Funding for MSc Advanced Clinical Practice Programme – 2026 / 2027

This North West guidance is to support organisations in the region to develop advanced practice across
services and to help grow and sustain the advanced practice workforce of the future.

Our investment in advanced practice is strategically aligned with the NHS England Business Plan, the NHS
People Plan, and the NHS 10-year Health Plan. Across the North West, this ensures our workforce
development is responsive to system needs—delivering the right people, with the right skills, values, and
behaviours, in the right place and at the right time to provide high-quality care.

We remain committed to working collaboratively with Integrated Care Systems, provider organisations, and
NHSE teams to identify workforce demand, support care transformation, and invest wisely in education and
training. Central to this is our focus on quality—supporting accredited advanced practice programmes,
strengthening supervision, and embedding robust standards across all aspects of training.

The Lord Darzi report reinforces the urgency of adopting multidisciplinary models of care and innovative
approaches to meet population health needs sustainably. Advanced Practitioners play a vital role in transforming care delivery. Their continued, quality-assured growth across all scopes of practice will strengthen services in community, primary, and secondary care.

We are grateful to all our internal and external partners for their continued engagement in this important work. We look forward to building the future workforce together making a difference for our region.

This document has been aligned to the Faculty for Advancing Practice across the South East and the South West, and we want to thank them for their continued collaboration.

Annabella Gloster
Regional Lead Advanced Practice, North West Faculty for Advancing Practice

The North West Faculty for Advancing Practice was established during the latter part of 2020 to drive pioneering workforce transformation for advanced practice at a regional level, recognising the impact that advanced practitioners can have on workforce transformation, providing highly skilled care that can drive service redesign, enhance patient care, and improve outcomes. 

Vision

A future where advanced Practitioners are integral to the design and delivery of every care pathway and system where they can make a positive contribution to transforming services and improving patient care.

Purpose

– To provide system – level leadership for advanced practice workforce development

– To grow and support the development of a multi-professional workforce by funding and assuring high quality education and training

– Support effective advanced practice workforce planning in the short and longer term, at system, regional and national levels, through timely access to accurate advanced practice workforce supply and demand data and intelligence

– Commission high quality education and training in partnership with HEIs and other partners contributing to national targets

– Optimise workplace training, supervision and assessment

– Availability of accurate data and activity monitoring of regional advanced practice activity

– Ensure quality of practice learning is fully understood and assurance of all commissioned programmes, supporting accreditation by the Centre for Advancing Practice

What is an Advanced Practitioner?

The Faculty for Advancing Practice in the region will support the provision of advanced practice education and workforce development which is consistent with the national definition of advanced practice contained in the Multi professional framework for advanced practice in England:

“Advanced Practice (AP) is delivered by experienced, registered health care practitioners. It is a level of practice characterised by a high degree of autonomy and complex decision making. This is underpinned by a master’s level award or equivalent that encompasses the four pillars of clinical practice, leadership and management, education and research, with demonstration of core capabilities and area specific clinical competence. Advanced Practice (AP) embodies the ability to manage clinical care in partnership with individuals, families and carers. It includes the analysis and synthesis of complex problems across a range of settings, enabling innovative solutions to enhance people’s experience and improved outcomes.”

An NHS England recognised Advanced Practitioner is a statutory registered healthcare professional whose role is characterised by a high degree of autonomy, complex decision making, analysis and synthesis of complex problems, and the ability to complete whole episodes of care. They work at level 7 across all 4 pillars of Advanced Practice, meeting the capabilities outlined in the Multi-Professional Framework, in line with their service requirements and local population needs.
The four pillars that underpin practice are:

– Clinical Practice

– Leadership and Management

– Education

– Research

The Faculty for Advancing Practice across the South East have used these short animation videos to demonstrate the pillars – link

How do I know if I need an Advanced Practitioner role in my service?
For successful delivery of high-quality services that are focused on meeting the person or population need, it is important that a structured workforce modelling and planning process is used to identify where advanced practice will have the greatest impact in a person’s journey through health and care pathways, and the types of roles that may exist or need to be developed.

Many workforce planning and modelling tools exist which will support understanding of the needs of the population and how to build a workforce to meet those needs.

How do I develop an Advanced Practitioner role?

