Practitioners with Advanced or Extended Roles in Dementia

Program Overview

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Practitioners with Advanced or Extended Roles in Dementia

Overview

This innovative postgraduate certificate is the first course of its kind in England. It is taught by a pioneering team of academics in the world-leading Centre for Applied Dementia Studies at the University of Bradford who are making great developments in dementia research and care.

It is designed for practitioners from a variety of clinical backgrounds working in health care settings where diagnostic services and post-diagnostic support for people with dementia are provided. The programme aims to support learners to develop high-level skills in assessment, diagnosis, clinical management and ongoing support for people with dementia and their carers.

Study is through a blended learning approach and is delivered fully online. Assessment of the programme includes theoretical as well as clinical competence assessment undertaken by a clinical mentor. The programme aligns to tiers 2 and 3 of the Dementia Training Standards Framework.

This programme is suitable for practitioners in a range of roles including GP’s, social (non-medical) prescribers, practice nurses, community matrons and advanced nurse practitioners/clinical nurse specialists. Applicants must be able to engage in assessment and diagnostic activities, as well as offer post-diagnostic support in order to be able to pass the competencies for the programme.

Entry Requirements

Skills and Qualification Requirements

• A good first degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area.
• Current registration with a professional body.
• Computing skills commensurate with the demands of distance learning study at postgraduate level, access to a computer with a broadband connection and ability to access the University’s online learning platform and online resources.

Work Requirements

• To be currently working within a service that provides diagnostic and ongoing support services for people living with dementia, to ensure requirements for module assignments and practice experience can be achieved.
• To be currently working in or have support from an employer to move into a role where diagnosis and ongoing support for people with dementia is involved for the duration of the programme.
• To have the support of their employer to undertake this programme of study.
• To locate an appropriately qualified and experienced, local Clinical Mentor/Assessor for each module who will provide clinical supervision and undertake clinical-based assessments of competence.

International and Language Requirements

• This programme welcomes applicants classed as international students who can meet the other requirements for work and registration.
• We cannot accept overseas prescribing qualifications or registrations only with professional bodies located outside the UK.
• English language requirements: IELTS or equivalent score of 7.0 with no sub-test result less than 5.5.

Curriculum

First Year

• Core:
  • Assessment and diagnosis of dementia
  • Psychosocial and Pharmacological support for people with dementia

Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

Study is through a blended learning approach which includes independent study guided by a distance learning study guide and readings, online tutor-led exercises and tutorials via a virtual learning environment, clinical work-based learning and mentor supervision.

The design of the programme permits flexible study that can be undertaken alongside working. The teaching, learning and assessment approaches chosen are designed to help you apply theory directly to your own practice and to help you to tailor work-based learning to your own specific learning needs.

Each module includes up to two components of assessment. The assignments are designed to relate directly to the clinical work-based learning you undertake. Both modules include a portfolio of clinical practice, which will include critical case examples, assessments by your clinical mentor and personal reflections on aspects of your clinical practice.

Fees, Finance, and Scholarships

Tuition Fee

• 30 credits: £1,881
• Standalone dissertation (60 credits): £2,714

Additional Course Costs

While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student.

Funding Your Studies

It can be hard to know what financial help is available to you as a student. Further information about the variety of options that can help fund your studies and maximise the money available to you is available.

Postgraduate Master's Loan

If you live in England you may be able to apply for a special Government-funded Master's Loan to help pay your tuition fees and living costs.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship.

Research

The University of Bradford has been providing accredited programmes in Dementia Studies since 2001, and has a long history of cutting-edge research related to person-centred dementia care and innovative methodologies for researching and developing practice in health and social care for people with dementia.

All teaching on the programme is research-informed and delivered by an academic team who are actively involved in relevant fields of dementia research. Members of the course team have completed research projects and studies using film, music, photography, narrative, conversation analysis and other participatory methods to enhance understanding of the experience of dementia.