The Practice Learning Unit is a key resource and contact for learners and placement providers. The team work collaboratively with placement providers to ensure there is a consistent approach to practice learning that meets regulatory body and course requirements.  

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care, courses provide placements in a variety of practice settings. Practice placements are provided by a wide range of organisations that include NHS Trusts, in social care settings, within social services, and private, independent, and voluntary organisations.

Practice learning experiences offer students the opportunity to experience the reality of their chosen profession, develop the skills, knowledge, and expertise to become a part of your future health and social care workforce.  

Excellence in Practice Learning: our placement strategy

The quality of the learning experience in practice plays a critical role in developing and sustaining the workforce. The team continue to develop excellence in practice learning through partnership working with students, stakeholders, and colleagues.

We ensure that this Faculty:

• Contributes to the effective delivery and operation of high-quality placement learning experiences for all students
• Develops shared governance for practice learning that drives improvement, enhances achievement, and promotes good practice
• Leads upon, facilitates, and supports innovations, grows expertise and our reputation in practice learning.

Resources to support practitioners

Meet the team

Practice Learning is supported by administrators and academic teams, working within the Practice Learning Unit (PLU). We have a dedicated team of practice learning administrators and Senior Lecturers in Practice Learning (SLPLs) led by a Faculty Director of Practice Learning.

Practice Learning Administrators

The PLU Administrators support academic staff with the coordination of practice learning experiences and ensure relevant checks are completed before students go out to practice.

Placement Leads

Each course has a member of academic staff who has a lead role for practice learning and works alongside a team of link lecturers and the SLPLs. You can find these by subject, below.

Senior Lecturers in Practice Learning

Senior Lecturers in Practice Learning (SLPLs) are a dynamic interprofessional team that work at the interface between the University and placement providers to enhance the quality of the learning experience.

The SLPL team develops resources for practice learning, promotes new alternative models of placement, and offers supervision and support, which contributes to a successful and transformative learning experience. You can find their profiles below.