Advanced Clinical Practice MSc

Program Overview

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MSc Advanced Clinical Practice

Overview

The MSc Advanced Clinical Practice programme is designed to develop the clinical and theoretical skills of advanced clinical practitioners. The programme is accredited by the Centre of Advancing Practice and is available in both apprenticeship and non-apprenticeship routes.

Study Options

• Part-time: 2 to 6 years
• UK fee: £1,278 per 20 credits (2024/25)
• Start dates: September, March
• Location: Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Course Description

The programme offers the trainee advanced clinical practitioner clinical and theoretical skills in the management of individual patient care via history taking, examination of body systems, requesting appropriate investigations, prescribing medicines and therapies where appropriate, interpreting results and referring where applicable.

What You Will Study

This course is made up of three stages – Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc.

Stage One

• Clinical Decision Making
• Clinical Management Investigations and Referrals for the Advanced Practitioner

Stage Two

• Non-Medical Prescribing (for those who are registered with professional bodies that allow prescribing practice, alternative modules can be selected if not)
• Research

Stage Three

• Consolidating Advanced Practice
• Option module for non-apprentices, for example Advancing Communication Skills, Advancing Practice, Symptom Management, Therapeutics and Prescribing Practice, to name but a few.

How You Will Learn

Students will be assessed via the following examples:

• Case based scenarios taken from their clinical reflections and developed into academic work that incorporates evidence and clinical reasoning, which will in turn inform their clinical practice.
• The modules will help link the students everyday ‘lived’ practice via reflective thought and help develop a questioning approach to the application of effective and evidence-based care.
• Other assessment methods include:
  • OSCE’s
  • Presentations
  • Examinations
  • Clinical logs
  • Viva

Who Will Teach You

• Terri-Ann Walsh: Lecturer Advanced Practice, Independent Prescriber and Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Careers

The courses have been developed to reflect the philosophies of Advanced Practice within the ethos of current health care provision in the UK, therefore your studies will be fit for purpose and informed by current standards.

You may wish to progress to a doctorate level of study. Many students go on to develop, specialise in, and lead the implementation of health care services including health care improvement.

The course is diverse and innovative, so you could use the skills and knowledge you've gained to work within the public and private sectors. The course ensures that your own personal interests are met as well as those of your employer (if appropriate).

Entry Requirements

The apprentices
on-apprentices should normally be able to demonstrate:

• Evidence of continual professional development (CPD),
• Successful completion of degree level modules (40 credits plus)
• Around a minimum of 5 years post registration experience.

However, when we look at the applications we are looking for:

• Statement of entry or evidence of their professional registration, this could include either Nursing, Midwifery Council ( NMC), Health and Care Professions council( HCPC) , or General Pharmaceutical Council (GPC)
• Written confirmation from their employer that support is in place for them to receive clinical supervision throughout the programme with an appropriate and identified clinical supervisor, and where possible education supervisor. We require an employer reference and written confirmation from a nominated clinical supervisor.
• We ask for evidence of degree or professional qualification and certificates.

International students residing in the UK who have an appropriate visa to enable them to work in the UK and hold a position of employment with a NHS Trust or organisation who is supporting them to complete the programme are eligible for the programme. However they need to be able to attend once a week and be able to provide evidence of meeting the entry criteria, qualifications and clinical support.

Fees and Funding

2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)

• Type| Full-time| Part-time
• ---|---|---
• UK| Full-timeN/A| Part-time£1,278 per 20 credits
• International| Full-timeN/A| Part-timeN/A

2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)

• Type| Full-time| Part-time
• ---|---|---
• UK| Full-timeN/A| Part-time£1,315 per 20 credits
• International| Full-timeN/A| Part-timeN/A

About Postgraduate Awards

• Award| Credits
• ---|---
• Postgraduate Certificate| 60 Credits
• Postgraduate Diploma| 120 Credits
• MA or MSc| 180 Credits

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding Your Studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Alumni Discount for Derby Graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

How to Apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.

Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications. It's best to apply early so you can secure your place and beat the rush.

Once we have received your application and supporting documents (such as qualifications or references), we will review it and contact you within 4 weeks to let you know if you have been successful or not.

Our aim is to support all students to have the best possible opportunities to succeed and so our application and enrolment deadlines are in place to ensure you stand the best chance of doing so.

Joining the programme later may harm your chances of success on your course. It is therefore vital that you take note of the dates and ensure you submit your completed application and subsequent enrolment in time.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Deadlines

Please note some courses may have an earlier induction, teaching and enrolment deadline date.

If your course operates a gathered field or pooled admissions process there may be an earlier application date. Please check your individual course page for further details.

UK Students

Apply directly to the University.

Additional Information About Your Studies

Teaching Hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Minimum Numbers

Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.