Course description
Course overview
You will study the care of your specific client/patient group with a range of healthcare needs within appropriate work-based settings. Your award will reflect your professional registration. You can choose a range of modules that will enhance your knowledge and skills and build on the compulsory modules that explore contemporary issues and prepare you for your research project.
You can choose from a wide selection of 15-credit module practice development topics in order to personalise your degree course.
You may be a children’s nurse extending your skills in children’s surgery or ambulatory care, a midwife with an interest in critical care skills, or a mental health nurse with a specific role in dual diagnosis. Some of your 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 modules from assessment skills to health promotion and education. Course modules range from perspectives of acute care, to caring within the community environment.
Course content
The course for all aspects of study is 120 level-3 credits. This is divided between four ‘own choice’ optional 15-credit modules, one compulsory 15-credit module in contemporary issues, a compulsory 15-credit module in preparation for research, and a final 30-credit research project linked to your practice. The course facilitates learning within practice and draws on your existing knowledge and skills. Some modules allow you to develop your skills in care settings while supervised by expert role models. Others can be fitted around work activity.
Modular study is flexible and you can build your professional development to meet the NHS KSF requirements of your role. You can begin your studies at the start of any term. You select from a range of modules that provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to enhance your career and make a difference in practice. These include applied biological sciences, sociology, psychology, management and leadership, ethics and research.
Teaching and assessment
Assessments are varied to meet the practice and academic challenges of a degree programme, while recognising the need for motivating, realistic and relevant activity. Some modules use practice-based assessments, others use Objective Structured Clinical Examinations and scenarios. Some modules are assessed through essays or seminars. You will have a module leader and a personal tutor for support and guidance. Once you start to prepare for your research project you will also have a research supervisor, skilled in your particular discipline.
