Experiences of Chinese nurses studying for master’s degree in the UK: a qualitative study†

Objective: To explore experiences of Chinese nurses who study for Master of Science in Professional Practice (health care) in the United Kingdom.

Methods: A qualitative approach was applied, consisting of semi-structured telephone interviews (n = 8). The Colaizzi seven-step framework analysis method was used to extract themes.

Results: The themes that emerged are as follows: (1) gains from studying overseas, (2) difficulties during studying, and (3) impacts of learning experience on work. The gains for nurses studying overseas include the improvement of scientific research capabilities, reconstruction of critical thinking, and development of reflection ability. Difficulties while studying mainly include language barrier, strict assessment, and boring life.

Conclusions: The education of nursing postgraduate attaches importance to the cultivation of thinking. Nurses are very interested in nursing research including qualitative and quantitative methods. Nurses encountered language barriers in their study and life even though they knew a certain level of English.