Program Overview

The Community Specialist Practitioner (General Practice Nursing) Postgraduate Diploma is a 1-year full-time program designed to equip postgraduates with the skills required for community specialist practice. The program has four pathways to choose from: District Nursing, General Practice Nursing, Adult Social Care Nursing, and Community Children’s Nursing.

Program Structure

• The program is delivered through a 60/40 split between clinical practice and protected learning time at Northumbria University.
• Each pathway has a distinct approach to its delivery, with a focus on practice-focused learning and teaching.
• The program includes integrated learning with fellow community specialist practitioner students.

Program Aims

• The program aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and evidence base for advancing specialist practice in community nursing.
• It focuses on developing students' ability to lead, manage, and deliver high-quality care in a range of settings.
• The program also aims to equip students with the skills to critically evaluate and apply research evidence to inform their practice.

Modules

• Non-Medical Prescribing (V300): This module facilitates the development of knowledge and skills required for safe and effective prescribing from a legally specified UK formulary.
• Advanced Clinical Assessment Skills for Community Specialist Practice: This module focuses on advanced clinical skills assessment in community specialist practice and is a core module for students undertaking the community specialist practice qualification pathways.
• Advancing Community Specialist Practice Through Leadership: This module offers 30 credits at level 7 and is part of a post-qualifying, Postgraduate Diploma, Community Specialist Practitioner Qualification.
• Enhancing Care for Adults Living with Frailty and Multimorbidity across the life course: This module provides students with a range of contemporary specialist practice knowledge relevant to their field of practice.
• Transforming Community Specialist Practice through Research, Policy, Evidence and Evaluation: This module introduces students to research methods that assist in transforming current and contemporary community specialist practice.

Entry Requirements

• Standard entry requirements are to be confirmed.
• Applicants must meet the standard entry requirements for the program.

Fees and Funding

• Full UK Fee: £6,466 (2025/26), £6,633 (2026/27)
• Full International Fee: £12,900 (2025/26), £12,332 (2026/27)
• Scholarships and discounts are available for UK and international applicants.

Study Options

• The program is available full-time over 1 year, with a September start.
• A part-time option is also available over 2 years, with a September start.

Research

• The program has a strong research focus, with students encouraged to access resources and online collaboration available through field-specific organizations.
• Research-rich learning is embedded throughout the course, with students drawing on their developing skills to show their capacity for independent, research-based inquiry.

Careers

• The program is designed to encourage students to take responsibility for their development and to proactively seek opportunities to advance their employability.
• Career development opportunities are available, including career guidance and continuing educational opportunities.

Facilities

• The program is based at the Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art teaching and practice facilities, including the Clinical Skills Centre.
• The university is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse, and accessible campus and wider university community.

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Overview:

Northumbria University is a research-intensive, business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic quality. It is known for its commitment to unlocking potential for all and empowering innovators, visionaries, and changemakers to transform lives and make a remarkable impact on the world.

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Services Offered:

Study:

Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including foundation years, flexible learning options, and continuing professional development courses.

International:

Provides support for international students, including English language programs, international events, and information on entry requirements.

Business:

Offers a range of services to businesses, including education and training, research and consultancy, and business events.

Research:

Conducts ground-breaking research in various fields, including computerised society and digital citizens, cultural and creative industries, energy materials and systems, and microbial biotechnology.

About Us:

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Alumni:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Accommodation:

Offers a variety of on-campus accommodation options for students.

Life in Newcastle:

Provides information about the vibrant city of Newcastle, where the university is located.

Support for Students:

Offers a range of support services to students, including careers advice, mental health support, and financial assistance.

Students' Union:

Provides a platform for student representation and engagement.

Northumbria Sport:

Offers a wide range of sports facilities and activities for students.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Research-intensive:

Conducts ground-breaking research that is responsive to the needs of the community.

Business-focused:

Prepares students for the challenges of the modern workplace.

Global reputation:

Has a strong international reputation for academic quality.

Vibrant campus life:

Offers a wide range of student life activities and support services.

Located in Newcastle:

Situated in a vibrant and historic city with a thriving cultural scene.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

Offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in various fields.

Postgraduate:

Offers a range of postgraduate programs, including Masters degrees and research degrees.

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships:

Offers degree apprenticeships in partnership with businesses.

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Other:

News and Events:

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Social Media:

Maintains a presence on various social media platforms.

Online Shop:

Offers a range of Northumbria University merchandise.

Governance:

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Useful Links:

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