Program Overview

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Non-Medical Prescribing (Level 6, 40 credits)

Overview

This course will enable you to evaluate and challenge prescribing practice with reference to evidence-based practice, equality and diversity, and clinical governance. Level 6 study comprises two 20 credit modules.

Course Details

This module explores:

• Consultation, decision-making and therapy, including referral.
• Influences on, and psychology of, prescribing.
• Prescribing in a team context.
• Clinical pharmacology, including the effects of co-morbidity.
• Evidence-based practice and clinical governance in relation to non-medical prescribing.
• Principles and methods of monitoring response to therapy.
• Legal, policy and ethical aspects.
• Professional standards, accountability and responsibility.
• Prescribing in the public health context.
• Portfolio development.

Teaching

This module is studied over five and a half months and is delivered in a variety of ways including seminars, group work, tutorials, learning sets, lectures, and self-directed study. There are weekly taught sessions which take place on a Monday.

A key feature of the module is the use of blended learning which is delivered using an interactive website which is updated regularly. This has been developed by the North West HEIs in conjunction with the NHS North West. The North West HEIs are now part of the HE Cooperative. The website includes videoed prescribing scenarios, guided study with both written and audio material, as well as self-assessment tools, a guide for portfolio development and links to web-based material.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on two strategies to include:

• Theory assessment 50%:
  • Numeracy assessment
  • Short answer
• Practice assessment 50%:
  • Objective structured clinical examination.
  • Assessment of Clinical Prescribing Practice.
  • Portfolio demonstrating the application of theory to practice through the use of a theoretical reflective account.

Employment and Stats

This module enables the student to gain a recordable qualification which provides an excellent opportunity for professional development as well as enhancing the patient experience.

You will be a holistically focused practitioner who is able to critically evaluate and challenge prescribing practice with reference to evidence-based practice, equality and diversity, and clinical governance.

Career Links

We work with over 100 health and social care organisations so our links with industry are very strong. These relationships will be of direct benefit to you because our academic team work in practice in some of these organisations at a senior level so are able to keep you at the forefront of developments in the sector which in turn helps you provide a better service.

Requirements

This module starts in January, March, April, June or September and is taught over two semesters. It is suitable for a range of registered healthcare professionals including nurses, midwives, podiatrists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, aesthetic nurses and advanced paramedics.

Standard Entry Requirements

• You should have an undergraduate degree in a related discipline.
• Nurses should have 1 year post-registration experience
• Allied Health Professionals should have three years post-registration experience.

Alternative Entry Requirements

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.

The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.

Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

We positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to successfully pursue a programme of study in higher education. Students who do not have formal entry qualifications are required to sit a written assessment which is designed for this purpose. Support in preparing for the written assessment is available from the University.

• Supporting information: you should include details of your current post and role and previous study at level 5 / 6.
• Personal statement: please outline the reasons why you wish to undertake this module.

Fees

Type of study | Year | Fees
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Part-time | 2025/26 | £1,520 for 40 credits (£760 per 20 credit module)
Part-time | 2026/27 | £1,580 for 40 credits (£790 per 20 credit module)

Additional Costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.