ObjectivesThe overarching aim of this course is to provide the opportunity for qualified nursing staff to develop their knowledge and skills in clinical decision-making, care and management within an inter-professional context, in order to practice safely and effectively. The key features of the programme include an emphasis on fitness to practice and conformity to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, inter-professional learning and the development of transferable skills in line with policy recommendations and the modernisation agenda. Practice learning is very important within the nurse practitioner course, and this makes up 50% of the course in total. The practice element is taught and assessed both by your practice assessor and University staff.
Entry requirementsYou must be a registered nurse with a live NMC registration on the appropriate part/s of the NMC register. Two years post registration experience is required with preferably some primary care experience. You should have a good honours degree in a relevant subject. You will require an appropriate placement and practice assessor in order to complete this course. Sponsorship is preferred.
Academic titlePostgraduate Diploma Advanced Practice
Course descriptionCourse structure
You must complete and pass 6 compulsory modules, two of which are practice based. Practice represents 50% of the programme and you require a practice assessor to supervise and assess you. There is also a period of elective practice, which may be taken at home or abroad.
Core modules:
-Evaluating Research and Evidence-based Practice
-Partnership Working and Management
-Mental Health in Primary Care -Practice 1 - Clinical Examination Skills -Practice 2 - Managing Patient Care
-Management of Minor Conditions
Assessment
Assessment methods include reflective accounts, reports, essays, seminar presentations and a practice portfolio.
Career opportunities
You can obtain the MA in Public Health on completion of this Postgraduate Diploma course by undertaking a triple-module dissertation in a relevant topic. Students typically find employment in general practice, prison settings or walk-in-centres.
Attendance & duration
-Full-time: approximately 40 weeks including placements, attending University two days per week (Monday and Tuesday) in Autumn Semester & (Thursdays) in Spring semester
-Part-time (day): two years, one day per week: timetabling of placement negotiable