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  1. FAQs
  2. Nursing Postgraduate Programs
Nursing Postgraduate Programs

Nursing Postgraduate Programs

What postgraduate nursing programs/degrees does the College of Nursing currently offer?

The College of Nursing offers postgraduate nursing programs with various exit options, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSc), a Postgraduate Diploma (PG-Dip), and a Postgraduate Certificate (PG-Cert) in different clinical specialties, such as Cardiovascular Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Emergency Nursing, and Pediatric Nursing.

What Clinical Specialty Programs does the College of Nursing offer?

The programs offer several clinical specialties, including Cardiovascular Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Emergency Care Nursing, and Pediatric Nursing with Specialty Concentration. 

Students in these specialties can graduate with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSc) degree, a Postgraduate Diploma (PG-Dip) degree, or a Postgraduate Certificate (PG-Cert) program. 

Students in the Pediatric Nursing specialty degree programs can also choose to graduate with one of the following concentrations: Pediatric Nursing with a focus on Pediatric Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Care, or Pediatric Oncology. 

What do you mean by Pediatric Concentration, and what advantage does it have?

The pediatric nursing clinical specialty program (MSc, PG-Dip, and PG-Cert) enables graduates to earn their degree or certificate with a clinical concentration/focus of study during their final semester. This involves taking a specialty course within the focus area and completing a semester of clinical placement training in the specialty area. 

The advantage of having a concentration within the degree/certificate is to give a clinical focus beyond the general pediatric skills.

What is the main goal of these programs?

The postgraduate programs are designed to equip nurses with the advanced knowledge, skills, and clinical expertise needed to manage and care for patients with complex conditions. Learners will gain a deeper knowledge and sharpen their critical thinking and clinical judgment skills, enhancing their ability to function with more advanced clinical skills and become clinical specialist leaders.

What does Multiple “Exit Options” Mean?

Multiple Exit Options means that students with varying preparation levels, at different stages in their lives, can choose to graduate/exit the program and earn an academic degree. They can also return at a later stage in their life to complete their degree at the next level. The available Exit Options are: Master’s degree (MSc), Postgraduate Diploma degree (PG-Dip), and Postgraduate Certificate (PG-Cert).

What does “Exit Options” Mean, and what “Exit Options” are available to me?

The postgraduate programs at the HBMCoNM offer students the option to exit with a Master’s degree (MSc), a Diploma degree (PG-Dip), or a Certificate (PG-Cert). 

 Once the students meet the admission criteria for the postgraduate program and are enrolled in one of the programs, they can complete the program and earn an MSc degree. However, if for any reason, they could not commit to the entire program of 36 credits, they can exit the program and graduate with a PG-Dip if they finish the 24 required 24 credits, or PG-Cert if they complete the required 18 credits. 

 Yes, students who exit their program of study with a PG-Dip or a PG-Cert can rejoin the program within two years of exiting it to continue their education and earn their Diploma or Master’s degree when they are ready. Exit option means that no matter where you are in your career or education, there is a door open for you to upskill and earn an academic degree or certificate

Can I Reenroll in my Postgraduate Program to Complete my Studies After I Exit it Early?

Yes, students who exit their program of study with a PG-Dip or a PG-Cert can rejoin the program within two years of exiting it to continue their education and earn their Diploma or Master’s degree when they are ready. Exit option means that no matter where you are in your career or education, there is a door open for you to upskill and earn an academic degree or certificate.

What is the duration of the programs?

Students can enrol as fulltime or parttime students and the program can span from 1 to 2 years. 

Program  Fulltime  Parttime  
Master Degree (MSc)  3 semesters (18 months)  4 semesters (2 years) 
Postgraduate Diploma (PG-Dip)  1 year  2 years 
Postgraduate Certificate (PG-Cert)  2 semesters  1 year 
How many credit hours are in the program?

The total credit hours for each program is as follows: 

Program  Credit hours 
Master Degree (MSc)  36 
Postgraduate Diploma (PG-Dip)  24 
Postgraduate Certificate (PG-Cert)  18 
How many clinical training placement hours are the programs?

The postgraduate programs at HBMCoNM provide strong clinical training preparation. Students who complete their Master’s (MSc) degree, PG-Dip degree, or PG-Cert have to complete 540 clinical placement training during the program. The clinical is typically completed over a period of 3 semesters.

What is the language of instruction?

