Successful completion of this course will give you access to second-level registration on the NMC register as either a qualified general practice nurse, district nurse, or as a nurse in a home setting.
The course provides registered nurses with the opportunity to gain both a professional qualification and an academic award at degree level.
On graduation, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to become a capable and confident general practice nurse, district nurse, or home nurse.
We are known for our flexible approaches to practice-based learning, with course durations and intensities that can be adapted to your individual needs and outside commitments.
The values of the NHS constitution are embedded in our curriculum; where patients come first in everything the NHS does, and include respect and dignity, compassion and working together for patients.
Our high quality teaching and research are renowned, and have an applied focus. We have established strong links with community specialist practice educators to ensure the provision of support and guidance both within the university and in community practice.
We have a dedicated team of academic staff who are actively engaged in internationalising the nursing and midwifery curriculum.
Course structure
The course is delivered in a variety of ways, and is flexible enough to meet the needs of part-time students. Delivery is typically via e-learning, lectures, seminars, workbooks for work-based learning and simulation in our state-of-the-art Clinical Skills and Simulation Suite and Flexible Learning Environment.
You will be allocated practice placements by your employing trust, and assigned a dedicated tutor to support your learning in practice. You will also undertake a period of alternative practice during which you can spend a week in another practice environment, to diversify your skills and experience base.
A variety of learning and teaching strategies are used including problem-based and work-based learning. You need to be highly motivated and be prepared to actively engage with all aspects of your learning.
Public health roles are diverse, and flexibility in the course gives you the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills to suit your personal and professional ambitions.
With the guidance of a tutor, you will set out a professional development plan (PDP) from the initial interview, which will be reviewed throughout the course. The PDP helps to integrate your personal areas of advancement with the existing requirements of the knowledge and skills framework. It also serves as evidence of your expanded skill set in order to boost your future employability.
The PDP also ensures that your needs are assessed on an ongoing basis and adjustments made accordingly, particularly useful if an extended part-time route is taken.
You will be supported throughout your course and placements by a practice teacher and mentors. An exciting variety of learning approaches are utilised in the course, which can be tailored to your preferred learning styles.
Syllabus
• Research Methods
This module, shared with other students in the graduate programme, facilitates the development of knowledge and skills required to inform evidence-based practice, and prepares students for completion of a dissertation.
• Research Evidence in Practice
This is a practice-based module focusing on the evidence underpinning clinical practice and theory – practice relationships.
• Transforming Practice: the challenges of change
The aim of this module is to develop practitioners who will take a lead role in the management and development of effective strategies for health and social care interventions. This module is shared across the community nursing programmes with level 6 students.
• Nurse Prescribing from the Community Nurse Prescribers Formulary
This module is mandatory for those undertaking the Nursing in the Home / District Nursing pathway.
In addition to the core modules mentioned above, you can choose from a wide choice of optional modules which allow you to study topics of personal and professional interest, including:
• Leadership and Management
• Practising Public Health
• Assessing Individuals and Families
• Practice Development through Work-based Learning
• Investigating Health and Social Care.
Facilities
- Flexible Learning Environment
The Flexible Learning Environment is an adapted home environment in a residential location where you'll be able to practise skills and learn from other students while taking part in a realistic training experience.
Every room is fitted with cameras and microphones, so that students can be directed and monitored from the control room while the observation room provides the opportunity to review, playback and debrief.
- Clinical Skills and Simulation Suite
Our Clinical Skills and Simulation Suite is among the best equipped in the country, and is an invaluable tool for assessment and monitoring students' progress throughout the course.
Employability
Most graduates go on to work, or continue working, within the NHS in a variety of community nursing and primary care settings.
The skills and knowledge that you will have achieved by graduation can also be applied to a wide range of community nursing or public health roles in various settings.
The context of public health practice both within and outside of the NHS is constantly changing and the opportunities for career development and innovative approaches to service provision exist.
You will benefit from practising nursing skills in an environment that simulates real-life professional experiences. Provided by the NHS’ South East Coast Ambulance Service, you may have access to our Simbulance, enabling you to work alongside paramedic students in an interprofessional learning environment. On board is a high fidelity mannikin with multiple uses, and a child-size mannikin for paediatric scenarios.
Learning by simulation means you will be confident in your ability to apply your knowledge and skills in your professional life.
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