MSc Advanced Practice
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years part time 3 years part time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | St Luke's Campus |
| Typical offer | 2.2 Honours degree (or a Professional Diploma) in a related discipline. |
|---|---|
| UCAS code | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year part time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | St Luke's Campus |
| Typical offer | 2.2 Honours degree (or a Professional Diploma) in a related discipline. |
|---|---|
| UCAS code | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years part time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | St Luke's Campus |
| Typical offer | 2.2 Honours degree (or a Professional Diploma) in a related discipline. |
|---|---|
| UCAS code | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year part time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | St Luke's Campus |
| Typical offer | 2.2 Honours degree (or a Professional Diploma) in a related discipline. |
|---|---|
Why study MSc Advanced Practice at Exeter?
- Develop the skills and expertise required to respond to challenges facing our modern day health service and enhance your learning experience through engagement with external practitioners with specialist expertise
- We will provide a strong academic underpinning to the role of the Advanced Practitioner and encourage you to expand your scope of practice as part of the advanced practice agenda outlined by the NHS England Multi-professional Framework for Advanced Practice (2025)
- The MSc Advanced Practice can be studied as a part-time programme of study, taken over 2 or 3 years, to suit your needs, learning alongside our MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Degree Apprenticeship)
- Benefit from Faculty membership of the Association of Advanced Practice Educators (AAPEUK)
- Designed for practitioners from a range of backgrounds including (but not limited to) radiography, nursing, pharmacy, paramedics, occupational therapy and midwifery
- Accredited by NHS England’s Centre for Advancing Practice
Apply for individual modules 2026/27
Fast Track (current Exeter students)
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
Contact
Programme Directors: Kirstie Brown and Kate Emblin
Email: ACP-prog-leads@exeter.ac.uk
Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72
Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading and internationally excellent Clinical Medicine research
Based on 4* + 3* research in REF 2021
Our Public Health research is 11th in the UK for research power
Submitted to UoA2 Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care. REF 2021
Major capital investment in new buildings and state-of-the-art facilities
Vibrant and active research student community supported by excellent pastoral and academic staff
Entry requirements
MSc Advanced Practice
You should hold a minimum 2.2 Honours degree (or for older qualifications a Professional Diploma) in a healthcare related discipline. Relevant clinical experience or previous postgraduate qualifications will also be considered as part of the admissions process. In addition, you should be registered with the appropriate statutory regulatory body for your profession (such as the HCPC or NMC).
You must have at least 2 years’ experience of professional practice. This should be post-registration experience and does not include internships.
It is expected that candidates will have a current contract of employment with a healthcare provider and will have a named workplace supervisor to provide supervision for the duration of the programme.
Please complete and upload the MSc Advanced Practice Application Form as part of your online application. This enables us to confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for NHS England-funded places, including having a named workplace supervisor and working in an eligible role.
A personal statement, detailing your reasons for seeking to undertake this subject, will be required.
PgCert/PgDip/MSc Clinical Practice
You should hold a minimum 2.2 Honours degree (or for older qualifications a Professional Diploma) in a healthcare related discipline. Relevant clinical experience or previous postgraduate qualifications will also be considered as part of the admissions process.
You must have at least 2 years’ experience of professional practice. This should be post-registration experience and does not include internships.
A personal statement, detailing your reasons for seeking to undertake this subject, will be required.
Accreditation of prior learning for Master's courses in Healthcare and Medicine
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is a process whereby students, who have already gained relevant skills and knowledge prior to the start of their course, may be granted a partial credit exemption from their programme instead of unnecessarily repeating work. Find out more about APL
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The required IELTS test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
The MSc Advanced Practice is a multi-professional programme accredited by NHS England’s Centre for Advancing Practice.
This programme will develop and enhance the skills you need to become an advanced practitioner, enabling you to work autonomously and flexibly to make complex decisions about how people should be cared for and treated.
The programme will provide you with a sound educational grounding that will encourage critical analysis of literature, documents and policies associated with advanced practice, including professional, legal and ethical issues. It will also prepare you to undertake research, audit and evaluative activities that develop your personal knowledge and expertise to help improve evidence-based patient care across systems.
