Course Overview
The Online Distance Learning Pre-Master’s Programme (DL PMP) in Nursing at the University of Dundee is a tailored pathway for students who are passionate about healthcare and aspire to progress into a postgraduate nursing degree but do not yet meet the direct entry requirements.
Whether you need to meet UK academic standards or improve your English language skills, this fully online programme helps you build the academic foundation and confidence needed to succeed in advanced nursing studies.
Through a combination of academic English, study skills, and healthcare-focused content, you’ll develop the knowledge and critical thinking needed to transition smoothly into postgraduate-level learning in nursing.
You can choose from two flexible study formats:
The one-term option is a fast-track, three-month online course for students close to meeting entry requirements.
The two-term option is a six-month course offering additional English language and subject-specific support to ensure thorough preparation.
After successfully completing the online Pre-Master’s Programme, you’ll travel to the UK to continue your education with a master’s degree in nursing at the University of Dundee.
Course modules
The aims of the module are to build on the existing English language ability of international students to prepare them for study at master’s level at the University of Dundee, in particular, to raise students’ measurable performance from a minimum of 5.5 IELTS to 6.0 IELTS or higher and to continue to increase linguistic competence and boost confidence in the use of English in the context of postgraduate studies. The approach of the module is to ensure that linguistic ability facilitates eventual successful engagement in academic courses at SCQF level 11, to introduce students to the advanced skills of critical thinking, evaluation and creative engagement with study materials and to focus students on their need to develop as independent learners. (10 Credits)
The aim of the module is to introduce students to the structure, demands and expectations of postgraduate study in the UK. There is an emphasis on the development of academic skills of relevance to study at postgraduate level and students are introduced to learning strategies that will be of particular benefit with particular emphasis on the VLE and the role of IT and of the Internet and specialist sites and journals that may be accessed digitally. The module aims to assist students to develop as critical users of the Internet and evaluate material accessed in their research. Students will be helped to become more reflective and self-evaluative and to develop group working and team building skills. (10 Credits)
The aim of the module is to continue to develop the existing English language ability of international students to prepare them for study at master’s level at the University of Dundee, in particular, raise students’ measurable performance to that of their progressing School (either IELts 6.0 or 6.5 overall) or higher and to further increase linguistic competence and boost confidence to a higher level in the use of English in the context of postgraduate studies. The module’s approach aims to ensure that linguistic ability ensures successful engagement in academic courses at master’s level. Students develop further their deployment of the advanced skills of critical thinking, evaluation and creative engagement with study materials in helping them pose and solve problems. Students are introduced to further strategies and techniques that will enable them to function better as self-directed and autonomous learners. (10 Credits)
The aim of the module is to develop knowledge and understanding of how to conduct an informed, systematic literature search, and how to produce a concise description and succinct analysis of literature relevant to professional practice and / or advanced academic study. Students will learn how to search for relevant academic sources using various databases (e.g., Google Scholar, JSTOR, PubMed), understand the importance of keyword selection, and refine their search strategies to obtain relevant literature in their area of study. Students will gain familiarity with tools like EndNote for managing references, organising research material, and creating accurate citations and bibliographies. They will develop the ability to assess the quality and relevance of academic literature, including evaluating the credibility of sources, identifying potential biases, and understanding methodological approaches in academic research. Students will learn to write detailed annotations that summarize, assess, and reflect on the relevance and application of each source in relation to their own research questions or academic interests. Appreciation of theories as the conceptual basis for understanding, analysing, and designing ways to investigate relationships within social, health, psychological and education systems and approaches. There will also be an exploration of the concept of evidence-based practice (10 Credits)
