rgu nursing dissertations

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Nursing: Resources

We know that finding academic literature and conducting research is an important part of completing most of your assignments. On this page you will find a variety of relevant sources which we hope will help with your studies. Remember to also check out our referencing guides .

Are you new to RGU? Have a look at our 'Welcome to the Library' pages for on campus students and online learning students !

Don't forget, you can always join one of our workshops or contact us if you get stuck or just need some help, we're happy to advise!

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Essential Databases

CINAHL Complete

ScienceDirect

Cochrane Library

Health Professionals

Business Source Complete

SAGE Discipline Hub: Health & Nursing

Other useful databases.

Maternity and Infant Care

APA PsycARTICLES

SocINDEX with Full Text

Knowledge Network

Web of Science

International Newsstream

AMED (Allied and Alternative Medicine)

Trip Database

Browse the collections.

Why not check out our extensive collection of books and e-books related to your area of study?

Remember that you can always search for specific books or topics using our LibrarySearch Tool .

We offer free , informal workshops on various Library topics throughout the academic year and we would encourage you to come along if you'd like to improve your skills in:

• referencing correctly
• using the new LibrarySearch tool
• efficiently using effective search strategies to find relevant material for your assignments
• using RefWorks

If you have a specific question, or want a 1-1 discussion with us, you can also pop over to one of our drop-ins ! They usually run in the mornings and afternoons, when we're not delivering workshops. Check out the KnowHOW Timetable for more details on dates and times. No need to book an appointment, just show up!

Here are the upcoming Library KnowHOW workshops relevant to Nursing . We hope to see you there!

View the Full Library KnowHOW Timetable

Useful links, google scholar.

Google Scholar can be a useful additional source when looking for journal articles. While our collection includes access to around 53 million journal articles (and growing!), unfortunately we will not have access to all materials you find on Google Scholar, so remember to check whether we subscribe to the resources listed in the results.

All our databases

Did you know that we currently subscribe to over 200 databases covering all subject areas taught in RGU? And you can access them for free! Have a look through our extensive list and discover something new!

• full-text access to articles in professional and academic journals on nursing, midwifery, and allied health care.
• also includes abstracts as well, use Full Text @ RGU to check for access.
• full-text peer-reviewed articles from UK nursing journals including the British Journal of Nursing.
• full-text journals from Elsevier, in life and physical sciences, business, and other subjects.
• abstracts from other core scientific and technical journals.

• medical and nursing research, controlled trials and systematic reviews.
• peer-reviewed full-text journals in subject areas such as medicine, dental care, paramedic practice and occupational and physical therapy.
• database covering all aspects of business and management.
• includes both full-text and abstracts, material includes journal articles, magazine articles, market research, company reports and more.
• details/abstracts of journal articles from journals, books, and grey literature relating to pregnancy, labour, birth, postnatal care, neonatal care and an infant's first year.
• license allows for 1 user at a time.
• full-text peer-reviewed articles from UK midwifery journals: British Journal of Midwifery and the African Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health.
• citation information from journals in areas such as medicine, pharmacy, health care, biomedical and forensic sciences.
• abstract only database - full-text can be checked for using the "Find it @ RGU link".
• full-text articles from highly regarded psychology journals.
• comprehensive full-text sociology research database with over records from over 850 journals, 830 books and monographs and a range of conference papers.
• journal articles, evidence summaries, eBooks, subject portals and databases covering nursing, midwifery, health sciences, pharmacy and biomedical sciences.
• use your RGU email address and specify your university and course
• select NHS Grampian as health board (even if your placement has been or will be in another region)
• confirm your email address
• you will receive an ID and password (within 72 hours).
• this link lets you search the WOS core collection which includes: Arts and Humanities Citation Index, Science Citation Index, Social Science Citation Index, the Book Citation Indexes, the Conference Proceedings Indexes, Current Chemical Reactions, Emerging Sources Citation Index and Index Chemicus.
• we would recommend this as the main search option for Web of Science.
• if you would like to search any index individually please use the edition drop down menu to make your selections.
• includes details of journal articles, conference papers and chapters covering all subject areas.
• can also be used to see how many times an article has been cited in later articles to trace the development of a topic
• abstract only database - full-text can be checked for using the "Full Text @ RGU" link.
• information from more than 660 of the world's top newspapers, plus additional newswires and news sites.
• bibliographic records for articles from over 500 journals related to allied and alternative health covering areas such as occupational therapy and physiotherapy, rehabilitation and palliative care.
• clinical search engine where you can find and use high-quality research evidence to support practice and/or care.
• includes details of completed and ongoing systematic reviews, trials, guidelines, evidence summaries, patient leaflets and blogs.
• journals in public health, nursing practice, clinical medicine, nutrition, oncology, dentistry, gerontology, palliative care, and other health specialties.
• this database covers a large range of journal articles, conference papers etc. across all subject areas.
• abstract only database - full-text can be checked for by using the "Full Text @ RGU" link.
• you may be asked if you want to create an account. Searching can be done as a guest. Creating an account will let you create alerts etc.
• Last Updated: Jan 19, 2024 1:29 PM
• URL: https://library.rgu.ac.uk/nursing

