MSc Nursing Studies

100% online

Become a transformational leader in a senior nursing role

Apply by 13 October 2026
To start 27 October 2026
180 credits Complete within 12 months £7,800 total fees

Key benefits

  1. 100% online MSc, complete within 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
  2. 5 stars for teaching, facilities, employability, environmental impact, global engagement and diversity, equality and inclusion*
  3. 1st in the north-east for student satisfaction**
  4. 13th in the UK for social inclusion***
  5. 3rd in the UK for course quality*****
  6. 70% of university research rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'****
  7. Flexible fees: pay module by module

*QS Stars 2026
**Complete University Guide 2026
***The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
****Uni Compare Rankings 2027
*****Research Excellence Framework 2021

Why Sunderland?

World-class teaching, built around your future.

Student focused

We put our students at the
heart of everything we do.

Professions facing

We partner with employers
and embrace real-world
business challenges, shaping
the workforce of tomorrow.

Society shaping

We are a catalyst for
regeneration with our research
and innovation driving economic
and social impact.

Programme overview

Study a nursing master's online and prepare for leadership roles

This 100% online MSc Nursing course gives registered nurses the knowledge, skills, and network to progress your career. Prepare to step into a senior nursing, midwifery, or healthcare role and advance into a higher pay band with the University of Sunderland.

Build on your experience and develop in-depth knowledge you can apply to your current practice. Course content aligns to the four pillars of advanced practice: education, research, clinical practice, and leadership.

These pillars are outlined by NHS England and the multi-professional framework for advanced clinical practice in England. This means your degree is clinically relevant and you'll learn skills that are sought-after by healthcare providers.

You'll study key nursing theories and approaches and will explore case-based analysis and critical appraisal skills. This will enable you to become a practitioner able to provide evidence-based nursing for better outcomes.

This degree is delivered flexibly, so you can study around shifts and take the next step in your nursing career.

Programme outcomes

What you'll learn

This MSc Nursing studies course will boost your skills and knowledge. Apply your learning to your clinical practice and be prepared for more senior roles.

  • Critically evaluate research: Examine current evidence and scholarship relevant to nursing practice and healthcare.
  • Explore key themes: Focus on areas such as teaching and learning, leadership, and service or practice development and improvement.
  • Specialise in your interest: Tailor your studies to a specific area of nursing that aligns with your professional goals.
  • Develop core skills: Build advanced abilities in self-direction, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, and originality.
  • Advanced professional practice: Learn to plan and implement tasks autonomously, applying your knowledge to real-world healthcare contexts.
  • Drive innovation: Deepen your understanding of advanced nursing and healthcare innovation, gaining high-level skills for complex, changing environments.
  • Leadership and management in a healthcare context
  • Quality improvement, innovation and change management
  • Health inequalities and determinants of health
  • Digital literacy in healthcare
  • Supporting diversity
  • Strategic approaches in global health and care policy
  • Workforce development and maximising workforce potential
  • Patient carer and public involvement concepts and policies
  • Innovation in healthcare
Flexible study

A flexible online MSc Nursing course designed for busy healthcare professionals

Our 100% online MSc Nursing Studies is designed for ambitious registered nurses seeking to advance their skills around professional and personal commitments. The flexible structure enables you to access academic content on demand, wherever and whenever suits you best.

  • Learn at your own pace: Study part-time while working full-time or study full-time and accelerate your career progression.
  • Global community: Grow your professional worldwide network of nursing and healthcare professionals as you study.
  • Collaborative learning: Interact with fellow students and PCPI members in discussion forums and group learning activities.
  • Diverse perspectives: Learn from the experiences of healthcare professionals from a range of backgrounds, broadening your insight.
  • Personalised support: Benefit from the dedicated support of a Student Success Coordinator who will guide and assist you from enrolment to graduation.
Specialist in online learning

A global university, experts in online learning

With over 40 years of international teaching experience, the University of Sunderland brings together a vibrant global community of learners. Our online programmes are shaped by this international perspective, giving you the opportunity to study, collaborate and grow in a diverse and connected environment.

Benefits of being part of our global network:

  • Study with a university that has campuses in Sunderland, London and Hong Kong, plus partnerships across Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.
  • Learn alongside students from around the world and gain insights from multiple cultural and professional perspectives.
  • Connect to a global community of distance learners and expand your international professional network.
  • Join a university recognised for social inclusion, ranked 13th in the UK (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026).
  • Experience cutting-edge online teaching supported by decades of expertise in global education.
Before you apply

Admission requirements

  • Registered with NMC or equivalent
  • and have

  • At least a UK 2.2 undergraduate honours degree or UK Masters degree (or international equivalent) OR 
  • A third-class or UK ordinary degree with 18 months relevant work experience. 
  • This programme does not lead to NMC registration or to qualification as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner

Language requirements

English Language Requirements

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

  • IELTS 6.0 + minimum 5.5 in each component
  • Pearson Test of English Academic no less than 59 in each component
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) Grade C or above
  • O-Level English Language or GCSE English Language Grade C or above (UK Exam Board) Malaysian SPM 1119 Grade 6 or above
  • Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE) II: Merit or Distinction
  • Duolingo – minimum overall score of 90
  • Degree which has been fully taught and assessed in English
  • Alternative qualifications can be discussed with the Admissions team
Got questions?

Frequently asked questions

You can complete the full-time MSc Management online in as little as 12 months, or study part-time at a pace that fits your personal and professional commitments.

Yes. The programme is open to UK and international students worldwide. You can access course materials, discussions, and assessments entirely online, with no need to visit the UK.

You’ll develop a deep understanding of strategic management, decision-making, operations, entrepreneurship, and leadership. You’ll also strengthen critical thinking, innovation, and analytical skills essential for effective business management.

Graduates go on to leadership roles across sectors such as business development, project management, operations, consulting, and entrepreneurship.

Fees Total

£7,800

Per 15-credit module

£650

Fees

If you are based in the UK, you may be eligible for a government-backed postgraduate loan to cover the full costs of the course.

In addition, if you have successfully completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Sunderland, you are eligible for a 10% tuition fees reduction on our postgraduate programmes.

You pay tuition fees for each module taken, either module-by-module or in full at the start of your course.

If you pay module-by-module, you will pay in instalments of £650.

Modules

This module introduces key themes associated with leadership and management. It explores and critiques the complexities of management and leadership theories and their application and influence in the context of health and healthcare. You will develop your skills in key areas of leadership, self-assessment and self-awareness.

Top 10 in UK
for student support services
(Daily Mail University Guide 2027)
1st in the North
East for teaching quality
(The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
70% of university research
rated as ‘world-leading’ or
‘internationally excellent’
(Research Excellence Framework 2021)
8th in UK
for social inclusion
(The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
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MSc Nursing Studies

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Summary