Skip navigation
Nursing Studies (Top Up) at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
Apply

Course summary

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information. Course summary

  • Top up your postgraduate diploma to a full masters degree.
  • Study the course part-time with flexible start dates.
  • Take distance learning options, perfect for practising nurses.
  • Benefit from workshops, online resources and regular supervision.
  • Develop academically with research-based study, and contribute to the development of practice.
This course is aimed at registered nurses who want to specialise and enhance their skills. You'll undertake a rigorous academic programme and an independently researched dissertation project. You’ll top up your existing postgraduate diploma or undergraduate degree to masters level. How you learn All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive. You’ll plan and undertake a challenging 15,000 word study on a subject of your choice, within a framework of independent learning and research. To do this you'll have access to a wealth of facilities – both electronic and on-campus – as well as the support of academic tutors and workshop sessions. There are no timetabled study days – you can visit campus, meet your tutor and attend workshops at convenient times. You learn through
  • independent research
  • regular meetings with academic tutors
  • workshop sessions
  • virtual learning facilities
Live projects The course involves you completing a 15,000 word dissertation (60 credits) on a subject of your choice, within a framework of independent learning and research. This might be primary research, a systematic/critical literature review or service development. Initially you’ll submit a proposal for academic approval. This rigorous formality ensures your work meets all the criteria for a dissertation. Once approved, you can begin your dissertation and have up to three years to complete it. Before you start your dissertation, you need to have completed a postgraduate level research module. If you haven’t previously studied one, you can take our Research Methods for Practice module (15 credits) and a 45 credit dissertation (12,000 words). Future careers Previous students say the course has benefitted them by
  • extending their professional knowledge and expertise
  • enhancing professional decision making
  • contributing to evidence-based practice
  • encouraging innovation
  • developing leadership skills
You could also progress to doctoral studies. Where will I study? You study this course online from any location Equipment and facilities We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.

Modules

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances. Modules studied may differ depending on when you start your course. Compulsory modules Dissertation Dissertation Researching For Practice (Distance Learning)

Assessment method

Coursework

Entry requirements

You must hold a degree in any subject and a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing from a pre-registration course along with a registered (NMC) nurse status. You normally progress directly to the 60 credit dissertation, but we will advise you if you need to take a research methods module prior to the dissertation. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more Some applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview with the course leader to ensure that the programme is suitable for themselves and their aspirations. If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall and a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent. If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page. For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall and a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent.

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall and a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent.

Please click the following link to find out more about English language requirements for this course

https://www.shu.ac.uk/courses/nursing-and-midwifery/msc-nursing-studies/distance-learning/2023

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 Year 1
EU £17155 Year 1
International £17155 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate degree courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200. If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found at https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/terms-and-conditions-and-student-regulations under student fees regulations. Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200. Please refer to our website for up-to-date information on costs and fees: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/undergraduate/fees

Sponsorship information

Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.

Nursing Studies (Top Up) at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS