Advanced Nursing Practice

• You will have access to state-of-the-art clinical skills simulation suites and resources.
• We support multi and interprofessional learning and teaching, and many of our courses are either fully multiprofessional or offer excellent opportunities for shared learning.
• Our lecturers are experienced in their specialist practice areas and maintain excellent practice links with those areas locally or across the region.
• We have a strong research profile, with experienced researchers working in established areas of cancer care, children and families, drug and alcohol, physical rehabilitation and enablement, and interprofessional education and collaborative practice.
• In the Research Excellence Framework  (REF) 2014, 98% of our research in Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy was rated as internationally recognised, with 82% being world leading or internationally excellent. 
• We have an excellent track record of high levels of student satisfaction and high employability.

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.

P44060 Dimensions of Advanced Nursing Practice (compulsory for all award levels) - 20 credits at level 7; Semester 1; Wednesdays.

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 or Tuesdays.

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 8157 for further details and an application form.

P44012 Diagnostic Reasoning in Practice (compulsory for all award levels) - 20 credits at level 7; Semester 2; Wednesdays.

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 MSc award) - 10 credits at level 7; Semester 2; Tuesdays.

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. 

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.

Tuition fees

Home/EU - part time fee: 2019/20: £1,020 per single module 2020/21: £1,040 per single module

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed in the 'This course in detail' window above.

Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk

Funding and scholarships

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.

Funding

You may be eligible for funding or sponsorship to undertake the course through your LETB, 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.

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 (Nursing Midwifery Council) or HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) in the UK
• have access to an appropriate clinical supervisor within your area of practice
• have explicit written support from your line manager

International 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.

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 488157 for further details and an application form.

How to apply

How this course helps you develop

Students on the postgraduate programmes in Advanced Practice are invariably employed in senior clinical roles in healthcare. A number of past students have subsequently gained promotion to consultant or senior clinical management positions following their completion post graduate study in advanced practice.

Careers

How Brookes supports postgraduate students

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.

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.

Research highlights

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