Assessing and Managing Minor Illness
Key facts
Course code
CPD7042
Start dates
January 2026 / January 2027
Application deadline
1 December (for a January start)
Course length
Part time: One semester
This course is not available to students classed as International for fees purposes.
Overview
This single practice related module offers students who are registered health care professionals, the opportunity to explore and critique theories, models and strategies used in the examination and clinical management of minor illnesses. Students will be encouraged to synthesise clinical findings with concepts from current evidence-based practice to critically analyse their decision making in relation to the diagnosis and treatment of minor illness.
How to apply
Entry requirements
- Students must hold professional registration with the relevant Nursing and Allied Health Professional Body in the UK.
- Students should normally have been a qualified health care professional for 3 years.
- Pre-requisite of the recent successful completion of an accredited Level 6 or 7 module in History Taking and Physical Assessment
OR
Line manager confirmation (signed supporting document) that an individual's prior learning and professional experience are equivalent to the prerequisite of recent successful completion of an accredited Level 6 or 7 module in History Taking and Physical Assessment and the candidate has demonstrable experience of comprehensive history-taking techniques and advanced physical assessment skill
- Be working in a relevant clinical environment in which they can achieve the clinical skills required. Have support of their line manager and access to an assigned practice supervisor
Terms and conditions of enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Application process
Applications are made online via the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences application portal.
If you wish to take this as a standalone module then you can apply to be a postgraduate associate student using our online application portal. You will need to register for the portal prior to proceeding with an application.
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year your fees will increase each year.
How and when to pay
Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.
- For information on payment methods, please see our Make a Payment page.
- For information about refunds, please visit our Refund policy page
Financial support and scholarships
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.
Learning and assessment
The teaching, learning and assessment strategy of the module reflects its student centred, patient-centred and practice-focused approach. The module has an appropriate division between structured learning activities and private study. Opportunities for sharing existing and developing skills, knowledge and experience, are maximised. To make the most of the range of experience, skills and knowledge within the group, a variety of teaching and learning strategies will be employed. This is to encourage development of critical self-awareness and personal literacy within the context of both academic and research literacy.
Learning and teaching
The module will explore the examination techniques common to minor illness presentations, covering both paediatric and adult examination techniques.
Topics will include
Anatomy and review examination techniques, minor illness conditions, common presenting complaints, treatment options of:
- Epidemiology, Pharmacology, Microbiology in the context of managing minor illnesses
- Head, Ears, Eyes, Nose and Throat Conditions and examination
- Respiratory conditions
- Abdominal and Genitourinary conditions, examination and referrals
- Skin conditions, VTE, examination and referrals
- Viral Illness and Minor illness in paediatrics
- Sexual health and user/patient perspectives
- Mental health presentations
- Minor Illnesses in Paediatric Patients – consideration of common presenting complaints, abnormal findings and management relating to minor illnes
Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been
published on the website. For more information, please visit our
changes to programmes page.
Careers and professional development
Students who have completed similar health and life sciences postgraduate modules have been employed within their speciality both locally and nationally. This course enables you as a practitioner to work through the Agenda for Change grading bands to further your career progression.