University of Hull

What you'll study

The programme combines taught modules, a negotiated work-based learning component and a substantial research or service-improvement project. Core themes include advanced clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning, advanced therapeutic interventions, pharmacology for advanced practice, professional practice and ethical decision making, leadership and service development, and research methods and evidence-based practice.

Typical modules you can expect include:

• Advanced Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning — history taking, advanced physical examination, differential diagnosis and use of investigation results in clinical decision making.
• Pharmacology and Medicines Management — pharmacotherapeutics relevant to advanced practice including monitoring, safety and optimisation; may include pathways to independent/supplementary prescribing where available and appropriate.
• Advanced Therapeutic Interventions — condition-specific management strategies, acute and long-term care approaches and non-pharmacological interventions.
• Leadership, Service Improvement and Professional Issues — leadership skills, service redesign, quality improvement and governance in multidisciplinary settings.
• Research Methods and Evidence-based Practice — quantitative and qualitative methods, critical appraisal, and translating evidence into practice.
• Work-based Learning / Clinical Portfolio — supervised clinical practice in the workplace, consolidation of competencies and development of an accredited portfolio to demonstrate advanced practice capabilities.
• Dissertation or Major Project — an independent project focused on research, clinical innovation or service evaluation relevant to your practice.

Delivery typically blends face-to-face teaching, simulation, workplace-based supervision and online learning to support flexible study alongside employment. Credit accumulation leads to postgraduate certificate/diploma exit points as well as the MSc.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to be registered healthcare professionals (for example, registered nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, paramedics, pharmacists or equivalent) with relevant clinical experience. Typical entry includes an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a health-related subject plus a minimum period of post-qualification clinical practice; exact requirements may vary by profession.

Entry normally requires employer support to enable protected learning time and supervised clinical practice. Applicants should demonstrate an ability to study at postgraduate level and provide evidence of professional registration, an up-to-date practice portfolio or supervisor reference, and fitness to practise. International applicants will need to meet the University’s English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates progress into advanced clinical roles within primary, community and acute care across the NHS and private or voluntary sectors. Typical career pathways include advanced clinical practitioner/advanced nurse practitioner, specialist or consultant practitioner roles, multidisciplinary team leader, clinical educator, research or service-improvement lead, and posts with prescribing or autonomous practice responsibilities where appropriate.

The MSc also provides a robust foundation for further academic study, including doctoral-level research, and for taking on wider strategic or managerial responsibilities within health services.

Why study at University of Hull

The University of Hull offers an interprofessional approach to advanced practice education, reflecting contemporary models of multi-disciplinary care. Teaching is delivered by clinicians and academics with active links to regional NHS trusts and community providers, enabling workplace-relevant learning and supervised clinical placements.

Students benefit from a combination of simulation facilities, blended learning resources and established clinical partnerships that support competency development. The programme emphasises research-informed practice, leadership and service improvement, helping clinicians translate learning directly into safer, more effective patient care.