Course overview

This master’s course aims to provide continuing professional development for healthcare professionals from a range of backgrounds and is rooted in Health Education England’s National Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice (2017).

This degree is aimed at healthcare practitioners who want the opportunity to make a real difference and improve standards of practice throughout all aspects of healthcare provision.

It is designed to enhance your ability to work across clinical teams and take on leadership responsibilities in multi-disciplinary roles, and ultimately enhance the care provided for patients.
You will have the chance to utilise evidence and research to shape your practice and current and future healthcare delivery through innovation and change.

Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

This course is aimed at experienced healthcare practitioners registered with a relevant professional body (NMC/HCPC/GPC) who wish to be prepared to fulfil specific Advanced Clinical Practitioner roles, upon successfully completing the course.

Successful completion of the course will prepare you to:

Become expert clinicians and clinical leaders - educating, developing and building teams.
Enhance the quality and standard of patient care
Influence the strategic direction of patient care within your own field of practice
Develop into an enquiring and reflective clinician.

The Advanced Clinical Practice MSc is approved and supported through Health Education England, working across the West Midlands, the West Midlands ACP Forum and West Midlands Universities Advanced Practice Group.

You can study this degree via the following pathways:

HLST221 Advanced Clinical Practice MSc (Integrated Care Pathway)
HLST223 Advanced Clinical Practice MSc (Urgent and Emergency Care Pathway)
HLST226 Advanced Clinical Practice MSc (Generic Pathway)
HLST213 Advanced Clinical Practice MSc (General Pathway)
HLST215 Advanced Clinical Practice MSc (Musculoskeletal Pathway)
HLST217 Advanced Clinical Practice MSc (Neonatal Pathway)
HLST219 Advanced Clinical Practice MSc (Children and Young People Pathway)
HLST249 Advanced Clinical Practice MSc (Mental Health Pathway)
HLST277 Advanced Clinical Practice MSc (Mental Health Non-prescribing Pathway)

It is also available as a Level 7 apprenticeship, which some NHS Trusts fund through the apprenticeship levy.

I think it is a fantastic course! I have learnt a huge amount and have achieved things I did not think I was capable of. It has without doubt changed me both personally and professionally through the knowledge and confidence that I have gained. The core course leaders and lecturers are brilliant. There is no question that it is hard work, but 100% worth it. You get out of it what you put in.

Rachael Meadows, Advanced Clinical Practice MSc, quoted in 2020

Group of nursing students practicing in a mock examination room with a training mannequin

What you'll study

Year 1 will focus on the key pillars in the ACP framework and aims to cover advanced health assessment, diagnostics, leadership and research.

The modules studied will vary according to the pathway you have selected and will take note of relevant recognition of prior achievement (RPL). Where RPL is agreed this will shorten the overall length of the course.

In addition to the full MSc courses above we also aim to offer a series of study days aimed at healthcare professionals.

Modules

General Pathway

Advanced Health Assessment - 15 credits

The aim of this module is to enable you to develop advanced health assessment knowledge and skills to underpin your advancing practice role. The module is designed for practitioners from a variety of practice settings across the lifespan and those who work in an autonomous capacity, carrying out patient assessments that normally include formulating a diagnosis and performing investigations, as a precursor for clinical decision-making and management.

Diagnostics and Clinical Management - 15 credits

The aims of this module are to enable you to establish a baseline in advancement of your autonomous role in the delivery of clinical management and care to individual patients and patient groups. It will also enable you to critically evaluate the impact of advanced clinical practice on the effectiveness of patient journeys. The emphasis will be on investigations (including ECG, X-ray, CT, MRI, blood gases), advanced clinical decision-making and autonomous clinical management. The module is designed for practitioners working in an autonomous capacity utilising holistic assessment, diagnosis, prescription and management of care, within negotiated boundaries (specialist pathway-specific content included).

Advancing Practice - 15 credits

The aims of this module are to enable you to critically evaluate your current role in relation to the Education and Leadership pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice. Adopting a reflective and critical approach to the appraisal of these pillars will enable ongoing development of principles, knowledge, skills and attitudes underpinning Advanced Clinical Practice. This will facilitate advancing the impact of your role and contribute to the continued development of your professional group.

Research in Advanced Clinical Practice - 15 credits

This module aims to provide an overview of the key approaches to designing practice-based healthcare research for Advanced Clinical Practitioners. It will consider the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of research and critically appraise different design and methodological approaches utilised in healthcare practice.

Compulsory
Musculoskeletal Pathway

Advanced Health Assessment - 15 credits

The aim of this module is to enable you to develop advanced health assessment knowledge and skills to underpin your advancing practice role. The module is designed for practitioners from a variety of practice settings across the lifespan and those who work in an autonomous capacity, carrying out patient assessments that normally include formulating a diagnosis and performing investigations, as a precursor for clinical decision-making and management.

Diagnostics and Clinical Management - 15 credits

The aims of this module are to enable you to establish a baseline in advancement of your autonomous role in the delivery of clinical management and care to individual patients and patient groups. It will also enable you to critically evaluate the impact of advanced clinical practice on the effectiveness of patient journeys. The emphasis will be on investigations (including ECG, X-ray, CT, MRI, blood gases), advanced clinical decision-making and autonomous clinical management. The module is designed for practitioners working in an autonomous capacity utilising holistic assessment, diagnosis, prescription and management of care, within negotiated boundaries (specialist pathway-specific content included).