The Advanced Practice (AP) Lead in the organisation should be aware of staff currently working in advanced practice roles and provide advice of how they may transform services. In order to establish AP roles, a business case will be required for this investment considering the population and system need. Job descriptions should be mapped to the Multi-Professional Framework for AP in England and jobplans should support the four pillars of advanced practice.

The South West Faculty have developed the Emerging Areas Resource which is deigned to be implemented locally by organisations. It aims to support and standardise the approach to workforce transformation for advanced practice in new and emerging areas. The resource will guide teams through workforce transformation principles that will support the development of advance practice roles, which are planned and designed to address local service needs.

The NHS England Centre for Advancing Practice acknowledges that robust governance is essential to ensuring the safe, effective, and sustainable integration of advanced practitioners within the workforce. To help organisations evaluate and strengthen their governance frameworks, the Centre has developed the Governance Maturity Matrix, while the Faculty has created the Primary Care Readiness Checklist—a self-assessment tool designed to support ongoing improvement. Further details on governance in advanced practice are available in the Governance section of the Centre’s website.

What commitment is expected of a trainee AP while studying?

Trainees are expected to attend scheduled teaching sessions delivered by their education provider, apply clinical skills within their workplace, and complete workplace-based assessments aligned with the NHS England Multi-Professional Framework for Advanced Practice in England.

They must also engage in regular meetings with their supervisor to plan their individual learning objectives and review their progress. In addition, a significant commitment to independent study is required to successfully achieve the qualification.

Trainees must notify the North West Faculty of any changes to their programme, supervisor, employer, or expected completion date by submitting a Change in Circumstances form. If there is any uncertainty about whether a change should be reported, it is advisable to submit the form as a precaution.

Additionally, trainees are expected to engage in quality assurance activities, such as completing the National Education and Training Survey (NETS) on an annual basis.

How much time will the trainee Advanced Practitioner require for the MSc programme?

The education provider programme lead will provide information on the total amount of university days required, as this varies depending on the education provider chosen and the length of the MSc programme.

What commitment does the trainee require from the employer?

Employers are expected to support the trainee(s) to meet the requirements of the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice programmes as per HEI (Higher Education Institute) requirements. The employer will provide the trainee with sufficient time for attending taught sessions at the HEI, time to meet their supervisor regularly and time for work-based learning each week. The HEI programme lead will provide information on the total amount of study days required. It is important that AP trainees have sufficient work-based learning time to develop their advanced skills.

Advanced Practice trainees must receive a minimum of one hour of supervision each week throughout their training. Supervisors should have this time appropriately reflected in their job plans, with support available through the training grant to facilitate delivery. All supervisors are expected to understand and comply with the standards outlined in the NHS England Advanced Practice Workplace Supervision – Minimum Standards for Supervision document

How many hours does the trainee need to be employed for?

AP Trainees will be contracted to work a minimum number of 30 hours in order to meet the requirements of the programme and to meet apprenticeship requirements.

What supervision is required?

Trainees require a supervisor in practice who will oversee and coordinate their work-based learning which will require time to meet with them regularly to plan their individual educational needs and monitor their progress.

Good supervision is a key factor for successful completion of training and trainees who are not well supervised can struggle and withdraw from the programme. Each trainee AP requires a named supervisor who has completed training in multi-professional supervision and is familiar with the requirements of advanced clinical practice. Supervisors must be willing and have protected time (in their job plan) to support the trainee. Trainees will need time to meet their supervisor regularly to plan their individual educational needs and monitor their progress. The requirements of supervisors are explained in more detail in the Workplace Supervision for Advanced Clinical Practice document, and NHS England supervision resources

NHS England North West (NW) Faculty for Advancing Practice support the development of Advancing Practice roles for workforce transformation by funding educational routes allocated to employers to address their population/service need. Funding for the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice is not available for individual/s’ continuing professional development.

What are the conditions of receiving funding?

