MSc Advanced Nurse Practitioner/Professional Practice at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

MSc Advanced Nurse Practitioner/Professional Practice equips nurses and allied health professionals to lead and deliver advanced healthcare in a variety of settings, including remote and rural contexts. It offers an Advanced Nurse Practitioner route or an Advanced Professional Practice route, studied mainly through supported online learning with optional face-to-face elements at Inverness and Stornoway.

Department: Centre for Rural Health Sciences | Duration: Part-time: PgCert normally 12 months, PgDip 24 months, MSc 36 months | Intake: September; January | Study mode: part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Study covers the four pillars of advanced practice: clinical practice, leadership, facilitation of learning and evidence-based research. Modules include Clinical assessment for advanced practice, Clinical reasoning, judgement and decision-making, Prescribing for healthcare professionals, Minor injuries assessment and management, Improvement science and Understanding research in evidence-based practice, followed by a 60-credit dissertation (Quality improvement or Applying research skills for clinical impact).

Career pathways

Autonomous clinical practice using advanced skills to lead care delivery in health and social care settings; progression to doctoral programmes.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must be a registered nurse or allied health professional, normally working in a health, social care or third sector post. A first degree or evidence of successful degree-level study (SCQF level 9) and normally at least three years' experience as a registered health professional are required, with evidence of current professional registration (for example NMC or HCPC). The application personal statement must give place of work, employing health board and line manager, and clinical modules need confirmed clinical supervision arrangements. Recognition of Prior Learning may be considered (flat GBP 150 assessment fee). Application deadlines: 13 November 2026 (January 2027 start), 18 June 2027 (September 2027 start), 12 November 2027 (January 2028 start).

Domestic applicants: GBP 7,155 for the whole programme (2026/27). Full MSc (six modules plus dissertation) for students domiciled in the UK; PgCert GBP 2,385 and PgDip GBP 4,770 Source

International applicants: GBP 9,635 for the whole programme (2026/27). Full MSc for students living in the UK assessed as international for fee status; course not available to those requiring Student Route visa sponsorship or studying outside the UK Source

Intake: September; January

Duration: Part-time: PgCert normally 12 months, PgDip 24 months, MSc 36 months

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