Research Repository

All Output Person Project

Nurse scholars' knowledge and use of electronic theses and dissertations.

Goodfellow, l.m.; macduff, c.; leslie, g.; copeland, s.; nolfi, d.; blackwood, d..

L.M. Goodfellow

S. Copeland

D. Blackwood

Background: Electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) are a valuable resource for nurse scholars worldwide. ETDs and digital libraries offer the potential to radically change the nature and scope of the way in which doctoral research results are presented, disseminated and used. An exploratory study was undertaken to better understand ETD usage and to address areas where there is a need and an opportunity for educational enhancement. Aims: The primary objective was to gain an initial understanding of the knowledge and use of ETDs and digital libraries by faculty, graduate students and alumni of graduate programs at schools of nursing. Design: A descriptive online survey design was used. Methods: Purposeful sampling of specific schools of nursing was used to identify institutional participants in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the US. A total of 209 participants completed the online questionnaire. Results: Only 44% of participants reported knowing how to access ETDs in their institutions' digital libraries and only 18% reported knowing how to do so through a national or international digital library. Only 27% had cited an ETD in a publication. The underuse of ETDs was found to be attributable to specific issues rather than general reluctance to use online resources. Conclusions: This is the first international study that has explored awareness and use of ETDs, and ETD digital libraries, with a focus on nursing and has set the stage for future research and development in this field. Results show that most nursing scholars do not use ETDs to their fullest potential.

GOODFELLOW, L. M., MACDUFF, C., LESLIE, G., COPELAND, S., NOLFI, D. and BLACKWOOD, D. 2012. Nurse scholars' knowledge and use of electronic theses and dissertations. International nursing review [online], 59(4), pages 511-518. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1466-7657.2012.01008.x

GOODFELLOW 2012 Nurse scholars' knowledge (208 Kb) PDF

Publisher Licence URL https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Downloadable Citations

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Advanced Practice

The MSc Advanced Practice course will equip you with contemporary knowledge to take forward the rapidly changing healthcare agenda and make a positive difference. If you are a registered nurse or midwife looking to develop a higher level of knowledge and skills required for specialist and advanced practice, then this course is for you.

If you are considering a postgraduate study option starting in September 2024 or January 2025, then please be aware application deadlines are in place which may affect your first choice of start date or course selection.

Mode of Study

• Online Learning

Mode of Attendance

Course Length

Programme Routes

The four routes within this programme prepare for a range of people and situations to deliver safe, effective and person-centred care at a higher level of practice. You will explore professional and clinical implications of working as an autonomous practitioner and develop the leadership skills to advance and lead innovative healthcare services.

