MSc Advanced Practice (Clinical)

Program Overview

MSc Advanced Practice (Clinical) Advanced Clinical Practitioner

Introduction

Take your clinical practice career to the next level with our Advanced Clinical Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship. Study for a master’s degree in Advanced Practice (Clinical) while you work, with no tuition fees.

Course Highlights

• Accredited by Health Education England’s Centre for Advancing Practice
• Study while you work, with no tuition fees
• Work-based approach allows you to advance your specialist practice and make a positive impact on your workplace as you learn

This apprenticeship accredited by Health Education England’s Centre for Advancing Practice, will develop the skills and knowledge to support a specialised role in either acute, emergency, critical or primary care. Ideal if you're looking to advance your career as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner or Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

Key Facts

• AWARD: MSc Advanced Practice (Clinical)
• LEVEL: Postgraduate
• STUDY OPTIONS: 2-5 years
• START DATES: January, September
• LOCATION: Cambridge, Chelmsford
• ACCREDITATION: This programme is accredited by Health Education England’s Centre for Advancing Practice.
• FEES: Degree apprenticeships are fully funded by your employer and the Government

Delivery and Assessment

• 2-5 years
• An apprenticeship is a job with training, combining practical experience with academic learning.
• At least 20% of your contracted working hours will be classed as 'off-the-job'. This time will be dedicated to developing the knowledge and skills needed to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship, and therefore are not part of your usual work duties.
• The off-the-job learning will be set out in a learner plan, that details when you will attend full days of university teaching, the dates you will be assessed or need to submit an assignment, and the weeks you will be putting your new learning into practice in your usual work setting or on external placements, as required.
• The off-the-job learning for our Advanced Clinical Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship is delivered from our Cambridge or Chelmsford campuses, subject to viability.

Assessment

• You will be assessed at the end of each module you undertake (on-programme assessments) which will contribute towards the final award of your qualification.
• You will also undertake an End Point Assessment (EPA) to complete your apprenticeship.
• The EPA for this apprenticeship is integrated into the final on-programme assessments. Therefore, on successful completion of your degree, you will also complete the apprenticeship.

Modules

Core Modules

• Research Methodology
• Pathophysiology and Diagnostics for Advanced Practice
• Advanced Non-Medical Prescribing
• Advanced Skills in Clinical Assessment

Optional Modules

• Advanced Practice in Context
• Professional Advocate Preparation
• Change Project Module

Accreditation

• The Centre for Advancing Practice
• This programme is accredited by Health Education England’s Centre for Advancing Practice.

Careers

When you complete the masters, you will be able to work either as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) or an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP), according to your areas of specialised knowledge.

You may also wish to consider furthering your research career in your specialised field with a Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Care.

Entry Requirements

• Employment in a suitable role on a permanent contract exceeding 30 hours per week
• Employer support to undertake this course, with a confirmed, assigned Clinical Designated Facilitator*
• Confirmed eligibility to be funded as an apprentice as set out within the ESFA’s Funding Rules
• A completed Skills Scan and Initial Assessment discussion, post interview
• Evidence of Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English e.g. GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above, Functional Skills, or ESFA-approved equivalents**
• Evidence of a first degree, with honours, at a minimum final classification of Lower Second (2:2) or equivalent. Non-graduates with extensive relevant practical and continuing professional development experience will be considered for entry onto the pathway.
• All applicants must have undertaken a period of three-year post-qualifying consolidation.
• All applicants must be registered with their regulatory body (HCPC, GPhC, NMC).
• You must be currently employed in an appropriate role within the field of advanced practice you wish to study for a period of at least six months prior to commencing the course.
• You must have a designated facilitator and recommendation to undertake the course by your employer.

Teaching at ARU

Degree Apprenticeships are delivered via a blend of face-to-face campus teaching, work-based learning and online teaching supported by our established online learning systems to provide additional support for individual study and engagement. The mix of this blended approach varies between apprenticeships.

Program Outline

Assessment:

• Assessment is conducted at the end of each module (on-programme assessments) and contributes to the final qualification.
• End Point Assessment (EPA) is integrated into the final on-programme assessments; successful completion of the degree signifies the completion of the apprenticeship.

Teaching:

• The program combines practical experience with academic learning.
• At least 20% of working hours are dedicated to off-the-job learning, including university teaching, assessments, and practical implementation in the workplace or external placements.
• Off-the-job learning is delivered from the Cambridge or Chelmsford campuses (subject to viability).

Careers:

• Upon completion, graduates can work as either Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACP) or Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANP) in their specialized knowledge areas.
• Further career paths include healthcare leadership, research, or education.