You will study compulsory and optional modules mapped to the four pillars of advanced practice (Clinical Practice, Education, Leadership and Management and Research). The modules are listed below.
Programme Structure
The MSc Advanced Practice programme can be taken over two or three years of part-time study. The MSc Advanced Practice requires you to be working in clinical practice in order to fulfil the learning criteria. The MSc Clinical Practice full-time variant is available for students who are unable to meet the clinical requirements or who wish to study on a full-time basis. Both programmes are delivered at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ).
NB. Only the MSc Advanced Practice (2- and 3-year part-time) is accredited by NHS England.
The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. To gain a Master’s qualification, you will need to complete 180 credits at level 7. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with one credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work, a 15 credit module being equivalent to 150 hours of work and a full Master’s degree being equivalent to approximately 1,800 hours of work.
It is also possible to exit with a PGCert after completing 60 credits of taught modules or a PGDip after completing 120 credits of taught modules.
Contact Days
View the draft timetable of contact days for 2025-2026
Please note: these timetables are draft and may be subject to change.
The last contact day and assessment deadline for the programme will be earlier than the actual end date of your registration with the University, to allow a period of time at the end of your active studies for further support and mitigation, if needed.
Modules
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Alongside the compulsory modules you are required to study, you will have the opportunity to select from a number of optional modules within our postgraduate taught programmes portfolio. Each module has been chosen for its specific alignment with one of the four pillars of advanced practice.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
The MSc Advanced Practice can be taken as a 24-month or 36-month part time programme of study. It is delivered at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
The MSc requires 180 credits, of which 150 are taught modules and 30 is an Advanced Practice Improvement Project module.
These awards are offered in the following configurations and may be structured as follows:
- MSc Advanced Practice, 2 years part-time: you would typically take no more than 90 credits per year. There are 150 credits of compulsory modules to be taken between Years 1 and 2.
- MSc Advanced Practice, 3 years part-time: you would typically take no more than 60 credits per year. There are 150 credits of compulsory modules to be taken between Years 1 to 3.
Note: All programmes address the same set of ILOs. Some of the assessment methods mapped to ILOs are module specific.
Optional Modules
You may take Optional Modules (dependent on there being capacity within that module) as long as any prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
Please note that all optional modules are non-condonable when taken as part of the MSc Advanced Practice 2-year and 3-year part-time programmes. This is a requirement of the NHSE accreditation for the programme. Hence, if you wish to progress through PGCert and PGDip programmes onto the MSc Advanced Practice (2-year or 3-year part-time) programme, condoned optional modules will not be permitted.
Certain modules offered within the optional module selection may require you to be able to demonstrate relevant clinical experience in the area in which you have chosen to study, in order to facilitate your learning. This information can be found on the individual module descriptors and you are encouraged to review these before making your final choices. You may wish to discuss your choice with either the programme leads or the module convener as appropriate.
Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the University website: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/
MSc Advanced Practice, 3-year part-time
150 credits of compulsory modules, including one of HPDM147 or HPDM132; 30 credits of options
Note: Additional eligibility criteria apply for HPDM147.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||
| Principles of Advanced Clinical Practice | 30 | |
| Advanced Clinical Assessment and Decision-Making Skills | 30 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Modules details for this programme will be available soon.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
The MSc Clinical Practice is a one-year full time programme of study. It is delivered at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
The MSc requires 180 credits, of which 150 are taught modules and 30 is an Advanced Practice Improvement Project module.
The award is structured as follows:
• MSc Clinical Practice, 1 year full-time: 2 x 30 credit compulsory modules plus 120 credits of optional modules.
Note: All programmes address the same set of ILOs. However, PGDip and MSc are able to address ILOs in greater depth. Some of the assessment methods mapped to ILOs are module specific.
