Advancing Practice Course with MSc Degree

Program Overview

The MSc Advancing Practice program equips experienced healthcare professionals with advanced knowledge and skills for specialist and advanced practice. Through a blended approach of online learning and work-based learning, students develop decision-making, research, and leadership abilities to contribute to the evolving healthcare agenda and deliver safe, effective, and person-centered care. The program offers five routes: Clinical Practice, District Nursing, Health Visiting, Nursing, and School Nursing, preparing graduates for advanced roles in various healthcare settings.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MSc Advancing Practice course is designed for experienced registered nurses, midwives, and health professionals who are looking to develop a higher level of knowledge and skills needed for specialist and advanced practice. The program focuses on equipping students with contemporary knowledge and skills to contribute to the evolving healthcare agenda and make a positive impact. It prepares students for a variety of roles and situations, allowing them to deliver safe, effective, and person-centered care at a higher level of practice. The program explores professional and clinical implications of autonomous practice and develops leadership skills to advance and lead innovative healthcare services. There are five routes within the program: Clinical Practice, District Nursing, Health Visiting, Nursing (only available to international students), and School Nursing.

Outline:

The MSc Advancing Practice course is offered in both full-time and part-time options. The full-time option lasts 18 months, while the part-time option lasts 3 years. The program's structure includes a combination of online learning and work-based learning. Students will learn within a virtual environment, CampusMoodle, and apply theoretical knowledge to practice through a work-based learning approach.

Modules:

The program includes a variety of modules, depending on the chosen route. Students will need to meet certain criteria and be working in a clinical practice setting with the support of a practice assessor.

• Clinical Practice: This route is designed for registered nurses, paramedics, and allied health professionals.
Students will explore a work-based learning approach and will need to be working in clinical practice to undertake the work-based elements of the program. It prepares students for advanced practitioner roles in acute care, primary care, out-of-hours, or hospital at night services.
• Nursing: This route is intended for registered nurses seeking to advance their professional practice.
The program provides students with a higher level of knowledge and skills, preparing them to lead and advance practice within the policy context of health and social care.
• District Nursing: This route is designed for experienced nurses looking to gain contemporary knowledge to take forward the rapidly changing primary care agenda.
• Health Visiting: This route is for nurses and midwives who wish to develop the knowledge and skills required of a health visitor.
• School Nursing: This route is for nurses and midwives who wish to develop the knowledge and skills required of a school nurse.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module and year of study. Students are typically assessed each year:

• Year 1:
• 1 written exam
• 1 written assignment, including essay
• 1 portfolio
• Year 2:
• 1 written exam
• 1 written assignment, including essay
• 1 portfolio
• 1 oral assessment
• 1 practical skills assessment
• Year 3:
• 1 dissertation
• 1 oral assessment

Teaching:

The MSc Advancing Practice program utilizes a blended approach to learning, combining online learning with work-based learning. The program is driven by a student-centered, progressive, and practice-focused philosophy. Students will engage with online resources through CampusMoodle, a collaborative virtual learning environment. This approach provides students with the flexibility to apply their learning to their specific areas of practice within contemporary healthcare services.

Careers:

This program prepares graduates for advanced roles in various healthcare settings. Students develop the decision-making, research, and leadership skills necessary to handle complex clinical situations. The program is designed to allow students to advance their knowledge and skills within their own areas of practice, leading to potential career progression.

Other:

The program emphasizes the importance of independent study, requiring students to be self-directed and organized learners. It encourages students to engage in learning within their practice settings. The program is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for three of the routes (District Nursing, Health Visiting, and School Nursing). The Health Visiting route is also accredited by the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as Baby Friendly.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Scottish Students

Full Time Online Over 1 year Year 1 £8110 Part Time Online Over 3 years Year 1 £3040 Year 2 £3040 Year 3 £2030

Rest of UK Students

Full Time Online Over 1 year Year 1 £8110 Part Time Online Over 3 years Year 1 £3040 Year 2 £3040 Year 3 £2030

EU Students

Full Time Online Over 1 year Year 1 £8110 Part Time Online Over 3 years Year 1 £3040 Year 2 £3040 Year 3 £2030

International Students

Full Time Online Over 1 year Year 1 £14690 Part Time Online Over 3 years Year 1 £5510 Year 2 £5510 Year 3 £3670

Additional Costs

£59 for Protecting Vulnerable Group (PVG) check

Other Fees and Costs

Some other costs are not included in the course fees: The cost of books that you may wish to purchase. Costs associated with your placement / study abroad Accommodation and Living Costs Printing

Payment Information

Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However, there are a limited number of SAAS funded places on certain postgraduate courses.