Key features

This 20-credit module provides education to support professional development in general practice and primary care networks. Students will learn about and develop skills in delivering person-centred care with a focus on primary prevention, public health initiatives and health screening.
The module team delivers teaching supported by a range of current clinicians, subject and context-specific experts who will guide exploration of topics including
  • Health promotion strategies
  • Screening and primary prevention
  • Immunisation of children and adults
  • Cardiovascular health and hypertension
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Wound care and tissue viability
  • Management of asthma.
You will have the opportunity to learn with GPN peers, and will enjoy a mixture of learning styles, such as face-to-face teaching, online and self-directed learning.
Please keep all dates free to engage with face-to-face teaching, ‘live’ teaching and each other on these days, which may be via zoom or in the classroom.
GP Nurse
GP nurse
Module code

APP755 / HEAD394


Credits

20


FHEQ Level

Level 6 (degree) and Level 7 (masters)


Location

Blended learning approach with face to face delivery at Plymouth and Exeter

Module details

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.
Foundations of general practice nursing course

Module dates

Plymouth
11, 18, 25 September, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 October 2025
Exeter
tbc
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.

Entry requirements

To be considered for a place on these modules you must be:
  • a registered practitioner working within a primary care setting in order to meet the module outcomes.
And one of the following:
  • a health and social care worker in possession of previous study at level 5 (Diploma of Higher Education) or a foundation degree to study the module at degree level
  • a health and social care worker ideally in possession of previous study at degree level to study the module at masters 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.

Fees

Fiona Cook

Module lead

“Welcome to general practice nursing at the University of Plymouth. As we embark on this journey together let me introduce myself. I have worked in general practice for over 30 years and continue to do so alongside my role as a lecturer. With a previous background in palliative care, I believe firmly in nursing as a vocation as well as a profession, delivering truly person-centred care. That is the underpinning theme of this course. Nursing in general practice offers the opportunity to become a specialist generalist, delivering care across the lifespan and improving health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. It can also be challenging and a steep learning curve as organisations respond to change. As course leader I aim to support you as you develop in this role. Do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of help. I look forward to meeting you.”

Admissions information

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.
  • Application forms.
  • Change of name forms.
  • Pre-course information.
  • Downloadable guides.
  • Student card.
Admissions information Additional information and documentation required for the application process.Access to application forms, download guides and confirmation information. Visit our admissions homepage.
Green figure with heartbeat image

You can contact the Professional Development Unit with any queries

Prospective student enquiries:
Current student enquiries:
Professional Development Unit, Level 4 Rolle Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom.
Monday – Thursday 8:30–17:00 and Friday 8:30–16:30.