Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £3,440 per stage
January 2025
Course summary
- Top up your postgraduate diploma to a full masters degree.
- Study the course part-time with flexible start dates.
- Take distance learning options, perfect for practising nurses.
- Benefit from workshops, online resources and regular supervision.
- Develop academically with research-based study, and contribute to the development of practice.
This course is aimed at registered nurses who want to specialise and enhance their skills. You'll undertake a rigorous academic programme and an independently researched dissertation project. You’ll top up your existing postgraduate diploma or undergraduate degree to masters level.
How you learn
Your lecturer's view
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
You’ll plan and undertake a challenging 15,000 word study on a subject of your choice, within a framework of independent learning and research. To do this you'll have access to a wealth of facilities – both electronic and on-campus – as well as the support of academic tutors and workshop sessions. There are no timetabled study days – you can visit campus, meet your tutor and attend workshops at convenient times.
You learn through
- independent research
- regular meetings with academic tutors
- workshop sessions
- virtual learning facilities
Applied learning
Live projects
The course involves you completing a 15,000 word dissertation (60 credits) on a subject of your choice, within a framework of independent learning and research. This might be primary research, a systematic/critical literature review or service development.
Initially you’ll submit a proposal for academic approval. This rigorous formality ensures your work meets all the criteria for a dissertation. Once approved, you can begin your dissertation and have up to three years to complete it.
Before you start your dissertation, you need to have completed a postgraduate level research module. If you haven’t previously studied one, you can take our Research Methods for Practice module (15 credits) and a 45 credit dissertation (12,000 words).
Future careers
Previous students say the course has benefitted them by
- extending their professional knowledge and expertise
- enhancing professional decision making
- contributing to evidence-based practice
- encouraging innovation
- developing leadership skills
You could also progress to doctoral studies.
Where will I study?
You study this course online from any location
Equipment and facilities
We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.
Entry requirements
All students
You must hold a degree in any subject and a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing from a pre-registration course along with a registered (NMC) nurse status.
You normally progress directly to the 60 credit dissertation, but we will advise you if you need to take a research methods module prior to the dissertation. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more
Some applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview with the course leader to ensure that the programme is suitable for themselves and their aspirations.
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall and a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
Modules studied may differ depending on when you start your course.
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Dissertation 45 Credits | Credits: 45 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Dissertation 60 Credits | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Researching For Practice (Distance Learning) | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting distance learning study in 2024/25 is £3,440 for a 60 credit stage. If you study a lower number of credits per year, your fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for international/EU students starting distance learning study in 2024/25 is £3,440 for a 60 credit stage. If you study a lower number of credits per year, your fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £11,222 available for Home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Nursing and midwifery courses (PDF, 259.3KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