Advancing Practice - 15 credits

The aims of this module are to enable you to critically evaluate your current role in relation to the Education and Leadership pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice. Adopting a reflective and critical approach to the appraisal of these pillars will enable ongoing development of principles, knowledge, skills and attitudes underpinning Advanced Clinical Practice. This will facilitate advancing the impact of your role and contribute to the continued development of your professional group.

Research in Advanced Clinical Practice - 15 credits

This module aims to provide an overview of the key approaches to designing practice-based healthcare research for Advanced Clinical Practitioners. It will consider the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of research and critically appraise different design and methodological approaches utilised in healthcare practice.

Compulsory
Generic Pathway

Advanced Health Assessment - 15 credits

The aim of this module is to enable you to develop advanced health assessment knowledge and skills to underpin your advancing practice role. The module is designed for practitioners from a variety of practice settings across the lifespan and those who work in an autonomous capacity, carrying out patient assessments that normally include formulating a diagnosis and performing investigations, as a precursor for clinical decision-making and management.

Diagnostics and Clinical Management - 15 credits

The aims of this module are to enable you to establish a baseline in advancement of your autonomous role in the delivery of clinical management and care to individual patients and patient groups. It will also enable you to critically evaluate the impact of advanced clinical practice on the effectiveness of patient journeys. The emphasis will be on investigations (including ECG, X-ray, CT, MRI, blood gases), advanced clinical decision-making and autonomous clinical management. The module is designed for practitioners working in an autonomous capacity utilising holistic assessment, diagnosis, prescription and management of care, within negotiated boundaries (specialist pathway-specific content included).

Advancing Practice - 15 credits

The aims of this module are to enable you to critically evaluate your current role in relation to the Education and Leadership pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice. Adopting a reflective and critical approach to the appraisal of these pillars will enable ongoing development of principles, knowledge, skills and attitudes underpinning Advanced Clinical Practice. This will facilitate advancing the impact of your role and contribute to the continued development of your professional group.

Research in Advanced Clinical Practice - 15 credits

This module aims to provide an overview of the key approaches to designing practice-based healthcare research for Advanced Clinical Practitioners. It will consider the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of research and critically appraise different design and methodological approaches utilised in healthcare practice.

Compulsory
Neonatal Pathway

Assessment of the Newborn - 15 credits

The United Kingdom National Screening Committee (UK NSC) policy for Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) is that all eligible babies will be offered the NIPE screen. The screen should be offered within 72 hours of birth and then again at 6-8 weeks of age. This module provides the theoretical and clinical foundation for this specialist area of practice and aims to enhance the Registered Practitioner’s knowledge and understanding of, and develop their clinical skills in, the complete, holistic physical examination of the newborn. The primary aim of this module is to provide appropriate healthcare professionals with the skills to competently undertake examination of newborn babies within a variety of practice settings according to their area of professional practice.

Diagnostics and Clinical Management - 15 credits

subject specific material - The aims of this module are to enable you to establish a baseline in advancement of your autonomous role in the delivery of clinical management and care to individual patients and patient groups. It will also enable you to critically evaluate the impact of advanced clinical practice on the effectiveness of patient journeys. The emphasis will be on investigations (including ECG, X-ray, CT, MRI, blood gases), advanced clinical decision-making and autonomous clinical management. The module is designed for practitioners working in an autonomous capacity utilising holistic assessment, diagnosis, prescription and management of care, within negotiated boundaries (specialist pathway-specific content included).

Advancing Practice - 15 credits

The aims of this module are to enable you to critically evaluate your current role in relation to the Education and Leadership pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice. Adopting a reflective and critical approach to the appraisal of these pillars will enable ongoing development of principles, knowledge, skills and attitudes underpinning Advanced Clinical Practice. This will facilitate advancing the impact of your role and contribute to the continued development of your professional group.

Research in Advanced Clinical Practice - 15 credits

This module aims to provide an overview of the key approaches to designing practice-based healthcare research for Advanced Clinical Practitioners. It will consider the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of research and critically appraise different design and methodological approaches utilised in healthcare practice.

Compulsory
Children and Young People Pathway

Advanced Health Assessment of Children and Young People - 15 credits

The aim of this module is to enable you to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake an Advanced Health Assessment, in relation to children and young people aged 0-18 years. The specialist assessment skills will underpin your advancing practice role in order to carry out autonomous and effective care. The module is designed to develop practitioners from diverse practice settings and healthcare professions and will provide seminal theory and assessment skills education in order to prepare you to undertake the subsequent clinical management of paediatric presentations.

Diagnostics and Clinical Management - 15 credits

Subject specific material - The aims of this module are to enable you to establish a baseline in advancement of your autonomous role in the delivery of clinical management and care to individual patients and patient groups. It will also enable you to critically evaluate the impact of advanced clinical practice on the effectiveness of patient journeys. The emphasis will be on investigations (including ECG, X-ray, CT, MRI, blood gases), advanced clinical decision-making and autonomous clinical management. The module is designed for practitioners working in an autonomous capacity utilising holistic assessment, diagnosis, prescription and management of care, within negotiated boundaries (specialist pathway-specific content included).

