This online MRes Nursing and Midwifery programme aims to prepare nurses and midwives for leading and undertaking extensive programmes of research within a wide range of healthcare settings.
The programme seeks to give you the knowledge and skills you will need to design and execute research studies that will have maximum impact upon practice and those who access healthcare services. Modules within the programme aim to develop an extensive research-based skill set specifically for nursing and midwifery research practice.
The MRes Nursing and Midwifery is facilitated by healthcare researchers, and a core aspect of the programme is the design and execution of a significant piece of empirical research which takes place throughout the two-year programme in the form of an independent research project.
You will be provided with extensive supervision and tailored support, to help you to develop the confidence, knowledge and talent to drive forward research and influence the direction of future healthcare practice.
The MRes Nursing and Midwifery is designed for nurses and midwives who are passionate about healthcare research and motivated to work towards doctoral level study or leadership of research activity within healthcare organisations.
Course Highlights:
- Online modules tailored specifically to meet the needs of nurses and midwives developing complex proposals for health research within nursing and midwifery practice
- Subject modules developed specifically for research skills used within nursing and midwifery research
- A wide range of resources, online reading materials and activities designed to help learners develop essential nursing and midwifery research skills and work towards a range of summative module assessments
- Online discussion boards with support from module tutors, and access to the virtual learning environment supporting and embracing a thriving community of fellow nursing and midwifery students
- An excellent programme for preparing nurses and midwives for doctoral level research and study
The MRes Nursing and Midwifery is a two-year programme throughout which you will undertake five 20-credit modules and one 80 credit Independent Research Project module, totalling 180 credits at level 7.
Year one:
- Trimester 1 (September): Quantitative Research Skills for Nursing and Midwifery Research (20 credits). Launch of the Independent Research Project (80 credits) running throughout the two-year programme
- Trimester 2 (January): Qualitative Research Skills for Nursing and Midwifery Research (20 credits)
- Trimester 3 (May): Methods for Managing Healthcare Research (20 credits)
In year two:
- Trimester 1 (September): Ethical and Scientific Standards for Healthcare Research (20 credits)
- Trimester 2 (January): Evaluating Healthcare Interventions (20 credits)
- Trimester 3 (May): Independent Research Project - write-up and submission (80 credits)
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Teaching and Learning
As you work through the modules, you will engage with a range of synchronous and asynchronous activity. Teaching and learning activities are designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to work towards summative assessments which take place at the end of each trimester. They underpin the development of research management and leadership skills required to conduct a significant piece of research.
Activities consist of:
- Online 1:1 supervision meetings and support with a research supervisor
- A range of online activities within each of the course modules asynchronously delivered within the learning environment
- Synchronous live sessions with interactive support from course tutors
- Peer support via online discussion and completion of module activities
- Support via email and throughout online activities within learning units
Independent Research Project and Project Supervision
The independent research project provides you with the opportunity to carry out a significant piece of research which commences at the beginning of the MRes Nursing and Midwifery programme and is conducted throughout the two-years.
You will have the support of an experienced healthcare researcher and will be supervised throughout your independent project.
You will have the opportunity to develop an exciting research project relating to a specific aspect of nursing or midwifery practice, with our support in the development of your research proposal and scope of the research.
Pace of study
The academic year is made up of three 10-week terms (known as trimesters, commencing in September, January and May of each year).
The MRes is an intensive and accelerated two-year programme of study, which will require a commitment of approximately 200 hours of study time per 20-credit module, and around 800 hours of study time for the completion of the independent research project (spread across the two years).
This study time is usually referred to as ‘notional’ study time and includes the work you will need to do around your online studies including reading, searching for literature, completing the activities and studies within online learning units and interacting with your fellow learners.
The MRes programme requires dedication and commitment throughout the two years of study, coupled with a significant piece of primary research. The independent research project is launched alongside the first and second trimester and is supported throughout until submission in the third trimester of year two.
We understand that the time you can allocate for study may vary depending upon your other responsibilities, and the online modules are designed with some flexibility to fit learning around your other commitments.
Assessment method
The assessment methods include the following:
- Research reports based upon the interpretation and analysis of qualitative and quantitative research data
- Recorded presentation
- Viva examination encompassing a critical discission and questions put forward by examiners
- Research proposal for healthcare interventions
- Conduct of a significant piece of research, reported within a comprehensive thesis
Assessment dates are set at the beginning of each trimester and are normally submitted at week 11.
Student support and guidance
Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:
All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.
Who will teach you
Dr Andrew Dainty
Programme Leader
Dr Andrew Dainty
Andrew is a Senior Lecturer in Nursing and Healthcare Practice based within the College of Health and Social Care.
