Community Practice

MSc

This course is designed to allow students to study at Masters level while also preparing them to work within the primary and public health care arena.

Overview
Content
Additional information
How to apply
Fees and funding

Course level

Postgraduate

Modes of study

Part time

Attendance

The award is offered on a part-time basis and is designed in a systematic way using a modular approach to be completed in two to five years.

Location

Park Campus

Entry requirements

The University's admissions policy applies. The following restriction applies:

Applicants must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as either a nurse or midwife
Applicants should be in a community practice setting when undertaking HLSM079 (Advancing Community Practice), and have an identified practice teacher from the same pathway

Accreditation of Prior Experience of Learning (APEL): Applicants may apply for exemption from modules in accordance with the University regulations in force at the time. This process is dependent on the student providing the quality and quantity of evidence necessary so that an informed decision can be made about any claim. This evidence is reviewed against the learning outcomes of the particular module(s) in question. Learners must APEL against a whole module; APEL against a part module is not permitted.

UKPASS code

037323 - view details at UKPASS

Length of study

Two to five years, a minimum of three years to complete the full MSc programme.

School

School of Health

Course content

The course has been developed in collaboration between The University of Northampton and Practice colleagues, this has resulted in a course that is part-time and flexible. This meets the needs of both students and practice areas and allows students to achieve at their own pace.

The course provides a learning environment which enables students to share previous knowledge and experience to further develop the body of knowledge within their profession and/or field of health studies.

There are exciting learning opportunities for students from a range of healthcare disciplines to study together and thus enhance their understanding of their own role and the roles of others within the healthcare sector.

Students are enabled to apply knowledge gained from their studies, to individual areas of professional practice.

MSc Community Practice

To be eligible for the award of MSc Community Practice, the student must successfully complete all 'compulsory' modules, and up to 20 credits of 'designated' modules. This will take three years.

Postgraduate Diploma Community Practice

To be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma Community Practice, the student must successfully complete all 'compulsory' modules, and up to 20 credits of 'designated' modules. Students would not complete HLSM063 or HLSM064 when undertaking this award.

Special course features

Flexible and modular
Elements of practice assessed and graded with Practice Teachers
Practice-based learning

Typical modules

Click here for a detailed list of modules.

These are a selection of the modules available:

Advanced practice in managing long-term conditions and chronic diseases
Advancing community practice
Effective delivery of mental health care
Evidence based healthcare research
Evidence based research project
Innovation and creativity
Leadership: the people challenge
Leading public health practice
Pharmacology for healthcare
Therapeutic communication interventions

Reading list

Finkelman A W (2006) Leadership and Management in Nursing, Pearson, New Jersey

Hargie O, Dickson D (2004) Skilled Interpersonal Communication Research, Theory and Practice 4th ed., Routledge London

Marquis BL, Huston CJ (2008) Leadership Roles and Management Functions in Nursing Theory and Application, 6th Edition, Lippincott Philadelphia

Assessment

Each module is assessed individually using a range of methods. The Advancing Community Practice module is assessed using a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates achievement of modified specialist practice competencies (NMC, 2001) alongside a viva voce and a written reflective account.

Methods of study

A range of teaching and learning strategies are used, including lectures, seminars and practice-based learning.

Career opportunities

Graduates who complete this course will have developed leadership/management and practice development skills. The skills of autonomous practice will enable those completing this course to work innovatively to meet the public health agenda.

For general application information please see our how to apply page.

Fees quoted are for home and EU students commencing their course in the academic year 2012/13. Tuition fees are payable for each year of the course. The fees are subject to annual increases in subsequent academic years.

Part-time fees

Year 1: £540 per 20 credit module

Funding for some of these modules may be available from NHS East Midlands subject to meeting the required criteria through the Learning Beyond Registration contract which is accessible until March 2013. Please follow the link for eligibility criteria.