Program Overview

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Specialist Community Practitioner MSc PGDip

The Specialist Community Practitioner MSc PGDip is a postgraduate program designed for registered nurses seeking to gain a professional qualification and an academic award at degree level. Upon successful completion, students will be eligible for second-level registration on the NMC register as a qualified general practice nurse or district nurse.

Introduction

This course provides students with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a capable and confident general practice nurse, district nurse, or home nurse, able to lead community-based nursing teams in the complex and dynamic integrated context of community and primary healthcare practice.

Key Facts

• Location: Brighton: Falmer
• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: 2 to 6 years
• The course meets NMC standards and course graduates are eligible for second-level registration.

Entry Criteria

Degree and Experience

• Academic requirements include a health-related degree at 2:1 or above (or equivalent) and the ability to demonstrate the ability to study at level 6.
• Normally, three years of post-registration experience, preferably in a community setting, is required.
• Demonstration of the potential to benefit from master's level study is necessary.
• Appropriate clearance from the Criminal Records Bureau and employer support to undertake the program are required.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted from February each year. The application process involves applying to the Practice Learning Partner (PLP) through the NHS Jobs advert, followed by an interview with representatives from the University of Brighton and the PLP.

Course Content

Course Structure

The program takes an enquiry- and research-led approach to learning, with practice-based learning embedded throughout, accounting for approximately 50% of the course. The focus is on competence to a specialist level of proficiency.

Areas of Study

The course consists of mandatory core modules that allow students to develop and build on their knowledge, skills, and professionalism as they progress. Students may also have the option to take additional modules from the continuing professional development portfolio, subject to prior learning recognition.

Syllabus

Core Modules

• Independent Prescribing: Teaches safe, appropriate, and cost-effective prescribing as an independent prescriber.
• Integrated Care: Provides a contextual foundation to integrated person-centered care in complex health and social care systems.
• Leading Service Improvement: Enables students to critically examine an aspect of contemporary practice and develop, design, implement, and evaluate a service improvement.
• Advanced Health Assessment (Adult): Allows health professionals to carry out and interpret structured history taking and physical assessment.
• Leading Specialist Practice: Provides knowledge and skills to effectively lead and manage teams in contemporary community healthcare settings.
• Dissertation: A major piece of work investigating a subject of interest, supported by tutors and potentially leading to publication-ready papers.

Option Modules

• Health Professional as an Educator: Enhances skills necessary for developing the role as an educator in a work-based higher education setting.
• Respiratory Care (Level 7): Advances knowledge and understanding of the assessment, pathophysiology, investigations, and treatment of respiratory conditions.
• A Critical Approach to Community Public Health: Explores concepts of contemporary public health and develops skills required to interpret, analyze, and synthesize data.
• Child Advanced Physical Assessment, Pathophysiology and Clinical Decision-Making (Level 7): Enables development and demonstration of critical knowledge, clinical, and interpersonal skills in undertaking holistic, advanced physical health assessments.

Careers

Most graduates go on to work within the NHS in a variety of community nursing and primary care settings. The skills and knowledge achieved can also be applied to a wide range of community nursing or public health roles in various settings.

Fees and Costs

• Contact the university for tuition fees and information on available funding.
• NHS funding is available and may vary depending on individual circumstances.
• Scholarships, bursaries, and loans may also be available.

Location and Student Life

Campus

The course is taught at the Falmer campus, which offers extensive facilities including a library, restaurant, cafes, and sport and leisure facilities.

Accommodation

The university guarantees an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students who apply by the deadline. Options include Paddock Field and Great Wilkins halls on the Falmer campus and Varley Park, a dedicated halls site.

Local Area

Brighton is known for its welcoming and forward-thinking environment, with a thriving creative community, digital sector, and a wide range of festivals and events throughout the year.

Support and Wellbeing

The university offers a range of support services, including personal academic tutors, course leaders, student support and guidance tutors, and the Brighton Student Skills Hub. There are also resources for mental health and wellbeing.

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton provides access to sport and fitness facilities across all campuses, with opportunities to play for fun, fitness, or compete at a high level. Sports scholarships are available for elite athletes and talented sports performers.

Related Courses

11 related courses are available, including Clinical Practice (PGCert), Health Research MRes (PGCert PGDip), and Leading Practice Education PGCert, among others.