Advancing Practice - 15 credits

The aims of this module are to enable you to critically evaluate your current role in relation to the Education and Leadership pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice. Adopting a reflective and critical approach to the appraisal of these pillars will enable ongoing development of principles, knowledge, skills and attitudes underpinning Advanced Clinical Practice. This will facilitate advancing the impact of your role and contribute to the continued development of your professional group.

Research in Advanced Clinical Practice - 15 credits

This module aims to provide an overview of the key approaches to designing practice-based healthcare research for Advanced Clinical Practitioners. It will consider the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of research and critically appraise different design and methodological approaches utilised in healthcare practice.

Compulsory
Integrated Care Pathway

Advanced Health Assessment - 15 credits

The aim of this module is to enable you to develop advanced health assessment knowledge and skills to underpin your advancing practice role. The module is designed for practitioners from a variety of practice settings across the lifespan and those who work in an autonomous capacity, carrying out patient assessments that normally include formulating a diagnosis and performing investigations, as a precursor for clinical decision-making and management.

Diagnostics and Clinical Management - 15 credits

Subject specific material - The aims of this module are to enable you to establish a baseline in advancement of your autonomous role in the delivery of clinical management and care to individual patients and patient groups. It will also enable you to critically evaluate the impact of advanced clinical practice on the effectiveness of patient journeys. The emphasis will be on investigations (including ECG, X-ray, CT, MRI, blood gases), advanced clinical decision-making and autonomous clinical management. The module is designed for practitioners working in an autonomous capacity utilising holistic assessment, diagnosis, prescription and management of care, within negotiated boundaries (specialist pathway-specific content included).

Advancing Practice - 15 credits

The aims of this module are to enable you to critically evaluate your current role in relation to the Education and Leadership pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice. Adopting a reflective and critical approach to the appraisal of these pillars will enable ongoing development of principles, knowledge, skills and attitudes underpinning Advanced Clinical Practice. This will facilitate advancing the impact of your role and contribute to the continued development of your professional group.

Research in Advanced Clinical Practice - 15 credits

This module aims to provide an overview of the key approaches to designing practice-based healthcare research for Advanced Clinical Practitioners. It will consider the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of research and critically appraise different design and methodological approaches utilised in healthcare practice.

Compulsory
Urgent & Emergency Care Pathway

Advanced Health Assessment - 15 credits

The aim of this module is to enable you to develop advanced health assessment knowledge and skills to underpin your advancing practice role. The module is designed for practitioners from a variety of practice settings across the lifespan and those who work in an autonomous capacity, carrying out patient assessments that normally include formulating a diagnosis and performing investigations, as a precursor for clinical decision-making and management.

Diagnostics and Clinical Management - 15 credits

Subject specific material - The aims of this module are to enable you to establish a baseline in advancement of your autonomous role in the delivery of clinical management and care to individual patients and patient groups. It will also enable you to critically evaluate the impact of advanced clinical practice on the effectiveness of patient journeys. The emphasis will be on investigations (including ECG, X-ray, CT, MRI, blood gases), advanced clinical decision-making and autonomous clinical management. The module is designed for practitioners working in an autonomous capacity utilising holistic assessment, diagnosis, prescription and management of care, within negotiated boundaries (specialist pathway-specific content included).

Advancing Practice - 15 credits

The aims of this module are to enable you to critically evaluate your current role in relation to the Education and Leadership pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice. Adopting a reflective and critical approach to the appraisal of these pillars will enable ongoing development of principles, knowledge, skills and attitudes underpinning Advanced Clinical Practice. This will facilitate advancing the impact of your role and contribute to the continued development of your professional group.

Research in Advanced Clinical Practice - 15 credits

This module aims to provide an overview of the key approaches to designing practice-based healthcare research for Advanced Clinical Practitioners. It will consider the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of research and critically appraise different design and methodological approaches utilised in healthcare practice.

Compulsory
Mental Health Pathway

Advanced Mental Health Assessment - 15 credits

The aim of this module is to enable you to develop advanced mental health assessment knowledge and skills to underpin your advanced clinical practice role. The module is designed for practitioners, from a variety of mental illness practice settings, who work in an autonomous capacity and carry out service user assessments. Assessments normally include formulating a diagnosis and performing investigations, as a precursor for clinical decision-making and management.

Diagnostics and Clinical Management - 15 credits

Subject specific material - The aims of this module are to enable you to establish a baseline in advancement of your autonomous role in the delivery of clinical management and care to individual patients and patient groups. It will also enable you to critically evaluate the impact of advanced clinical practice on the effectiveness of patient journeys. The emphasis will be on investigations (including ECG, X-ray, CT, MRI, blood gases), advanced clinical decision-making and autonomous clinical management. The module is designed for practitioners working in an autonomous capacity utilising holistic assessment, diagnosis, prescription and management of care, within negotiated boundaries (specialist pathway-specific content included).

Advancing Practice - 15 credits

The aims of this module are to enable you to critically evaluate your current role in relation to the Education and Leadership pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice. Adopting a reflective and critical approach to the appraisal of these pillars will enable ongoing development of principles, knowledge, skills and attitudes underpinning Advanced Clinical Practice. This will facilitate advancing the impact of your role and contribute to the continued development of your professional group.

