Program Overview
The Master of Science in Advanced Practice at University of Stirling is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered fully online. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in interdisciplinary studies, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in interdisciplinary studies.
Key Program Features
- 100% Online Delivery: Complete all coursework remotely — no campus visits required. Designed for working professionals worldwide.
- Flexible Scheduling: Asynchronous learning options let you study around professional and personal commitments.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Interdisciplinary Studies.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 12 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Choose from two pathway awards for your career
- Gain advanced expertise in contemporary healthcare within your role.
- Delivered online.
- For health care professionals practising worldwide.
Pathway B: Advancing Practice (Clinical Practice)
- Delivered on campus.
- For clinical-focused health professionals practising in the UK.
- For those working towards an advanced practice role.
The Prescribing for Healthcare Professionals module leads to a recordable qualification with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
You can study any of our modules on a standalone basis as part of your continuing professional development.
Program Curriculum
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree. Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses .
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
Academic requirements Current professional registration as a Nurse or Allied Health Professional is required for entry to this Masters. Applicants are also usually required to have a degree qualification. You do not have to be considering an Advanced Practitioner role to apply for this course, although as part of the MSc in Advancing Practice we do offer a clinical pathway, which would support you if you are either in a trainee or substantive Advanced Practitioner role. If you are not in one of these roles, we have a wide range of modules to suit your practice area. This MSc advanced clinical practice welcomes applications from: health care professionals such as nurse practitioners, paramedics, physiotherapists, pharmacists and occupational therapists; those about to complete pre-registration degree courses; post-registration health care professionals working in practice. MSc Advancing Practice We welcome international applications for the MSc Advancing Practice as this is delivered completely online. We accept applicants that have an ordinary degree and are currently working in practice or students in their final year of study will also be considered but this will be conditional on you obtaining registration and gaining employment (full or part-time, even if it is on the bank). MSc Advancing Practice (Clinical Practice) Pathway Only UK applicants are eligible for the MSc Advancing Practice (Clinical Practice) pathway. Current professional registration as nurse,or Allied Health Professional plus a minimum of an ordinary degree with at least 12 months clinical experience. You must also have the support of your line manager, as this is essential to undertake the clinical modules. International entry requirements View the entry requirements for your country. English language requirements If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills: IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill. Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill. TOEFL exams taken before 21 January 2026: 88 overall with 20 in reading, 19 in writing, 19 in listening and 22 in speaking. TOEFL exams taken from 21 January 2026: 4.5 overall with no less than 4 in any band. See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements. Pre-sessional English language courses If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree. Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses .
Course details
If you have completed Masters Level modules previously you can apply at point of entry for credits from another university to be applied. We have regulations around how much credit can be applied but you will be signposted to these on application to the course. The course is flexible and it does not matter which module you start with. MSc Advancing Practice degree awards Pathway A: Advancing Practice This award is suitable for all registered health care professionals within and outside of the UK. It’s for those who want to gain advanced expertise in contemporary healthcare issues to lead and influence within their role. The modules are delivered online so this can be completed by professionals practising anywhere in the world. Pathway B: Advancing Practice (Clinical Practice) This award is only suitable for those practising and registered within the UK. You must be working towards an advanced practice role or require advanced skills to meet the demands of your current role. Your work will be primarily clinically focused. To gain this award, you must undertake two compulsory standalone modules: Advanced Clinical Assessment and Examination Prescribing for Healthcare Professionals Both these modules require face-to-face on campus attendance. Modules Teaching The MSc Advancing Practice is delivered entirely online. For the MSc Advancing Practice (Clinical Practice) pathway you are required to undertake two compulsory clinical modules, which require face-to-face attendance. Online resources and interactive teaching sessions are designed to engage and challenge your thinking as you acquire new knowledge, skills and competencies. You’re also encouraged to embed your learning within your practice, advancing your critical understanding and application by completing directed activities, reading, seminars and tutorials. How you'll learn online We use the Canvas virtual learning platform to deliver elements of teaching online, such as online seminars, podcasts, videos and other interactive materials. Assessment Assessments will reflect the specific requirements of the modules undertaken, and could include essays, portfolios and examinations. Course director Marianne Fairley-Murdoch Msc, PGCert, BN, DipHE, RN, TCH, SFHEA Key staff Lecturing team Julia Scott (Senior Lecturer) Lorna Stoppard (Lecturer) Gillian Beattie (Lecturer) Agnieszka Burns Professor Karen Watchman Dr Gwenne McIntosh Dr Jessica McLaren
Fees and funding
Fees and costs University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship . Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship . If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees. If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy . Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students. If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees. If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy . 2025-26 fees UK and Republic of Ireland students International (including EU) students Full course fee £8,000 £20,600 20-credit module £889 £2,289 40-credit module £1,778 £4,578 60-credit module £2,667 £6,867 2026-27 fees UK and Republic of Ireland students International (including EU) students Full course fee £8,500 £21,800 20-credit module £944 £2,422 40-credit module £1,889 £4,844 60-credit module £2,833 £7,267 You will be liable to pay tuition fees for every module you enrol on. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course. If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will be liable for additional fees. This fee is charged as a module fee. For more information on courses invoiced on a modular fee basis, please read our tuition fees policy . Postgraduate tuition fee loans If you complete this course in 36 months or less, you may be eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section , below, for more details. Additional costs There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees . Scholarships and funding Funding If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances. Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships. Postgraduate tuition fee loans Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £13,900 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs. English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,858 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme . Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £19,255 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales . Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI . International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers. Scholarships Eligible international students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students . University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship . Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship . Cost of living If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income. International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support. Find out about the cost of living for students at Stirling Payment options We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