Applicants to all routes should be sponsored/supported by an NHS Board or appropriate employer to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requirements for practice assessment.

The four routes are:

• Community Children's Nursing
• District Nursing

Health Visiting

School nursing, community children’s nursing .

This route is for nurses to gain the contemporary theoretical expertise required when delivering holistic care for children and young people within community children's services. Practitioners will develop critical perspectives and specialist knowledge essential to delivering high quality, safe effective care for specialist community children’s nursing.

District Nursing 

This route is for nurses to gain contemporary knowledge to take forward the rapidly changing primary care agenda.  Practitioners will develop critical, innovative and reflective approaches to addressing the healthcare needs of individuals, families, carers, groups and communities. 

This route is for nurses and midwives to build on their experience and develop as culturally competent autonomous advanced practitioners. Health Visitors work in partnership with people to address inequalities, protect health and promote wellbeing to support pre-school aged children in having the best start in life. 

This route is for nurses and midwives to build on their experience and develop as culturally competent autonomous advanced practitioners. School Nurses uphold the rights of school-aged children and young people through working in partnership to address inequalities, protect health and promote wellbeing. 

Student Stories

Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:

MSc Advanced Practice Schematic Structure - Health Visiting and School Nursing

MSc Advanced Practice Schematic Structure - Community Children's Nursing and District Nursing

Please note, this document is not currently fully accessible,  contact admissions  if you need an alternative version while we work to rectify the issues.

Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our  course and module disclaimer  for more information. 

Learning Methods

This online programme is driven by a student-centred philosophy.

Students are supported to learn within our virtual environment,  Moodle ,  and will apply theoretical learning to contemporary healthcare environments through practice learning experiences within their chosen area of Advanced Practice. 

Prospective students require to have a reliable broadband connection and further develop their digital literacy to be able to participate in online learning.  

How long is an Advanced Practice course?

All routes of the course can be successfully completed in 13 months studying full time or 36 months studying part time.

Activity Summary

Indicative figures are based on full time study:

Community Children's Nursing Route

• Lectures - 10 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Seminars - 10 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Webinar - 10 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Tutorials - 10 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Project Supervision - 10 students per group, 1 hour per week
• Independent Study - 12 hours per week
• Placement/Work based learning - 35 hours per week

District Nursing Route

• Lectures - 12 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Seminars - 12 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Webinar - 12 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Tutorials - 12 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Project Supervision - 12 students per group, 1 hour per week

Health Visiting and School Nursing Routes

• Lectures - 15 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Seminars - 15 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Webinar - 15 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Tutorials - 15 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Project Supervision - 15 students per group, 1 hour per week

Independent Study

Students are encouraged to be independent and lifelong learners whilst engaging as part of a connected learning community. A commitment to independent study is required for success on the course. 

There are a range of assessment methods across the courses including assessment of theoretical knowledge and NMC proficiencies assess within practice learning experiences. 

Theoretical assessments include written exams, OSCEs, Portfolio-based assessment and written assignments.  

Students can elect to undertake an Advancing Practice Dissertation Project to achieve the MSc element of the course.  

Typically students are assessed via:

All full time routes

• 3 written assignments, including essay
• 1 report to be written as part of PLE
• 1 portfolio, approximately 6,000 words
• Practice learning experience assessment documentation to demonstrate proficiency in accordance with the NMC
• 1 dissertation of 7,000 words

Part time - Community Children's Nursing and District Nursing Routes

• 1 written assignments, including essay
• OCSE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)
• 2 exams - typically 1 exam 30 minutes and 1 exam 2 hours in length
• 2 written assignments, including essay

Part time - Health Visiting and School Nursing Routes

• 1 written assignment, including essay

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Staff Delivering on this Course

The majority of the lecturers who teach on this course are qualified Healthcare Professionals, many with an NMC recordable teaching qualification, with a wide range of experience from varied and specialist healthcare settings. They also have educational and research experience. Delivery of the course is supported by associate lecturers who are embedded in clinical practice and guest speakers. 

