Programme Specification
MSc Advanced Professional Practice Intellectual Disabilities (QUB Jan Intake)
Academic Year - Start Jan 2026
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.
| Programme Title | MSc Advanced Professional Practice Intellectual Disabilities (QUB Jan Intake) | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Master of Science | |||||||||||
| Programme Code | NAM-MSC-AJ | UCAS Code | HECoS Code |
100476 - Health and social care - 100 |
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| ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
| Mode of Study | Full Time or Part Time | |||||||||||||
| Type of Programme | Postgraduate | Length of Programme |
Full Time - 1 Academic Year Part Time - 3 Academic Years |
Total Credits for Programme | 180 | |||||||||
| Exit Awards available | No | |||||||||||||
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
School/Department |
Nursing & Midwifery |
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Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 7 |
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Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
Midwifery (2009) |
Accreditations (PSRB) |
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No accreditations (PSRB) found. | |
Regulation Information
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Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations No |
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Programme Specific Regulations Examinations |
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Students with protected characteristics No impediments to applicants for this programme. |
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Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) Yes |
Educational Aims Of Programme
The overall aim of the MSc in Advanced Professional Practice is to offer a high quality supportive teaching and learning environments that provide graduates with:
Intellectual and practical skills necessary to promote and sustain innovative and emerging practice and leadership.
Intellectual and transferable skills necessary to function in positions of leadership and advanced practice.
Skills enabling graduates to critically review and introduce current evidence to practice or other investigative strategies relevant to practice and leadership roles.
Extensive research through execution of a Dissertation in Advanced Professional Practice.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Apply a constant and integrated approach to analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex concepts, and developing information and issues around area of practice. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
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Identify and offer advanced insights into complex and abstract ideas, and practice issues. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
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Nurture advanced responses to problems and issues around area of practice. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
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Deal with complex and emerging issues and make informed judgements around areas of practice. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Communicate at an advanced level to a range of audiences and adapt communication method to context and purpose. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
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Communicate effectively to peers and experts critical dialogue in keeping with professional standards and expectations within area of practice. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
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Use a range of resources to support and enhance work at Masters level. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
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Exercise a level of autonomy and initiative in professional and equivalent activities. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
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Demonstrate leadership in tackling and solving problems and issues. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
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Work in ways that are reflective, self-critical and evidence based. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
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Respond to complex and professional issues. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
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Make informed judgements on emerging issues linked to practice. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate a critical overview of subject areas, including critical understanding of principal theories, principles and concepts. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
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Demonstrate a critical and advanced knowledge and understanding of practice. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
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Develop advanced knowledge and understanding that is generated through personal study and investigation and contributes to the development of their area of practice. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Use an advanced range of the principle skills, techniques, practices associated with their area of practice. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
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Use and enhance a range of complex skills, techniques, practices and materials at forefront of their area of practice. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
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Demonstrate the development and application of advanced knowledge, understanding and practices. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
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Demonstrate advanced practice in the context of emerging issues and practice circumstances. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The programme will be supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars, group discussion, presentation, computer assisted learning, supervision, distance learning, practicals, directed and independent reading. Methods of Assessment Assessment will be through written assignment, clinical practical assessment, oral examination, portfolio and dissertation. |
Module Information
Stages and Modules
| Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Term |
Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | |||||||
| Implementing Continuity of Midwifery Carer (CoMC) for All Women | MID7078 | 7 | 20 | Spring | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Mental Health Essentials | HSN7078 | 7 | 20 | Spring | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% |
| Frailty, Rehabilitation and Enablement | SPR7090 | 7 | 20 | Spring | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 80% | 20% | 0% |
| Nursing Care of Older People | SPR7089 | 7 | 20 | Autumn | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Acute Cardiac Nursing | SPR7085 | 7 | 20 | Spring | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 0% | 100% | 0% |
| Health and Well-being in Later Life | SPR7088 | 7 | 20 | Spring | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Advances in Health Evidence and People with Intellectual Disabilities | HSN7081 | 7 | 20 | Autumn | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Contemporary Care Delivery in Intellectual Disability Practice | HSN7082 | 7 | 20 | Spring | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Special and intensive nursing care of the neonate | HSN7102 | 7 | 40 | Spring | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 70% | 30% | 0% |
| The art and science of neonatal nursing care | HSN7103 | 7 | 20 | Autumn | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 80% | 20% | 0% |
| Physiology: Homeostasis in Acute/Critical Health Care | HSN7083 | 7 | 20 | Autumn | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 0% | 0% | 100% |
| Practice teaching and learning for health and social care professionals | HSN7085 | 7 | 20 | Spring | 2 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Theories and principles of practice education | HSN7084 | 7 | 20 | Autumn | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Cancer Services, Design and Strategic Involvement | SPR7084 | 7 | 20 | Spring | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Holistic Approach to Cancer Care | SPR7083 | 7 | 20 | Autumn | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Successful leading for health and social care professionals | HSN7032 | 7 | 20 | Spring | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Health Assessment | NMP7002 | 7 | 20 | Full Year | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Principles of Critical Care in Midwifery | MID7016 | 7 | 20 | Autumn | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Applied Research Methods and Statistics in Healthcare | NUR7002 | 7 | 20 | Spring | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 70% | 0% | 30% |
| Qualitative Research Methods | NUR7010 | 7 | 20 | Autumn | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Pharmacotherapeutics for Practice | NUR7016 | 7 | 20 | Autumn | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Enhancing care and practice for children with complex health care needs | NUR7020 | 7 | 20 | Autumn | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Perspectives of family centred health & social care | HSN7038 | 7 | 20 | Spring | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Leading in Health and Social Care | SPR7078 | 7 | 20 | Autumn | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Applied Biomedical Aspects of Cancer Care | SPR7082 | 7 | 20 | Spring | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 30% | 0% | 70% |
| Enhanced Person-centred Practice | SPR7077 | 7 | 20 | Autumn | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Perinatal Mental Health | HSN7077 | 7 | 20 | Spring | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 70% | 30% | 0% |
| Evidence Based Practice | HSN7076 | 7 | 20 | Spring | 12 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Dissertation | NUR7009 | 7 | 60 | Full Year | 24 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Notes
The Master of Science in Advanced Professional Practice consists of two discrete Stages, 1 & 2, that comprise taught modules and a dissertation. Students must successfully take and pass six taught modules (120 CATS points – stage 1), including: one compulsory research module (NUR7002 or NUR7010); two pathway specific modules and three optional modules that may be selected from those available across the specialist pathways or the wider general options modules (see list of modules) and a dissertation (60 CATS points–stage 2).
Alternatively, students may opt for the Master of Science in Advanced Professional Practice with one of the nine specialist pathways, please see pathway specific programme specifications. This option consists of two discreet stages,1 & 2 that comprises taught modules and a dissertation (120 CATS points – stage 1), including one compulsory research module (NUR7002 or NUR7010); two pathway specific modules (choose from HSN7020, HSN7077 and HSN7038) and three optional modules that may be selected from the wider general option modules (see list of modules) and a dissertation (60 CATS points – stage 2).
Please note:
·NMP7002 Health Assessment has an OSCE is Pass/Fail and must be successfully completed.
·The MSc in Advanced Professional Practice is open to Registered Nurses, Registered Midwives, Allied Health Professionals, paramedics and other professions from a range of backgrounds.
·* Some modules may have restrictions and students must hold the relevant professional registration or be working in the practice area.
·All modules are subject to availability.