PgDip Health Visiting (Person-Centred Practice)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
This PgDip program trains nurses to become Health Visitors, specializing in person-centered care for families with children up to five years old. It emphasizes practical placements, contemporary learning approaches, and a team of experienced faculty. Graduates are eligible for a Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visiting) Qualification with the NMC, opening up career opportunities within NHS Health Boards.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overall
This PgDip program focuses on training nurses to work as health visitors in the community. It emphasizes person-centered care and practice, equipping graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide holistic support and guidance to families with children up to five years old.
Objectives
- Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills required for specialized practice as a health visitor.
- Lead to a Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visiting) Qualification with the NMC.
Program Description
- Delivered full-time over one year, with start dates in September and January.
- Aligned with the Person-Centered Practice Framework.
- Emphasizes contemporary, creative, and interactive learning approaches.
- Boasts a team of passionate and experienced academic staff dedicated to working with children, families, and facilitating learning for Specialist Community Public Health Nurses.
- Recognized for its innovative curriculum design, supportive learning environment, and extensive online resources.
Outline:
Content
The program curriculum focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of health visiting, including:
- Person-centered care and practice principles
- Child development and wellbeing
- Family dynamics and support
- Health promotion and prevention
- Public health policy and legislation
- Community engagement and partnerships
- Working with vulnerable populations
- Ethical and legal considerations
Structure
The program follows a blended learning approach, combining theoretical coursework with practical placements in approved practice settings.
Course Schedule
- Semester 1:
- Full-time university attendance for the first 6 weeks.
- Two days per week in practice placement alongside university study days from week 7 onwards.
- Semester 2:
- Full-time practice placement with university study days.
- Semester 3:
- 10-week period of practice consolidation with full-time 50 consecutive days in practice placement.
Individual Modules
- Theory and Practice of Person-centered Health and Wellbeing: Explores concepts, principles, and theories underpinning person-centered practice in various care settings.
- Leading Child and Family-Centred Practice for Health and Wellbeing: Examines various sources of evidence and knowledge contributing to health and wellbeing practices, focusing on leadership and collaborative approaches.
- Working with Children and Young People in Times of Vulnerability: Investigates concepts, theories, and research underlying person-centered practice in the context of child and young person vulnerability.
- The Developing Child and Young Person: Analyzes the process of brain development from utero to childhood and teenage years, applying childhood development theories for assessment and analysis of developmental stages and milestones.
- Making Judgements and Decisions in Practice: Focuses on examining and evaluating judgments and decisions in practice, drawing on robust evidence and contemporary ethics.
- An Overarching Portfolio of Learning: Non-credit bearing, this portfolio allows students to showcase their learning and development throughout the program.
Note
Module information is subject to change following a revalidation in Spring 2024.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods
The program utilizes a multifaceted approach to assessment, incorporating:
- Portfolios
- Practice proposals
- Annotated bibliographies
- Simulation events
- Games
- Seminar presentations
- Self-determined contextual assignment topics
Assessment Criteria
Assessments are designed to evaluate students' abilities to:
- Apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues
- Work collaboratively within a team
- Make sound judgments and decisions based on evidence
- Reflect on their own practice and continuously learn and improve
Teaching:
Teaching Methods
The program employs diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and promote active engagement, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Group work
- Individual study
- Online resources
- Simulation exercises
- Practice placements
Faculty
The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified academics and practitioners in the field of health visiting and person-centered care. The faculty is passionate about teaching and supporting students to achieve their full potential.
Unique Approaches
The program emphasizes a person-centered approach to learning, encouraging students to critically engage with theories, practices, and different knowledge sources and explore their own values and beliefs. This approach fosters a learning environment that is challenging, supportive, and promotes resilience and professional development.
Careers:
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers as Specialist Community Public Health Nurses (Health Visitors) within NHS Health Boards.
Additional Opportunities
The program also provides a strong foundation for further professional development and specialization in various areas of public health, child health, and family support.
