Applicants for the MSc in Nursing (Advanced Nursing Practice) are required to:
1. Have a minimum of an honours primary degree in Nursing or equivalent.
2. Hold active registration on a division of the professional register maintained by the NMBI or be eligible for such registration as required for individual pathways.
3. Provide evidence of support from an employer and a completed Site Declaration Form, signed by the Director of Nursing/Public Health/ authorised Nurse Manager containing confirmation of a designated medical practitioner mentor and/or Advanced Nurse Practitioner mentor who will provide supervision, support and learning opportunities, including opportunities to practice under supervision to gain the required competencies and clinical competence to practice at an advanced level in nursing.
4. For applicants who do not have medicinal prescribing completed:
• A minimum of 3 years post-registration clinical experience (within the past 5 years) with at least one year in the area in which prescribing is proposed
• Possession of competencies recognized at level 8 of the QQI framework
• Signed Site Declaration Form
• Nomination and confirmation of a designated medical practitioner mentor
• Support from employer to undertake programme
• Demonstration of continuous professional development and the ability to study at level 8
• Possess IT competencies
• Provided documented support of a designated clinical supervisor as agreed by the Local Implementation Group

For applicants who wish to undertake the optional Ionising Radiation Prescribing module[1]
• Letter of recommendation from Line Manager
• Confirm his/her intention to practice as a nurse with authority to prescribe ionizing radiation (X-Ray) in the area of identified clinical need
• Signed declaration form by the Director of Nursing, Clinical Supervisor and Head of Radiology (Consultant Radiologist)
[1] This applies only to candidates taking the Ionising Radiation Prescribing module.

In addition, applicants must:
• Provide a signed Site declaration form for prescribing modules (if you are taking the prescribing pathway)
• Provide a site audit form for prescribing modules (if you are taking the prescribing pathway)
• Nomination and confirmation of a designated medical practitioner mentor who will support the student in endoscopy skills training
• Seek support from an employer to undertake the programme
• Possess IT competencies

Documents Required
• Certificates of nursing qualifications or validated copies of awards
• Transcript(s) including date and grading of degree award (non UCD Graduates only) & notarised English translations where relevant
• A photocopy of current NMBI registration
• Copy of Birth Certificate or Personal Page of Passport
• Evidence of proficiency in English language (applicants whose first language is not English)
• Site Declaration Form Prescribing signed by the Director of nursing/Midwifery and Medical Mentor (Prescribing).
• Site Declaration Form (Referring for Radiological Procedures) signed by the Director of Nursing, clinical Supervisor and Head of radiology (Consultant Radiologist).
• Clinical Mentor Agreement Form
• Director of Nursing Support Form
• Professional Mentor Agreement Form

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Online Application.

Who Should Apply?
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No

X844: Master of Science in Advanced Practice (Nursing) ANP Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.