The new MSc Advanced Clinical Practice programme (apprenticeship and non-apprenticeship route), will adopt successful elements of the current programme that have been modified over the years with the support and collaboration of the stakeholders, while addressing the requirements of national drivers. Please note: students are expected to attend Kedleston Road campus once a week.
The programme offers the trainee advanced clinical practitioner clinical and theoretical skills in the management of individual patient care via history taking, examination of body systems, requesting appropriate investigations, prescribing medicines and therapies where appropriate, interpreting results and referring where applicable.
As a trainee advanced practitioner, it is also important to drive service improvement, undertake audit and research, so as to develop new knowledge and educate others to help improve the services provided to the people they are treating. The programme adopts the four pillars of advanced practice so as to achieve this goal.
In accordance with the philosophy of our programme and the Teaching, Learning and Assessment strategy of the University, the delivery of the Advanced Clinical Practice programme offers variety and assures the learning and assessment activities are relevant and of value to future professional practice. This is achieved through facilitating learning via a constructivist approach in partnership with the employer, in order to develop effective autonomous practitioners.
100%of students were satisfied with the quality of the course
100%of students agreed that the course is intellectually stimulating
100%of students agreed that staff are enthusiastic about what they teach
This programme is accredited by the Centre of Advancing Practice.
Health Education England’s Centre for Advancing Practice has been established to standardise post-registration education by accrediting advanced practice courses that achieve the standards outlined in the multi-professional Advanced Practice Framework.
Practitioners who have completed accredited education programmes will be eligible to be listed on the Centre’s Advanced Practice Directory.
Programme accreditation from the Centre for Advancing Practice will bring a new level of consistency to the workforce and help showcase advanced practice within health and social care.
This course is made up of three stages – Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc.
Stage One
- Clinical Decision Making
- Clinical Management Investigations and Referrals for the Advanced Practitioner
Stage two
- Non-Medical Prescribing (for those who are registered with professional bodies that allow prescribing practice, alternative modules can be selected if not)
- Research
Stage three
- Consolidating Advanced Practice
- Option module for non-apprentices, for example Advancing Communication Skills, Advancing Practice, Symptom Management, Therapeutics and Prescribing Practice, to name but a few.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Students will be assessed via the following examples;
Case based scenarios taken from their clinical reflections and developed into academic work that incorporates evidence and clinical reasoning, which will in turn inform their clinical practice.
The modules will help link the students everyday ‘lived’ practice via reflective thought and help develop a questioning approach to the application of effective and evidence-based care.
Other assessment methods include;
- OSCE’s
- Presentations
- Examinations
- Clinical logs
- Viva
Who will teach you
Donna Brewster: Lecturer Advanced Practice, Independent Prescriber and Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Terri-Ann Walsh: Lecturer Advanced Practice, Independent Prescriber and Advanced Nurse Practitioner
The apprentices/non-apprentices should normally be able to demonstrate;
- Evidence of continual professional development (CPD),
- Successful completion of degree level modules (40 credits plus)
- Around a minimum of 5 years post registration experience.
However, when we look at the applications we are looking for:
Statement of entry or evidence of their professional registration, this could include either Nursing, Midwifery Council ( NMC), Health and Care Professions council( HCPC) , or General Pharmaceutical Council (GPC)
Written confirmation from their employer that support is in place for them to receive clinical supervision throughout the programme with an appropriate and identified clinical supervisor, and where possible education supervisor. We require an employer reference and written confirmation from a nominated clinical supervisor.
We ask for evidence of degree or professional qualification and certificates.
International students residing in the UK who have an appropriate visa to enable them to work in the UK and hold a position of employment with a NHS Trust or organisation who is supporting them to complete the programme are eligible for the programme. However they need to be able to attend once a week and be able to provide evidence of meeting the entry criteria, qualifications and clinical support.
MSc Advanced Clinical Practice Apprenticeship
As above
Up to date DBS check
Evidence of English and Maths L2 qualification (GCSE or equivalent)
Apprenticeship route must also be able to demonstrate;
Achievement of English and mathematics qualification at a minimum of level 2 as per general apprenticeship requirements. This will be confirmed by employers as part of the selection process and agreed by the University on entry to the programme.
Trainee advanced clinical practitioners require the support of their employers. This is essential for apprentices, but supports the clinical development of all advanced practitioners and will be required on application.
Interview
Interviews will be held for our apprenticeship route.
Portfolio
Discussion and professional portfolio review will be needed for non-apprenticeships route.
2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)
| Type | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | N/A | £1,278 per 20 credits |
| International | N/A | N/A |
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable
2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)
| Type | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | N/A | £1,315 per 20 credits |
| International | N/A | N/A |
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
About postgraduate awards
Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.
| Award | Credits |
|---|
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 Credits |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 Credits |
| MA or MSc | 180 Credits |
This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.
Funding your studies
Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.
Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies
Alumni discount for Derby graduates
We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.
Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount
How to apply
Please look at our before you apply.
The courses have been developed to reflect the philosophies of Advanced Practice within the ethos of current health care provision in the UK, therefore your studies will be fit for purpose and informed by current standards.
You may wish to progress to a doctorate level of study. Many students go on to develop, specialise in, and lead the implementation of health care services including health care improvement.
The course is diverse and innovative, so you could use the skills and knowledge you've gained to work within the public and private sectors. The course ensures that your own personal interests are met as well as those of your employer (if appropriate).
Please note: those students who do not complete the full 180 master’s level credits may exit with the following;
• PG Cert (60 credits) Health Care Practice
• PG Dip (120 credits) Health Care Practice
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Contact us Contact us Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Minimum numbers
Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.
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