The following tables describe the MSc Clinical Practice programme and its constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the University web site:
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/medicine/advancedclinicalpracticemsc/
You may take Optional Modules (dependent on there being capacity within that module) as long as any prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the University web site: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/
Certain modules offered within the optional module selection may require you to be able to demonstrate relevant clinical experience in the area in which you have chosen to study, in order to facilitate your learning. This information can be found on the individual module descriptors and you are encouraged to review these before making your final choices. You may wish to discuss your choice with either the programme leads or the module convener as appropriate.
Please note:
- HPDM147 and HPDM132 require concurrent clinical practice as a condition of enrolment.
- Additional eligibility criteria apply for HPDM147.
- Teaching practitioner (HPDM103) can only be taken in conjunction with Education Essentials (HPDM105).
- The MSc Clinical Practice is not suitable for accreditation by NHSE.
MSc Clinical Practice, 1 year, full-time: 60 credits of compulsory modules, 120 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Principles of Advanced Clinical Practice | 30 | |
| Advanced Clinical Practice Improvement Project | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Care of the Older Adult | 15 | |
| Teaching Practitioner | 15 | |
| Assessing Learning | 15 | |
| Education Essentials | 15 | |
| Advanced Skill Development | 45 | |
| Principles of Supervision, Mentoring and Coaching | 15 | |
| Practice Certificate in Independent and Supplementary Prescribing | 45 | |
| Future Health: Beyond Data | 15 | |
| Future Health: Reimagining Systems | 15 | |
| Long-Term Condition Care (Respiratory, Endocrine and Renal) | 15 | |
| Long-Term Condition Care (Cardiovascular) | 15 | |
| Research Skills for Advanced Clinical Practitioners | 15 | |
| Advanced Clinical Practice in Primary Care | 15 | |
| Management and Leadership in Global Healthcare | 30 | |
| MRI: Integrated Theory and Practice | 30 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
The PGDip Clinical Practice programmes is taken as a 24-month part time programme of study. It is delivered at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) consists of 120 credits of taught modules.
This award is structured as follows:
- PGDip Clinical Practice, 2 years part-time – 2 x 30 credit compulsory taught modules plus 60 credits of optional modules
Note: All programmes address the same set of ILOs. However, PGDip and MSc are able to address ILOs in greater depth. Some of the assessment methods mapped to ILOs are module specific.
The following tables describe the PGDip programme and its constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the University web site:
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/medicine/advancedclinicalpracticemsc/
You may take Optional Modules (dependent on there being capacity within that module) as long as any prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
Please note, if you wish to progress through PGCert and PGDip programmes onto the MSc Advanced Practice (2-year or 3-year part-time) programme, condoned optional modules will not be permitted.
Certain modules offered within the optional module selection may require you to be able to demonstrate relevant clinical experience in the area in which you have chosen to study, in order to facilitate your learning. This information can be found on the individual module descriptors and you are encouraged to review these before making your final choices. You may wish to discuss your choice with either the programme leads or the module convener as appropriate.
Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the University web site: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/
Please also note:
- HPDM147 and HPDM132 require concurrent clinical practice as a condition of enrolment.
- Teaching practitioner (HPDM103) can only be taken in conjunction with Education Essentials (HPDM105).
- Additional eligibility criteria apply for HPDM147.
- All optional modules are non-condonable when taken as part of the MSc Advanced Practice programme.
- All optional modules are condonable when taken as part of the PGCert/PGDip Clinical Practice programmes.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||
| Principles of Advanced Clinical Practice | 30 | |
| Advanced Clinical Assessment and Decision-Making Skills | 30 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
The PGCert Clinical Practice programme is taken as a 12-month part time programme of study. It is delivered at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) consists of 60 credits of taught modules.
This award is structured as follows:
- PGCert Clinical Practice, 1 year part-time – 1 x 30 credit compulsory taught module plus 30 credits of optional modules
Note: All programmes address the same set of ILOs. However, PGDip and MSc are able to address ILOs in greater depth. Some of the assessment methods mapped to ILOs are module specific.
Please also note that:
- Teaching practitioner (HPDM103) can only be taken in conjunction with Education Essentials (HPDM105).
