Advanced Clinical Practice (Advanced Allied Health Practitioner) (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:2 degree in a subject from a clinical or science background, and:

• a current professional registration with a relevant UK professional or statutory body – normally the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or the General Pharmaceutical Council
• a current job contract in an advanced clinical practice trainee role
• access to a clinical mentor who can assess your practice competency and support your learning
• at least 2 years of relevant post-registration clinical experience (3 years before commencing V300 non-medical prescribing) 
• at least 1 satisfactory reference from your current employer, including confirmation of the required practice experience and mentor support

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This Masters course runs from 2 to 5 years part time, allowing you the flexibility to continue working alongside your degree.

You'll study six taught modules and then the dissertation. Most students study either two or three modules per year, then the dissertation the following year. There is no fee for enrolment on the programme; rather the modules are paid for as you study them.

Your pathway leader will guide you regarding your module choices and sequencing. A good starting point is either History Taking and Physical Assessment or Research Methods. Following on from History Taking and Physical Assessment is the Diagnostic Assessment and Decision Making module; both of which must be passed before commencing Pharmacology and Prescribing (or Applied Pharmacology for those in professions without prescribing authority). You then also have a choice of one option module – see here. Then the Transition to Advanced Practice module is normally studied in your last taught year before the dissertation – this is where the learning from other modules is brought together, and where you achieve sign off against the capabilities required of an Advanced Clinical Practitioner.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

We promote a student-centred approach to guide your learning and encourage you to master your planning skills. Your personal academic tutor, module leaders and mentor in practice will support you throughout the programme.

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures and seminars groups
• action learning groups
• workplace-based training
• practical clinical skills sessions
• supervised and self-directed study

These methods are designed to integrate theory and practice, and to foster a spirit of enquiry. We use these methods to mix theory and practice, and to inspire curiosity in our students. We emphasise group discussion and learning to encourage collaborative working.

Assessment

We’ll assess your work according to the assessment guidelines within the module profile. Our assessment methods are designed to maximise your critical thinking and analysis skills, and develop your understanding of advanced clinical practice.

We’ll assess you through a combination of:

• written and oral exams
• practical assessments
• case studies
• a portfolio
• presentations
• your final dissertation

We may also ask you to attend a viva voce exam.

Dissertation

You’ll plan, carry out and report on an independent, original project that’s relevant to your current or future area of practice. You can submit your final dissertation in one of the following formats:

• a literature review
• a service improvement project (including audit)
• an evidence-based project

Academic Support

You’ll have access to:

• an induction day on study skills, information technology and library facilities
• a dedicated section for your course on Blackboard – the University’s online learning resource
• your module leaders, programme leader and dissertation supervisor for guidance and support
• the Health Sciences Student Office for administrative support
• programme and module handbooks
• the University’s student counselling service

Our MSc programme will develop your skills and expertise to prepare you for promotion to specialised roles such as:

• advanced nurse practitioner
• advanced practitioner
• advanced critical care practitioner
• advanced health practitioner
• clinical specialist
• consultant practitioner

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

On this course you pay for each module as you study it. There is no overall fee.

Read the latest module fees and dates on our CPD course page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

NHS Learning Support Fund

As a student on this course you may be entitled to help from the NHS Learning Support Fund.

This can include a training grant of £5,000 per academic year, parental support of £2,000 for students with at least one dependent child under 15 years, or under 17 years if registered with special educational needs, and help with travel and temporary accommodation costs for placements.  

Find out more on the NHS Learning Support Fund website. 

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

There are different application deadlines for this course. Applications are expected to close:

• International students: Tuesday 29 July 2025, midday UK time
• UK students: Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Single module (CPD) applications

To apply for a single module (CPD), you'll need to fill in a physical application form that you can download from our continuing professional development pages.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You’ll need to submit two professional references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

You may also be asked to provide:

• evidence of professional qualifications

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

We may invite you to an interview, which will take place by phone if you live abroad. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if we'd like to talk to you before offering you a place.

We'll invite shortlisted candidates to a selection day, which includes an interview. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if you're invited to the selection day. This will include information on how to prepare and what to expect during the session.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000