Master of Nursing with Pre-Registration (Adult)

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

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. 

Successful completion of 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 and 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 practice learning settings, simulation and interprofessional learning.

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

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. The optional clinical elective experience is an opportunity to broaden your cultural horizons and explore diverse nursing settings and global perspectives.

Beyond the programme 

A degree from our MN programme opens doors to a wide range of employment opportunities. The employment prospects for a graduate nurse are excellent and opportunities are wide-ranging. Most students who complete a nursing degree at the University of Edinburgh go on to practice as nurses, and many pursue further professional education to become specialists and leaders in their chosen clinical areas. Others innovate, developing new clinical services, writing healthcare policy and furthering nursing research. 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.