MSc in Advanced Practice

This course is aimed at registered health, social care, and nursing professionals working in or towards an advanced practice role.

Developed in collaboration with expert clinical practitioners, this course is suitable for registered nurses, and health and social care professionals working in or towards an advanced practice role. The course has been designed to comply with the Scottish Government'sevidence-based, requirements for advanced practitioners.

You will be supported to develop the skills to practice autonomously. You'll be able to assess, diagnose, and manage undiagnosed, undifferentiated, and complex clinical presentations, in an evidence based, safe, effective, and person-centered way. You will develop the knowledge and skills required for advanced practice by undertaking a range of modules based on the four areas of Advanced Practice:

• Clinical Practice
• Facilitation of Learning
• Leadership and Evidence
• Research and Development

You should be employed as an advanced practitioner or have a trainee advanced practitioner role in a relevant clinical environment with access to appropriate clinical support and supervision in order to gain the requisite knowledge and skills required for an advanced practitioner. We will ask you to demonstrate this support when you apply by providing a signed mentor and manager form.

Teaching

The course is mainly delivered online and may include:

• Pre-course reading and activities
• Problem-based scenarios
• Online discussion boards
• Self-directed learning
• Individual reflection

You will be required to attend face-to-face sessions covering:

• Physical and mental health assessment, clinical examination skills, prescribing, and pharmacology

Assessment

This course is assessed using a variety of methods including:

• Practice-based learning portfolio
• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
• Exams
• Essays
• Assessed online activities-discussion boards
• Research proposal, practice-based project, or evidence base systematic review

You will complete four modules, which will expand your knowledge and expertise in clinically focused topics. You will then be allocated a supervisor and go on to complete your dissertation.

The Non-medical Prescribing module is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Health and Care Professions Council and acceptance of this module is subject to additional approval.

Core Modules

These modules are an essential part of your course.

• Advanced Clinical Assessment and Decision Making (PN50150)
• SHS Distance Learning Dissertation (PN50157)

On completion of this course you will have developed the knowledge and skills to enable you to develop as a leader in a changing healthcare landscape.

This course facilitates the development of lifelong learning skills (such as critical reflection, critical thinking, problem-solving and the use of evidence-based practice) to enhance your professional and academic skills.

This will maximise the opportunities for your career development and progression as an Advanced Practitioner.