Worth around £300,000 over five years, the Burdett Trust for Nursing has gifted the scholarship enabling registered nurses to undertake the MSc in Advanced Professional Practice at Queen’s, beginning in September 2025.

Each year, the scholarship will be provided to one local and one international registered nurse, covering tuition fees and a bursary to support their studies.

Speaking about the scholarship, Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Professor Sir Ian Greer said: “This generous award from The Burdett Trust for Nursing will empower outstanding nurses to develop as advanced practitioners, educators and innovators. This supports our mission to deliver world-class education and improve global health outcomes through nursing leadership.”

The significant new award recognises the essential role of nurses in improving patient care and driving innovation in healthcare.

Professor Donna Fitzsimons School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s said: “The School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen’s University Belfast are very proud of the long-standing relationship they hold with the Burdett Trust, which has already produced mutual benefit for both organisations."

"This exciting new award opens on 26 May 2025 and first students will be admitted in September 2025. This career-changing opportunity will be available to two experienced nurses each year for the next 5 years in Queen’s. Given the financial challenge many nurses face, this award is a huge investment in their professional development which will truly enhance patient experience sand outcomes.”

The Burdett Trust for Nursing is an independent charitable trust named after Sir Henry Burdett KCB, the founder of the Royal National Pension Fund for Nurses (RNPFN) and was set up in recognition of his philosophy.

Chief Executive of the Burdett Trust for Nursing, Clare Cable, said: “We are delighted to partner with Queen’s University on this important initiative to enhance the leadership of nurses and midwives in Northern Ireland. Nurses are central to person centred care, and their involvement in senior strategic decision-making is essential to ensure that our health and social care services are compassionate, effective and safe."

"Providing scholarships for the MSc in Advanced Professional Practice will equip nurses and midwives with the skills and confidence to take on specialist roles and leadership positions, to support the health of the people of Northern Ireland.”

Speaking about the importance of this kind of support, Director of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy at Queen’s Eddie Friel said:

“Philanthropy delivers many things including the opportunity for gifted people to develop their skills and have a much greater impact on society. We know how similar scholarships can enable nurses to further develop their careers and realise their potential for leadership, enhanced clinical roles and to undertake research. We are incredibly grateful to charities like the Burdett Trust for helping empower our nurses to better serve society.” 

 

Notes to editors

Applications for the Burdett Trust Scholarship will be open from 26 May until 4 July 2025 and can be accessed here.