PgCert Enhanced Practice

• Year 1

• The programme comprises of 60 Higher Education Institution (HEI) credits at Level 7. The programme will be delivered via a blended learning approach (80% distance learning and 20% face to face.

  In addition to the core modules, students can select one optional clinical module (20 credits), creating a bespoke course based on the learner’s area of interest. This programme has been designed to allow the learner to RPL into future multi-professional Advanced Practice masters, should the learner wish to continue their postgraduate education. 

  Core modules

  • Advancing Practice in Leadership, Management and Change Implementation (ADV783)

    This module will develop students' knowledge and skills in Advanced Clinical Practice, exploring theories of Clinical Leadership and Management. It will encourage students to critically assess their own clinical leadership and management needs, as well as those of their team, helping to build capacity and capability and foster a culture of continuous improvement

  Optional modules

  • Pathomechanics and Rehabilitation of Gait and Balance (ADV710)

    This module focuses on the diagnostic and therapeutic interventions of health professionals managing patients with gait and balance problems. Gait and balance are explored alongside theoretical and practical approaches to rehabilitation in a wide variety of conditions.

  • Advancing the Management of Long Term Conditions (ADV735)

    This module focuses on critically applying knowledge and understanding to support service development for people with long term conditions' that is person centred; promoting self-management and collaborative working. This module is based on best practice discussed within national and international policy and guidelines. It will explore in depth the impact of long term conditions on the individual, their family and carers.

  • Advancing the Management of Long Term Conditions (ADV735Z)

    This module focuses on critically applying knowledge and understanding to support service development for people with long term conditions' that is person centred; promoting self-management and collaborative working. This module is based on best practice discussed within national and international policy and guidelines. It will explore in depth the impact of long term conditions on the individual, their family and carers.

  • Clinical Management of Hypertonia (ADV778)

    This module provides an opportunity for learners to develop advanced skills and knowledge in the holistic assessment and management of hypertonia. It will be delivered as a blended learning module, bringing together face to face delivery with facilitated e-learning opportunities.

  • Enhancing Practice in Paediatric Palliative Care (APP739)

    This inter-professional module aims to enhance the deeper practice of all professionals delivering palliative care to children, young people and their families. The module will build upon existing knowledge and experience while enabling students to develop a critical and reflective approach to the care of a child or young person on a palliative care pathway.

  • Diabetes Mellitus (APP754)

    A module for the practitioner to explore core knowledge issues relating to diabetes mellitus, based upon diabetes competencies.

  • Supported Independent Study (ADV712)

    This module is specifically designed to enable students to develop their own professional practice by undertaking and reflecting on learning and experience gained through a period of supported independent study related to agreed learning objectives.

  • Dietetic Practice: Supported Study (ADV749)

    This module is specifically designed to enable students to develop their own professional practice by undertaking and reflecting on learning and experience gained through a period of supported independent study related to agreed learning objectives.

  • Occupational Therapy Practice: Supported Study (ADV750)

    This module is specifically designed to enable Occupational Therapists to develop their own occupational therapy professional practice by undertaking and reflecting on learning and experience gained through a period of supported independent study related to agreed learning objectives.

  • Physiotherapy Practice: Supported Study (ADV751)

    This module is specifically designed to enable Physiotherapists to develop their own professional practice by undertaking and reflecting on learning and experience gained through a period of supported independent study related to agreed learning objectives.

• Final year

• Core modules

  • Education in Clinical Practice (ADV780)

    This module will develop students' knowledge and skills as a clinical educator, exploring theories of teaching and learning, and the principles and practices of assessment, feedback and evaluation. It will encourage students to critically assess their own learning and development needs, as well as those of their team, helping to build capacity and capability and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

PGCert Enhanced Practice standard Programme Specification 2024 25 7945

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Registered practitioner working in an area of practice that will facilitate the successful completion of module learning outcomes. The learner must be registered with either one of the statutory healthcare regulators, Social Work England or with one of the following accredited voluntary registers: The Academy for Healthcare Science, Register of Clinical Technologists or Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists.

Normally a relevant first degree, BSc (Hons) at 2:1 or above; or a European first cycle equivalent. 

Applicants without a first degree, BSc (Hons) 2:1 or above may be eligible to apply, if combined with appropriate practice experience relevant to the programme and following submission of a written critical evaluation of advanced practice marked against the Level 7 criteria. 

Due to the blended learning delivery model of this programme, it is an expectation that applicants will have access to wi-fi and relevant electronic devices that allow them to engage fully with all aspects of module delivery, teaching, learning and assessment. 

In some cases, an interview may be required to assess individual ability to meet the requirements of this module.

Level 2 maths and English students must be competent in their use of English and mathematics (GCSE grade 4/C or equivalent). 

Applicants must hold no less than two years post registration experience with no less than six months experience in their relevant self-identified enhanced practice clinical speciality.

Applicants must be working in a practice area that will facilitate the successful completion of the programme and module learning outcomes for the full duration of the programme.

Applications for September 2025 onwards

Please contact pduadmissions@plymouth.ac.uk or telephone +44 1752 586951 to register your interest in applying for this programme. 

Please include your name, contact details, email and telephone number, the course that you are interested in and the year you wish to start your studies. 

You will be sent further details on how to apply as soon as possible. 

 

When to apply
Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Before you apply
Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:

If you require further information take a look at our application guidance. 

Disability Inclusion Services
If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides. 

Submitting an application
Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply now' icon on this page). 

What happens after I apply?
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeksof us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.

Admissions policy
More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.