Nursing (Leadership and Research) - MSc
Designed for early career nurses, our MSc Nursing (Leadership and Research) will enable you to progress your professional career. You will enhance your core practitioner skills, develop management expertise and advance your research knowledge in a supportive and interprofessional environment empowering you to effectively manage the demands of today’s healthcare services.
Month of entry
- September
Mode of study
- Full time, Part time
Fees for 2024/25 academic year
- UK - Full time £11,000 per year. Part time £6,000 per year.
International - £28,000 per year.
Duration of study
- 1 year full-time 2 years part-time
Why study Nursing (Leadership and Research) at Keele University?
Course summary
Designed to support your early career (preceptorship period), our Nursing (Research and Leadership) MSc allows you to build on your existing nursing skills and focus on developing research and leadership expertise at a higher level, enabling you to respond competently to the complexities of clinical practice.
You will continue your transition as a clinical practitioner and progress as a professional who can deliver compassionate, safe and effective care as an autonomous and reflective practitioner, whilst supporting quality improvement and innovation in the rapidly changing health and social care sector.
Expert academics will guide you through current strategic management thinking around complexity and change. You will examine the origins of leadership thinking so you can apply your understanding of leadership in the practice environment. The course focuses on how leaders shape the culture of organisations, with potential leadership problems and their solutions examined and identified, alongside analysis of areas such as making sense of change.
You will develop confident reflective skills, so you can understand your influence and that of others and explore the principles of health leadership and team working through peer-supported learning. Your research expertise will improve as you explore evidence-informed practice and the research skills required to develop a project proposal plan, which will prepare you for a substantive piece of independent work.
Choosing an optional module provides you with the opportunity to sync your studies with a specific area of interest. Current choices on this programme include analysing how digital technology and innovation have a role to play in both improving healthcare and the use of health informatics. Or, you could choose to acquire knowledge about healthcare ethics and law, enhancing your ability to critically think on the subject and look at law as it relates to healthcare professionals. The final option focuses on facilitating the learning journey, assessing the principles of teaching and learning within healthcare and reflecting on areas such as your own experiences, the experience of others, and observation feedback from your own teaching.
You will analyse how current healthcare policy is shaped by contemporary research within your area of practice, and improve your analytical expertise in selecting, reviewing and synthesising research evidence. Our module on quality and improvement in healthcare will develop your critical knowledge and understanding of the various factors that impact quality provision, by looking at areas such as the role of regulators, examining existing policy and exploring the role stakeholders play in the quality of healthcare outcomes.
In the final part of the programme, you have a choice of undertaking a research dissertation or a work-based project. The dissertation will demonstrate your research skills and capabilities in designing, producing and reporting of an independent research project. The alternative work-based project will involve you producing a comprehensive assignment that focuses on a specific area of your current professional responsibilities, chosen in agreement with your supervisor, employer and work-based facilitator.
Next steps
Studying Postgraduate Nursing at Keele
Hear from our students and staff – who share their personal experiences of postgraduate study and teaching at Keele.
Course structure
Modules
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Full time
Semester 1
Core modules
- NUR-40118 Applied Research Methods
To develop knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of applied research methods. To develop skills in the synthesis of literature and appraise differing research methodologies to support the interpretation of research. - NUR-40154 Leading and Complexity
This module aims to develop knowledge and critical understanding of strategic leadership in contemporary organisations. You will explore the development of leadership thinking and understand and apply contemporary theories. Develop knowledge and understanding of key leadership issues, the nature of the problems and dilemmas leaders face, the approaches that can be taken and techniques that can be employed. Integrate knowledge both from experience of work and theoretical insights to explore managing change. Reflect on the relationship between leadership, diversity and ethical modules
Semester 2
Core modules
- NUR-40146 Shaping Policy in Healthcare Practice
To enhance your knowledge and application of topical or emerging research evidence within your field of practice to influence policy and your analytical skills in selecting, reviewing and synthesising research evidence. You will consider the needs and balance the interests of different stakeholders within the context of contemporary health care and ongoing debate. - NUR-40148 Leading Quality and Improvement in Healthcare Practice
This module takes a blended learning approach and students will explore topics and factors that impact on the quality in healthcare delivery to improve overall healthcare for users of service and their families.
