Course Comparison

Course
PgDip District Nursing MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner in Mental Health
Award
Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip Master of Science - MSc
Duration
2 years 3 years
Assessment breakdown
- -
Course type
Full-time Part-time
Placement
(with placements) -
Location
Plymouth Plymouth
Provider
School of Nursing and Midwifery School of Nursing and Midwifery
Entry requirements
  • Entrants must be registered nurse (Level 1) and have a minimum of one years post-registration experience.
  • Entrants must possess the competence, experience and academic ability to study at the required level of the programme.
  • Entrants should have completed study at Level 6 or higher within the last 5 years.*
  • All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English at Grade C or above.
  • Students will be required to be working in a community setting that will facilitate the successful completion of the programme learning outcomes and achievement of a minimum of 600 hours district nursing and community practice. 
  • Applicants where English is not the first language must also provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English in accordance with the University’s Admissions Code of Practice, that is, IELTS of 7 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each part.
*In order to commence the programme, entrants 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 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.
Offers are subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) report.
  • Applicant must be registered with a relevant professional body, for example the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and have 3 – 5 years’ experience as a registrant in mental health practice. Professional body registration must be maintained throughout the duration of the programme.
  • Applicants must be in salaried employment, in a role demanding advanced practice skills and knowledge and have the full agreement from their employer. 
  • Applicants must have a named, allocated co-ordinating workplace supervisor and the employer must have committed to the provision of ongoing workplace supervision that meets the Health Education England guidance for advanced clinical practice. 
  •  Applicants must have access to clinical areas that will facilitate the successful completion of the programme and module learning outcomes. 
  • Applicants will normally have a relevant first degree, BSc (Hons) at 2:2 or above; or a European first cycle equivalent. Applicants without a first degree, BSc (Hons) at 2:2 or above may be eligible to apply, if combined with appropriate practice related experience relevant to the  programme and following submission of a written essay marked against level 6 criteria.
  • Applicants will be assessed individually for their ability to study at Master’s level and an interview will normally be necessary. 
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English through an IELTS average of 6.5, overall minimum of 5.5 in each part.
  • Claims for credit for prior learning will be assessed following University regulations.