Community Specialist Practice
Level
Postgraduate Diploma
Duration
One year full-time or two years part-time
Introduction
The programme is for Registered Nurses who must be on the appropriate part of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Register and who hold a healthrelated first degree. Information about the BSc Community Specialist Practice can be found here.
Within the Postgraduate Diploma programme there are five specialist options:
- Community Mental Health Nursing
- General Practice Nursing
- Nursing in the Home/District Nursing
- Children’s Community Nursing
The programme meets the criteria recommended by the NMC for an additional entry on the NMC Register as a Community Specialist Practice Nurse either Nursing in the Home (DN), Community Mental Health Nurse (CMHN), General Practice Nurse (GPN) or Children’s Community Nurse (CCN).
Content and Structure
The 52-week programme runs from September to September for full-time students and on a pro-rata basis over two years for part-time students. There are other flexible options available.
Full-time students will attend the University for two full days per week, have two days in practice in the community and have one day independent study most weeks. There are also block weeks of placement.
Part-time students attend University according to a negotiated pathway. During both years students spend one day in practice. Independent Study entitlement is pro-rata (half day per week).
Practical Experience
Practical experience is integrated with the theoretical components of the programme to facilitate the transfer of theory into practice. Students will also have block placements at specified periods throughout the programme. Specific objectives and competencies are detailed for achievement within the practice placement. Clinical supervision is an integral part of this programme.
Funding
Students are sponsored or seconded by an NHS Trust. This provides both a salary and covers all tuition fees. Students are required to travel to Canterbury, the travel costs to this venue are not refunded. Travel costs incurred while in practice are paid by the employing Trust.
Selection Criteria
Short-listing for interview is undertaken with NHS Trusts and is based on the submission of a 2,000 word essay. Students who are short-listed are jointly interview by the NHS Trust Community Nurse Managers and by members of the Community Teaching Team from the University. Criteria for selection includes an:
The interview is in two parts. There is a group exercise and an individual interview that may include a presentation.
Studying at M-level is at the discretion of the academic team.
Associate Students
Those who are working in a community placement can take all modules as standalone modules.
Applications
Due to developments in commissioning nursing service in the community and a review by the South East Coast Strategic Health Authority this programme is subject to change.
Students apply to:
The Programme Administrator
Community Specialist Practice
Department of Health and Social Welfare Studies
Faculty of Health
Canterbury Christ Church University
North Holmes Road
Canterbury
CT1 1QU