- All optional modules are non-condonable when taken as part of the MSc Advanced Practice programme.
- All optional modules are condonable when taken as part of the PGCert/PGDip Clinical Practice programmes.
Certain modules offered within the optional module selection may require you to be able to demonstrate relevant clinical experience in the area in which you have chosen to study, in order to facilitate your learning. This information can be found on the individual module descriptors and you are encouraged to review these before making your final choices. You may wish to discuss your choice with either the programme leads or the module convener as appropriate.
The following tables describe the PGCert programme and its constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the University web site: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/medicine/advancedclinicalpracticemsc/
You may take Optional Modules (dependent on there being capacity within that module) as long as any prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Principles of Advanced Clinical Practice | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Care of the Older Adult | 15 | |
| Teaching Practitioner | 15 | |
| Assessing Learning | 15 | |
| Education Essentials | 15 | |
| Principles of Supervision, Mentoring and Coaching | 15 | |
| Future Health: Beyond Data | 15 | |
| Future Health: Reimagining Systems | 15 | |
| Long-Term Condition Care (Respiratory, Endocrine and Renal) | 15 | |
| Long-Term Condition Care (Cardiovascular) | 15 | |
| Research Skills for Advanced Clinical Practitioners | 15 | |
| Advanced Clinical Practice in Primary Care | 15 | |
| Management and Leadership in Global Healthcare | 30 | |
| MRI: Integrated Theory and Practice | 30 | |
Workplace supervision
Workplace supervision is essential for healthcare professionals in trainee advanced practice roles. Good quality supervision supports the development of your confidence and capability and your transition to becoming a qualified advanced practitioner, as well as underpinning patient and practitioner safety.
You may need more than one supervisor to meet your needs as you study the four pillars of advanced practice:
- Co-ordinating education supervisor – provides a consistent supervisory relationship throughout your training. They must have an in-depth understanding of your role and speciality.
- Associate workplace supervisors – works alongside the co-ordinating education supervisor to guide your development in a specific area or pillar in which they have expert knowledge.
Trainee advanced practitioners must have a minimum of one hour of scheduled supervision each week. One in four must be with the co-ordinating education supervisor; the reminder can be with associate workplace supervisors.
Who can be my supervisor?
The co-ordinating education supervisor must:
- Be an experienced practitioner
- Have completed some formal supervisor development e.g. clinical educator/practice educator programmes; PgCert in clinical education; local supervisor training courses.
- Have expert knowledge of the area of practice they are supervising
- If they are an advanced practitioner, must have been working at advanced level for a minimum of three years.
NB. Your supervisors do not need to hold the same professional registration as you.
NHS England provide further guidance on workplace supervision for advanced practice, including the minimum standards for supervision.
If you choose to undertake the MSc Advanced Practice, you will be required to have a named education supervisor.
Fees
2026/27 entry
Fees are subject to an annual increment each academic year
MSc Advanced Practice
UK fees per year:
- £6,100pa part-time 2 years, £4,100pa part-time 3 years
Standalone module fees: UK: £1,200 per 15-credit module
International fees per year:
- £14,450pa part-time 2 years, £9,650pa part-time 3 years
Standalone module fees: International: £2,650 per 15-credit module
MSc Clinical Practice
- UK: £12,200 full-time 1 year
Standalone module fees: UK: £1,200 per 15-credit module
- International: £28,900 full-time 1 year
Standalone module fees: International: £2,650 per 15-credit module
PgDip Clinical Practice
- UK: £4,100pa part time
- International: £9,650pa part-time
PgCert Clinical Practice
- UK: £4,100
- International: £9,650
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer the University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply.
Funding
UK government postgraduate loan scheme
UK students studying one or two year variants of this programme may be eligible for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan. More information can be found on the government website.
Scholarships
Details of scholarships, including our Global Excellence scholarships for international fee paying students, can be found on our dedicated funding page.
Teaching and research
The Clinical Skills Resource Centre.
