and knowledge in nursing. This will equip you with what you need in order to register with the NMC when you graduate.
This postgraduate nursing degree focuses on five core modules, exploring a range of topics to supply you with the essential theory which you can then incorporate into your practice. These include how to deliver safe and effective care, using health research methods to improve practice, holistic nursing for altered physiology to improve wellbeing, leading and managing within nursing, and a service improvement project (dissertation).
"I really enjoy the hands-on parts of the course – going on campus and taking part in practical sessions helps me to learn. I'm really looking forward to my placements so I can feel more involved in people’s care and gain the experience required."
Natalie Crosby
MNurse (Adult)
BSc (Hons) Health, Wellbeing and Care in Society
Teaching and learning on the MNurse (Adult) course
The course is a 50/50 split between theory and clinical practice and benefits from a blended curriculum, which means you’ll study both at home, on campus, and out on placement.
While on campus in Sunderland, you’ll be able to make the most of our state-of-the-art nursing facilities at the Living Lab and Helen McArdle House, which are home to interactive simulation equipment, mock hospital wards, and an immersive suite where you can reenact healthcare scenarios. These buildings have both received multi-million-pound investment over the last few years. You’ll also have the opportunity to collaborate with students from other healthcare courses to enhance your interprofessional learning, as well as work with our Patient, Carer and Public Involvement participants (PCPIs).
This postgraduate nursing degree requires you to undertake unpaid placements, which will take place at Gateshead Health NHS Trust. You’ll be assigned a clinical mentor who’ll be there to supervise you and offer support during this time. Read more about our nursing and midwifery placements.
How will having a master’s degree in nursing help my career?
Qualifying with a master’s in adult nursing will give you the chance to make a real difference to people’s lives. Adult nurses work in a multidisciplinary team, treating patients of all ages with a diverse range of health issues, so no two days are the same in this challenging yet rewarding career.
According to the most recent data, there are currently over 46,000 nursing vacancies available within the NHS, so having a master’s degree in nursing will ensure you’re in demand. Jobs are available in a wide range of settings both within and outside of hospitals. While many of our graduates go on to work for the NHS, other industries have included the military, private healthcare, the prison service, and voluntary organisations amongst others. Read more about the careers available in nursing or explore some of the more alternative jobs you could go into as a nurse.
Having a postgraduate qualification will increase your job opportunities and earning potential, as you’ll have the required knowledge to progress into more senior roles. According to the 2023 Graduate Labour Market Statistics, postgraduates earn more on average than undergraduates.
Ready to apply? Visit the MNurse (Adult) course page to find out more and apply now, or book onto one of our Open Days to come and see all our fantastic facilities for yourself.
Published: 12 January 2024