“…The outcomes of masterÕs level education in nursing, although diverse, have a number of core elements including the development of communication skills, the facilitation and development of leadership capabilities, management and teaching roles, the development of critical thinking skills, the utilisation of research in practice, initiating positive change in the profession and the development of advanced specialist practice competencies (Gerrish et al 2000, Ashworth et al 2001, Gerrish et al 2003, Drennan & Hyde 2008a,b,c, Drennan & Clarke 2009, Drennan 2010, AACN 2011. In particular, the development of leadership and management capabilities in graduates from mastersÕ programmes are highlighted as being central outcomes from the degree (Gonzà lez & Wagenaar 2003, Sutherland & Dodd 2008, Joyce 2009, AACN 2011. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2011) in their document, The Essentials of MasterÕs Education in Nursing, highlight the importance of developing leadership capabilities in masterÕs-prepared graduates.…”