Programme Overview and Qualifications
The Master's programme in Nursing represents a key component in the professionalisation and academic advancement of the nursing profession. Through a carefully structured curriculum, this programme enables students to acquire the essential knowledge and skills necessary for advanced clinical practice, research, teaching, and leadership roles within the healthcare system. The content of the programme is designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, providing students with a solid foundation for making independent and professional decisions in complex healthcare situations. Special emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking, the use of scientific research methods, and an understanding of contemporary challenges in nursing practice. Through courses covering areas such as management, education, health policy, and ethics, students gain a broader perspective on the role of nurses in modern society—not only as care providers, but also as leaders, educators, researchers, and advocates for patient safety and quality of care. Practical training and the preparation of a master’s thesis further reinforce professional competencies, allowing students to connect with real-world clinical needs, improve care delivery, and contribute to the development of healthcare policies. In this way, the master's programme in nursing not only enhances the quality of individual professional practice but also actively contributes to the transformation and strengthening of the healthcare system as a whole. Ultimately, this programme shapes highly qualified professionals who are prepared to assume responsible roles in contemporary healthcare institutions, lead change processes, and actively contribute to the advancement of nursing as both a scientific discipline and a vital component of society.

Expected competencies
Upon completing the Master’s programme in Nursing, graduates acquire a wide range of competencies that go beyond the traditional scope of basic nursing care. The expected competencies at this level of education shape a professional who is prepared to assume leadership, educational, research, and strategic roles within the healthcare system. First and foremost, clinical competence remains the foundation of all nursing practice—but it is now enhanced with advanced knowledge that enables effective decision-making in complex and critical situations, as well as the application of the latest scientific findings in daily practice. In addition, the master's-level nurse takes on an active role in managing healthcare teams, planning resources, and leading processes that ensure high-quality and safe patient care. Educational and pedagogical competencies empower them to transfer knowledge, support the professional development of others, and contribute to the education of future generations of healthcare workers. Their role in patient and community education is equally important, as it strengthens health literacy and promotes disease prevention. Research skills are one of the key characteristics of master’s-level education, enabling the continuous improvement of clinical practice, evaluation of existing procedures, and the implementation of evidence-based decision-making. A master’s-prepared nurse becomes an active contributor to the development of nursing science—creating knowledge, not just applying it. Ethics, professionalism, and communication remain universal competencies that define behaviour and relationships with patients, colleagues, and society as a whole. It is precisely through these dimensions that the master’s-level nurse stands out as a moral authority, an advocate for patients’ rights, and a promoter of humane values. Ultimately, the competencies gained through this programme empower nurses to be agents of change, leaders in healthcare, and vocal representatives of the profession in decision-making processes at local, national, and international levels. This position is not only an academic achievement but also a social responsibility—to contribute, through knowledge, experience, and integrity, to the advancement of nursing care and the overall health of the community.

Contact Information
Address: Faculty of Health Studies, Nositelja hrvatskog trolista 4, 77000 Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Head of Department: Assist. Prof. Dr. Ratko Knežević
Phone: +387 37 227 046
Web: fzs.unbi.ba
E-mail: fzsi@unbi.ba
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