Entry requirements
Entry Conditions Applicants will normally meet the following requirements: · Hold an honours or non-honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Education Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being or an equivalent standard; or An equivalent standard in a postgraduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate; or, An acceptable approved professional or other qualification; or, Provide evidence of their ability to undertake the programme through the accreditation of prior experiential learning confirmed through a formal Accreditation of Prior Learning scheme process (CATS). See information on applying for such accreditation below. · Have successfully completed an undergraduate research module (or equivalent learning). · Hold a first level nursing qualification (registration or licensure as appropriate) in their own country, with substantial recent experience in nursing practice. · Be in nursing practice (UK students): (others will be expected to have had recent nursing practice experience). · Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent); or International students will have a score of 6.5 on the IELTS test with a score of 5.5 on each sub-scale. Students may be accepted with credit from previous relevant study (see information on applying for accreditation below).
Course description
The emphasis is upon the application of knowledge to practice, thus enhancing the leadership capacity of graduands. The graduates of this postgraduate programme are expected to have a widespread beneficial influence on the quality of patient/client care through enhancing evidence-informed practice. Their development in relation to research and theory will vary according to the academic award (Postgraduate Diploma or MSc) achieved. The programme is relevant to those who may be considering roles in leadership, advanced practice, management, professional education administration, or practice development. The programme also provides an educational progression pathway for those who wish to proceed to a Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc) programme, a professional doctorate that may be undertaken through four additional years study (part-time) after successful completion of the MSc in Nursing.
Duration and Mode of Attendance
Normally part-time mode with full-time mode for some options.
Postgraduate Diploma: normally two semesters full-time or four semesters over two years in part-time mode.
The Diploma phase of the programme incorporates modules delivered in classroom mode (including face-to-face lectures, lecture-discussions, seminars and tutorials) and also distance learning, web-based modules (that require internet access and involve active on-line learning activities). The modules include two compulsory core modules in Advanced Research and Knowledge and Theory for Practice, and additional modules selected to meet the development needs of the individual student. In addition, there is a requirement to undertake a brief module on Writing a Research Proposal before proceeding to the Master’s phase of the programme.
MSc: normally an additional semester in full time mode or up to two semesters in part-time mode).
The Master’s phase can only be commenced when all the aforementioned Postgraduate Diploma module requirements have been met. Students who have successfully completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma may proceed to the higher-level programme (MSc). Alternatively, such students may elect to exit the course prior to proceeding to the Master’s level.
Students who exit the programme on successful completion of the Postgraduate Diplomas modules may be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing, assuming all other University requirements have been met.
Students who exit the programme on successful completion of the MSc phase of the programme may be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing, assuming all other University requirements have been met.
Structure and Content
Generic Pathway
This pathway focuses on areas of key importance in practice identified as:
Evidence based practice
Commissioning, leadership and management
Practice development
Clinical Pathway
Applicants who have successfully completed a short course (or courses) in clinical practice, some of which are commissioned by the DHSSPS, may enter this postgraduate degree programme with credit points awarded as agreed following assessment of such prior learning (see below for details on applying for such accreditation).
Education Pathway
Applicants who have successfully completed the PGCert in Education for Nurses, Midwives and Specialist Community Public Health Nurses may enter this postgraduate degree programme with full credit for the 60 credit points of the PG Certificate.
Prescribing Pathway
Applicants who have successfully completed the PGCert in Independent and Supplementary Prescribing may enter this postgraduate degree programme with full credit for the 60 credit points of the PGCert
