Advanced Clinical Practice, MSc

The MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice is designed for current practitioners who are registered with a professional body and who would like to become advanced clinical practitioners. Your studies are based around four pillars: clinical practice, leadership and management, education, and research. This will help you develop specialist knowledge and work autonomously to make decisions in complex situations.

You will be required to be working in clinical practice for a minimum of 20 hours a week. Part of this should constitute your work-based learning which will be in your area of practice organised by you and your employer.

Graduates of this course will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and expertise to provide clinical leadership. You'll be adaptable and flexible in your approach to your role, and able to provide support, education and supervision to less-experienced colleagues. You will also have opportunities for career progression through promotion and/or service recognition schemes.

While there is no universally recognised definition, the NHS Career Framework equates advanced practice to Agenda for Change Level 7. This course is also offered as an apprenticeship (MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Degree Apprenticeship).

Applicants are expected to have successfully completed a Level 6 programme of study and have the required experience within a specified scope of practice: a first degree; normally 2:2 or above; or equivalent study; current registration with the NMC or HCPC or other relevant PSRB; evidence of substantial experience of working in the health and social care sector currently fulfilling a senior specialist role, typically with five years of experience in professional practice or longer; currently working within an appropriate role with relevant experience. Applicants interested in this programme must have the required experience and qualifications according to the nature of their scope and context of their practice, role and profession.