Developing expertise in clinical practice (degree and masters level)

Develop your skills in health assessment, clinical examination and clinical reasoning
Developing expertise in clinical practice (degree and masters level)

Key features

This 20 credit module, which can be taken at either degree level or masters level, enables you to enhance your knowledge of the theory and evidence base on which the clinical consultation is based. 

You will improve your clinical management planning skills to promote high quality, safe, patient-focused care in clinical practice, as well as ensuring that your practice is based on current evidence and incorporates relevant professional, legal and ethical dimensions.

You will build upon your knowledge of medical consultation skills, refining your history taking and documentation to aid diagnosis. 

You will improve your understanding and apply a deeper level of the diagnostic process, using problem solving to ensure safe patient management.

Throughout the module, you will use interactive technology to underpin and support your learning and also learn through interacting with other healthcare professionals.

Module code

UEC605/APP730

Credits

20

FHEQ level

Level 6 - bachelors degree

Level 7 - masters degree

Location

Blended learning approach with face to face delivery in Plymouth 

UEC605 course details (degree level)

On successful completion of the module you will be able to:

  • demonstrate the ability to effectively receive a patient history and undertake appropriate and effective clinical examination
  • demonstrate knowledge of the theory specific to your patients health needs and the ability to differentiate minor illness and injury from serious illness and major injury
  • demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate your management planning to optimise patient safety and work in partnership with your patients
  • critically evaluate contemporary research justifying its value to inform your clinical reasoning.

Assessment

The assessment for this module is an essay.

(Please note that the assessment details are provisional – if you require further information please contact the module lead or the Professional Development Unit).

APP730 course details (masters level)

On successful completion of the module you will be able to:

  • receive a history and critically analyse the findings in relation to the patient’s clinical presentation
  • critically examine the theory specific to your patient’s health needs and the ability to differentiate minor illness and injury from serious illness and major injury
  • critically evaluate your management planning to optimise patient safety and work in partnership with your patients
  • critically evaluate their development, identifying their own learning needs, within specialist areas through use of clinical examinations and consultations
  • critically evaluate the evidence base that contributes to practice developments within minor injuries.

Assessment

The assessment for this module is an essay.

(Please note that the assessment details are provisional – if you require further information please contact the module lead or the Professional Development Unit).

Admissions information 

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.

Access to: 

  • application forms 
  • change of name forms
  • pre-course information
  • downloadable guides
  • student card.

Visit our admissions homepage for full details.

Module dates

1, 3 February, 1, 3, 28, 29 March, 18, 19 April and 3, 5 May 2022. 

(Occasionally delivery dates might be subject to change – always check with the module lead or Professional Development Unit).

Please be aware that all modules run to minimum numbers.

In the event that there are low numbers, this module may be rescheduled to an alternative date. 

Some modules are also subject to maximum numbers.

What programmes can these modules count towards?

The degree-level module can be studied as a standalone module or as an optional module for the following programmes:

The masters-level module can be studied as a standalone module or as an optional module towards some MSc Advanced Professional Practice pathways.

For further information please contact the Professional Development Unit.

COVID-secure module delivery

The University is adhering to government guidance relating to COVID-secure operation. For this reason, modules are being delivered in a variety of formats, with much content delivered online, either in an interactive manner (i.e. requiring participation at the allotted times), or sometimes in a passive manner (i.e. you may be able to conduct some of the study outside of the typical taught hours of 09:00–17:00).

Some sessions, particularly clinical assessments, will continue to be delivered face-to-face with appropriate risk-mitigating measures in place. Others may allow you the option of attending face-to-face or synchronously engaging on-line with peers who attend face-to-face.

When you receive confirmation of your enrolment on a module, you will be granted access to our Digital Learning Environment (DLE or Moodle). You should access this prior to the start of your module to determine the teaching format of the module’s sessions.

Module Lead - Suzi Robinson

"This module forms part of a number of programme pathways, which is reflected in the disciplines of participants from a wide range of urgent and emergency health care settings. These include: intercalating medical students; Paramedics; Registered Nurses and Allied Health Professionals. This diversity of experience enhances the teaching and learning activities and provides a fabulous opportunity for inter-professional learning. The course uses a wide range of teaching and learning activities such as discussion, seminars, group work and interaction with leading professionals in the field of emergency nursing and medicine."

Entry requirements

To be considered for a place on these modules:

  • you need to be a registered health and social care professional working in clinical practice
  • to study the module at degree level you must have previously studied at level 5 (i.e. Foundation degree or equivalent)
  • to study the module at masters level you must have previously studied to graduate level.

Each student will be considered and advised individually (where required) by the programme team and Professional Development Unit. Please contact the PDU or programme lead if you have any queries regarding your situation.

Medical students who are looking to intercalate should also contact the PDU for information on the specific entry requirements for our intercalated programme.

Fees 

Please see our professional development module fees page.