Applicants must satisfy the University's general entry requirements and specific requirements for admission and as set out in the prospectus.

In addition, the following admission criteria has been defined by The NMC Part 3: Standards Prescribing Programmes (2024), for University and practice learning partners. Applicants should:

a) Hold current registration with the NMC either as a registered nurse (level 1), a registered midwife or Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) with a minimum of one year's experience in the area in which they intend to prescribe

b) Be employed or self-employed (including NHS and non-NHS settings) as a registered nurse/midwife

c) Provide confirmation of an Access NI check within the last three years

d) Provide confirmation that the necessary governance structures are in place, in the student's employment (including clinical support, access to protected learning time and employer support where appropriate) to enable students to undertake, and be adequately supported throughout, the programme

e) Provide confirmation of the availability of an appropriately qualified Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor

f) Provide a self-declaration of good character and the employer confirmation that the applicant practices in line with the requirements of the NMC (2018) The Code

g) Provide confirmation from their workplace manager that the applicant is capable of safe and effective practice at a level of proficiency appropriate to the programme to be undertaken and their intended area of prescribing in the following areas:

• Clinical/health assessment
• Diagnostics/care management
• Planning and evaluation of care,

h) Confirm on entry that any applicant selected to undertake a prescribing programme has the competence, experience and academic ability to study at the level required for that programme.

English Language Requirements
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 7.0 and a score of at least 7 on each of the four aspects of this test. Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

For internationally educated nurses initial registration with the NMC requires the applicant to have evidence of achievement of IELTS at level 7 prior to joining the register. Live registration with the NMC is checked on application to the programme by admissions.

• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements

• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country

Exemptions and transferability
The university guiding principles for implementing its policy on the Accreditation of Prior Learning enables students to apply for recognition of prior learning against modules of the programme to be undertaken. As per policy, exemption can be granted for whole modules only.

Your Application
You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.

Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

Start Date: September 2026.

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.

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.

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.

Careers and Opportunities
Independent prescribing students from Ulster are all predominantly already in employment: within the NHS and Social Services, independent GP practices, and other employment such as the voluntary sector (hospice) prisons and private healthcare. The approach to employability in this programme is explicit insofar as the entitlement to use the qualification is directly linked to career progression. The qualification enables students to develop their practice in a stimulating and fulfilling manner, working in an expanded way to provide a more holistic care experience to benefit both the service and the person. It allows the nurse/midwife to advance within an existing role or be eligible to apply for new roles that would not otherwise be possible. In recent years students have used the NMP qualification as a platform to progress their academic studies to BSc or MSc award. Entitlement to practice as a nurse prescriber with the V300 qualification makes the student an attractive prospect for any health service provider and employer.