School of Health in Social Science

Master of Nursing with Pre-Registration (Adult)

This innovative programme offers those who already have an honours degree the opportunity to undertake a shortened, two-year programme to become a registered Adult nurse whilst gaining a masters degree.

Name Master of Nursing with Pre-Registration (Adult)
Start Date September
Mode of Study 2 years full-time
Programme Director Sarah Rhynas

Please check the postgraduate Degree Finder to see the specific entry requirements, start date and application deadlines. 

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The Master of Nursing with Pre-Registration (Adult) programme integrates Masters-level studies with comprehensive theoretical and practice-based learning. Our programme runs over 2 years full-time to enable you to undertake the required number of theory and practice hours to satisfy the NMC (2018) standards for Nurse Education. 

The programme uses a range of learning and teaching approaches aimed at building on your current knowledge base through collaborative learning and independent study. Students will learn through a range of lectures, workshops, study circles and simulated and practice-based learning. Assessments include group and individual submissions, taking the form of presentations, essays, exams, portfolios, peer assessment and practice assessment. Practice learning takes place across a variety of community, care home and hospital settings within NHS Lothian and NHS Borders. 

The Masters in Nursing with Pre-registration (Adult) programme leads to eligibility to register as an adult nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Why choose this programme? 

This programme provides a two-year route for those who wish to become an Adult nurse but already possess an undergraduate honours degree. As a nursing student, you will benefit from being in a research intensive environment where you are taught by staff who are engaged with the contemporary issues in nursing through research and practice. Small cohort sizes bring the benefits of support throughout the programme. Across both years of the programme you will undertake learning through engagement in the practice learning setting and clinical skills simulation sessions.   

Join our extraordinary Nursing Community

Nursing offers a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment as it involves caring for and making a positive difference in the lives of others. We are one of the top ten universities in the UK to offer Nursing, and our students' experience is second to none. Find out what it's like to join our close-knit community of international students and staff at the University of Edinburgh.

Find out more about our Nursing Community

Find out more about this programme from our Head of Nursing Studies:

Video: Masters in Nursing into video
A short video introducing the new Masters in Nursing with Pre-registration (Adult) programme at the School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh

Preparation for the Future

The key aim of this programme is to produce first-level registered Adult nurses who are educated at Masters level enabling them to demonstrate leadership and innovation to meet the demands of contemporary healthcare and rise to new challenges and opportunities for nursing professionals. The courses in the programme will provide you with the opportunity to develop the required theoretical and practice knowledge to meet the programme aims. 

Innovative Opportunities

Students benefit from the expertise generated through more than 60 years' experience of providing undergraduate nursing education at the University of Edinburgh. Becoming a student in Nursing Studies means you will be joining an international community of students studying our 4-year Bachelor of Nursing Studies, MSc Advanced Nursing, Masters by Research and PhD programmes. 

Beyond the programme 

Nurses practice in a range of settings including clinical settings in the NHS or private healthcare, nursing homes, third sector organisations, community settings, as well as within industry and leisure sectors. Some graduates work overseas, contributing to healthcare in both developed and developing countries. 

As a Masters-level graduate, you are ideally placed for career advancement after gaining post-qualification experience. You may also wish to follow a career in research or academia.  

Further Study Opportunities

For those seeking to advance their education, the University offers other postgraduate options, including Masters and PhD programmes.   

Find out more about our postgraduate Nursing Studies options