The Programme

• Course Content

  This Postgraduate Certificate comprises three 20 credit modules:

  Foundations of Anaesthetic Nursing Practice (Semester 1) – This module builds on theoretical knowledge and understanding of the physiological, psychological, and pharmacological principles underpinning peri-anaesthetic nursing care. It emphasises comprehensive person-centred assessment, maintenance of homeostasis, and management of complex conditions across adult, paediatric, and obstetric populations. Students will critically explore therapeutic communication, psychosocial support, and pain management within a person-centred framework, addressing anxiety, coping mechanisms, human factors and ethical issues in anaesthetic practice. Scenario-based learning will strengthen clinical decision-making, leadership, and collaboration, preparing nurses to deliver compassionate and evidence-based care while contributing to ongoing service improvement within multidisciplinary teams.

  Advancing Anaesthetic Nursing Practice (Semester 2) - This module enhances the advanced knowledge, clinical skills, and professional attributes necessary for the postgraduate programme in anaesthetic nursing. It emphasises comprehensive pre-operative assessment, airway management for adults and children, and the application of pharmacological and technological principles in anaesthetic care. Students will critically analyse patient safety, risk management, and quality improvement within complex perioperative settings. Simulation-based learning fosters competence in emergency and trauma management, enhancing leadership, teamwork, and communication in multi-professional environments. The module also highlights innovation, evidence-based practice, and the delivery of safe, person-centred anaesthetic care across diverse patient populations.

  HSN7076 – Evidence Based Practice  - Students will examine the principles and seven step process of Evidence Based Practice, including reflection on practice, identifying topics of inquiry, forming searchable clinical questions, locating appropriate evidence sources, interpreting research quality, and evaluating how evidence informs decision making, quality improvement and practice development.

   

• Outcomes

  Upon successful completion of this course, students will graduate with a Post Graduate Certificate (PG Cert) in Advanced HealthCare Practice (Anaesthetic Nursing).  

• Delivery

  Students should note that delivery may be via blended learning, with a mix of online and face to face classes as detailed within the module timetable on Canvas.

  Autumn (AUT) teaching commences w/c Monday, 21 September 2026 (Week 1) and finishes w/c  Monday, 14 December 2026 unless otherwise advised.

  Spring (SPR) teaching commences w/c Monday, 18 January 2027 (Week 18) and finishes w/c Monday, 27 April 2027 unless otherwise advised.

  Venue for first class listed below - thereafter, students should check the Weekly Planner facility on QSIS for remaining venues.

  First Semester	(Day)	(Time)	TBC
  Second Semester			TBC

• Selection Criteria

  Applicants shall normally hold a relevant 2.2 Honours degree or above, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. 

  Applicants who do not hold a 2.2 Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) may be considered on a case-by-case basis where they can demonstrate evidence of successful study at Level 6 in a healthcare related subject. 

  Applicants must provide evidence of at least 20 CAT points at Level 3/6. Certificates must clearly state level of study and credit worthiness in order to meet the entry requirements. 

  In addition, applicants accessing postgraduate certificates must be working in the relevant clinical area. 

  International Trained Nurses/Midwives: If you hold an international qualification you will need to provide a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability. This should be obtained prior to submitting your application. You can apply for a statement through the ENIC website: Statement of Comparability (enic.org.uk)