Research in Advanced Clinical Practice - 15 credits

This module aims to provide an overview of the key approaches to designing practice-based healthcare research for Advanced Clinical Practitioners. It will consider the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of research and critically appraise different design and methodological approaches utilised in healthcare practice.

Compulsory
Mental Health Non-prescribing Pathway

Advanced Mental Health Assessment - 15 credits

The aim of this module is to enable you to develop advanced mental health assessment knowledge and skills to underpin your advanced clinical practice role. The module is designed for practitioners, from a variety of mental illness practice settings, who work in an autonomous capacity and carry out service user assessments. Assessments normally include formulating a diagnosis and performing investigations, as a precursor for clinical decision-making and management.

Diagnostics and Clinical Management - 15 credits

Subject specific material - The aims of this module are to enable you to establish a baseline in advancement of your autonomous role in the delivery of clinical management and care to individual patients and patient groups. It will also enable you to critically evaluate the impact of advanced clinical practice on the effectiveness of patient journeys. The emphasis will be on investigations (including ECG, X-ray, CT, MRI, blood gases), advanced clinical decision-making and autonomous clinical management. The module is designed for practitioners working in an autonomous capacity utilising holistic assessment, diagnosis, prescription and management of care, within negotiated boundaries (specialist pathway-specific content included).

Advancing Practice - 15 credits

The aims of this module are to enable you to critically evaluate your current role in relation to the Education and Leadership pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice. Adopting a reflective and critical approach to the appraisal of these pillars will enable ongoing development of principles, knowledge, skills and attitudes underpinning Advanced Clinical Practice. This will facilitate advancing the impact of your role and contribute to the continued development of your professional group.

Research in Advanced Clinical Practice - 15 credits

This module aims to provide an overview of the key approaches to designing practice-based healthcare research for Advanced Clinical Practitioners. It will consider the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of research and critically appraise different design and methodological approaches utilised in healthcare practice.

Compulsory

Modules

General Pathway

Practical Law and Ethics in Advanced Clinical Practice - 20 credits

The aims of this module are to explore and understand the role of ethics and law in accountable advanced clinical practice. You will be able to define ethical concepts and demonstrate insight into the role of legislation in influencing and directing current and emerging clinical practices. You will also have the opportunity to gain understanding of the use of ethics in defensible practice.

Clinical Management of Minor Injuries and Illness - 20 credits

The aims of this module are to enable you to develop your care and clinical management of patients, from across the lifespan, with a minor injury or illness. It enables you to critically evaluate the impact of your practice on the effectiveness of patient care journeys. The module is designed for practitioners working in emergency/urgent care/minor injury/illness, or general practice/walk-in services. You will be a practitioner who works in an autonomous capacity and whose clinical practice utilises broad perspectives of assessment, diagnosis, prescription and management of care, within negotiated boundaries.

Facilitating Individuals in the Management of their LTCs - 20 credits

This module is relevant for practitioners who currently practice in healthcare with individuals who are living with a long-term condition(s). It will focus on concepts which transfer across disease boundaries for individuals and their families who live with long-term conditions. This module aims to enable you to critically examine and synthesize the principal concepts of supporting the care of those living with a long-term condition or multi-morbidities. It will enable the development of independent thinking and consideration of a strategic change in practice to develop knowledge, skill, analytical enquiry and person-centred approaches to people living with long-term conditions and multi-morbidities.

Compulsory
Musculoskeletal Pathway

Practice Certificate in Independent and Supplementary Prescribing 1 - 20 credits

This module aims to prepare independent non-medical prescribers for their roles and responsibilities within the practice setting. This is the first of two modules which focuses upon the theoretical elements which underpins the practice of prescribing.

Practice Certificate in Independent and Supplementary Prescribing 2 - 20 credits

The second module builds on the theoretical concepts to consider the clinical context of prescribing. These master’s level modules adhere to professional body requirements for prescribing courses (NMC, HCPC, and GPhC).

Musculoskeletal Management for Advanced Practice - 20 credits

The aim of this clinically focused module is to enable development of the knowledge, skills and capabilities required for practitioners to work safely, effectively and autonomously in advanced practice roles where the focus is to promote MSK health and to diagnose and manage care of individuals with MSK conditions.

Compulsory
Generic Pathway

Practice Certificate in Independent and Supplementary Prescribing 1 - 20 credits

This module aims to prepare independent non-medical prescribers for their roles and responsibilities within the practice setting. This is the first of two modules which focuses upon the theoretical elements which underpins the practice of prescribing.

Practice Certificate in Independent and Supplementary Prescribing 2 - 20 credits

The second module builds on the theoretical concepts to consider the clinical context of prescribing. These master’s level modules adhere to professional body requirements for prescribing courses (NMC, HCPC, and GPhC).

Advanced Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Management - 20 credits

This module will refine and further develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes of trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioners to enable effective autonomous patient management. The knowledge and skills will focus on the biomedical sciences, applied pathophysiology and an informed evidence base, including diagnostic tests, techniques and their interpretation. Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioners should be enabled to autonomously initiate the management and care of patients within a defined scope of practice negotiated with their mentor and manager.

Compulsory
Neonatal Pathway

Practice Certificate in Independent and Supplementary Prescribing 1 - 20 credits

This module aims to prepare independent non-medical prescribers for their roles and responsibilities within the practice setting. This is the first of two modules which focuses upon the theoretical elements which underpins the practice of prescribing.

