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A 20-credit level 7 module developed with NHS England and NHS Improvement to support your development to become a Professional Advocate (PA).
level:PG;top_up:false;international:false;foundation:false;clearing:false;full_time:false;part_time:true;start_month:October, March, June;location:Distance Learning

Becoming a Professional Advocate (PA)

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Key Facts

  • Level

    PostgraduatePG

  • Duration

    10 weeks

  • Starting

    October, March, June

    OCT, MAR, JUN

Updated 18/08/2025

Updated 18/08/2025

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

Follow Us

PA@northampton.ac.uk

Overview

This RCN accredited 20-credit level 7 module, has been developed with NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSEI) to support your development to become a Professional Advocate (PA).

The module focuses on leadership and clinical supervision that promotes quality improvement within clinical practice, that enhances the wellbeing and resilience of the clinical team.

Over the course of the module, you will be supported to critically appraise and develop the key knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a PA. You will be encouraged to develop existing leadership and advocacy skills to utilise the A-EQUIP model to enhance both personal and professional practice of yourself, and others in your clinical practice.

RCN  accreditation aligns The University of Northampton to the RCN’s standards of excellence.  As a delegate on an RCN accredited programme the delivered content will promote best practice and lead to improved patient care.

For more information please email: PA@northampton.ac.uk.
Logo containing two overlapping hands beside the text "Royal College of Nursing" and "RCN Accredited" in red and blue.

Highlights

  • Develop existing leadership and advocacy skills to utilise the A-EQUIP model.
  • Strong links with NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSEI).
  • Mental Health First Aid half day course.
  • The University offers a wide range of facilities to support your learning.
  • Enable nurses and Allied Health Professionals to critically appraise and develop the key knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a Professional Advocate (PA).
  • Behaviour change and motivational interviewing.

Entry Requirements

  • You will be a graduate nurse or Allied Health Professional or have evidence of recent study at level 6.
  • And you will have support from line manager/PA Lead.

For more information and how to apply, please email: PA@northampton.ac.uk

With your application you will be asked to provide the following information:

  • Evidence of your Highest qualification.
  • Change of name document, if your application or certificates or Photo ID are in different names.
  • Photo ID (Driving Licence or Passport).

Please Note: Application spaces for this course is limited to selected pre-approved participants who meet a specific criteria and have received approval.  For more information and how to apply, please email: PA@northampton.ac.uk.

Course Content

Over the course of the module, you will be supported to critically appraise and develop the key knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a PA.

The module equips Nurses and Allied Health Professionals to facilitate restorative supervision with the A-EQUIP model.

Course Overview
  • Restorative clinical supervision
  • Models of supervision and their function
  • Building of personal and professional resilience
  • Reflection, supportive challenge, feedback and feedforward
  • Informed decision making.
  • Personal action for quality improvement (QI)
  • Advocacy and personalisation function of QI
  • Contributing to systems of QI and quality assurance.
  • Education and development
  • Informing appraisal and revalidation
  • Leadership development
  • Effective use of mentoring and coaching
  • Recognising stress in the workplace
  • Self-compassion and compassionate leadership
  • Leading service quality improvements
  • Recognising stress in the workplace
  • Self-compassion and compassionate leadership
  • Leading service quality improvements.

This module is linked to the Competency Self-Assessment tool for PA’s (CSAT). We recognise that as student PA’s you will all be at different stages in your development – particularly in reference to clinical supervision so please note that to achieve final status as a PA you will go on to complete the PA Competencies which require you to be signed off by your Director of Nursing or Nominated Deputy.

For further information on the award, please email: PA@northampton.ac.uk

How will I be taught?

The course is delivered on-line via the University of Northampton Learning Platform., one day per week for 10 consecutive weeks. Each taught day is scheduled from 10.00 to 16.00 hours and each cohort is scheduled on the same day of the week for 10 consecutive weeks.

How will I be assessed?

The assessment for this module requires you to complete a 4,000-word reflective portfolio.

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Fees – intakes up to June 2026
  • £945
2024/25 Fees – intakes up to June 2025
  • £920

Please check with training development lead or PNA lead in your area, as there may be funding available through NHS England, CPN or other sources.

There is also discount available for bulk purchases of places.

Careers and Employability

Working as a sessional or full-time Professional Advocate.

Postgraduate Opportunities

Our CPD and Master’s courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt.

Is this course for you?

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