City

What you'll study

This programme combines advanced theory, clinical decision-making and practice-based learning across the spectrum of neonatal critical care. Core themes include neonatal physiology and pathophysiology, advanced respiratory and cardiovascular support, thermoregulation and fluid balance, neonatal nutrition, pharmacology in the newborn, infection control and neonatology-specific pharmacokinetics. You will also study advanced clinical assessment and monitoring, neonatal resuscitation and stabilisation, developmental care, long-term outcomes and family-centred practice.

Teaching methods include seminars, case-based learning, simulation sessions in a clinical skills centre, interprofessional workshops and supervised clinical practice or clinical portfolio development where local placement arrangements allow. Research methods and evidence appraisal are integrated throughout, culminating in a substantial independent dissertation or practice-based project that addresses a clinical, service improvement or research question relevant to neonatal care.

• Modules typically include: Advanced Neonatal Physiology and Pathology; Respiratory Support and Ventilation; Clinical Assessment and Monitoring in the Neonate; Pharmacology and Therapeutics; Developmental and Family-centred Care; Quality Improvement and Service Development in Neonatal Services; Research Methods and Statistics; Dissertation or Practice-based Project.
• Assessment methods comprise written exams, clinical and simulation-based assessments, reflective portfolios, presentations and a research dissertation or project report.
• Flexible study pathways are usually available, with full-time and part-time options to accommodate working clinicians.

Entry requirements

Applicants are ordinarily required to be registered healthcare professionals with relevant clinical experience in neonatal, paediatric or related acute care settings — for example registered nurses, midwives, advanced neonatal practitioners, allied health professionals or doctors. A recognised undergraduate degree in a health or biomedical subject is normally expected; in some cases substantial relevant clinical experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate recent clinical practice and support from an employer or clinical supervisor when clinical practice or portfolio components are required. Evidence of proficiency in English is required for international applicants where English is not their first language, and applicants must meet any professional regulatory requirements for practice in their home or host country.

Career prospects

Graduates typically progress to or advance within specialist neonatal roles such as clinical nurse specialist, advanced neonatal nurse practitioner, neonatal outreach or transport team member, or neonatal unit leadership and education roles. The degree also supports transitions into roles in clinical governance, quality improvement, service development, research and policy related to neonatal services. Some graduates use the MSc as a foundation for doctoral study and academic or research careers in neonatology or developmental follow-up.

Why study at City

City offers practice-focused health programmes with strong links to NHS neonatal units and paediatric services in London, providing opportunities for simulation-based training and interprofessional learning. Teaching staff include clinicians and researchers experienced in neonatal intensive care and neonatal research, and the course emphasises translational skills — applying research evidence to bedside care and service improvement. Flexible delivery options and close support for practice-based projects make the programme suitable for working professionals seeking to develop specialist clinical competence and leadership in neonatal services.