Graduate and Post Graduate Certificate Fundamentals of General Practice Nursing

Overview of modules 

Transition into General Practice

Degree – level 6

By the end of the module, the student will be able to:

• Critically evaluate the theory and practice of partnership working in the context of General Practice.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of care management and care co-ordination.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the opportunities and challenges of implementing primary and secondary preventative health strategies in General Practice.
• Explore the underpinning principles of risk assessment, risk management and safeguarding in maximising service user safety and harm free care in the General Practice setting or primary care networks.
• Evaluate the role and impact of epidemiology, social determinants and health inequalities on the experiences and wellbeing of service users, families and communities.

Masters – level 7

By the end of the module, the student will be able to:

• Critically evaluate the theory and practice of partnership working in the context of General Practice and identify strategies for change and innovation.
• Demonstrate understanding and critical application of the principles of care management and care co-ordination.
• Critically analyse and evaluate the opportunities and challenges of implementing primary and secondary preventative health strategies in General Practice.
• Critically evaluate the underpinning principles of risk assessment, risk management and safeguarding in maximising service user safety and harm free care in the General Practice setting or primary care networks.
• Evaluate the role and impact of epidemiology, social determinants and health inequalities on the experiences and wellbeing of service users, families and communities.

Embedding in General Practice

Degree – level 6

By the end of the module, the student will be able to:

• Critically evaluate the application of evidence-based practice to managing consultations and assessment of patients within General Practice.
• Demonstrate understanding of the principles of personalized care and supporting self-management.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically reflect on their personal, professional and academic learning and development.
• Explore the challenges and differences of providing life course healthcare incorporating a range of specialist areas such as paediatrics, mental health and frailty.
• Demonstrate how their learning and development will enhance service delivery and the quality of life for service users and carers.

Masters – level 7

By the end of the module, the student will be able to:

• Critically evaluate the application of evidence-based practice to managing consultations and assessment of patients within General Practice and identify strategies for change and innovation.
• Demonstrate understanding and critical application of the principles of personalised care and supported self- management.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically reflect on their personal, professional and academic learning and development and take on leadership within their context of care.
• Critically evaluate the challenges and differences of providing life course healthcare incorporating a range of specialist areas such as paediatrics, mental health and frailty.
• Justify proposed approaches to enhancing service delivery and the quality of life for service users and carers.

Advancing within General Practice

Degree – level 6

By the end of the module, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and capability in practice to undertake clinical competencies required to fulfil the role of a general practice nurse.
• Discuss and analyse the developing role of the practice nurse, within the Primary Care Multi-disciplinary team and the interface of general practice with the wider health community.
• Develop and evidence reflective practice recognising its centrality to the provision of quality patient care. 
• Access and critically analyse the evidence base used to support current practice.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles involved in assessment and management of patients living with long term conditions.

Masters – level 7

By the end of the module, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and capability in practice to undertake clinical competencies required to fulfil the role of a general practice nurse.
• Critically analyse and evaluate the developing role of the practice nurse, within the Primary Care Multi-disciplinary team and the interface of general practice with the wider health community.
• Develop and evidence reflective practice recognising its centrality to the provision of quality patient care, innovation and leadership
• Access and critically analyse the quality of evidence base used to support current practice.
• Access, appraise and interpret the principles involved in assessment and management of patients living with long term conditions.

Course details and entry requirements

Level: Degree level 6 or Masters level 7. 

Duration: Part-time. Delivered in 24 days over one year. 

Delivery method: A blended approach to learning with face to face study days and highly directed online study resources and work-based learning.

Entry requirements: 

Graduate Certificate level 6

For entry to the GCert programme the student would normally already hold a Diploma or an honours / non-honours degree in a health or health related subject.

Those individuals without a degree but with appropriate practice related experience relevant to the programme may be eligible to apply.

• Currently registered with professional body.
• Employed within General Practice or appropriate primary care setting.
• Evidence of Current DBS and OH.
• Evidence of ability to study at selected academic level.

Post Graduate Certificate level 7

Each PGCert applicant is assessed for their ability to study at Masters Level and therefore an interview will normally be necessary. In order to commence the PGCert programme, the student must meet the University’s entry requirements for study at postgraduate level. Applicants will normally have a first degree, BSc (Hons) at 2.2 or above; or European first cycle equivalent. Those individuals without a degree but with appropriate practice related experience relevant to the programme may be eligible to apply.

Applicants will normally have a first degree, BSc (Hons) at 2.2 or above; or European first cycle equivalent plus a professional qualification in health or social care. Those individuals without a degree but with appropriate practice related experience relevant to the programme may be eligible to apply. Candidates without a first degree at 2.2 or above (or European first cycle equivalent) will normally be required to submit a short piece of writing as part of the admissions process. It is necessary to assess the potential student’s ability to study at masters level and therefore an interview will be necessary

Claims for credit for prior learning, whether certificated or experiential are considered and if suitable accepted for Recognition of Prior learning, following University regulations and Faculty procedures.

Fee: £1,000 per 20 credit module. 

Other key facts: Students will remain as part of the workforce and continue to contribute to patient care whilst working towards their qualification.

Programme Lead / Module Lead: Fiona Cook  

Module Lead: Beth Hawkes

Offers are subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) report.