MPhil in Nursing and Midwifery

Students at Queen’s University Belfast gain practical skills through access to the exceptionally advanced Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre, which is one of the most sophisticated in Europe. The centre boasts fully equipped hospital ward environments, including simulation rooms with adult, baby, and child mannequins, real-time feedback simulators, and recording facilities for critique and improvement. This state-of-the-art facility ensures that students develop confidence and competence in essential clinical skills before engaging in real patient care during placements.

Key features of the experiential learning facilities and tools include:

• Four custom-built simulation rooms that replicate hospital settings, each equipped with high-tech patient mannequins, crash trolleys, defibrillators, and medical air and suction.

• Fully equipped with computer and large TV display systems for viewing tutorials, videos, and presentations, which support blended learning.

• Ceilings-mounted cameras above hospital bays that record clinical procedures for review, reflection, and feedback.

• A comprehensive online resource portal offering eBooks, videos, and interactive training modules.

• Opportunities for students to practice Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) in a controlled environment, with the capacity to examine 120 students per day.

• Collaborations with clinical and academic staff to design innovative, technology-driven learning solutions that exploit advances in simulation and e-learning.

Graduates of this MPhil program are well-prepared to pursue impactful research and leadership roles within academia, healthcare organizations, and policy development. Typical career paths include Nursing Researcher, Academic Lecturer, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Healthcare Policy Advisor. This program combines rigorous research training with opportunities to engage with healthcare leaders to maximize employability and influence in nursing and midwifery fields.

Specifically:

• Queen’s Careers and Employability services provide tailored support such as research career workshops, networking events, and connections to healthcare and academic sectors.

• Graduate employment rates are excellent, with many securing research fellowships or academic posts, and competitive salaries reflecting higher responsibility roles.

• The School maintains strong partnerships with NHS Trusts and international research institutions, facilitating collaborative projects and professional opportunities.

• The MPhil qualification supports lifelong professional development and is internationally recognized, enhancing career progression in nursing and midwifery research.

• Graduates contribute to advancing healthcare policy and practice through innovative research with high societal impact.