Cologne University is launching two innovative master's degree programs for nursing professionals!

Cologne University is launching two innovative master's degree programs for nursing professionals!

From the winter semester 2025/2026, the University of Cologne will introduce two innovative master's programs for midwives and nursing specialists. These programs, the M.Sc. Advanced Midwifery Practice (AMP) and the M.Sc. Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) is aimed at midwives and nurses who already have a bachelor's degree. A total of 11 midwifery students and 20 nursing students will take part in the new programs. What is particularly noteworthy is that AMP is the first midwifery-specific master's degree program in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and one of the first in Germany. At the same time, ANP is the only master's degree program in North Rhine-Westphalia that is offered at a medical faculty.

The combination of both courses is unique in Germany and offers students a practical, research-oriented and internationally oriented education. Professor Dr. Stephanie Stock emphasizes that these courses strengthen professionalism in the midwifery and nursing professions. Students benefit from being integrated into the university clinic through access to comprehensive internship opportunities both at home and abroad. These experiences enable graduates to take on responsible positions, for example in professional management or as clinical specialists.

Study content and objectives

Both master's degree programs last four semesters and offer students the opportunity to work on their own project, which culminates in the master's thesis. The programs are designed to be application-oriented and allow students to combine their training with part-time work. The master's program in midwifery also focuses on actively shaping the future in the professional field, with the focus on preparing for leadership tasks and positions of responsibility. The focus here is on expanding the students’ professional and personal skills as well as their ability to innovate.

The course imparts theoretical and methodological knowledge in four qualification strands: research in practice, implementation of concepts, implementation of concepts in a social context and theory-practice transfer, the latter of which is elective. In total, the degree programs include nine modules that impart personal, social, methodological and specialist skills at master's level. In the elective area, students have the opportunity to set their own priorities, for example between the life phases “old age” and “pregnancy, birth, postpartum period, breastfeeding and early childhood”. In addition, internships can be completed in a healthcare facility or with a freelance midwife, with the university offering professional support and opportunities for reflection.

Relevant legal framework

The legal framework that supports the introduction of these courses should not be neglected. The recently passed law to expand powers in nursing and the Midwifery Act (HebG), which came into force in 2020, require midwives to complete an academic dual course of study. In many EU countries, a university degree is already a prerequisite for professional admission, which underlines the need for academically qualified personnel in this field.

Through the close collaboration of Professor Dr. Nicola H. Bauer and other experts in the development of the degree programs ensure that current research results are incorporated into practical application. Professor Dr. Sascha Köpke particularly emphasizes the importance of deepening knowledge in nursing practice, with a special focus on evidence-based care and research.

In summary, it can be said that the new master's programs at the University of Cologne are not only pioneers in North Rhine-Westphalia, but also play an important role nationwide in the area of ​​academic midwifery and nursing training. The students are optimally prepared for the challenges of the future in healthcare.

For detailed information about the master's programs, those interested can visit the website University of Cologne, Bochum University and HWG Ludwigshafen visit.