The module focuses on developing students’ understanding of legal and ethical frameworks in global business practices, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and corporate responsibility. It introduces students to the evolving landscape of corporate regulation, examining both legal mandates and voluntary corporate initiatives, such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the transition to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Through this exploration, students gain insights into how businesses balance profit-making with environmental and social responsibilities, while engaging with global frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students examine the impact of globalisation on corporate ethics and social responsibility, with a focus on how businesses from the Global South face unique challenges in navigating legal and ethical issues. The course encourages a multidisciplinary perspective, bridging concepts from law, business, and sustainability to enable students to critically assess how companies across various sectors align their practices with global standards. Through the module, students develop the skills to evaluate and apply legal and ethical frameworks in real-world scenarios, preparing them for leadership roles in an increasingly globalized and ethically aware marketplace. (10 Credits)
This module introduces the concept of critically reflective practice in the context of the student’s profession via a range of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities (for example, seminars, workshops and directed study). nStudents are introduced to models of reflection and supported to critically reflect upon experiences within their professional practice to date. Through the process of critical reflection, students are enabled to enhance self-awareness and emotional intelligence. nA range of theoretical and real-world concepts are critically explored in relation to the literature, including cultural intelligence, person-centred practice, global challenges and professional practice in a digital world. nGroup based learning encourages inter-disciplinary collaboration and understanding of differing professional roles and perspectives on practice. (10 Credits)
Why choose the University of Dundee
Scottish University of the Year 2025
For its outstanding performance and long standing and impactful policies that put students first – Daily Mail University Guide 2025.
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
Top in the UK for Bioengineering & Biomedical Engineering and 2nd for Medicine and for Dentistry. The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
In the UK for Education
In the subject rankings, 3rd in the UK for Education and 7th for Medicine, Finance, and Computer Science. The Daily Mail University Guide 2026.
Entry Requirements for
12th Grade Graduation Certificate with 50% in each subject
International Student Fees
You can find the applicable international student course fee for your chosen pathway study route listed below.
| Study Route | Tuition Fees (2025-26) |
|---|---|
| International Stage One (3 terms) | Business* / Social Studies – January, April, September – £18,995 Nursing / Life and Biomedical Sciences / Engineering / Computing – January, September – £19,895 |
| International Stage Two | All available subjects – January, September – £20,195 |
| International Foundation | Engineering – January, September – £19,895 Computing – January, September – £19,895 Life Biomedical Sciences – January, September – £19,895 Business – January, September – £18,995 Nursing – January, September – £19,895 |
| Pre-Masters (1 term) | Design / Health Education and Social Sciences** / Nursing – April, June – £11,195 Business / Computing / Energy & Sustainability / Engineering / Law – April, June, September – £11,195 |
| Pre-Masters (2 terms) | Business / Energy & Sustainability / Health Education and Social Sciences ** – January, April, June – £15,195 |
| International Stage One (2 terms) | Business / Computing / Life and Biomedical Sciences / Nursing – January, April – £13,195 |
| The Distance Learning Pre-Master’s Programme is available exclusively to students in China. For detailed information on fees and eligibility, please contact us here. | |
| Fees are not inclusive of scholarships. All applications are subject to a non-refundable admin Fee of £220. Stated fees are for the pathway only. Stated fees do not include the annual tuition fee applicable for degree course continued at the university after completion of your pathway. For more information on progression degree fees please visit the university website directly. | |
| *After successfully completing International Stage One (3 terms) in Business (April 2026 intake), you will progress to IS2 in January 2027 and continue to your chosen degree at the University of Dundee in September 2027, entering Year 3. | |
Scholarships at University of Dundee
Up to £6,000 scholarship for 3-term pathways
Up to £4,500 scholarship for 2-term pathways
Reach out to our admissions team for details about scholarships available to you.
Up to £5,500 scholarship for 1-term pathway
Up to £5,000 scholarship for 2-term pathway
Reach out to our admissions team for details about scholarships available to you.
Up to £5,000* for ICD student who completed pathway programme and progressing with Excellence outcome (Automatically assigned on progression if student has met an A grade average during their study in the college)
*Assigned on progression – if a students already has another scholarship confirmed (e.g. Vice Chancellors or GCS) they cannot combine these – they will be awarded the highest value scholarship only
Check the wide range of scholarships on the University of Dundee website