Isle Of Dogs-based course features academic theory and plenty of practical experience for graduates seeking to become registered nurses
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The University Of Sunderland In London has opened applications for its MNurse (Adult) programme, set to start in January next year.
The masters level course runs over two years, with those graduating obtaining the necessary qualifications to become a registered nurse with the Nursing And Midwifery Council.
It’s a pathway that can lead to careers in the NHS, the military, primary care, private healthcare, nursing homes, the prison service and more.
“The landscape in UK healthcare is changing, as it is across the world,” said Alwin Puthenpurakal, the university’s associate head of pre and post registration nursing and public health.
“A lot of people are thinking about diversifying their skill set – everyone’s talking about AI replacing jobs. Globally, the birthrate is low and the population is ageing.
“Japan has the oldest, Italy is second and the UK is catching up.
“As a society, we need people to care for those who are living longer, especially when they’re carrying the burden of ill health and living with conditions such as heart disease and lung disease.
“You need humans to do these jobs and that’s where this course comes into play – it provides skills of immense value to the healthcare sector.”
a pathway into nursing
Applicants for the programme need to have completed an undergraduate degree in any field and to have 600 hours of healthcare experience.
“This is a regulated programme for graduates who want to embark on a career as a registered nurse, perhaps who want to change the sector they work in,” said Alwin.
“We welcome people from all fields – what’s most important is dedication. Nursing, as a profession is human-centric.
“What makes a student suitable for this programme is that they can demonstrate the ability to study at the right level, but also that they have the lived experience of understanding the needs of a patient.
“Each of our modules over the two years has three elements – there’s the theory and then clinical placements, so students can apply what they have learnt.
“Then there’s the opportunity to reflect on their experiences.
“We have lots of facilities at the university where we emulate what students will see in clinical practice.
“These facilities are about allowing people to make mistakes in a controlled environment where they have support and can learn from them.
“Simulation practice is a very valuable tool and part of how we give people the theoretical and practical knowledge they need to succeed.”
inspired by care and compassion
Alwin himself has an extensive background in both practical and academic healthcare.
“My mum was a nurse, now retired, and she was an inspiration,” he said.
“I learnt dedication and diligence from her when I was growing up – care and compassion for her were the most important things.
“She was a workaholic and I’m the same, I love what I do.
“Her dedication – sacrificing Christmas dinner to work in a care home – really rubbed off on me.
“If I manage to achieve a tiny part of what she did during her career in Manchester, then that will make it all worthwhile.”
After training, Alwin worked as an intensive care nurse in the NHS before embarking on a career in education, initially as a lecturer for London South Bank University and then in various roles for institutions including the University Of Greenwich and UEL.
He said: “There’s something special about the University Of Sunderland In London.
“Having researched its aims and history, I saw that it was an institution I wanted to be a part of.
“I’ve always had a love for learning and knowledge and I like helping others develop and build their skills.
“Whether in clinical practice or in education, my career has always been about supporting people. Now my focus is on our students.
“With the MNurse course, the skills you learn can be applied in all walks of life.
“Society keeps changing, but what makes us human is being kind to each other.
“Nursing has always provided that foundation for me to connect with other people, even in their direst need.
“It helps you to value life, individuals and it helps you fundamentally to value relationships.
“Now, I and my colleagues are stewards for the next generation going forward.
“With this qualification, the world is your oyster.
“So, if you are interested in becoming a nurse, then come and speak to us – we can help you understand whether its the right path for you.
“We also encourage people to speak to our alumni about their experience of the healthcare sector, our courses and how they’ve been able to give back to society.”
key details: MNurse (Adult) at the University Of Sunderland In London
Applications are now open for the University Of Sunderland In London for the MNurse (Adult) course that’s set to start in January next year.
You can find full details here or discover more at the institution’s open days on September 12 and November 26, 2026, at the Harbour Exchange campus.
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