Practice Certificate in Independent and Supplementary Prescribing 2 - 20 credits

The second module builds on the theoretical concepts to consider the clinical context of prescribing. These master’s level modules adhere to professional body requirements for prescribing courses (NMC, HCPC, and GPhC).

Clinical Management of Neonatal Conditions - 20 credits

This module will refine and develop the skills and knowledge required to deliver an advanced level of neonatal care. Skills and knowledge will be underpinned by biomedical science, applied pathophysiology and an informed evidence base. Neonatal Advanced Clinical Practitioners will be fully equipped to autonomously initiate and manage the total care of a spectrum of neonatal conditions.

Compulsory
Children and Young People Pathway

Practice Certificate in Independent and Supplementary Prescribing 1 - 20 credits

This module aims to prepare independent non-medical prescribers for their roles and responsibilities within the practice setting. This is the first of two modules which focuses upon the theoretical elements which underpins the practice of prescribing.

Practice Certificate in Independent and Supplementary Prescribing 2 - 20 credits

The second module builds on the theoretical concepts to consider the clinical context of prescribing. These master’s level modules adhere to professional body requirements for prescribing courses (NMC, HCPC, and GPhC).

Managing Injury and Illness in Children and Young People - 20 credits

The aims of this module are to enable you to develop your clinical management of children and young people, from 0-18 years, that demonstrate signs and symptoms associated with diverse minor injury and illness presentations. The module will allow you to critically evaluate the clinical effectiveness of your practice when applied to the care of children and young people. This module is specifically designed for health practitioners working with emergency and urgent care centres, in-patient paediatric care settings, children’s community services including the provision of pre-hospital emergency care, general practice and walk-in centres. You will practice in an autonomous capacity, and your scope of practice will include broad perspectives encompassing assessment, diagnosis, case management and treatment(s) including prescribing.

Compulsory
Integrated Care Pathway

Practice Certificate in Independent and Supplementary Prescribing 1 - 20 credits

This module aims to prepare independent non-medical prescribers for their roles and responsibilities within the practice setting. This is the first of two modules which focuses upon the theoretical elements which underpins the practice of prescribing.

Practice Certificate in Independent and Supplementary Prescribing 2 - 20 credits

The second module builds on the theoretical concepts to consider the clinical context of prescribing. These master’s level modules adhere to professional body requirements for prescribing courses (NMC, HCPC, and GPhC).

Facilitating Individuals in the Management of their LTCs - 20 credits

This module is relevant for practitioners who currently practice in healthcare with individuals who are living with a long-term condition(s). It will focus on concepts which transfer across disease boundaries for individuals and their families who live with long-term conditions. This module enables you to critically examine and synthesize the principal concepts of supporting the care of those living with a long-term condition or multi-morbidities. This module will enable the development of independent thinking and consideration of a strategic change in practice to develop knowledge, skill, analytical enquiry and person-centred approaches to people living with long-term conditions and multi-morbidities.

Compulsory
Urgent & Emergency Care Pathway

Practice Certificate in Independent and Supplementary Prescribing 1 - 20 credits

This module aims to prepare independent non-medical prescribers for their roles and responsibilities within the practice setting. This is the first of two modules which focuses upon the theoretical elements which underpins the practice of prescribing.

Practice Certificate in Independent and Supplementary Prescribing 2 - 20 credits

The second module builds on the theoretical concepts to consider the clinical context of prescribing. These master’s level modules adhere to professional body requirements for prescribing courses (NMC, HCPC, and GPhC).

Clinical Management of Minor Injuries and Illness - 20 credits

The aims of this module are to enable you to develop your care and clinical management of patients, from across the lifespan, with a minor injury or illness. It enables you to critically evaluate the impact of your practice on the effectiveness of patient care journeys. The module is designed for practitioners working in emergency/urgent care/minor injury/illness, or general practice/walk-in services. You will work in an autonomous capacity and your clinical practice will utilise broad perspectives of assessment, diagnosis, prescription and management of care, within negotiated boundaries.

Compulsory
Mental Health Pathway

Practice Certificate in Independent and Supplementary Prescribing 1 - 20 credits

This module aims to prepare independent non-medical prescribers for their roles and responsibilities within the practice setting. This is the first of two modules which focuses upon the theoretical elements which underpins the practice of prescribing.

Practice Certificate in Independent and Supplementary Prescribing 2 - 20 credits

The second module builds on the theoretical concepts to consider the clinical context of prescribing. These master’s level modules adhere to professional body requirements for prescribing courses (NMC, HCPC, and GPhC).

Advanced Clinical Management of Mental Health Conditions - 20 credits

This module will refine and further develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes of trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioners, to enable effective autonomous management of service user mental illness. The knowledge and skills obtained will focus on the psychosocial sciences, applied psychopathology, applied pathophysiology, symptom recognition and interpretation. Evidence base will inform clinical risk management and support therapeutic engagement in relation to the management of those experiencing mental health conditions. You will be enabled to autonomously initiate the management and care of service users within a defined scope of practice negotiated with your mentor and manager.

