Advancing Practice MSc

Course Content

• Course Details

  The MSc Advancing Practice programme has been developed driven by rapidly developing health and social care developments at both regional and national level.

  In recent years there has been a significant shift in professional boundaries between groups of health and social care professionals, and the need for educational programmes to support the growth of advanced level practice. The opportunity to learn inter-professionally; to undertake modules which embed advanced practice within both academic and practice learning; will facilitate the development and enhancement of proficiency for students who wish to develop advanced clinical practice.

  It is within this context that this programme has been developed. Practitioners working and studying at postgraduate level must be able to utilise and challenge information from a variety of sources and disciplines.  Skills related to critical appraisal and using, adapting and progress methods of enquiry appropriate to their discipline are essential.  The engagement in critical debate and problem solving at a complex level, together with the ability to work independently are all congruent with leading practice and ensuring practitioners are fit for purpose and fit for practice.

  The inclusion of a range of designated module enables you and your employer (if your studies are employer funded), to consider both needs of your service and the specific learning needs you may have to advance your practice.  It also facilitates a flexible approach in developing knowledge and skills.

  If you do not wish to complete the full programme you can apply directly for, or exit with, either a postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma in Advancing Practice if the compulsory modules have been completed.

  With the exception of the compulsory modules required for this award, students can select their pathway from the range of designated modules. Attention should be drawn to the admissions criteria for some of these modules as listed below

  Module information can be found on the Award Map.

  For further information on the award, or its associated modules, please contact Tracey Ali, Programme Lead, on advancedpractice@northampton.ac.uk

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• Entry Requirements

  Applicants need to have:

  • An appropriate healthcare or data related Bachelor’s degree with honours.
  • Must be employed within a health and social care related environment.
  • Must be a UK registered healthcare professional.

  or

  • Students who do not have a relevant Bachelor degree must satisfy the University that by virtue of their professional standing, qualification and/or training that they are fit to register for, and to benefit them from, their proposed programme of study.

  Please note that for NURM114 additional PSRB criteria apply for studying this module.

  For further information regarding the award and it associated modules please contact Tracey Ali, Programme Lead, on advancedpractice@northampton.ac.uk

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• Fees and Funding

  2023/24 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Part Time: £890 per 20 Credit Module
  • UK – Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice: (60 Credits) £2,670 (1 Year)
  • UK – Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Practice: (120 Credits) £5,340 (2 Years)
  • UK – MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Top Up): (60 Credits) £2,670 (1 Year)
  • UK – MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Full Award – 180 Credits): Year 1 (60 Credits) £2,670, Year 2 (60 Credits) £2,670* (*may be subject to inflationary increase in 24/25), Year 3 (60 Credits) £2,670* (*may be subject to inflationary increase in 25/26)
  • UK – MSc ACP Degree Apprenticeship – can be fully, or part, funded by the apprenticeship levy. Employers can contact the apprenticeship team for further information via apprenticeships@northampton.ac.uk

  2022/23 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 22/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Advancing Practice (60 Credits): £2,550 (1 Year)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Advancing Practice (120 Credits): £5,100 (2 Years)
  • MSc Advancing Practice (Top Up) (60 Credits): £2,550 (1 Year)
  • MSc Advancing Practice (Full Award – 180 Credits): Year 1 (60 Credits) £2,550, Year 2 (60 Credits) £2550* (*may be subject to inflationary increase in 23/24), Year 3 (60 Credits) £2550* (*may be subject to inflationary increase in 24/25)

  Postgraduate Loans

  If you are starting a postgraduate master’s course in 2021/22 you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Loan through Student Finance England. You must apply for and enrol onto the full MSc Award (180 credits) and complete your study within 3 academic years.

  Additional Costs

  There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2021. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  Scholarships and Bursaries

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

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Further Study Opportunities

There is opportunity for those who wish to continue educational study and work at academic Level 8 on completion of the MSc Advancing Practice award, to register for the Doctor of Professional Practice in Health and Social Care or a PhD programmes which are also offered at the University of Northampton.