Semester 1 - 2
Compulsory module
- NUR-40144 The Reflective Nursing Practitioner
To develop your reflexivity skills, enhance understanding of professional frameworks and leadership qualities, to support your early career development as a nurse, in health and/or social care settings.
Optional modules
- NUR-40156 The Role of Digital Technologies and Innovation within Public Health
To gain a comprehensive understanding of population health and its relationship to Primary Care, the role of UK Health Security Agency / Office of Health Improvement (formerly Public Health England), health informatics and digital health. - NUR-40122 Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
The module will facilitate you to critically analyse, explore and debate ethical and legal concepts, issues and theories relating to health and social care. It will provide knowledge and understanding of ethical and medico-legal theories, and the skills needed to apply them to real-world scenarios in a diverse range of healthcare contexts. - NUR-40142 Facilitating the Learning Journey
To provide a course of study which offers intellectual challenge, both academic and professional, by promoting skills of critical analysis, evaluation and problem solving in relation to health and social care education. To prepare you to be able to organise, co-ordinate and lead learning activities in an educational setting.
Semester 1 - 3
Compulsory module
Part time
Year 1
Semester 1
Core modules
- NUR-40118 Applied Research Methods
To develop knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of applied research methods. To develop skills in the synthesis of literature and appraise differing research methodologies to support the interpretation of research. - NUR-40154 Leading and Complexity
This module aims to develop knowledge and critical understanding of strategic leadership in contemporary organisations. You will explore the development of leadership thinking and understand and apply contemporary theories. Develop knowledge and understanding of key leadership issues, the nature of the problems and dilemmas leaders face, the approaches that can be taken and techniques that can be employed. Integrate knowledge both from experience of work and theoretical insights to explore managing change. Reflect on the relationship between leadership, diversity and ethical modules.
Semester 1 - 2
Compulsory module
- NUR-40144 The Reflective Nursing Practitioner
To develop your reflexivity skills, enhance understanding of professional frameworks and leadership qualities, to support your early career development as a nurse, in health and/or social care settings.
Semester 2
Core modules
- NUR-40146 Shaping Policy in Healthcare Practice
To enhance your knowledge and application of topical or emerging research evidence within your field of practice to influence policy and your analytical skills in selecting, reviewing and synthesising research evidence. You will consider the needs and balance the interests of different stakeholders within the context of contemporary health care and ongoing debate. - NUR-40148 Leading Quality and Improvement in Healthcare Practice
This module takes a blended learning approach and students will explore topics and factors that impact on the quality in healthcare delivery to improve overall healthcare for users of service and their families.
Optional modules
- NUR-40156 The Role of Digital Technologies and Innovation within Public Health
To gain a comprehensive understanding of population health and its relationship to Primary Care, the role of UK Health Security Agency / Office of Health Improvement (formerly Public Health England), health informatics and digital health. - NUR-40122 Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
The module will facilitate you to critically analyse, explore and debate ethical and legal concepts, issues and theories relating to health and social care. It will provide knowledge and understanding of ethical and medico-legal theories, and the skills needed to apply them to real-world scenarios in a diverse range of healthcare contexts. - NUR-40142 Facilitating the Learning Journey
To provide a course of study which offers intellectual challenge, both academic and professional, by promoting skills of critical analysis, evaluation and problem solving in relation to health and social care education. To prepare you to be able to organise, co-ordinate and lead learning activities in an educational setting.
Year 2
Semester 1 - 3
Optional modules
Next steps
Entry requirements
Next steps
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree completed within 3-5 years of the start date of the course
and
hold a current first level Professional Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and be currently working in clinical practice or undertaking voluntary healthcare work.
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a public university or CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a private university
and
experience working in healthcare practice
and
hold a current 1st level professional registration in nursing or midwifery with a relevant regulatory body.
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: 3 in Higher or Intermediate Certificate Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any subject
and
experience working in healthcare practice
and
hold a current 1st level professional registration in nursing or midwifery with a relevant regulatory body.