Compulsory
Mental Health Non-prescribing Pathway

Practical Law and Ethics in Advanced Clinical Practice - 20 credits

The aims of this module are to explore and understand the role of ethics and law in accountable advanced clinical practice. You will be able to define ethical concepts and demonstrate insight into the role of legislation in influencing and directing current and emerging clinical practices. You will gain understanding of the use of ethics in defensible practice. This will be delivered with clear intention to practical applicability and usefulness to current roles. Taught content will be linked to believable scenarios. Roleplay and group interaction will be promoted to reach insight.

Facilitating Individuals in the Management of their LTCs - 20 credits

This module is relevant for practitioners who currently practice in healthcare with individuals who are living with a long-term condition(s). It will focus on concepts which transfer across disease boundaries for individuals and their families who live with long-term conditions. This module enables you to critically examine and synthesize the principal concepts of supporting the care of those living with a long-term condition or multi-morbidities. This module will enable the development of independent thinking and consideration of a strategic change in practice to develop knowledge, skill, analytical enquiry and person-centred approaches to people living with long-term conditions and multi-morbidities.

Advanced Clinical Management of Mental Health Conditions - 20 credits

This module will refine and further develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes of trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioners, to enable effective autonomous management of service user mental illness. The knowledge and skills obtained will focus on the psychosocial sciences, applied psychopathology, applied pathophysiology, symptom recognition and interpretation. Evidence base will inform clinical risk management and support therapeutic engagement in relation to the management of those experiencing mental health conditions. You will be enabled to autonomously initiate the management and care of service users within a defined scope of practice negotiated with your mentor and manager.

Compulsory

Modules

General Pathway

Leadership in Advanced Clinical Practice - 10 credits

This module offers you the opportunity to critically evaluate theoretical principles of leadership and management which can then be applied to your own current and future clinical practice. The module covers leadership and management, personal effectiveness, management of resources, management of people and explores the current literature on leadership and management. The module offers you the opportunity to reflect on your own qualities as a clinical leader and to consider how to develop yourself for your future practice. The overall aim of the module is to develop leaders with the confidence and skills to become competent and reflective leaders.

Advancing Practice Service Improvement Project - 30 credits

This module aims to enable you to propose a service improvement plan with accompanying presentation. This will be sufficient to obtain notional approval by senior decision-makers/project funders to progress with leading and implementing the project plan.

Integration of Advanced Clinical Practice (Non-apprentice route only) - 20 credits

The module aims to further develop your appreciation of the significance and potential impact of all four pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice when they are integrated into everyday practice. It will enable you to recognise how each pillar informs the various dimensions of your role and that how when utilised together in an integrated way they deliver considerable impact on the quality of teamwork and patient care delivery. It will facilitate and promote the inclusion of the pillars in your everyday practice to achieve excellent and innovative services for patients.

OR

Advanced Clinical Practice End Point Assessment (Apprentice route only) - 20 credits

a nationally recognised assessment of learning from the whole course to gain MSc accreditation.

Compulsory
Musculoskeletal Pathway

Leadership in Advanced Clinical Practice - 10 credits

This module offers you the opportunity to critically evaluate theoretical principles of leadership and management which can then be applied to your own current and future clinical practice. The module covers leadership and management, personal effectiveness, management of resources, management of people and explores the current literature on leadership and management. The module offers you the opportunity to reflect on your own qualities as a clinical leader and to consider how to develop yourself for your future practice. The overall aim of the module is to develop leaders with the confidence and skills to become competent and reflective leaders.

Advancing Practice Service Improvement Project - 30 credits

This module aims to enable you to propose a service improvement plan with accompanying presentation. This will be sufficient to obtain notional approval by senior decision-makers/project funders to progress with leading and implementing the project plan.

Integration of Advanced Clinical Practice (Non-apprentice route only) - 20 credits

The module aims to further develop your appreciation of the significance and potential impact of all four pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice when they are integrated into everyday practice. It will enable you to recognise how each pillar informs the various dimensions of your role and that how when utilised together in an integrated way they deliver considerable impact on the quality of teamwork and patient care delivery. It will facilitate and promote the inclusion of the pillars in your everyday practice to achieve excellent and innovative services for patients.

OR

Advanced Clinical Practice End Point Assessment (Apprentice route only) - 20 credits

a nationally recognised assessment of learning from the whole course to gain MSc accreditation.

Compulsory
Generic Pathway

Advancing Practice Service Improvement Project - 30 credits

This module aims to enable you to propose a service improvement plan with accompanying presentation. This will be sufficient to obtain notional approval by senior decision-makers/project funders to progress with leading and implementing the project plan.

Integration of Advanced Clinical Practice (Non-apprentice route only) - 20 credits

The module aims to further develop your appreciation of the significance and potential impact of all four pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice when they are integrated into everyday practice. It will enable you to recognise how each pillar informs the various dimensions of your role and that how when utilised together in an integrated way they deliver considerable impact on the quality of teamwork and patient care delivery. It will facilitate and promote the inclusion of the pillars in your everyday practice to achieve excellent and innovative services for patients.

OR

Advanced Clinical Practice End Point Assessment (Apprentice route only) - 20 credits

A nationally recognised assessment of learning from the whole course to gain MSc accreditation.