View full staff profile →
The MRes Nursing and Midwifery is designed to prepare you for a career in research or further study and research at doctoral level. Students completing the MRes will be well prepared to undertake doctoral programmes at the University of Derby, or other institutions offering Nursing and Midwifery Fellowships. Alumni from the MRes are given advanced standing for our Doctorate in Health and Social Care Practice (DPrac) programme. This means that graduates from the MRes are admitted to the third year of the doctoral programme, with exemptions given for the first year 60 credit skills modules and the second year 60 credit service and practice development project. This enables our MRes graduates to enter the DPrac at year three – the postgraduate research phase.
Our graduates will be well prepared for roles in leadership where an in-depth understanding of research is a requirement. The MRes may also lead to a career in education, helping students to understand research methods on a variety of academic programmes, within nursing, midwifery or allied health disciplines. Graduates may also decide to continue with doctoral level study at other institutions or develop proposals for research supported by a range of funding streams.
Utilise our Careers and Employment Service
Whilst you are a student at the University of Derby, and for 3 years after you graduate, our Careers and Employment Service can assist you with job search advice, CV creation, workshops and events, as well as one-to-one appointments with employment advisers to help with career planning and interview preparation.
You’ll need:
- Registration as a nurse of midwife (NMC register part 1) practicing within the UK
- An Honours degree of 2:2 or above/or evidence of Level 7 study within the last five years
During the admissions process, we will also consider:
- GCSE grade C or above (Grade 4-9) in Maths and English (or equivalent)
- Experience of education or study within the last five years at level 6 or 7
- Work experience gained within a research context
Research proposal
Together with your application, you need to submit an outline of your proposed research topic. This is to enable us to appoint an appropriate academic supervisor during the admissions process, ready for the commencement of term.
Your outline proposal (of approximately 500-600 words) should cover the following.
- Research interests
- Proposed topic for developing during the MRes
- Rationale for choice of topic
- Proposed research methods
- Supporting literature/references
Interviews
We want to ensure that the MRes Nursing and Midwifery programme is the right programme for you. Applicants will be invited to an interview (to be held via Microsoft Teams) with the programme leader. During the interview, we will discuss your reasons for wanting to do the MRes Nursing and Midwifery programme, the time commitment and intensity of study, access to suitable IT facilities and your digital literacy. It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the programme, student support and the mode of study.
English language qualifications
If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or above.
Recognition of Prior Learning or Experience
Exemptions can be made on the basis of prior academic study, professional qualifications (such as ACCA or CIMA) or professional experience. Students who have already studied at another institution, completed a training course or have work experience which appears equivalent to one or more modules of this programme, may be able to translate this prior learning into credits towards course modules so that they do not have to study them again. This is called recognition of prior learning or RPL.
‡2025/26 for new entrants
Starting between September 2025 and August 2026.
| | Per 20 credits | Modules | Cost |
|---|
| UK/EU/International |
£1,080 |
6 (five 20-credit modules and one 80 credit module) |
£9,720 |
About your fees
This figure would be the total cost of this course based on the fee in the current academic year. However, please note that fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase if your course lasts longer than one year.
If you are required to undertake any associate study or additional study as a condition of your offer for the programme, please be aware that the cost for this may be in addition to the programme cost stated above.
The 80-credit Independent Research Project (IRP) (7NU994) runs across the entire two-year program with the teaching element delivered alongside the year one modules.
Fees for this module will be due in full during the first trimester of your enrolment onto the programme. This will be alongside the fees for the first 20-credit module. This means that in academic year 2025/6, the fees due in the September trimester will be £5,400, which can be paid over 4 instalments.
Please be aware that if you withdraw from the programme or take a break from your studies after the standard withdrawal date (which is normally 1 November for the September trimester), you will be liable for the full fee for the 80-credit IRP module (7NU994). Please see the Withdrawal Calendar for further details.
This will also apply if you enrol onto the IRP module and decide after 1 November to exit the MRes Nursing and Midwifery programme early with a Postgraduate Diploma. As part of the Postgraduate Diploma, you will also need to study the 20-credit Evidence Based Practice Project (7NU645) at the end of year two, for which fees will apply. Similarly, if you have enrolled onto the IRP module and then decide, after 1 November, to take a break from study, you will remain liable for the full module fee for the IRP and will need to retake the module again, incurring a new module fee upon return to programme.
Flexible payment plans available
Choose from two payment plan options:
How to apply
Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
Apply directly to the University.
Apply now
For support with completing your application, view our guide to the application process.
Documents to support your application
For your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:
- Official photo identification such as a passport or driving licence
- Current CV
- Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*
- Evidence of you registration with the United Kingdon (UK) Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Sub part 1: registered nurse (any field) or midwife (midwifery register)
- Research proposal as explained under Entry Requirements
*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:
- Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
- The date of the translation
- The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
- The translator’s contact details
A list of approved translators can be found on the UK Government website.
Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.
Application deadlines
All of our online courses have set start dates throughout the year. We require time to review your application and get back to you with a response before your course starts. Take a look at information regarding applying for an online course to see full details of deadlines and term dates.
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