An application for funding must meet the criteria below:

– Substantive organisational funding arrangements must be in place to ensure that an appropriate Advanced Practice post will be available with the employer once the trainees have successfully completed their training.
– A named trainee with an identified educational coordinating supervisor (both must be supplied prior to the start of programme) of which neither are under investigation or subject to restrictions on their practice.
Employing organisations are required to complete the Centre for Advancing Practice Governance Maturity Matrix (before submitting an application or if previously submitted updated annually) or the Primary Care Readiness Checklist (for primary care) to ensure the trainee can be fully supported.
– Once funding has been approved, organisations must not alter start dates, funding route or change education providers without prior authorisation from the Faculty. Any changes made without approval will result in the employer being responsible for any associated financial consequences.
– Any changes in a trainee’s circumstances must be reported to NHS England at the earliest opportunity to ensure continuity of funding through the change in circumstance process.
– Trainees are required to engage with and complete NHS England forms which include: Trainee commencement form (NW Faculty); Faculty ongoing monitoring and annual check-ins, NETS, and Trainee completion form. The provider must confirm status of trainees on request.

What is the NW funding offer for Autumn 26 – Spring 27?

NHS England is supporting the development of Advanced Practitioner roles in 26/27 with the following different funding models. For all options below the individual trainee must meet the academic requirements set by each HEI in addition to the requirements for a training
role.

Please note: If an individual has previously completed part of the required training, and the remaining training is reduced through Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), please refer to the section below.

1. ACP Apprenticeship programmes – Following the withdrawal of funding for Level 7 apprenticeship programmes, NHS
England has secured alternative funding that enables employers to directly cover the cost of apprenticeship programmes with HEIs.
Please note that this funding does not come from the employer’s apprenticeship levy but is part of a nationally secured mitigation fund specifically for ACP. In addition to covering HEI apprenticeship fees, NHS England will also provide employers with an education and training grant to support the trainee’s development, as outlined in the table below.
There is a nationally set allocation for these places. If the number of requests exceeds the regional allocation, applications will be offered a place on the ACP MSc (fees-paying) route instead.

2. ACP MSc – Funding for tuition fees for a period of up to three years for an Advanced Clinical Practice MSc. NHS England will pay the full tuition costs plus an education training grant. The education and training grant is paid directly to the employer, as outlined in the table below.

3. ACP Top Up Modules – This route is only for those requiring up to three modules with completion within twelve months of the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice. NHS England will only fund the tuition costs directly to the HEI. If more than three modules are required to complete the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice the request should be for funding of a full MSc programme. If the learner has prior Level 7 credits such as Non-Medical prescribing (NMP), the learner should discuss Accredited Prior Learning with their chosen Education Provider, with the potential of reducing the length of a full programme.

4. ACP Area Specific Frameworks – There are a number of Centre endorsed area-specific frameworks in development that meet workforce development needs in high-priority areas. NHS England will consider funding these as an addition to the ACP MSc to meet the specialised training needs of your workforce as these become available. 

Accreditation of Prior Learning / Recognition of Prior Learning (APL / RPL)  
 
Some education providers may permit trainees to Accredit Prior Learning (APL) by awarding credits for previously completed modules. As this is determined at the discretion of the individual provider, trainees must discuss and obtain agreement from their chosen education provider before commencing the programme. 
 
If a trainee’s programme duration is shortened due to Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)—meaning they’ve already completed relevant learning or experience—the following will typically happen: 
 
NHSE Training Grant: The financial support provided by NHS England may be reviewed and adjusted to reflect the shorter training period. 
HEI Tuition Fees: The fees charged by the HEI may also be reassessed individually and normally reduced to match the revised end date of the programme. 
 
This ensures that funding aligns fairly with the actual length of training required. 

What is the Education Training Grant? 

The educational training grant is to ensure there is infrastructure around the trainee which enables their supported learning in practice.  Examples include to: 
 
– enable regular clinical supervision between trainee and supervisor 
– develop robust governance structures for the training, supervision, and development of advanced practitioner’s – posts 
– develop in-house educational resources to support advanced practitioners’ development  
– enable trainees to attend and present at local/national conferences 
– provide sufficient study leave to attend university taught sessions and protected time for work-based learning per week 
– trainees have a minimum of one hour supervision per week by an appropriately trained supervisor and a minimum of £2,600 per year of the educational training grant used to support the funding for supervisory support. 

What are the employers’ responsibilities for the apprenticeship route?  

