Advanced Practice (Clinical) - 2012 entry

Course content

Your final award will depend on the number of modules you successfully complete. There is the option to study one module (20 CATS M Level) or two modules (40 CATS M Level) at any one time, working towards the completion of study at any of the three offered academic award levels:

• PGCert (3 modules worth 60 CATS credits)
• PGDip (6 modules worth 120 CATS credits)
• MSc (9 modules worth 180 CATS credits).

There may also be an opportunity for you to undertake a module from another course in the postgraduate health and social care course portfolio.

P44014 Advancing Professional Practice (compulsory for all award levels) - 10 credits at M Level; Semester 2, alternate Monday afternoons

This module enables students to analyse and debate key issues in the advancement of professional health and social care practice. Students will examine developments within their professional field, and in relation to their own role. They will be supported in the enhancement of self-awareness and personal/professional growth through the use of strategies that include reflective practice and critical thinking. Students will be facilitated in the analysis and debate of real issues from their practice, through student-centred learning approaches such as action learning, student presentation and discussion.

P44011 Advanced History Taking and Assessment (compulsory for all award levels) - 20 credits at M Level; Semester 1, Mondays; Semester 2, Tuesdays

This practice-based module aims to enable students to develop the skills and knowledge to take a comprehensive patient history and a thorough physical and psychosocial assessment. This module will significantly enhance the students' assessment skills and ability to accurately describe the patient/client's history and examination findings using appropriate terminology, reporting deviations from normal in a succinct manner to colleagues within the multidisciplinary team.

P44012 Diagnostic Reasoning in Practice (compulsory for PGCert, alternative compulsory for PGDip and MSc) - 20 credits at M Level; Semester 2, alternate Monday mornings

This module enables students to critically appraise knowledge and evidence related to the physiology underpinning diagnostic tools and interventions used within practice. The development of this knowledge will enable the student to provide a theoretical base from which to make efficient and effective decisions in relation to patients'/clients' health care needs, and their management.

P46600 Portfolio (compulsory for PGCert) - 10 credits at M Level; Semester 1 or 2
This module builds on the foundation of learning achieved in module P44014 in relation to advanced practice. The module requires students to develop a portfolio of evidence of achievement of the module learning outcomes. Group work in workshops on portfolio development and tutorial time with academic advisors are provided to support students in producing their portfolio of evidence.

P44050 Non-Medical Prescribing (alternative compulsory for PGDip and MSc) - 30 credits at M Level; Semesters 1 & 2, Thursdays

This module provides a programme of preparation for registered nurses, midwives and health visitors to prescribe safely and competently as independent prescribers and additionally as supplementary prescribers. The course introduces pharmacology, legal and ethical prescribing, interpersonal skills and quality assurance aspects of prescribing. These are underpinned by reflection on students’ own experience, applying theory to practice and evaluating their own performance.

P49210 Advanced Research Design (compulsory for PGDip and MSc) - 20 credits at M Level; Semester 1 or 2, Wednesdays on-campus or distance learning

This module is designed to help students develop greater independence in their ability to engage in investigative work. It aims to develop decision-making skills related to research design. Students will also explore the theoretical and philosophical context relevant to a study of research methodology and consider their implications for research design. A broad and eclectic approach is taken to the module, choice of research paradigms and designs and their use in the investigation of contemporary health care care problems. Learning will take place from a range of perspectives.

P46601 portfolio (compulsory for PGDip and MSc) - 10 credits at M Level; Semester 1 or 2
This module builds on the foundation of learning achieved in module P44014 in relation to advanced practice. The module requires students to develop a portfolio of evidence of achievement of the module learning outcomes. Group work in workshops on portfolio development and tutorial time with academic advisors are provided to support students in producing their portfolio of evidence.

P49214 Independent Study - 20 credits at M Level; Semester negotiable - no timetabled hours: students will be linked with a facilitator

This module allows students to undertake a negotiated individual study, focused on a health care topic pertinent to their area of practice. Students are thus able to enhance their reflective and analytical abilities and build on existing knowledge and experience.

P44820 Leadership in Health and Social Care - 20 credits at M Level; Semester 1, Thursday mornings

The module offers students the opportunity to develop and apply the knowledge, conceptual and practice skills needed to be an effective leader within health and social care environments, both in the public and private sector. Through a range of assessment and learning opportunities such as coaching, seminar/group work and guided personal study, students will deepen their awareness of key theories and the research evidence on leadership practice and its application at a personal, organisational and inter-organisational level.

P49203 Evidence-based Practice - 20 credits at M Level, Semester 2, Distance learning

This module aims to explore and critique theories, models and strategies for evidence-based practice, with application to the health and social care setting. Examination of the purposes, uses and limitations of various approaches to evidence-based practice, with consideration of political and economic dimensions. Consideration of the concepts of decision-making from the practitioner, purchaser, provider and consumer perspectives. Exploration of some available tools for critical-appraisal and the transfer of evidence to professional knowledge. Sharing of the work of experts, researchers and the student group for discussion and critique.

