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.