Compulsory
Neonatal Pathway

Leadership in Advanced Clinical Practice - 10 credits

This module offers you the opportunity to critically evaluate theoretical principles of leadership and management which can then be applied to your own current and future clinical practice. The module covers leadership and management, personal effectiveness, management of resources, management of people and explores the current literature on leadership and management. The module offers you the opportunity to reflect on your own qualities as a clinical leader and to consider how to develop yourself for your future practice. The overall aim of the module is to develop leaders with the confidence and skills to become competent and reflective leaders.

Advancing Practice Service Improvement Project - 30 credits

This module aims to enable you to propose a service improvement plan with accompanying presentation. This will be sufficient to obtain notional approval by senior decision-makers/project funders to progress with leading and implementing the project plan.

Integration of Advanced Clinical Practice (Non-apprentice route only) - 20 credits

The module aims to further develop your appreciation of the significance and potential impact of all four pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice when they are integrated into everyday practice. It will enable you to recognise how each pillar informs the various dimensions of your role and that how when utilised together in an integrated way they deliver considerable impact on the quality of teamwork and patient care delivery. It will facilitate and promote the inclusion of the pillars in your everyday practice to achieve excellent and innovative services for patients.

OR

Advanced Clinical Practice End Point Assessment (Apprentice route only) - 20 credits

A nationally recognised assessment of learning from the whole course to gain MSc accreditation.

Compulsory
Children and Young People Pathway

Advancing Practice Service Improvement Project - 30 credits

This module aims to enable you to propose a service improvement plan with accompanying presentation. This will be sufficient to obtain notional approval by senior decision-makers/project funders to progress with leading and implementing the project plan.

Integration of Advanced Clinical Practice (Non-apprentice route only) - 20 credits

The module aims to further develop your appreciation of the significance and potential impact of all four pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice when they are integrated into everyday practice. It will enable you to recognise how each pillar informs the various dimensions of your role and that how when utilised together in an integrated way they deliver considerable impact on the quality of teamwork and patient care delivery. It will facilitate and promote the inclusion of the pillars in your everyday practice to achieve excellent and innovative services for patients.

OR

Advanced Clinical Practice End Point Assessment (Apprentice route only) - 20 credits

A nationally recognised assessment of learning from the whole course to gain MSc accreditation.

Compulsory
Integrated Care Pathway

Leadership in Advanced Clinical Practice - 10 credits

This module offers you the opportunity to critically evaluate theoretical principles of leadership and management which can then be applied to your own current and future clinical practice. The module covers leadership and management, personal effectiveness, management of resources, management of people and explores the current literature on leadership and management. The module offers you the opportunity to reflect on your own qualities as a clinical leader and to consider how to develop yourself for your future practice. The overall aim of the module is to develop leaders with the confidence and skills to become competent and reflective leaders.

Integration of Advanced Clinical Practice (Non-apprentice route only) - 20 credits

The module aims to further develop your appreciation of the significance and potential impact of all four pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice when they are integrated into everyday practice. It will enable you to recognise how each pillar informs the various dimensions of your role and that how when utilised together in an integrated way they deliver considerable impact on the quality of teamwork and patient care delivery. It will facilitate and promote the inclusion of the pillars in your everyday practice to achieve excellent and innovative services for patients.

OR

Advanced Clinical Practice End Point Assessment (Apprentice route only) - 20 credits

A nationally recognised assessment of learning from the whole course to gain MSc accreditation

Compulsory
Urgent & Emergency Care Pathway

Leadership in Advanced Clinical Practice - 10 credits

This module offers you the opportunity to critically evaluate theoretical principles of leadership and management which can then be applied to your own current and future clinical practice. The module covers leadership and management, personal effectiveness, management of resources, management of people and explores the current literature on leadership and management. The module offers you the opportunity to reflect on your own qualities as a clinical leader and to consider how to develop yourself for your future practice. The overall aim of the module is to develop leaders with the confidence and skills to become competent and reflective leaders.

Advancing Practice Service Improvement Project - 30 credits

This module aims to enable you to propose a service improvement plan with accompanying presentation. This will be sufficient to obtain notional approval by senior decision-makers/project funders to progress with leading and implementing the project plan.

Integration of Advanced Clinical Practice (Non-apprentice route only) - 20 credits

The module aims to further develop your appreciation of the significance and potential impact of all four pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice when they are integrated into everyday practice. It will enable you to recognise how each pillar informs the various dimensions of your role and that how when utilised together in an integrated way they deliver considerable impact on the quality of teamwork and patient care delivery. It will facilitate and promote the inclusion of the pillars in your everyday practice to achieve excellent and innovative services for patients.

OR

Advanced Clinical Practice End Point Assessment (Apprentice route only) - 20 credits

A nationally recognised assessment of learning from the whole course to gain MSc accreditation.

Compulsory
Mental Health Pathway

Leadership in Advanced Clinical Practice - 10 credits

This module offers you the opportunity to critically evaluate theoretical principles of leadership and management which can then be applied to your own current and future clinical practice. The module covers leadership and management, personal effectiveness, management of resources, management of people and explores the current literature on leadership and management. The module offers you the opportunity to reflect on your own qualities as a clinical leader and to consider how to develop yourself for your future practice. The overall aim of the module is to develop leaders with the confidence and skills to become competent and reflective leaders.

