Please check the postgraduate Degree Finder to see the specific entry requirements, start date and application deadlines.
The MSc by Research programme in Nursing Studies offers education and development for all those interested in developing research skills in the field of Nursing.
| Name | MScR Nursing Studies |
| Start Date | September |
| Mode of Study | 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time |
| Programme Director | Sarah Johnsen |
When to apply
The School of Health in Social Science operates a gathered field approach to our postgraduate research applications. This means that all complete applications which meet our minimum entry requirements will be held until the next deadline, at which point applications received will be considered on a competitive basis by our subject area specific academic review panels.
Deadlines
We will be running two gathered fields for new applications so please take note of these dates:
- First deadline: Monday 11 November 2024 11:59pm (GMT). Outcome notifications for applications received by this date will be issued mid-January 2025. Applications submitted after this deadline will be held until the second deadline.
- Second deadline: Monday 21 April 2025, 11.59pm (GMT). Outcome notifications for applications received by this date will be issued mid-June 2025. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be reviewed.
If you are planning to apply for the University’s funding opportunities, you must apply before the first deadline in November.
How to apply
Check that you meet the entry requirements
Before you apply for any of our postgraduate programmes, check that you meet the entry requirements.
Things to do before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact your potential supervisor(s) before applying.
Documents you will need to provide
You will need:
- Undergraduate degree certificate and transcript (and your MSc degree certificate and transcript if required)
- Research proposal based on the criteria for the programme you are applying for – you must use the form template below for your proposal, otherwise it will not be considered
- Two references – some programmes require one of your references to be from your most recent academic institution, please check the degree finder for more information on your specific programme
- Evidence of English language competency, regardless of your nationality or country of residence. We do not require this before the application deadline, but you must submit it before we can make an unconditional offer.
- To find out more about our English language entry requirements, please visit the programme page on our Degree Finder.
- If you are applying for the PhD by Distance you must also submit the PhD by Distance application form
Apply through the degree finder
Applications for most of our postgraduate programmes are made online through the degree finder.
Why choose this programme?
The MScR Nursing Studies is a postgraduate programme designed to provide comprehensive research training in the field of nursing. This unique course allows you to engage in research activities throughout the year while concurrently undertaking specialized taught courses, enriching research skills and expanding your knowledge base. Full-time students must take compulsory courses within one year, however our programme is also available part-time over two to three years.
Our programme offers the possibility to work with and be supervised by a range academics whose background in both therapeutic practice and research is compatible with the student's proposed area of research. Your supervisor will meet regularly with you throughout the period of study, with the focus and content of supervision meetings negotiated jointly depending on your needs. Successful completion of the MScR requires a dissertation, normally in the form of a report of research work, of 20,000 words.
Supervisor Specialties:
Edinburgh’s Nursing Studies played a prominent role throughout the developmental period for nursing research in Europe over the past 50 years. Our department, established in 1956, was Europe’s first university-based centre for nursing education and research. Following this, Scotland’s government-funded Nursing Research Unit was based here from 1971 to 1994, strengthening our national and international reputation as a major centre for research in nursing.
The programme offers you the opportunity to gain advanced understanding of research design, data collection and data analysis issues in nursing, and is designed for qualified practitioners and graduates (or equivalent) interested in research in the field.
A vibrant and inclusive research environment
The University of Edinburgh is a world-leader in research and innovation and an international centre of academic excellence. Students on this programme will become part of an active and diverse research community in the School of Health in Social Science and will have access to the wide-range of learning environments and outstanding resources that the University has to offer. Our postgraduate researchers work in close proximity to each other, enabling them to pool their expertise and knowledge to tackle complex challenges and push the boundaries of discovery. Students will be encouraged to engage with a wide range of seminars, talks, and events, and often have the opportunity to present their own research at national and international conferences. Our student-led postgraduate research blog provides a snapshot of the activities and events our PGR students organise and are involved in.
Our main areas of research activity and development in Nursing Studies currently relate to the themes of experience of health and illness, and organisation and policy for person-centred care. We have expertise in a range of qualitative and quantitative and mixed methods research approaches.
An important aspect of our work concerns knowledge transfer and effective engagement with NHS, social care and lay organisations. The School of Health in Social Science continues to develop a programme of work in collaboration with service providers. Nursing Studies welcomes the opportunity to develop Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, focusing on service re-design and an organisation of care delivery that would meet the demands of the modernising agenda. The latter has implications for workforce planning, CPD and the production of the new health care workforce.
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.
Funding Opportunities
The School of Health in Social Science offers several fully funded MScR and PhD studentships each year. A variety of scholarships are available, which vary from full scholarships covering tuition fees and a stipend to cover living expenses, to partial scholarships.
Beyond the programme
The MScR can be used a stepping stone toward embarking on a PhD, however also delivers transferable skills for a number of career paths. Following completion of the MScR you will have developed a broad range of transferable skills to enhance your career prospects across a wide range of industries, including leadership in a variety of healthcare organizations, supervising nursing research or projects and influencing healthcare policy and practice.
Further Study Opportunities
The MSc by Research is a comprehensive foundation for PhD study, which will equip you for academic positions in nursing. Students with prior professional qualifications can also enhance careers with the addition of highly developed conceptual, analytical and research skills through this programme.
You may also wish to return to the University to undertake CPD courses with Nursing Studies.