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Students will undertake practice learning experiences as part of this course.  

Practice Learning Experience (PLE) requirements: 

• District Nursing - one or two 10 week (360 hours WTE) PLEs
• Community Children’s Nurse - one 10 week (360 hours WTE) PLEs
• Health Visiting and School Nursing - one seven week (252 hours WTE) and one 10 week (360 hours WTE ) PLEs

If you select to undertake a course which includes the Prescribing for Healthcare Practitioners module you will require supervision by a Prescribing Practice Assessor and supervisor during a 90-hour practice learning experience. 

Job Prospects

The programme prepares students to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requirements of being annotated as a Specialist Practice Qualification (SPQ) District Nurse or Community Children’s Nurse or recorded as a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) registered as Health Visitor or School Nurse. 

This programme will prepare you for an advanced role in a range of healthcare settings. You will develop the decision-making, research and leadership skills required to deal with complex situations. The programme is designed to allow you to continue and develop your knowledge and skills within your own areas of practice, enabling you to accelerate your career progression. 

Entry Requirements

What is needed to study msc advanced practice.

The minimum entry requirement for this programme will normally be an honours degree or its equivalent.

In addition, because of the practice-based nature of the programme, all students must be working in clinical practice or sponsored by a Health Board/appropriate employer and have access to a practice assessor/practice supervisor.  

Acceptance is based on receiving an acceptable references from one source and satisfactory clearance from Disclosure Scotland's Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme.

Alternative Qualifications

Community children's nursing and district nursing routes.

To enter these routes, applicants must be an NMC registered nurse (level 1) with relevant professional registration capable of safe and effective practice at the level of proficiency appropriate to the NMC-approved Community Nursing Specialist Practice Qualification (SPQ).

Acceptance is based on having acceptable references from two sources and a satisfactory Protection of Vulnerable Groups. When an organisation sponsors a student this will be considered as the equivalent of one reference.

All students will require the guarantee of being able to obtain the relevant practice experience in district nursing with the relevant support of a Practice Supervisor(s) and a Practice Assessor (NMC 2018a).

A self-declaration of good health and character will be undertaken as part of the admission process and will be repeated on practice learning experiences.

Students who are undertaking a prescribing qualification must have been registered with the NMC and working as a nurse prior to admission to this programme.

Any self-funded applicant will be given the advice to contact a relevant practice learning partner to seek practice learning experience and contract. The applicant will be supported to meet the conditions required for undertaking practice learning experiences. 

To enter these routes, applicants must be an NMC registered nurse (level 1) or NMC registered midwife capable of safe and effective practice at the level of proficiency appropriate to the NMC-approved Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN).

Acceptance is based on having acceptable references from two sources and a satisfactory Protection of Vulnerable Groups. When a student is sponsored by an organisation this will be considered as the equivalent of one reference.

All students will require the guarantee of being able to obtain the relevant practice experience in health visiting or school nursing with the relevant support of a Practice Supervisor(s) and a Practice Assessor.

English Language Requirements

All routes must meet the NMC English standard requirement

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact [email protected]  for further information.

Academic Year 2024-2025

Uk students.

• £8,110 for entire course
• £6,080 for PgDip (Stages 1 and 2)
• £2,030 for MSc (Stage 3 only)
• £3,040 for Stage 1
• £3,040 for Stage 2
• £2,030 for Stage 3

This course is not open to EU or international Students.

Additional Costs

• £59 for Protecting Vulnerable Group (PVG) check

Some other costs are not included in the course fees:

• The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
• Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
• Accommodation and Living Costs

Alumni Discount

Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.

Student Funding

Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However, there are a limited number of SAAS funded places on certain postgraduate courses.

Scholarships and Financial Awards

You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:

For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:

Any questions?

Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.

Our facilities for this course

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