Adult/Child/Mental Health Nursing Postgraduate Diploma
Entry requirementsThe course has been designed for graduates with a Degree in Biological, Psychosocial ,Social Policy, Health Studies and those with vocational health related degrees. Other closely related subjects may also be considered. During the selection process, we also consider your experience within a related field of employment and voluntary activity.
Academic titleAdult/Child/Mental Health Nursing Postgraduate Diploma
Course descriptionThis two year full time course leads to full professional registration as an Adult, Children’s or Mental Health Nurse.
Adult Nursing
You will study the care of adult patients with a range of healthcare needs within different clinical and community settings. Some patients may have acute illnesses, others may have more long-term needs. You will have a wide choice of areas in which to take your placements, and ultimately to work in, such as: accident and emergency, care homes for the elderly, operating theatres or health promotion and education. Programme modules range from perspectives of acute care to growing old in a caring community
Children's Nursing
You will study the care of children with a range of healthcare needs and how best to provide support to their families. As a children’s nurse you will have to be versatile and resilient. You may be called on to care for children who have long-term health problems, mental health or special needs or who are terminally ill. It is essential that as a children’s nurse you can empower a child patient and also provide support to families who are under terrible stress. We are located near some of London’s leading paediatric units, where you will take your placements. Programme modules include the care of the child and family in hospital and contemporary issues in child and adolescent mental health. You will have the opportunity to work in areas such as special-care baby units, intensive care or in an accident and emergency unit or operating theatres.
Mental Health Nursing
Mental health nursing is a challenging branch of nursing that will require exceptional communication skills on your part. Qualities required include an empathetic nature and the desire to assist people with complex and varied problems. You will learn to nurse and communicate with people of all ages and ranges of mental health difficulties and will have the opportunity to study within both innovative community- and hospital-based facilities. Areas of study include the theoretical issues relating to mental health nursing, mental health in the context of the family and group-based approaches toward mental healthcare. You will have the opportunity to further your clinical skills in either acute adult, older adult, rehabilitation or community placements.
The programme is 50 per cent theory 50 per cent practice based, allowing you to develop your skills in care settings while supervised by expert role models.
Teaching and assessment
Learning is facilitated through lectures, tutorials, group work, seminars and clinical practice. The clinical practice enables you to apply the skills you have learnt in class. You will work in a range of clinical settings, both in hospital and the community, which will give you the chance to care for people with varying healthcare needs. Learning through practice allows you to develop your skills in line with new thinking and research.
You will also experience the shift work of a qualified practitioner, which covers the 24-hour, seven-day-a-week provision of care.
Assessment is based on coursework, practical work, clinical placements (50 per cent) and examinations. Progress is measured through a combination of simulated clinical exercises, practice-based assessments, written assignments and examinations. You will keep a portfolio of evidence to chronicle your learning and professional development during your programme.
Professional placement and study abroad
50% of your time on the course will be spent in clinical placements, enabling you to apply the skills you have learnt in class. You will work in a range of clinical settings, both in hospital and the community, giving you the chance to care for people with varying healthcare needs.
You will also experience the shift work of a qualified practitioner, which covers the 24-hour, seven-day-a-week provision of care.