PgD Practice Development

Program Overview

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Practice Development

Course Overview

The Practice Development course is designed for experienced practitioners looking to gain a professional edge. The course provides a stimulating and engaging learning experience, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to be innovators in their field.

Why Choose University of Cumbria

• We're amongst the UK's leading universities health and social care departments
• Complete the course entirely by distance learning
• Study on a modular basis and so you don’t need to commit to the full course – learning at your own, comfortable pace
• Range of modules to choose from to suit your interests and employment needs
• Taught by experienced practitioners and academics, who have extensive experience of working in the NHS and a range of occupations
• Close support and guidance throughout your studies from a personal tutor
• Tutors carry out national and international research, are members of national advisory bodies and publish papers in their areas of expertise - which will enhance your learning
• Interactive online classrooms give you the opportunity to debate and discuss real life scenarios and experiences with fellow students, so you'll never feel like you're studying in isolation
• We’ve extensive experience as CPD distance learning providers and have a well-established online study skills package for you to use
• Bring your previous university credit with you – whether from us or another institution. We have generous allowances for the accreditation of prior learning (APL)

Course Study Options

This course utilises a mixture of flexible learning techniques, including online learning activities. This course can be completed entirely online via distance learning.

This course has both full-time and part-time study options available, allowing you to study at pace that suits you and schedule your study around your work, family and social commitments.

Course Outline

Course Summary

The core modules total 40 credits. As well as the core modules, you'll be able to take your pick from our list of optional modules or from stand-alone modules offered by the Institute of Health.

We have a comprehensive online induction package to welcome you to both the university and your programme of study. If you are new to Master's level study or returning to study, our academic skills programme, Head Start to Postgraduate Study, will help prepare you for your course.

Modules

Core Modules

You must study the modules below:

• HCPD7058 Leadership through Transformational Learning
• HCPD7019 Research Methods

For details on optional module, please read the programme specification.

Programme Specification

Programme specification (PDF)

Assessment, Feedback, and Teaching and Learning Methods

Full details are available in the programme specification.

Timetables

The teaching timetable should be available from the end of August. Access to the timetable is through the Student Hub – you will be able to access the Student Hub after you have completed online registration. The teaching day is 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday; please keep your other commitments open until confirmation of your teaching timetable, and bear in mind that many courses will offer placements or fieldwork which sometimes extends into the evenings and weekends.

Entry Requirements

Have a question about our entry requirements?

Entry Requirements

See course specific entry requirements listed below.

Selection Criteria

Admission criteria are listed in the University Admissions Policy. Normally applicants will be required to hold an honours degree classification second-class honours, lower division or above in a related subject. For applicants who do not meet this requirement, non-standard entry criteria will apply; in such cases applicants will be interviewed. This decision will be at the discretion of the programme leader. It is expected that such candidates will have evidence of successful study at level 6 (or equivalent) within the preceding 5 years.

Applications will be reviewed on an individual basis. Potential students will be offered advice by an academic tutor on the suitability of the award and their module choices, this will be dependent on factors such as currency of prior learning, and their personal and professional development needs. Students should be able to show the potential benefits of studying for the award and offer a rationale for their module choice.

Application Information

Making Your Application

Applications should be made online directly to the university via the apply button above. Contact for details and guidance. There is no official closing date but we would encourage you to apply as early as possible, as many courses are competitive.

What Makes a Good Application?

We consider all aspects of your application, not simply your qualifications and grades. We look at your academic background and performance, relevant experience (particularly for professional courses where some voluntary or paid experience is required) and your reference. Above all, we look for motivation, commitment and potential - evidence that you can benefit from study at higher education level.

Make sure you include:

• Relevant qualifications/evidence of ability: check our website for the specific entry requirements required for each course. Tell us your previous academic results and your projected grades.
• A supportive reference, from an employer or your school or college.
• A good personal statement.

Explain clearly what attracts you to the course and tell us about your wider interests and experience. If you are applying for a course that incorporates professional training and placements, you should include any relevant experience or visits you have made in the workplace. Highlight your individual strengths and qualities, personal skills, capacity for teamwork, contribution to the community and your enterprise, originality and determination. Select some activities which bring out these qualities.

Student Finance

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000.

Resources and Facilities

As one of the UK's leading health departments, we can offer a high level of student support and a wide range of fantastic facilities to enhance your learning. Our expert academic and clinical practice staff are here to help you get the skills you need to advance your employment.

Meet the Staff

Our academic staff are passionate about their field and have a wealth of real-world experience to back up their knowledge. Find out more about your tutors.

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