Introduction

The MSc is a structured, modular programme of Masters Level study for nursing, midwifery and occupational therapy practitioners.

The programme aims to address the four overarching themes of Advanced Practice: ‘advanced clinical practice’, ‘leadership’, ‘teaching, coaching and mentoring’ and ‘research’, to develop a coherent and relevant programme that will meet the needs of the National Health Service. The six pathways have been developed to prepare practitioners for roles within their specialist field, incorporating the overarching themes of advanced practice and the specific knowledge and skills required for the identified area of practice.

Aims

• To prepare students both academically and professionally to advance practice through research, management or practice development
• To advance critical, analytical and systematic skills of the student to enable them to be innovative and develop new insights into advanced practice
• To develop students’ ability at an advanced level of scholarship, showing originality in the application of knowledge
• To enable students to deal with complex issues creatively, utilise an interprofessional approach to client management and develop their leadership role to facilitate change within practice
• To develop students’ initiative and independence to continue to develop their knowledge and skills to a higher level

Structure

Students must choose one of the pathways as outlined further on and must be in a relevant role to complete award. Students must undertake compulsory modules and complete at least one of the pathway options (some pathways require 2 options to be taken). Modules are 20 (HE level 7) credits (except research dissertation). The modules are a mixture of taught, open or negotiated and include compulsory modules, pathway specific modules and two or three dissertation modules. The modules are agreed with the pathway director considering the students individual learning needs and work area.

The programme offers flexibility so that modules from other programmes can be accessed if relevant for the individual practitioner. This is negotiated with the pathway and programme director.

The following awards are available:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Practice (pathway) – 60 credits
• Postgraduate Certificate in Paediatric Ambulatory Care – 60 credits
• Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Practice (pathway) – 120 credits
• MSc in Advanced Practice (pathway) – 180 credits

Pathways

A pathway must be chosen at the start of the programme

• Acute adult nursing
• Child nursing
• Community nursing
• Mental health nursing
• Midwifery
• Occupational Therapy*
• Public health nursing

*Subject to validation.

Assessment

Assessment for each module in the programme will be by assignments to the value of 4,000 words. The programme utilises a variety of assignments designed to assess the specified learning outcomes for each module, such as long essay, situational analysis, practical exercise, competencies, examinations, reflections or report.

Assignments must be related to the pathway chosen. The MSc/Pg Dip/Pg Cert programme incorporates opportunities to gain a wide range of postgraduate skills which develop through the programme. Students are expected to develop their own professional portfolio as evidence to transfer knowledge and skills to the practice setting.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should normally possess a relevant first degree in the health and social sciences and a professional registration to practice in the relevant pathway (usually three years post qualified), a relevant clinical role and managerial support.

Practitioners should normally be working in the field of practice relevant to their proposed study or have sufficient access to it to support their studies if, for example, they are from overseas.

Further Information

For further information please contact Ann Price, Programme Director:

Tel: 01227 782 608
Email: ann.price@canterbury.ac.uk

To request an application form please contact Susannah Russell:

Tel: 01227 782 401
Email: susannah.russell@canterbury.ac.uk

Faculty of Health and Social Care Website