There are various apprenticeship rules that must be adhered to by the employer and the apprenticeship training provider.  These include: 
– The apprentice must be employed with you. 
– The apprentice must be able to complete the apprenticeship within the time they have available. 
– Apprentices should not be asked to contribute financially to the cost of training, on programme or end-point assessment (this includes where the individual has completed the programme successfully or left the programme early). 
– Apprentices must not use a student loan to pay for their apprenticeship. 
– Apprentices must spend at least 50% of their working hours in England over the duration of the apprenticeship. 
– Apprentices must have the right to work in England and have an eligible residency status. 
– The job the apprentice is doing must have a productive purpose and should provide the apprentice with the opportunity to embed and consolidate the knowledge, skills and behaviours gained through the apprenticeship. 
– As an employer you must allow the apprentice time to complete their programme of study and allow them access to opportunities to enable them to develop through their job role. 
– As an employer you must ensure the apprentice has a suitable contract that covers the duration of their apprenticeship (including end point assessment). The cost of the apprentice’s wages must be met by the employer. 
– Apprentices must complete their apprenticeship (including any training) during paid working hours. 
– Apprentices must spend at least 20% of their working hours doing OTJ training. 
– The apprentice must work enough hours each week so that they can undertake sufficient regular training and on-the-job activity – this is to ensure the apprentice is likely to successfully complete their apprenticeship. 
– The apprentice must have appropriate support and supervision on the job, by the employer, to carry out their job role and their apprenticeship. 
– Further information about employer and apprenticeship training provider responsibilities can be found on the Government Website: ESFA Funding Rules. 
 
Further information about apprenticeships can be found at the HASO Website.  
 

Please note that the late submission and waiting list is not guaranteed if all funding has been allocated.  
 
Prior to submission you need to ensure the following is in place: 
there has been an identified service/local population need for the development of an Advanced Practitioner 

– the role on qualification, links directly to the key principles in NHS England Multi-professional Framework for Advanced Practice in England (2025)﷟HYPERLINK “https://advanced-practice.hee.nhs.uk/mpf2025/” 
– a business case or equivalent has been approved for the funding of a substantive Advanced Practice Level role on qualification  
– a positive learning environment with a named identified supervisor and agreed supervision plan (providing at least one hour supervision per week) 
– a unified learning environment (ULE) agreement must be in progress for primary care  
– the employer has an identified Lead for Advanced Practice or an accountable person for the workforce 

NHS England North West Faculty for Advancing Practice can guide your organisation in embedding the appropriate governance required to receive NHS England funding for ACP MSc programme for further information please contact england.acp.nw@nhs.net  
 
 
Where do I go to submit my funding request: 
 
Primary Care (not including NHS Trusts), Private and Charity

– please access all our information and application form on our webpage    

  Primary Care services can contact their local Primary Care Training Hub. You can access their websites below: 
Cheshire and Merseyside Training Hub  
Greater Manchester Training Hub  
Lancashire and South Cumbria Training Hub  
 
NHS Trusts  
This must be submitted by the designated Advanced Practice Lead for the organisation. Please contact your AP Lead. If you are unaware of who this is, please contact us england.acp.nw@nhs.net   

What HEIs can individuals study at? 
 
NHS England funds Centre for Advancing Practice accredited ACP MSc programmes and those working towards accreditation. A full list of those accredited can be found here.  NHS England are currently going through a procurement exercise which will result in a definitive framework of Universities with whom we can commission education programmes.     
 
If the employer/service is offered NHSE funding what are the next steps: 
 
NHS England will provide you with the next steps within the funding offer email. This will include steps of contacting the Programme Lead of the HEI to agree tri-partite recruitment. The HEI will advise of their admissions process requirements.   
 
NHS England preferred supplier list 
 
The information provided below is as accurate as when written but may change due to the procurement exercise:  

*Tables included on document*

 
How NHS England Education Training Grant will be paid  
 
NHS England pay in arrears and is based on a validation process to confirm the individual has enrolled onto the programme and has been training. Payment is completed differently depending on the employer 
 
NHS Trusts – this will be paid directly to the Trust from NHS England through the Education Funding Agreement (EFA) with the agreed yearly finance schedule. Please contact your Advanced Practice Lead to understand how this is transferred to your service budget.  

Non NHS Trusts – the organisation will be contacted directly with an invite to invoice. This may be by your local Primary Care Training Hub. The total education training grant will be split by the programme duration (in months) and will be paid for the number of months linked to each payment schedule below: 

Note – This timeline is the same each academic year until the completion of the programme. This may be subject to change. Any changes will be communicated to all parties involved.