University of Essex

MSc by Dissertation Nursing Studies

University of Essex

Course overview

The MSc (by Dissertation) Nursing Studies at the University of Essex is for nurses and health‑care practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of nursing practice through focused research. You will carry out an original piece of research in areas such as patient care, health service delivery, nursing management, or community nursing. You will benefit from access to advanced research methods modules to build scientific and analytical skills. The programme emphasises the connection between evidence, policy, and practice.

Teaching and learning methods include supervised research, workshops on writing a dissertation, and research‑methods modules where you learn how to collect and analyse data. Assessment is mainly through your dissertation. You will submit a research proposal, conduct the study, analyse findings, and write your dissertation. Some modules may also include assignments or presentations.

Entry requirements

For the MSc (by Dissertation) Nursing Studies at the University of Essex, submit a personal statement that explains your interest in the course, along with details of your academic background. A reference from a teacher or employer is also required, and a CV showcasing relevant experience

Grade Requirements:

  • Applicants need to hold an undergraduate degree (2:2 or above) that is relevant to nursing or health care.
  • Equivalent international qualifications are accepted—contact the university for specifics.
  • The University of Essex also considers applicants with relevant professional experience

English Proficiency:

  • Applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds must achieve a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with at least 5.5 in each component.
  • Equivalent test scores, such as TOEFL or PTE, are also accepted.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Loyalty Discount

    First Class or Distinction, 2.1 or Merit, 2.2 or successful completion of a Masters, Graduate or PG Diploma - 20%.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Essex Futures BT– Masters Scholarship

    School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) is delighted to be offering up to six scholarship worth £5,500 each for 1 year full time.

    Up to £5,500

  • Essex Preparation Programme Bursary

    £250 cash bursary.

    Up to £250

  • Global Talent Masters Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a scholarship worth £5,000, paid as a discount on your tuition fee.

    Up to £5,000

  • Hong Kong Undergraduate Scholarship

    The awards offered are a discount of £5,000 per year for a maximum of three years of full-time undergraduate study, up to a maximum of £15,000.

    Up to £15,000

  • Hugh Brogan Bursary

    If you are applying to study a History MA degree, you could be eligible for one of four available cash bursaries worth £2,500.

    Up to £2,500

  • International Baccalaureate Excellence Scholarship

    If you're starting at Essex in 2026-27 and achieve academic excellence in your International Baccalaureate, we will offer you a scholarship of £2,000 for your first year of study.

    Up to £2,000

  • Performance Sports Scholarships and Bursaries

    Tier 1 - Tuition fee discount up to 100%, Tier 2 - Cash bursary (of varying amounts), Tier 3 - Access to the above performance package benefits, with a value of up to £1,500.

  • Postgraduate Masters (PGT) International Health Bursary

    The University is offering a bursary of £776 for Masters (PGT) international students.

    Up to £776

  • Postgraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £6,500, for your first year of study at Essex.

    Up to £6,500

  • Sociology and Criminology - Fuller PGT Scholarship

    The Department of Sociology and Criminology is offering scholarships of £11,025 to support six postgraduate students to study within the department in 2026-2027.

    Up to £11,025

  • The Always Essex Staff Discount Scholarship

    33% discount of the first-year tuition fee (first two years for part-time study).

  • The Eleonore Koch Travel Fund

    The School of Philosophical, Historical & Interdisciplinary Studies is offering a bursary of up to £5,000.

  • The Essex MBA Dean's Award

    The school is able to offer fee discounts between 10% - 100% of tuition fee value.

  • The International Undergraduate Scholarship

    The award is offered as a £5,000 discount on your tuition fees for the first year of study in 2026-27 only.

    Up to £5,000

  • The Ronald J. Hill Fund

    The department of Government is offering a bursary of £3,000 to assist one postgraduate student within the department of Government to assist with tuition fees or living costs.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Undergraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You may be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £5,000, for each year of study at Essex up to a maximum of 3 years.

    Up to £5,000

  • University of Sanctuary Scholarship

Career opportunities

Graduates of the MSc (by Dissertation) Nursing Studies at the University of Essex are equipped with advanced research skills and a substantial dissertation project, preparing them for roles such as:

  • Clinical Research Nurse
  • Nurse Educator
  • Health Services Manager
  • Nursing Researcher
  • Public Health Practitioner 

Cost of study

The tuition fee for the MSc (by Dissertation) Nursing Studies at the University of Essex is £20,625 for international students.

Admission

Applications for the MSc (by Dissertation) Nursing Studies at the University of Essex are made via the university’s postgraduate application portal. For further assistance, kindly reach out to one of our trained counsellors.

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