Frequently Asked Questions
I want to be a nurse/midwife, can I apply?
Our programme is for health care professionals who usually already hold a degree in a relevant discipline and wish to attain a postgraduate qualification. We do not offer clinical undergraduate nurse or midwifery training at this institution.
When do modules commence?
Part-time students can start in February or September. Full-time students can only start in September.
What does the full MSc consist of?
Students undertaking the MSc must complete taught courses to the value of 120 credits plus a 12,500 word thesis relevant to their area of professional practice which is worth 60 credits. Part-time students can undertake the alternative mode by completing three core courses to the value of 60 credits plus a 25,000 word thesis which is worth 120 credits.
Can you give me information on the PgCert and PgDip?
Students undertaking a PgCert must complete courses to earn 60 credits which must include at least 2 of the 3 core courses. Students undertaking a PgDip must complete courses to earn 120 credits which must include the 3 core courses plus a further 60 credits made up from optional courses.
How many modules are done at a time?
This depends on how long you wish to take to complete the programme – usually part-time students cover the programme over 3 years. You can do 3 modules in year 1 (over first and second half sessions, 1st session is Sept to Dec; 2nd session is Jan – May with 3 weeks break at Easter), then 3 modules in the second year and the third year involves writing up the thesis.
What is the application deadline?
For the September programme, overseas students must apply by 30th June, to give time for visa applications. Home/EU applicants will be considered up to shortly before commencement of the programme.
Can I attend just one module before I decide to progress to the MSc?
It is possible to take a single module or you can register for PgDip with an option to transfer to MSc if satisfactory progress is made.
How much time is expected for study per module?
Each module has classes which run for 2 hours once a week, for 12 weeks. Nursing modules are usually worth 20 credits and each module is expected to take up 200 hours of student time (we have many students who also work full-time).
Where are classes held and what time?
From September 2011, classes will be held either in the Polwarth Building, or at the Suttie Centre on the Foresterhill Campus. Another course (Palliative Care) is held at Roxburghe House, close to the Foresterhill campus Times vary.
How can I apply?
Please see details below on how to apply:
For Home/EU students:
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/postgraduate/apply.shtml
For international students:
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/international/apply.php
What other information do you need for my application?
We also require a copy of your degree certificate and transcripts (record of marks awarded). Some overseas students must also provide proff of English proficiency - IELTS or TOEFL original certificate.
What are English requirements?
Please see the Language Centre for information on English Language requirements:
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/languagecentre/index.php?id=3
Could you let me know about the fees, full/time and part/time?
Current fees can be found on the website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/tuitionfees/
Click on "Postgraduate": Full-time students from UK & EU – See section A1, Part-time UK & EU – See section C1. Full-time overseas students and students from Channel Islands or Isle of Man - See section B1.
For individual modules – Please contact us for current information.
If there any funding available?
Funding may be available on both taught and research programmes to support students during their period of study. Whilst we have a number of scholarships and bursaries available, there are also external sources of funding available to assist postgraduate students. Please see website for information re scholarships:
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/central/funding/
For UK/EU students, bursaries may be available from the University's Graduate School, please see website for further information and an application form:
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/clsm/graduateschool/prospective/scholarships.php
How can I pay?
Fees can be paid over several months through agreement with the cash office at time of registration. If you are sponsored, an invoice will be sent to your sponsors.
Can I transfer credits from another institution?
It is possible to transfer credits from another institution if they are at the same PG level.
If you have any further queries, please contact Helen Robertson