Advancing Practice Service Improvement Project - 30 credits

This module aims to enable you to propose a service improvement plan with accompanying presentation. This will be sufficient to obtain notional approval by senior decision-makers/project funders to progress with leading and implementing the project plan.

Integration of Advanced Clinical Practice (Non-apprentice route only) - 20 credits

The module aims to further develop your appreciation of the significance and potential impact of all four pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice when they are integrated into everyday practice. It will enable you to recognise how each pillar informs the various dimensions of your role and that how when utilised together in an integrated way they deliver considerable impact on the quality of teamwork and patient care delivery. It will facilitate and promote the inclusion of the pillars in your everyday practice to achieve excellent and innovative services for patients.

OR

Advanced Clinical Practice End Point Assessment (Apprentice route only) - 20 credits

A nationally recognised assessment of learning from the whole course to gain MSc accreditation

Compulsory
Mental Health Non-prescribing Pathway

Leadership in Advanced Clinical Practice - 10 credits

This module offers you the opportunity to critically evaluate theoretical principles of leadership and management which can then be applied to your own current and future clinical practice. The module covers leadership and management, personal effectiveness, management of resources, management of people and explores the current literature on leadership and management. The module offers you the opportunity to reflect on your own qualities as a clinical leader and to consider how to develop yourself for your future practice. The overall aim of the module is to develop leaders with the confidence and skills to become competent and reflective leaders.

Advancing Practice Service Improvement Project - 30 credits

This module aims to enable you to propose a service improvement plan with accompanying presentation. This will be sufficient to obtain notional approval by senior decision-makers/project funders to progress with leading and implementing the project plan.

Integration of Advanced Clinical Practice (Non-apprentice route only) - 20 credits

The module aims to further develop your appreciation of the significance and potential impact of all four pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice when they are integrated into everyday practice. It will enable you to recognise how each pillar informs the various dimensions of your role and that how when utilised together in an integrated way they deliver considerable impact on the quality of teamwork and patient care delivery. It will facilitate and promote the inclusion of the pillars in your everyday practice to achieve excellent and innovative services for patients.

OR

Advanced Clinical Practice End Point Assessment (Apprentice route only) - 20 credits

A nationally recognised assessment of learning from the whole course to gain MSc accreditation.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

A wide range of educationally transformative learning opportunities are designed to develop clinical practice and other skills. These include simulation in our state-of-the-art facilities, role-specific work-based learning utilising expertise from the breadth of clinical practice and up-to-date approaches including problem-based scenarios from the real world of practice.

Inter-professional and collaborative experiences are at the heart of the course. The development in the final year of a proposal for a service improvement project will give you the opportunity to develop project leadership skills. The importance of effective mentorship in practice is afforded high priority and emphasis since it is crucial in helping you to apply theory to practice.

Teaching contact hours

One day taught/attended session per week at the Coventry campus for three 13-week terms per year.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 12-16 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

Assessment methods are varied and may include:

Essays
Vlogs
Case presentations
Simulated consultations
Project reports.

They are designed to give you the opportunity to measure effective safe clinical practice, while also delivering practical skills in presentation and engagement with colleagues. Together they can feed forward into your ongoing growth and development.

The creation of an individual practice portfolio, feeds throughout the course demonstrating advanced clinical practice competence, capability and expertise within your specific field of practice.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Must be a registered healthcare practitioner
Normally qualified for a minimum of five years, with a minimum of two years’ experience in your current speciality
Must be working for a minimum of 30 hours per week, employed as a Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner / Advanced Clinical Practitioner
Must have full support and engagement of your line manager
Must have an identified senior clinical mentor.
Normally hold an honour's degree in a health-related discipline and evidence of continuing professional development that shows an ability to study at master’s level.
Applicants must provide, on application, two references, one should be an academic one and the other a clinical/employer one.

Additional Requirements: Neonatal Pathway

Students on the Neonatal Pathway must be able to work in an area of practice where examination of the newborn can be undertaken. Employer support and appropriate clinical supervision must be evident before commencement of the course.

Academic advice
Normally, once the application papers are complete and have been processed, applicants will be invited for informal interview (usually in-person, but may be done virtually) to confirm suitability and discuss and confirm the choice of pathway.

Additional Requirements: Integrated Apprenticeship

Evidence for selection is gained from applicant’s personal statement, academic qualifications and employer’s recommendation.
Applicants must be registered with a statutory health and/or social care regulator with proof of current registration.
Applicants must demonstrate achievement of English and Mathematics qualifications at a minimum of Level 2, as per general apprenticeship requirements.
Students must remain in continuous appropriate employment throughout the life of the course.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK	£11,200 (part-time total fee)	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Careers and opportunities

This course is currently going through the accreditation process with Health Education England. When this is complete students (past and present) will be able to go automatically onto the directory.

Graduates typically progress into Advanced Clinical Practitioner roles in a range of settings in primary/secondary/tertiary care, in the NHS and some private services.

How to apply

UK students

Part-time students applying to start in September should apply directly to the university. Complete your application form to get started.
Open application form
For questions regarding study and admissions please contact the HLS CPD Admissions Team:

+44(0)24 7765 5158
+44(0)24 7765 5989
+44(0)24 7765 7142

cpdadmissions.hls@coventry.ac.uk

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

Advanced Clinical Practice MSc

Course overview