This MSc will enable healthcare practitioners to advance their career in areas such as: clinical practice leadership teaching and learning research evidence-based practice. You may be able to progress to advanced roles within the healthcare industry. Roles include advanced nurse practitioner, advanced clinical nurse specialists or advance practitioners. You can work as part of a multi-disciplinary team across a wide range of health and care settings, including: hospitals community primary care social care Employability skills After completing our MSc Advancing Practice or the individual modules, you’ll be able to: demonstrate extensive and critical knowledge of the central themes of advanced practice - leadership, facilitation of learning, research/development and advanced professional practice apply critical reasoning and argument skills to support evidence-based practice as part of health and social care delivery evaluate theoretical models as a basis for informing advanced practice developments and innovation
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 12,450/year (international)
Fees and funding
Fees and costs University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship . Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship . If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees. If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy . Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students. If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees. If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy . 2025-26 fees UK and Republic of Ireland students International (including EU) students Full course fee £8,000 £20,600 20-credit module £889 £2,289 40-credit module £1,778 £4,578 60-credit module £2,667 £6,867 2026-27 fees UK and Republic of Ireland students International (including EU) students Full course fee £8,500 £21,800 20-credit module £944 £2,422 40-credit module £1,889 £4,844 60-credit module £2,833 £7,267 You will be liable to pay tuition fees for every module you enrol on. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course. If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will be liable for additional fees. This fee is charged as a module fee. For more information on courses invoiced on a modular fee basis, please read our tuition fees policy . Postgraduate tuition fee loans If you complete this course in 36 months or less, you may be eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section , below, for more details. Additional costs There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees . Scholarships and funding Funding If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances. Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships. Postgraduate tuition fee loans Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £13,900 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs. English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,858 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme . Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £19,255 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales . Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI . International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers. Scholarships Eligible international students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students . University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship . Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship . Cost of living If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income. International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support. Find out about the cost of living for students at Stirling Payment options We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
This MSc will enable healthcare practitioners to advance their career in areas such as: clinical practice leadership teaching and learning research evidence-based practice. You may be able to progress to advanced roles within the healthcare industry. Roles include advanced nurse practitioner, advanced clinical nurse specialists or advance practitioners. You can work as part of a multi-disciplinary team across a wide range of health and care settings, including: hospitals community primary care social care Employability skills After completing our MSc Advancing Practice or the individual modules, you’ll be able to: demonstrate extensive and critical knowledge of the central themes of advanced practice - leadership, facilitation of learning, research/development and advanced professional practice apply critical reasoning and argument skills to support evidence-based practice as part of health and social care delivery evaluate theoretical models as a basis for informing advanced practice developments and innovation
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Fees and costs University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship . Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship . If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees. If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy . Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students. If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees. If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy . 2025-26 fees UK and Republic of Ireland students International (including EU) students Full course fee £8,000 £20,600 20-credit module £889 £2,289 40-credit module £1,778 £4,578 60-credit module £2,667 £6,867 2026-27 fees UK and Republic of Ireland students International (including EU) students Full course fee £8,500 £21,800 20-credit module £944 £2,422 40-credit module £1,889 £4,844 60-credit module £2,833 £7,267 You will be liable to pay tuition fees for every module you enrol on. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course. If you need to extend your period of study or repeat study, you will be liable for additional fees. This fee is charged as a module fee. For more information on courses invoiced on a modular fee basis, please read our tuition fees policy . Postgraduate tuition fee loans If you complete this course in 36 months or less, you may be eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section , below, for more details. Additional costs There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees . Scholarships and funding Funding If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances. Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships. Postgraduate tuition fee loans Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £13,900 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs. English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,858 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme . Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £19,255 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales . Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI . International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers. Scholarships Eligible international students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students . University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship . Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship . Cost of living If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income. International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support. Find out about the cost of living for students at Stirling Payment options We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
This MSc will enable healthcare practitioners to advance their career in areas such as: clinical practice leadership teaching and learning research evidence-based practice. You may be able to progress to advanced roles within the healthcare industry. Roles include advanced nurse practitioner, advanced clinical nurse specialists or advance practitioners. You can work as part of a multi-disciplinary team across a wide range of health and care settings, including: hospitals community primary care social care Employability skills After completing our MSc Advancing Practice or the individual modules, you’ll be able to: demonstrate extensive and critical knowledge of the central themes of advanced practice - leadership, facilitation of learning, research/development and advanced professional practice apply critical reasoning and argument skills to support evidence-based practice as part of health and social care delivery evaluate theoretical models as a basis for informing advanced practice developments and innovation
About University of Stirling
University of Stirling
Stirling, United Kingdom
University of Stirling is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Start Date September 2026
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)