Advancing Practice in Health Framework

Four advancing practice in health students looking into the camera.

This multidisciplinary course framework is aimed at people working in a health-related field. It is housed in ��ݮ��'s Division of Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Sciences, Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Radiography and offers flexible study options (online, full-time, part-time, single module study) for practitioners who want to make a difference in the allied health professions, nursing, nutrition, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, public health etc.

Why ��ݮ��?

Our flexible, multi-professional and practice-relevant postgraduate Advancing Practice in Health Framework will be attractive to individuals who want to make a difference to the lives of others locally, nationally and globally. It will be of interest to any individual working in a health-related field such as allied health professionals, nurses, nutritionists, other professionals such as medical practitioners, pharmacists, dentists, and those working in areas such as public health, the community and the voluntary sector. We also welcome enquiries from other interested individuals including international applicants.

The Framework aims to foster and develop ��ݮ��’s mission of cultivating intellectual capital with both a theoretical and practical focus. Learning and teaching is underpinned by research, evidence and scholarship against the background of current and evolving political and social landscape for health and wellbeing.

Benefit from a personalised learning pathway

At ��ݮ�� we recognise that career opportunities transform over time. In response to this we can facilitate a personalised learning pathway that can lead to PgCert/ PgDip/MSc Advancing Practice in Health awards. This may be of particular interest to those who already hold a master’s award or wish to study modules in a particular area or pillar of practice.

As part of the Framework we also offer the following named awards:

Individual modules can also be taken for the purposes of continuous professional development (CPD).

This Framework complements the University's wider range of post-registration healthcare courses which also encompasses:

Aligned to the four pillars of advanced practice

The Framework is based on a model of collaborative multi-professional learning aligned to expectations of the four pillars of advanced practice (Clinical Practice, Leadership, Education and Research). There are learning opportunities in areas such as fundamentals of advancing practice, critical analysis, evaluation and research methodologies, as well as a number of more specific modules. The framework also draws on expertise across the University on subjects such as leadership, social science and education.

Our approach to teaching and learning

We offer a collaborative multi-professional online learning environment. Learning and assessment are underpinned by current research and the evolving landscape of health and wellbeing.

The Framework offers flexibility in module choice and modes of study (part time, full time, workplace) that are responsive to individual needs and today’s culture of work and learning. All modules are delivered online and can be studied from a distance. Each 20-credit module will equate with approximately 200 hours of study, which will include regular online contact and independent experiential learning. Additional support is available for those new to or returning to master’s level study.

Career prospects

All modules will provide learners with enhanced career progression opportunities in leadership roles or within their specialist field of practice.

Watch our Advancing Practice in Health film, below:

Framework modules

The following list of modules are all available in the Framework. If opting to study for a single module, you will be able to select any module from this list. If you chose to follow one of the named awards, you will complete the modules specific to that route.

Please note:

If opting to study for a single module, you will be able to select any module from this list.
If you chose to follow one of the named awards, you will complete the modules specific to that route.
Modules marked * require individuals to be working in the specific area and/or have access to an appropriate workplace setting (paid or voluntary).

The following list of modules are all available in the Framework:

Advancing Practice Portfolio I & II (20/40 credits)*: These modules enable you to develop a portfolio which provides evidence of your ability to deliver advanced practice level of care mapped to appropriate underpinning frameworks and standards.
Advanced Competencies I & II (20/40 credits)*: These modules enable you to attain pre-agreed workplace competencies and to critically evaluate the evidence base underpinning the selected area of work.
Assessment for Learning (20 credits): This module is designed to enable those who have an educational role to formally develop their knowledge and understanding of a variety of assessment and feedback methods.
Diagnostic Investigations for the Lower Limb (20 credits): This module will provide you with theoretical knowledge and understanding of a range of diagnostic and laboratory investigations in the lower limb. NB This module is only available every second year.
Dissertation (60 credits): This module will enable learners to develop and apply the skills of research and enquiry to produce original work contributing to a subject, field or profession.
Demonstrating Impact in Practice (20 credits)*: This module will enable learners to advance their practice by demonstrating sustainable impact in practice at a service, project or community level.
Enquiry-based Practice (20 credits): This module will provide you with an understanding of research principles, methodologies and analysis.
Facilitation of Learning (20 credits): This module is designed to enable those with an educational role to formally develop their knowledge and understanding of how to facilitate the learning of others.
Fundamentals of Advancing Practice (20 credits): This module will provide you with critical knowledge and understanding of advanced practice.
Leadership for Transformation and Innovation (20 credits): This module will provide you with a broad critical knowledge and understanding of the principles of leadership required for transformation and innovation in the public and private sectors.
MRI/CT in Practice (20 credits)*: This module will enable learners working with MRI or CT to develop a critical understanding of protocol selection and development as well as facilitating the evolution of skills and techniques regarding MRI or CT.
Medical Imaging of the Foot and Ankle (20 credits)*: This module will provide learners with a critical understanding of diagnostic modalities to develop evaluative and interpretative skills of musculoskeletal and orthopaedic modalities. NB This module is only available every second year.
Non-medical Prescribing for Allied Health Professions (40 credits)*: This module will prepare learners to prescribe safely and competently within the context of their professional role as non-medical prescribers.
Principles of MRI/CT (20 credits)*: This module will allow learners working with MRI or CT to develop a more in-depth understanding of the theoretical applications of MRI or CT.
Tissue Viability (20 credits): This module will provide you with critical understanding of the evidence base for factors contributing to cutaneous ulceration, viable assessment techniques and the effectiveness of current management practices.
Specialist Oncology Management (20 credits)
Independent Study (20 credits)
Theory and Practice of Person-centred Health and Wellbeing (20 credits)
Leading Person-centred Practice for Health and Wellbeing (20 credits)

The modules listed are correct at time of publication (October 2024) but are subject to change. In the event that modules change, ��ݮ�� will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students.

Entry requirements

Honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline

International: English language: Where your honours degree has not been studied in English, you will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 6.5 with no individual component score less than 6.0.

Some modules require individuals to be working in the specific area and/or access to an appropriate workplace setting (paid or voluntary) and require support of a line manager and workplace mentor.

Single module study

You can register as an associate student to study up to two single modules from the Framework modules listed above.

Professional registration

Framework awards do not lead to UK registration with the HCPC or the right to practice within the UK, but aim to foster an intellectual approach to personal and professional development.

Duration

2 to 5 years part time

Exit awards

MSc (180credits)/PgDip (120 credits)/PgCert (60 credits)

Start date

September and January

More information and contacts

Contact Kath Nicol

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