The Programme

• Course Content

  This Postgraduate Certificate comprises three 20 credit modules:

  Biomedical Foundations for Respiratory Nursing (Semester 1) – This module aims to develop students’ critical knowledge of the biomedical sciences underpinning respiratory nursing, enabling them to integrate pathophysiology, diagnostics and pharmacology into evidence-based practice. On completion of the module the student will be expected to:

  1. Critically analyse the structure and function of the respiratory system in relation to common acute and chronic conditions.
  2. Critically apply knowledge of pathophysiology and pharmacology to explain symptoms and treatment approaches in respiratory disease.
  3. Evaluate diagnostic findings and biomedical data relevant to respiratory assessment and nursing care.
  4. Integrate biomedical understanding into decision-making to support safe and effective respiratory nursing practice.

   

  Holistic Approaches to Respiratory Nursing (Semester 2) – This module aims to enable students to critically evaluate and apply evidence-based nursing approaches to the assessment and person-centred management of individuals with respiratory conditions, addressing physical, psychological, social and ethical aspects of care across acute and community settings.  On completion of the module the student will be expected to:

  1. Critically analyse assessment and management approaches for individuals with respiratory conditions across different care settings.
  2. Apply evidence-based interventions to plan and deliver person and family-centred respiratory nursing care.
  3. Critically evaluate psychosocial and multidisciplinary factors influencing respiratory care and patient outcomes.
  4. Communicate complex respiratory nursing concepts effectively through written, visual and oral formats.

   

  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 (Respiratory 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)