The language of instruction is English. All applicants are required to meet English language proficiency standards to be admitted. The English proficiency requirement are: 

  • IELTS: An overall score of 6.0, with no skill band less than 5.5. or 
  • TOEFL: An iBT score of 80.
Is the program accredited?

The HBMCoNM and the MBRU university are accredited by the UAE’s Ministry of Education and CAA, which assures students that the degree is nationally recognized and respected.

What are the admission requirements for the graduate nursing programs?

To be considered for admission to the MSN, Diploma, and Certificate programs, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

  • Hold a valid Registered Nurse license.  
  • Have a minimum of one year (full-time) of experience in the specific specialty area is preferred.  
  • Hold a Bachelor of Nursing degree or its equivalent with a minimum cGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 
  • Provide a letter of support from a current or past employer, if applicable. 
  • Successfully complete a personal interview with the selection panel. 
  • Meet the English language proficiency requirements. 
What are the English language requirements?

Applicants must submit one of the following: 

  • IELTS: An overall score of 6.0, with no skill band less than 5.5. or 
  • TOEFL: An iBT score of 80. 
What if I don’t meet all the admission criteria?

Consideration for conditional admission may be extended on a case-by-case basis. This decision is made by the HBMCoNM student admission committee. If admitted conditionally, you may be required to undertake remedial courses, meet specific GPA requirements, or adhere to credit load limits. Failure to meet these conditions will be subject to dismissal.

Are there any exemptions from the English language requirement?

Yes. An exemption may be granted if: 

  • You are a native English speaker, and the language of instruction for your undergraduate studies was English. 
  • You graduated from an academic institution where English was the primary medium of instruction for your bachelor’s degree.
What is the difference between the Master’s, Diploma, and Certificate programs?

The primary difference is the length, credit requirement, and final qualification. 

Master’s Degree (MSc)  Postgraduate Diploma (PG-Dip)  Postgraduate Certificate (PG-Cert)  
This is the most comprehensive program at 36 credits.  This is a mid-level program requiring consists of 24 credits  This is the shortest program, requiring 18 credits. 
Can be completed in 3 semesters/18 months full-time or 2 years part-time.  A shorter program than the MSc can be completed in one year full-time or 2 years part-time  Can be completed in one year full or part-time 
The study plan for the program includes the completion of a master’s thesis, indicating a research component.  No thesis research component. The focus is on knowledge depth and clinical.  No thesis research component. The focus is on knowledge depth and clinical. 
This is the best choice for nurses seeking advanced leadership, academic, or high-level clinical expert roles.  ideal for nurses who want a substantial specialization that is more in-depth than a certificate but does not require the research thesis of a full master’s degree.  Its advantage is gaining a focused, official qualification in a specialty area (like Critical care, Emergency, Pediatric, cardiovascular) to enhance your clinical practice. 

 

What are the advantages of obtaining a Master’s vs. a Diploma vs. a Certificate?

Choosing the right program depends on your career goals: 

Master’s Degree (MSc):  The advantage is its depth (36 credits) and inclusion of a research thesis. This is the best choice for nurses seeking advanced leadership, academic, or high-level clinical expert roles. 

Postgraduate Diploma (PG-Dip): This 24-credit program is ideal for nurses who want a substantial specialization that is more in-depth than a certificate but does not require the research thesis of a full master’s degree. 

Postgraduate Certificate (PG-Cert): At 18 credits, this is the fastest pathway. Its advantage is gaining a focused, official qualification in a specialty area (like Cardiovascular Nursing) to enhance your clinical practice.

What are the tuition fees for the graduate nursing programs?

Regardless of nationality, all nursing students in the postgraduate programs will receive the MBRU Frontliners 50% Scholarship. The total program tuition cost for the entire length of the program after the scholarship is as follows: 

MSc (36 credits): AED 70,000 

PG-Dip (24 credits): AED 46,667 

PG-Cert (18 credits): AED 35,000

Is there any other financial support?

Yes. A Financial Sponsorship Loan is available for all accepted Dubai Health employees. This loan provides a payment plan for the remaining tuition balance over a maximum period of 4 years. 

In addition, students can pay their tuition over a set number of equal instalments over the semester. Contact the MBRU Student Services office for further information. 

Does the University provide accommodation?

MBRU does not provide direct accommodation to students. However, we have negotiated on behalf of the students with several private providers. Complete information can be found here

I applied to MBRU last year but wasn’t offered a position. Can I re-apply?

Yes, we will consider a new application as if it was the first.

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