Our purpose is to deliver transformative education that will help tackle health challenges of national and global importance.
The foundation of our programme is the four pillars of advanced practice:
- Clinical Practice
- Leadership and Management
- Education
- Research
Teaching
This blended course makes use of contemporary education methods such as case-based learning, small group work and development of communities of practice. The core modules are delivered via blended learning, with a combination of face-to-face teaching and learning activities on campus, and online directed activities, webinars and resources. Our teaching is supported by problem-based learning groups where you can explore cases, develop peer support networks and share clinical experiences.
Teaching methods include:
• Masterclasses from highly experienced clinical teachers and researchers
• Small group simulated learning tasks
• Patient case-based discussions
• Practical workshops for clinical skills development
• Interactive e-learning activities
• Opportunities for practice and receiving feedback
Research
This programme promotes multidisciplinary practice by involving clinicians and practitioners from a variety of disciplines to understand the wider clinical context of health care service needs.
At the University of Exeter, our research is globally recognised and our partnerships with healthcare providers, industry and above all, the public, mean that this work is constantly at the cutting-edge of innovation in improving lives.
Explore some of the many highlights of our research on our research impact page.
Learning
Blended learning will be used to support the face-to-face education and a range of online resources will be shared with you to support your learning. You will learn alongside our committed academic team who have a range of clinical and academic expertise. Several faculty members continue to work clinically, ensuring an awareness of current challenges and opportunities for Advanced Practitioners.
Support
Teaching is supported by extensive online University library resources, academic tutor systems, University pastoral support structures and by on-line resources accessed via the University of Exeter’s electronic learning environment (ELE2).
You will be allocated an academic tutor for the duration of your programme. Your tutor will be able to provide guidance and feedback on assessment performance, guidance in generic academic skills and pastoral support. They are also able to refer you to more specialist support services, both within the Department and elsewhere across the University.
Assessment
Each module will include both formative and summative elements. Formative assessment will involve opportunities for discussion and feedback from peers and tutors. The summative assessment element for each module will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate achievement of the intended learning outcomes. Elements of assessment will include:
• Development of Knowledge and Understanding
• Cognitive and Intellectual skills
• Key/Transferable Skills
Assessments will be multi-modal (such as portfolios, presentations and OSCEs) and will enable demonstration of alignment with the four pillars of advanced practice.
Facilities
The Exeter resource centre is located at the St Luke’s Campus in the Heavitree Hospital site. Facilities include large teaching rooms, models for learning all practical aspects of medicine required in the clinical environment and dedicated communication skills rooms with video capability. We have simulation suites fitted with equipment to run a wide variety of scenarios designed to teach and test students in a safe environment.
The CSRC also contains state-of-the-art electronic patient simulators, mock NHS wards and emergency departments.
For students following the reporting or image interpretation pathway, there is a suite of PACS monitors allowing for very high resolution viewing of images, as well as low-intensity lighting to optimise viewing conditions. Find out more about our Medical Imaging Suites.
Careers
Who is this course for?
Demand for healthcare services, intensifying workforce pressures and a growing consensus of the vastly untapped potential of Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professions has led to the continued growth of the advanced practice agenda within the NHS.
This course is for registered practitioners such as paramedics, nurses, radiographers and other healthcare professionals who aspire to develop and work at an advanced level of practice.
Employer-valued skills this course develops
Develop your advanced level practice, your understanding of professional, legal and ethical issues and your ability to critically analyse literature, documents and policies associated with advanced practice. Undertaking a research project will also help you to undertake research, audit and evaluate activities that develop your personal knowledge and expertise.
Career paths (graduate destinations)
Studying towards advanced practice aims to enable clinicians to practice to their full potential, meeting the healthcare needs of the population through innovative, collaborative and autonomous working. There are a multitude of career opportunities within the advanced practice sphere and these continue to grow on a yearly basis.
Careers support
All University of Exeter students have access to Career Zone, which gives access to a wealth of business contacts, support and training as well as the opportunity to meet potential employers at our regular Careers Fairs.
