Your final award will depend on
the number of modules you successfully complete. There is the option to study
one module (20 level 7 credits) or two modules (40 level 7 credits) at any one
time, working towards the completion of study at any of the three offered
academic award levels:
- PG Cert (3
modules worth 60 level 7 credits)
- PG Dip (6
modules worth 120 level 7 credits)
- MSc (9
modules worth 180 level 7 credits).
There will be an opportunity
for you to undertake modules from an approved ‘acceptable modules’ list from the
postgraduate health care course portfolio.
Dimensions of Advanced
Nursing Practice (compulsory for all award levels) - 20
credits at level 7; Semester 1, every Tuesday morning
This module enables students to
analyse and debate key issues in the advancement of nursing practice. You will
examine developments within the nursing profession, and in relation to your own
role. You 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. You will be facilitated in the
analysis and debate of real issues from your 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 level 7; Semester 1 or 2, Mondays
This practice-based module aims
to enable you to develop the skills and knowledge to take a comprehensive
patient history and a thorough physical and psychosocial assessment. This
module will significantly enhance your assessment skills and ability to accurately
take and document a patient/client's health history and examination findings
using appropriate terminology, reporting deviations from normal in a succinct
manner to colleagues within the multidisciplinary team.
Note: If you only wish to take module
P44011 Advanced History Taking and Assessment as a standalone module (rather
than as part of a long award such as an MSc), then you can apply to be a
postgraduate associate student. You do not apply via UKPASS for this, but
instead contact the Programme Administrator on aphls@brookes.ac.uk / 01865 48 2590 for further
details and an application form.
P44012 Diagnostic Reasoning in
Practice (compulsory for all award levels) - 20
credits at level 7; Semester 2, alternate Tuesday mornings
This module enables you 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 you to provide a theoretical base from which to
make efficient and effective decisions in relation to patients'/clients' health
care needs, and their management.
P44061 Applied Research Methods
(compulsory for PGDip and MSc awards) - 10 credits at level 7;
Semester 1 or 2.
This module is designed to
develop greater understanding of research methods relevant to health care
practice. It aims to develop decision-making skills related to research design
by exploring the theoretical context of research methodology and the
implications for research / study design. A broad and eclectic approach is
taken to the module, choice of research / study methods and their use in the
investigation of contemporary health care problems. Learning will take place
from a range of perspectives.
P44062 Dissertation in Advanced Practice (compulsory
for MSc award) - 50
credits at level 7; 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 / service
evaluation / audit / literature review, which will allow you to demonstrate the
development of skills in scholarship and an ability to focus on a specific
research / study question(s). In addition, it provides sufficient scope to
display a wide appreciation of the context of the chosen topic within the field
of health care. The research / study questions posed by students are expected
to vary considerably; however, you will be required to justify the chosen methodology.
The investigation undertaken will encompass a systematic collection and
analysis of data and reflect awareness of the implications of the research /
study for practice, theory, education, management and future research within
the health care field.
Support will be given through
the allocation of a supervisor for the duration of your dissertation. The module
is organised so that opportunities are available, at regular intervals, for you
to communicate and discuss work in progress with peers and other health care
professionals.
For PG Diploma and MSc awards you will be required to
complete two or three modules from an approved list of appropriate options that
includes Non-Medical Prescribing, Evidence-Based Practice, Independent Study,
Leadership in Health and Social Care, and Tackling Cancer.
Please note: as our courses are
reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the list of modules you can select from may vary from those
above.
Teaching and learning
This course has a flexible modular structure. Learning activities include seminars,
group discussions, action-learning circles, and skills practice. There is an emphasis
on analysing real situations from practice as a basis for examining underlying
theoretical issues.
All our courses adopt a student-centred approach to
teaching and learning and are strongly focused on encouraging each individual
to attain their full potential as lifelong learners. In a lively, challenging
and supportive atmosphere you will be encouraged to share your learning with
peers and colleagues, and to consider how you can contribute to the development
of others. The strategies we use encourage self-reflection, the integration of
theory and practice, and inter-professional collaboration.
Some modules are designed
in a distance learning mode using IT resources, including the Brookes Virtual
Learning Environment (an online repository of lectures, handouts, information
and learning exercises). Most are delivered in a ‘blended learning’ framework
combining attended taught sessions with online learning and resources.
Approach to assessment
Module assessment strategies vary throughout the programme. You
will have opportunities to negotiate the specific content and nature of most
module assessments with your tutors to ensure that your work combines academic
study with challenges in current practice.