Advancing Healthcare Practice

Clinical Practice

This route is suitable for registered nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals and is the preferred route if you are working towards an Advanced Practitioner role such as those working in acute care, primary care, out of hour’s or hospital at night services.

This route has a work-based learning approach where students require to be working in clinical practice to undertake the work-based element of the programme supported by an appropriately qualified practice assessor. This route is linked to the teaching, development and assessment of the nationally recognised benchmarks for advanced clinical practice.

It is expected that students undertaking this route will study Prescribing for Healthcare Practitioners however in response to local prescribing policy, alternative elective modules can be elected if required. This widens access for those students either not supported to undertake prescribing in practice or are from a profession not regulated to undertake prescribing.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

This route is suitable for registered nurses and is the preferred route if you are working in or towards a Clinical Nurse Specialist role.

This route has a work-based learning approach where students require to be working in practice to undertake the work-based element of the programme supported by an appropriately qualified practice assessor.

This route is linked to the teaching, development and assessment of the nationally recognised benchmarks for advanced clinical practice. It is recognised that not all clinical nurse specialists have prescribing within their remit and therefore there is flexibility within the course to either study prescribing for Healthcare Practitioners or alternatively choose 2 elective modules relevant to their specialism.

Course structure

Year 1 - both routes

Year 1 introduces students to the nationally recognised 4 pillars of advanced practice. This year introduces leadership and research as well as developing students’ knowledge around pathophysiology and advanced clinical assessment.

Year 2

Clinical Practice Route

Year 2 builds upon the first year, allowing students to study for an NMC approved prescribing qualification. Additionally, there is a focus on developing skills to interpret common clinical investigations and apply learning to students own workplace through an advancing practice lens.

In cases where students are unable to undertake prescribing, there is the option to select 2 x 15 credit elective modules relevant to their area of practice as an alternative.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Route

Year 2 builds upon the first year, allowing students the opportunity to choose between studying for an NMC approved prescribing qualification alongside a 15-credit elective module or 3 x 15 credit elective modules relevant to their area of practice. Additionally, there is a focus on applying learning to students own workplace through an advancing practice lens.

Year 3 - both routes

Year 3 concentrates on students undertaking their own project in an area of interest to achieve the full MSc Advancing Healthcare Practice Award.

Learning Methods

The programme is driven by a philosophy that is student-centred, progressive, and practice focused.

You will learn within a virtual environment, CampusMoodle, and apply theoretical learning to practice through a work based learning approach. You will therefore have an opportunity to apply learning to your specific area of practice within contemporary healthcare service.  

Prospective students require to have a reliable broadband connection and be able to participate with online learning.  In addition, effective word-processing, email and web search skills is recommended.

How long is an Advancing Healthcare Practice course?

This MSc Advancing Healthcare Practice course can be successfully completed in 3 years (36 months).

Activity Summary

Year 1

• Lectures, tutorials and webinars - 25-35 students per group, 20 hours contact and 130 hours non-contact time per module.  
  • Prescribing for healthcare practitioners  module - 60 contact hours.
  • Clinical Assessment and Examination for Advancing Practice - 50 contact hours.
• Work based learning - 35 students per group, 500 hours individually in practice.
• Project during dissertation module - individual supervision, 30 contact hours and 570 non -contact hours.

Independent Study

Self-study time is an important part of your success, including learning in practice settings. You will be considered adult learners who need strong organisation and self-direction skills.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Year 1

• 1 written exam, typically for 1.5 - 2 hours
• 2 written assignments, including essay
• 1 oral assessment

Year 2

• 2 written exams, typically for 1.5 - 2 hours each
• 2 written assignments, including essay
• 2 portfolios

Year 3

• 1 dissertation

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Staff Delivering on this Course

The majority of the lecturers who teach on this course are qualified Healthcare Professionals, many with an NMC recordable teaching qualification, with a wide range of experience from varied healthcare settings. They also have educational and research experience.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Job Prospects

The programme recognises the accepted international benchmark for advanced practice and trains you to be highly experienced and educated member of care teams who can diagnose and treat healthcare needs or make a referral to an appropriate specialist.

This programme will prepare you for an advanced role in a range of healthcare settings. You will develop the decision-making, research and leadership skills required to deal with complex clinical situations. The programme is designed to allow you to continue and develop your knowledge and skills within your own areas of practice, enabling you to accelerate your career progression.

Some advancing practice roles may deem prescribing as an essential qualification. This may have an effect on job prospects for students who do not undertake prescribing as part of the MSc programme. 

Entry Requirements

What is needed to study MSc Advancing Healthcare Practice?

The minimum entry requirement for this programme will normally be an honours degree or its equivalent. In addition, because of the work based nature of the programme, all students must be working in clinical practice or sponsored by a Health Board and have access to a practice assessor/practice supervisor.

You must have a first registration within an appropriate professional body and be working in clinical practice and have the support of an appropriately qualified Practice Assessor. Additional entry criteria is required to be met to undertake module NUM090 Prescribing for Healthcare Practitioners (NMC 2019).

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

For Academic Year 2024/2025

UK students

• £3,040  Stage 1
• £3,040 Stage 2
• £2,020 Stage 3

EU students

• £3,040  Stage 1
• £3,040 Stage 2
• £2,020 Stage 3

International students

• £5,510  Stage 1
• £5,510 Stage 2
• £3,670 Stage 3

Additional Costs

• £59 for Protecting Vulnerable Group (PVG) check