Course Overview

Study this unique and specialized course, developed in partnership with NHS Education for Scotland, to become a successful Remote and Rural Advanced Practitioner. Equip yourself to provide quality health care to remote and rural communities while innovating and improving healthcare provision. 

Learn from experts at UHI’s Department of Nursing and Midwifery, focusing on clinical practice, leadership and management, education, and research, to provide a fit-for-purpose approach to rural care in the modern world. In this fully online program, develop strong supportive relationships with academic staff and supervisors using digital technology and an evidence-based approach. 

Be assessed through practice-linked reflection and completion of a course-specific work-based portfolio, developed in collaboration with NHS Education for Scotland. Your development and assessment of clinical competence is via local practice supervision.

Special features

• The MSc Rural Advanced Practice is the first course of its kind in Scotland

• Tap into specialist knowledge of advanced practice and get an understanding of the challenges and rewards of remote and rural practice

• Learn from academic staff who work closely with NHS providers, with up-to-date clinical assessment and prescribing skills

General Eligibility

• Be a registered nurse or allied health professional 

• Be employed full or part-time in health, social care, or third-sector role in the UK, in a remote, rural, or island setting 

• Hold current professional registration e.g. Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration or equivalent 

• Have a first degree or demonstrate evidence of successful prior study at degree level (SCQF Level 9 or equivalent). Some flexibility may be available in the case of experienced professional applicants applying for this vocational program 

• Be working at an advanced practice level with at least a Postgraduate diploma level qualification (level 11) which includes a recordable independent prescribing qualification and advanced clinical assessment module. Applications for RPL are assessed on an individual basis* 

• Applicants with a recordable independent prescribing qualification and advanced clinical assessment module at level 9 can apply for RPL by submitting additional academic work enabling an upgrade to a level 11 qualification. Applications for RPL are assessed on an individual basis.

• An alternative year-one entry route is available for applicants who do not yet hold independent prescribing and/or clinical assessment qualifications. Applicants can obtain these qualifications via our MSc Advanced Nurse Practitioner/Professional Practice.

Part Time Work Details

20 hours work permit for international students

Language Requirement

• Applicants must have an IELTS score- 6.5 or equivalent

  English (PTE) Academic-62 average with 55 in each component

  TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT4-Min 88 or above with min 20 in each section