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This MSc/PgDip/PgCert in Advancing Practice in Health will allow you to advance your practice in your chosen field. The learner-centred approach enables individuals to tailor their learning to their interest, requirements and aspirations.

Structure and exit awards

You can opt to study the MSc (180 credits), PgDip (120 credits) or PgCert (60 credits). You can also register as an associate student to complete a single module for CPD. On completion of a single module, you may wish to complete further modules and progress your studies to a named award. Contact Kath Nicol or Admissions for further information.

Teaching, learning and assessment

All modules are delivered online and can be studied from a distance. Additional support is available for those new to or returning to master’s level study.

There are a variety of assessment methods including critical and reflective coursework, ePortfolios, presentations and practice-based assessments.

Teaching hours and attendance

No on-campus attendance is required at Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ, and course material is delivered entirely online. Each 20-credit module will equate with approximately 200 hours of study, which will include regular online contact and independent experiential learning.

Class sizes

You will join a multi-professional online community of learners.

Teaching staff

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

PgCert

If studying for a PgCert, you will complete:

• Fundamentals of Advancing Practice (20 credits)
• Enquiry-based Practice (20 credits)
• Plus, 20 credits from any approved Framework modules

PgDip

If studying for a PgCert, you will complete:

• Fundamentals of Advancing Practice (20 credits)
• Enquiry-based Practice (20 credits)
• Plus, 80 credits from any approved Framework modules

MSc

If studying for MSc, you will also complete a Dissertation (60 credits).

Framework modules:

• Advanced Competencies I & II (20/40 credits)*: These modules enable you to attain pre-agreed workplace competencies and to critically evaluate the evidence base underpinning the selected area of work.
• Advancing Practice Portfolio I & II (20/40 credits)*: These modules enable you to develop a portfolio which provides evidence of your ability to deliver advanced practice level of care mapped to appropriate underpinning frameworks and standards.
• Assessment for Learning (20 credits): This module is designed to enable those who have an educational role to formally develop their knowledge and understanding of a variety of assessment and feedback methods.
• Diagnostic Investigations for the Lower Limb (20 credits): This module will provide you with theoretical knowledge and understanding of a range of diagnostic and laboratory investigations in the lower limb. NB This module is only available every second year.
• Dissertation (60 credits): This module will enable learners to develop and apply the skills of research and enquiry to produce original work contributing to a subject, field or profession.
• Demonstrating Impact in Practice (20 credits)*: This module will enable learners to advance their practice by demonstrating sustainable impact in practice at a service, project or community level.
• Enquiry-based Practice (20 credits): This module will provide you with an understanding of research principles, methodologies and analysis.
• Facilitation of Learning (20 credits): This module is designed to enable those with an educational role to formally develop their knowledge and understanding of how to facilitate the learning of others.
• Fundamentals of Advancing Practice (20 credits): This module will provide you with critical knowledge and understanding of advanced practice.
• Leadership for Transformation and Innovation (20 credits): This module will provide you with a broad critical knowledge and understanding of the principles of leadership required for transformation and innovation in the public and private sectors.
• MRI/CT in Practice (20 credits)*: This module will enable learners working with MRI or CT to develop a critical understanding of protocol selection and development as well as facilitating the evolution of skills and techniques regarding MRI or CT.
• Medical Imaging of the Foot and Ankle (20 credits)*: This module will provide learners with a critical understanding of diagnostic modalities to develop evaluative and interpretative skills of musculoskeletal and orthopaedic modalities. NB This module is only available every second year.
• Non-medical Prescribing for Allied Health Professions (40 credits)*: This module will prepare learners to prescribe safely and competently within the context of their professional role as non-medical prescribers.
• Principles of MRI/CT (20 credits)*: This module will allow learners working with MRI or CT to develop a more in-depth understanding of the theoretical applications of MRI or CT.
• Tissue Viability (20 credits): This module will provide you with critical understanding of the evidence base for factors contributing to cutaneous ulceration, viable assessment techniques and the effectiveness of current management practices.
• Specialist Oncology Management (20 credits)
• Independent Study (20 credits)
• Theory and Practice of Person-centred Health and Wellbeing (20 credits)
• Leading Person-centred Practice for Health and Wellbeing (20 credits)

Please note:

• If opting to study for a single module, you will be able to select any module from this list.
• If you chose to follow one of the named awards (eg Advancing Practice in Medical Imaging, Advancing Practice in Dietetics etc), you will complete the modules specific to that route.
• Modules marked * require individuals to be working in the specific area and/or have access to an appropriate workplace setting (paid or voluntary).

NB The modules listed are correct at time of posting (Oct 2024) but are subject to change pending revalidation. In the event that modules change, Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students.

All modules will provide learners with enhanced career progression opportunities in leadership roles or within their specialist field of practice.

Entry requirements

Honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline.

International students:

• You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 6.5 with no individual component score less than 6.0.
• Please note as this course is fully online, the University cannot sponsor International students to study here on Student visa.

Other requirements

Some modules require individuals to be working in the specific area of practice and/or have access to a suitable workplace setting (paid or voluntary) along with the support of a line manager and work place mentor.

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Applying for this course

For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of this page.

Application deadline

Typically December for a January start and August for a September start.

Terms and Conditions

The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2025/26 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).

Contact Kath Nicol (Programme Leader) or contact Admissions for further information.

More information on our forthcoming open events