P49215 Dissertation (compulsory for MSc) - 60 credits at M Level; Semester 1 or 2, 10 hours of negotiated supervisor-student contact

This module provides you with the opportunity to engage in a piece of investigative research which allows students to demonstrate the development of skills in scholarship and an ability to focus on a specific research question(s). In addition, it provides sufficient scope to display a wide appreciation of the context of the chosen topic within the health care field. The research questions posed by students are expected to vary considerably; however, students will be required to justify an appropriate methodology. Support will be given through the allocation of an academic supervisor for the duration of the dissertation. The investigation undertaken will encompass a systematic collection and analysis of data and reflect awareness of the implications of the research for practice, theory, education, management and future research within the Health Care field. The module is organised in such a way as to ensure that opportunities are available, at regular intervals, for students to communicate and discuss work in progress with peers and other health/social care/support professionals.

Please note: as courses are reviewed regularly, the list of modules may vary from that shown here.

Faculty

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Clinical Health Care

Course length

Part-time: MSc: 3-5 years, PGDip: 2-4 years, PGCert: 18-24 months

Teaching location

Headington Campus, Marston Road

Start date

September 2012
January 2013

UKPASS code

P047914

Entry requirements

You must:

• have a first degree, or prior learning at the equivalent, appropriate level
• have a minimum of three years' post-registration experience in clinical practice
• be employed in a suitable clinical role in the UK for the achievement of clinical learning outcomes
• have evidence of current professional registration with the NMC or the HPC in the UK
• have access to an appropriate clinical supervisor within your area of practice
• have explicit written support from your line manager.

Overseas applicants and medical doctors are not eligible for this course.

Note: The university offers a pre-master's programme which has been designed to fully prepare you for your future master's course if:

• your undergraduate qualifications do not meet the level required for postgraduate study
• you wish to take a master's in a subject that is different from your undergraduate degree
• you need to improve your study skills and use of academic English.

Go to the main Oxford Brookes website for more information.

Scholarships and funding

A limited number of scholarships are offered by Oxford Brookes University. Applicants who have been offered a place on this course are eligible to apply for the following scholarship:-

John Henry Brookes Scholarship

The John Henry Brookes Scholarship is awarded to home/EU and international applicants for academic excellence. Each scholarship will be paid towards the tuition fee for a taught master's degree. The awards do not include a maintenance grant. For further details, visit our school website or email shscspgscholarship@brookes.ac.uk for more details.

Funding

You may be eligible for funding or sponsorship to undertake the course through your local strategic health authority, your employer or another source. Funding for the research modules may be obtained from the NHSE Research Directive. Self-funding applicants are also welcome to apply.

All applicants will be required to provide details of their funding arrangements prior to enrolment on the course.

For general sources of financial support, see funding for Postgraduate students from the UK and EU.

Why Oxford is a great place to study Advanced Practice (Clinical)

As a student in Oxford you'll be at the heart of the UK's most successful economic region and in a centre for leading industries which provides you with a host of learning opportunities.

Because Oxford is one of the world's great academic cities, it is a key centre of debate, with conferences, seminars and forums taking place across education, science, the arts and many other subjects.

In addition to our own excellent libraries and resource centres, our postgraduate students have access to the world-renowned Bodleian Library, the Bodleian Law Library and the Radcliffe Science Library.

Support for students studying Advanced Practice (Clinical)

All our courses adopt a student-centred approach to teaching and learning and are strongly focused on encouraging you to attain your full potential as lifelong learners.

There is a range of support mechanisms for students, such as academic advisers, who will facilitate your academic development, and student support co-ordinators, who provide a drop-in service for queries about any aspect of student life, covering both academic and personal welfare.

The university’s support services include Upgrade, which provides advice on study skills such as planning and writing essays, assignments and dissertations, research, or preparing for an exam. They also give advice on statistics and maths. There is a dedicated Student Disability and Dyslexia Service, which provides support for students with disabilities including sensory and mobility impairments, dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties, mental health problems and medical conditions. Here, staff offer advice and support on a range of issues, including physical access, funding, alternative assessment arrangements and liaison with teaching staff to ensure that they are aware of your requirements.

How Brookes supports postgraduate students

Supporting your learning

From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.

Personal support services

We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.

Departmental research highlights

We have a number of both promising and senior, experienced researchers working in established areas including cancer care, children and families, drugs and alcohol, physical rehabilitation and enablement, and interprofessional education & collaborative practice. Over the past few years, these researchers have won external research and consultancy contracts including grants, fellowships and studentships for NHS staff. Our research staff collaborate with researchers from across Oxford Brookes University and from the Institute of Health Sciences at Oxford University, along with research teams from many other UK and international centres.

Research excellence

We are very pleased with the results received in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). 70% of our research in Allied Health Professions and Studies was rated as being of international significance in the assessment of research, and of this, 10% was rated as world-leading. The university has been careful to nurture emerging research strengths, and the international standing achieved by subjects Allied to Health demonstrates significant progress since 2001.

For more details about our research portfolio, go to our website.