Award requirements: how many credits are needed for award?

Each programme is made up of modules that you will take. Each of the modules you undertake will have a credit value (eg 10 credits, 20 credits etc) and a credit level (eg Level 7). 


One credit involves a notional workload of 10 hours. So a 10 credit module involves a notional workload of 100 hours, a 20 credit module a total of 200 hours etc. By workload, we mean all work associated with the module taken, including teaching (ie lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops etc), private study, work required during vacations, the preparation for assessment and assessment task(s). The module credit level indicates the module’s relative intellectual demand, complexity and depth of learning and of learner autonomy.


You will achieve the credit for a module by passing the module assessments. Modules are assessed by a range of methods which will usually result in a numerical module mark out of 100. However, some modules which are marked on a Pass/Fail basis, in which case they do not contribute to the award mark, although you must pass them to get the credit.


An award is awarded on the basis of credit acquired during your programme of study. In some circumstances, you may be eligible for an early exit award if you do not achieve the full requirements for the award of MSc Nursing.  The type of award you receive will be dependent on the number of credits you have achieved and at what academic level. 


Only completion of the MSc Nursing qualification leads to professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.