Registered nurses with a masters qualification are well positioned to advance their career in nursing, health and social care, education, or leadership and management roles.

Studying for this masters award will enable you to critically explore professional issues in depth, and use this new knowledge in your role, ultimately to benefit patient / client care.

For nurses registered with the NMC, your studies may contribute to your triennial revalidation, and for nurses governed by a regulator elsewhere in the world, studying at postgraduate level demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and ambition to excel as a healthcare practitioner to provide the very best care and lead others in doing the same.

Clinical, managerial and academic career prospects

You may be looking to advance your career in a clinical area in the UK such as senior sister, matron, clinical nurse specialist or researcher or move to an education role within the health and social care or higher education sectors, with equivalent roles available in your domicile if you are based outside the UK.

It is also possible to continue your studies at doctoral level, whether this is via a traditional PhD or professional doctorate route. Because this programme is open to registered nurses across the globe, the terminology used and structure of how health and social care is delivered may vary from country to country but the value of postgraduate study towards career advancement, remains globally relevant.

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.