Other:
Student Support
The program provides access to a range of student support services, including academic advising, mental health counseling, disability support, and career guidance.
Professional Recognition
The program leads to a Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visiting) Qualification with the NMC, ensuring professional recognition and career mobility.
International Students
This program is not currently open to international students who require a visa to study in the UK.
Note
This information is current as of October 2023 and may be subject to change.
Queen Margaret University
Overview:
Queen Margaret University (QMU) is a public university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is known for its person-centered and career-focused approach to education and teaching, with a commitment to shaping a better world. QMU boasts widely recognized expertise in various fields, including business, creative industries, education, health and rehabilitation, and social sciences.
Services Offered:
QMU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Learning Facilities:
Library, IT services, remote access, Canvas, QMU Portal, ePortfolioStudent Support:
Careers and Employability, Students' Union, QMU Sports Centre, Clinics, Accommodation, Finance OfficeCampus Life:
Eat and Drink on Campus, QMU Online Shop, Blogs, Ask a Student a QuestionStudent Life and Campus Experience:
QMU provides a vibrant and supportive campus environment. Students can expect:
Community Feel:
An airy and bright campus with a strong sense of community.Student Services:
Ready access to student services, food outlets, accommodation, sports facilities, and social spaces.Beautiful Grounds:
A beautiful campus with plenty of outdoor spaces for relaxation and socializing.Key Reasons to Study There:
Person-Centered Approach:
QMU focuses on individual student needs and career development.Career-Focused Education:
The university emphasizes practical skills and real-world experience.Renowned Expertise:
QMU has a strong reputation for research and innovation in various fields.Supportive Campus Environment:
Students are provided with a welcoming and supportive community.Academic Programs:
QMU offers a diverse range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Study:
Various undergraduate degrees across different disciplines.Postgraduate Study:
Master's degrees and postgraduate research opportunities.Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
Short courses and online programs for professional development.Online Learning:
100% online master's courses for flexible learning.Other:
- QMU is committed to social justice and nurturing individuals while promoting collective support.
- The university actively engages with the community through outreach programs and events.
- QMU has a strong international presence with a diverse student body and partnerships with institutions worldwide.
- The university is undergoing a transformation of its teaching and learning spaces to enhance the student experience.
Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students:
- Applicants for the PgDip in Health Visiting (Person-Centred Practice) must be registered on either part 1 of the NMC register or as a registered midwife.
- Completion of a period of experience of sufficient length to have consolidated pre-registration outcomes and gained a deeper understanding in relevant professional practice is recommended.
- A degree and access to practice placement, including a Practice Assessor and Practice Supervisor, are also recommended.
International Students:
- Applicants must provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 6.5 with no individual component score less than 6.0.
- Please note that this course is not open to international students who require a visa to study in the UK.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Applicants must provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 6.5 with no individual component score less than 6.0.
- This requirement applies to all international students, including those from EU countries.
Other Requirements:
- A satisfactory criminal records check is required.
- Compliance with the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and mental health legislation for clinical placement and employability in statutory services, for work with children and in other sensitive areas of employment.
Application Process:
- Applications are made to the NHS Board and are jointly shortlisted with the lecturers from the course.
- Monitor the NHS Jobs website or contact the relevant manager at your Health Board for more information.
- Joint interviews are normally held between partner Health Boards and QMU.
- You will be required to submit an application to your NHS Health Board and, on successful interview, an application is made to QMU.
- Please note that typically applicants are required to supply evidence of their degree certificate, transcript and reference, although some documents may not be required if applying through NHS Lothian due to QMU having access to the NHS Jobtrain system.
Additional Information:
- If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, please contact the disability service for more information on reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.
- The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in the 2024/25 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).
Contact Information:
- For further information, please contact Lisa Luhanga (Programme Leader) or the Admissions team.
Conclusion:
The PgDip in Health Visiting (Person-Centred Practice) is a challenging and rewarding program that prepares graduates for a career as a Health Visitor. If you meet the entry requirements and are passionate about working with children, young people, and families, we encourage you to apply!
