**Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.** <br/><br/>**Course summary**<br/><br/><br/>- Top up your postgraduate diploma to a full masters degree.<br/><br/><br/>- Study the course part-time with flexible start dates. <br/><br/><br/>- Take distance learning options, perfect for practising nurses.<br/><br/><br/>- Benefit from workshops, online resources and regular supervision.<br/><br/><br/>- Develop academically with research-based study, and contribute to the development of practice.<br/><br/><br/>This course is aimed at registered nurses who want to specialise and enhance their skills. Youll undertake a rigorous academic programme and an independently researched dissertation project. You’ll top up your existing postgraduate diploma or undergraduate degree to masters level.<br/><br/>**How you learn**<br/><br/>All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.<br/><br/>You’ll plan and undertake a challenging 15,000 word study on a subject of your choice, within a framework of independent learning and research. To do this youll have access to a wealth of facilities – both electronic and on-campus – as well as the support of academic tutors and workshop sessions. There are no timetabled study days – you can visit campus, meet your tutor and attend workshops at convenient times.<br/><br/>You learn through<br/><br/><br/>- independent research<br/><br/><br/>- regular meetings with academic tutors<br/><br/><br/>- workshop sessions<br/><br/><br/>- virtual learning facilities<br/><br/><br/>**Live projects**<br/><br/>The course involves you completing a 15,000 word dissertation (60 credits) on a subject of your choice, within a framework of independent learning and research. This might be primary research, a systematic/critical literature review or service development.<br/><br/>Initially you’ll submit a proposal for academic approval. This rigorous formality ensures your work meets all the criteria for a dissertation. Once approved, you can begin your dissertation and have up to three years to complete it.<br/><br/>Before you start your dissertation, you need to have completed a postgraduate level research module. If you haven’t previously studied one, you can take our Research Methods for Practice module (15 credits) and a 45 credit dissertation (12,000 words). <br/><br/>**Future careers**<br/>Previous students say the course has benefitted them by<br/><br/><br/>- extending their professional knowledge and expertise<br/><br/><br/>- enhancing professional decision making<br/><br/><br/>- contributing to evidence-based practice<br/><br/><br/>- encouraging innovation<br/><br/><br/>- developing leadership skills<br/><br/><br/>You could also progress to doctoral studies.<br/><br/>**Where will I study?**<br/>You study this course online from any location<br/><br/>**Equipment and facilities**<br/>We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.