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Want to know what Nursing specialisms you can study at a postgraduate level? Taking a postgraduate course in a Nursing specialism can let you develop the skills you need to excel in that area of expertise, helping you to progress in your career into higher level positions. You might also choose to get a postgraduate qualification in a Nursing specialism if you have a previous degree in a related subject but are looking to change your field of employment. There are a variety of Nursing specialisms available for postgraduate study, which we have listed below alongside their own subject guide.
Children’s Nurses provide care and treatment for children, who have their own distinct health needs compared to adults. Children may also not be able to convey what they need as clearly as adults, so communication is a key skill for Children’s Nurses. There are master’s and PGDip courses available for Children’s Nursing, which can last between one to three years.
Go to: Children's Nurse Subject Guide
Adult Nurses will deliver care for patients who could be impacted by any number of aliments, and often work as the main point of contact for patient’s families. This can include carrying out tests, taking blood samples, creating patient care plans and more. You can take master’s and PGDip courses in Adult Nursing, which will usually last between one to three years.
Go to: Adult Nurse Subject Guide
Neonatal Nurses will provide specialist care for newborn babies who are sick or born prematurely. The role requires specific knowledge of newborn physiology, as well as compassion for the families involved. Many Neonatal Nurses will work in hospitals, though some will work in the community for families that have recently been discharged. Most courses for Neonatal Nursing will be master’s degrees, though there are also some GradCert courses available, which can both take over a year to finish.
Go to: Neonatal Nurse Subject Guide
Mental Health Nurses help to support patients who have mental health illnesses and issues like depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma-related disorders and more. They will provide treatment, long-term care and recovery support to allow patients to have a better quality of life. Qualifications in Mental Health Nursing include master’s, PGDips, PGCerts and PhDs, which can last between a year and four years, depending on your chosen course.
Go to: Mental Health Nurse Subject Guide
Working in the community, District Nurses will visit patients in their houses or in care homes to arrange and deliver care. This will also include helping teach family members how to look after their relatives. This allows patients to maintain independence and continue with their lives, while also keeping hospital admissions and re-admissions low. District Nursing degrees are available with master’s and PGDip qualifications, often lasting a year, though it can be longer if studied part-time.
Go to: District Nurse Subject Guide
Providing specialist care for people with learning disabilities and their families, Learning Disability Nurses will often work within communities to assist clients of all ages. Duties can include administering tests, organising care plans, helping with daily activities and supporting clients in finding work. Building trust and communication are vital parts of this role, as is advocating for the human rights of clients. There are both master’s and PGDip degrees for Learning Disability Nursing, which can take up to two years to complete.
Go to: Learning Disability Nurse Subject Guide
Working in GP surgeries, General Practice Nurses are equipped with a varied range of skills so that they can provide support for all manner of patients. This can include performing tests and physical assessments, wound management, sexual health and family planning, helping manage long-term illnesses and more. There are master’s, PGDip and PGCert courses available for General Practice Nursing, which can take under a year to two years.
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