Course description
The course prepares applicants to teach the full range of subjects of the Northern Ireland Curriculum to pupils at Foundation Stage, Key Stages 1 and 2. It normally runs full-time from late August to late June.The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is the regulatory body for Nursing and Midwifery. NMC replaced all previously published standards for the preparation of teachers with a new set in 2006. These are ‘Standards to support learning and assessment in practice: NMC Standards for mentors, practice teachers and teachers.’
This programme meets these standards and leads to a professional award.
The programme provides an initial preparation for the teaching of nursing or midwifery as a lecturer/teacher. It is designed primarily for graduates in nursing, midwifery or a health science and assumes a level of knowledge of nursing and scholarship consistent with such an honours degree. Registered nurses and midwives with other degrees relevant to nursing or midwifery may apply for admission but are required to demonstrate an acceptable level of knowledge in these areas.
Duration and Mode of Attendance
Part time - One year, up to a maximum of two years.
The duration of the course is one calendar year commencing in September and extending to the end of semester three in the same academic year. Where required, participants may continue into the next academic year to complete the teaching practice requirements, being registering for award only to do so.
Structure and Content
The programme consists of three main elements:
‘Effective Learning, Teaching and Assessment in Higher Education;’
‘Embedding Professional Education in Practice’ in Nursing and Midwifery Education; and
'Teaching Practice,’ an element equivalent to twelve weeks in duration’
The first of these is the study of theories around teaching and learning; assessment and evaluation of student performance. These concepts are explored through an integrated 30 credit point, M level module at the beginning of the course. The second element comprises a further 30 credit point M level module taken in the second semester which combines the theoretical foundations and their application in practice.
Application in practice is promoted through the component: 'Teaching Practice.’
This element is equivalent to twelve weeks in duration. The model of experience will
be directed towards the teachers’ role in higher education. Although student
teachers will gain practice experience in academic and clinical practice settings during
the course, the emphasis remains in nursing and midwifery education at third level
using experience in all aspects of the lecturer/teacher role. Teaching practice will be
experienced across the programme as a whole, thus is not a block period of time set
aside for practice
Professional Recognition
The qualification of Postgraduate Certificate in Education for Nurses, Midwives and Specialist Community Public Health Nurses leads to a recorded qualification with the Nursing and Midwifery Council that enables the practitioner to undertake a teaching role in a variety of settings in a higher education sector, and in the practice provider health care sector. The academic award is a Postgraduate Certificate.
Academic Progression
Graduates who are successful in completing this programme at an appropriate level may progress to Postgraduate Diploma level studies and/or to the MSc in Advanced Nursing or a Master of Education, and ultimately, a Doctorate in either Nursing Science or Education.
Professional Support from Employer
Prior to commencement on the course, applicants are required to provide authenticated written confirmation from their line management, that they will be able to use/access facilities (normally the current work-base of the applicant) to meet the twelve weeks (equivalent) teaching practice component of the course and be able to meet the attendance requirements for the theoretical component of the programme.
Professional Support from University of Ulster
Students must be able to access practice experiences in an area approved for teaching purposes by the NMC. Students will be supported by a Mentor who is a registered Nurse/Midwifery Teacher, by a Studies Advisor and by the Course Director.
