Cardiff School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

• General Questions
• Application
• International Students
• Research Study
• Taught Courses
• Course Fees
• After submitting an application form

General Questions

What kind of courses are available in the School?

The School offers both research degrees and taught courses.

How will I know whether I want to do a research or taught course?

Whether you undertake a research course or taught course is one of personal choice and training needs at the time of your application. If the idea of undertaking a research project (under supervision), which will produce a substantial and novel piece of work and inspire you in your chosen field, appeals to you, then research degree courses are best for you. Discipline and a drive for self-learning is necessary for any research course. If you prefer a much more structured course with formalised lectures, then a taught course is for you. These courses invariably contain a research project and are considered by some students as an ideal way to discover if research and a more independent way of learning is an option for themselves. You may wish to study for a taught masters course in the first instance before commencing with a research degree programme.

What research courses are available?

Within the School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies it is possible to research at postgraduate level for an MPhil, MSc or PhD by research. These research degrees are available across the research themes within the School but there is considerable overlap within these areas.

What taught courses are available?

The School currently runs an MSc in Advanced Practice offering a range of pathways; MSc in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN); Postgraduate Certificate in Independent Prescribing and Doctorate in Nursing.

Can I start a course whenever I want?

Students being admitted to research programmes can be registered from 1 October, 1 January, 1 April or 1 July.

Taught courses will normally begin in October of each year (or on a semester basis) but more information can be found on the individual course pages.

How long will a course take?

Course lengths vary from one to six years and depend on which course you are doing and whether you are attending full or part-time. For further information, please see the specific page for the course you are applying for.

Do I have to be a nurse or a midwife to study a postgraduate course in the School?

No. Some of the postgraduate courses are open to all health and social care professionals as well as those holding relevant professional qualifications.

Will I be able to practice nursing or midwifery in the UK once I’ve completed a course?

The courses we offer lead to academic qualifications and as such do not entitle you to be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Regulations for overseas nurses and midwives can be found on the NMC website.

Is there funding available for research study?

There are occasionally studentships available in the School for research degrees and these will be advertised on the School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies website and the Cardiff University Studentship pages.

Normally studentships are only for home or EU students and international students often have to find their own funding. Information and advice on funding for research students may be found within the Funding section on the 'Postgraduate Students' pages of the Cardiff University main site.

What qualifications will I need to have?

The School aims to admit those students who are best qualified to benefit from, and contribute to, the programmes in which they are enrolled and whose records suggest that there is a high probability of their completing those programmes. It is important for the School to maintain the high standards that are set by it and Cardiff University.

Typically, applicants will be expected to have one or more of the following:

• a first degree.
• a non graduate may also be admitted provided that s/he has held, for a minimum of two years, a position that provides relevant experience in respect of the programme of study to be pursued.

Application

I’d like to apply, what should I do first?

If you would like to apply for postgraduate course (either taught or research) within the School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies then you should complete an application form, clearly stating which course you would like to apply for. Guidance notes and a downloadable application form can be found on the Postgraduate Students pages of the main Cardiff University website.

Where do I send the application form?

Your completed application form should be returned to:

International Students

Are there many international students at Cardiff University?

Cardiff University has a long tradition of welcoming international students. With over 3000 international students currently studying at Cardiff, representing over 100 countries, the University has a unique multi-cultural environment.

The International Development Division has more information on its web pages.

English isn’t my first language, do I need English Language Qualifications?

For International students there is an English Language qualification requirement. Various courses satisfy the latter requirement and these include both TOEFL and IELTS. Examples of minimum grades in English Language qualifications that would be required are as set out below. Exemption may be considered if you completed your first degree entirely through the medium of English.

• TOEFL (paper based test) 570
• TOEFL (computer based test) 230
• IELTS Grade 6.5

However, other equivalent qualifications will be recognised and competence can be demonstrated by successful completion of the pre-sessional English language courses run by the International Division.

For international students educated through the medium of English, high school qualifications in English language may also be accepted. Further information is available on English Language requirements.

I would like some English Language training before I start, is there anything available?

An intensive Summer Programme in English designed for students holding offers (conditional and unconditional) from Cardiff University at either undergraduate or postgraduate level. Courses range from 3 to 12 weeks.

What training and support is available for international students?

Cardiff University runs several courses specifically designed to support international students.

Research Study

Do I need to have research experience to do a research degree?

Selectors considering applicants for admission to research degrees will consider:

• your potential for research studies demonstrated by existing academic qualifications and/or previous experience in a research environment and/or previous professional experience in an area relevant to the proposed field of study;
• the degree of fit between your intended field of study and the school’s research activities;
• the likelihood that the proposed programme of research can be completed within the normal period of registration prescribed by the regulations;
• the current capacity of the school to offer you supervision in your proposed field of study.

If you have any questions prior to completing your application, which haven’t been answered here, please email featherstonek@cf.ac.uk

What research courses are available?

Within Cardiff School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies it is possible to research at postgraduate level for an MPhil and PhD. These research degrees are available across the research themes within the School but there is considerable overlap within these areas.

More information on Research Degrees at Cardiff University.

Can I start a course whenever I want?

Students being admitted to research programmes can be registered from 1 October, 1 January, 1 April or 1 July.

Course Fees

How much will my course cost?

• Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing
  • £4,614.00 full-time, per course.
  • £2,472.00 part-time, per annum.
• Subject to NLIAH agreement
• Postgraduate Certificate in Independent Prescribing
  • £1,400.00
• Top-up programme in Prescribing
  • £300.00 per module
• MSc in Advanced Practice
  • £550.00 per 30 credit module
  • £1100.00 per 60 credit module
  • Full-time students £3,300.00
  • International students £11,700.00
• MSc in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN) - Dissertation
  • £1,100.00
• MSc - Germany
  • TBC
• Doctorate in Nursing
  • £520.00 per 20 credit module
  • £1400.00 per 20 credit module for international students
• MPhil and PhD
  • Full-time
    • £3,300.00 per annum
    • £11,700.00 per annum for international students
  • Part-time
    • £1,650.00 per annum
    • £5,850.00 per annum for international students

After submitting an application form

How long will it be before I get an initial response?

Once your application has been processed by Cardiff University, it is sent to the School and we will then send you an email confirming we have received it. That email will confirm when a decision will be made.

I’ve sent the form to the wrong address, will it still be processed?

Your completed application form should have been returned to:

If your applications form is received in the School before it has been processed by Registry and given an application number it will be sent directly to Registry without being registered in the School. The School will not take any responsibility for applications that are not sent to the correct address.

Who do I contact to chase up my application?

Once you have had an email from us confirming that your application has reached us, please contact perkinsk@cf.ac.uk or nurseinfo@cf.ac.uk

If you have not yet received confirmation by email that we have your application, please contact the Cardiff University Registry postgraduate@cardiff.ac.uk.

How long will it take before you make a decision?

We will normally try to ensure you have a decision within four weeks. Occasionally it may take longer than this, but we will keep you informed of how your application is progressing once it is in the School.

Do I need to send you references?

We will request two references to support your application.  Referee forms are included within the application pack and sent to the referees by the candidates themselves. Please ensure names and addresses of referees are on your application form.

I’ve been accepted, what happens next?

You will receive confirmation from Registry at Cardiff University of your offer and a written confirmation from the School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies. This will give you more information about what you need to do before you begin your study, information about your contacts within the School and induction etc. as well as a student handbook.