You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in any subject or 65% in a degree in any subject from a '211' university
and
experience working in healthcare practice
and
hold a current 1st level professional registration in nursing or midwifery with a relevant regulatory body.
You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in any subject
and
experience working in healthcare practice
and
hold a current 1st level professional registration in nursing or midwifery with a relevant regulatory body.
You will also need: C6 in Senior School Certificate Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in any degree of three years or longer
and
experience working in healthcare practice
and
hold a current 1st level professional registration in nursing or midwifery with a relevant regulatory body.
You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Nepal
Nigeria
Second class degree in any subject
and
experience working in healthcare practice
and
hold a current 1st level professional registration in nursing or midwifery with a relevant regulatory body.
You will also need: C6 in Senior School Certificate Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit Pakistan Country Page for more information
and also
experience working in healthcare practice
and
hold a current 1st level professional registration in nursing or midwifery with a relevant regulatory body.
You will also need: 33% in Higher Secondary Certificate Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in any subject or Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any subject
and
experience working in healthcare practice
and
hold a current 1st level professional registration in nursing or midwifery with a relevant regulatory body.
You will also need: 4 in NSC Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
Uganda
Zimbabwe
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group E.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
Funding
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2024 start date falls in the 2023/24 academic year. Please see the 2023/24 academic year fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2024.
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
For continuing international students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Next steps
Your career
Upon successful completion of this programme you will strengthen your professional clinical skills and develop a key set of leadership and research skills that will allow you to advance your career as an effective leader in your chosen specialism, whilst effecting positive change in the healthcare sector.
You could progress into roles such as:
- Consultant Nurse
- Advanced Nurse Practitioner
- Ward Manager
- Director of Nursing
- Nurse Researcher
- Clinical Practice Educator
- Academic in Higher Education
Next steps
Teaching, learning and assessment
How is the programme taught?
We adopt a blended learning approach on the MSc Nursing (Leadership and Research) programme which includes flexible, active social learning that meets your needs as a busy clinical professional. Teaching methods may include:
- Live sessions using in-person and online spaces.
- Flipped classroom techniques, where you will access core materials in preparation for your teaching sessions.
- In-person teaching will be complemented by digital tools and resources such as Keele's virtual learning environment, the KLE and Microsoft Teams.
- Materials and activities will act as a 'wrap-around' to class sessions, helping your prepare for class learning and benefit from follow up or consolidation activities.
- Action learning sets where you will meet in small groups to work together on specific structured activities or to reflect on experiences.
- Self-directed independent study.
You will also have academic mentoring sessions that will be on both a group and individual basis. The emphasis will be on your individual development and there will be the opportunity to:
- Explore specific learning intentions and/or any difficulties.
- Provide formative feedback and clarification of your learning.
- Create a climate for learning through structured reflection on your practice and your inter-relationship with leadership, research and evidence-based practice.
How is the programme assessed?
We use a wide variety of assessment methods on this programme which will reflect the breadth of knowledge and skills you will develop. These methods may include:
- Written reports
- Oral presentations
- Poster presentation
- Portfolio
- Policy briefing review
- Work based learning project or dissertation
Next steps
Keele Postgraduate Association
Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.
Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.
Our expertise
Our current teaching team on the MSc Nursing (Leadership and Research) programme includes academics who have the specialist expertise that relating to the programme and/or module content. Many of them have higher degrees and PhDs in disciplines connected to this programme's core modules, and some are active researchers who publish extensively in national and international journals. They have substantial experience of teaching at postgraduate level and many are external examiners for programmes at other higher education institutions and have international academic experience.
A number of the teaching staff hold fellowship or senior fellowship status with Advance HE, demonstrating expertise in engaging with a broad range of effective and innovative approaches to learning and teaching, resulting in high-quality student learning.
Next steps
Facilities
TEACHING FACILITIES
Learning in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Keele is enhanced by superb classroom facilities, an excellent Health Library, computer suite. The programme will utilise a flipped learning and enquiry based learning approach which will build on both your existing graduate skill set and support your transition as an early career nurse.
Next steps