Advancing Practice Course with MSc Degree
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
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.
Robert Gordon University (RGU)
Overview:
Robert Gordon University (RGU) is a public university located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It is known for its high student satisfaction rates and strong focus on employability. RGU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Library resources, IT helpdesk, and academic advising.Student Life:
Social and cultural activities, sports facilities, and student clubs.Career Services:
Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.International Student Support:
Visa guidance, cultural integration programs, and dedicated support services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
RGU offers a vibrant campus experience with a diverse student community. Students can enjoy:
Beautiful Campus:
The university boasts a modern campus with green spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.Active Student Life:
A wide range of clubs, societies, and sports teams cater to various interests.Aberdeen City:
The city of Aberdeen provides a rich cultural and social environment with numerous attractions and opportunities.Key Reasons to Study There:
High Student Satisfaction:
RGU consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.Strong Employability:
The university has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers.Industry Connections:
RGU maintains close ties with industry, providing students with valuable real-world experience.Quality Teaching:
The university is recognized for its high-quality teaching and learning environment.Academic Programs:
RGU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Courses:
A diverse selection of undergraduate degrees across various disciplines.Postgraduate Courses:
A range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional development courses.Online Learning:
Flexible online learning options for students who prefer remote study.Other:
Research:
RGU conducts world-class research across eleven academic schools, contributing to economic, societal, and environmental impact.Business & Innovation:
The university actively supports industry, government, and non-profit organizations in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.International Students:
RGU welcomes international students and provides dedicated support services to ensure a smooth transition.Alumni Network:
RGU graduates are part of a global alumni network of over 80,000 individuals.Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this programme will normally be an honours degree or its equivalent. In addition, because of the work-based nature of the programme, all students must be working in clinical practice or sponsored by a Health Board and have access to a practice assessor/practice supervisor.
- Clinical Practice: You must have a first registration within an appropriate professional body and be working in clinical practice and have the support of an appropriately qualified Practice Assessor. Additional entry criteria is required to be met to undertake module NUM090 Prescribing for Healthcare Practitioners (NMC 2019).
- Nursing: You must be a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, or the equivalent for international students. This is the only route available to International students due to the non-attendance requirement and NMC registration requirements. You are also required to be working in clinical practice and have the support of an appropriately qualified Practice Assessor. Students electing to undertake module NUM090 Prescribing for Healthcare Practitioners have additional entry criteria to meet (NMC 2019).
- District Nursing route: requires you to be a registered adult nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council on part 1 of the register, and have had the opportunity to consolidate your pre-registration nurse education. Acceptance is based on receiving an acceptable references from one source and satisfactory clearance from Disclosure Scotland's Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme.
- Health Visiting and School Nursing routes: You must be a registered nurse or midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Council on part 1 or 2 of the register. Acceptance is based on receiving an acceptable references from one source and satisfactory clearance from Disclosure Scotland's Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Nursing route: applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or equivalent.
- All other routes: must meet the NMC English standard requirement.
