Stand Alone Modules
A Stand Alone Module is normally 3 hours’ contact time per week for 12 weeks, which is then formally assessed. Students who successfully complete a Stand Alone Module may be eligible for entry to our degree programmes.
Module Aim
- Stand Alone modules give the applicant an opportunity to:
- Return to study Update in a new field of practice Further develop knowledge and skills in the current area of practice On successful completion of the module the participant will be awarded CATs points, which may count towards another award.Students may access a number of Stand Alone modules offered within a variety of nursing programmes. The modules may stipulate that participants must be working in a relevant clinical environment. Stand Alone modules are available at Degree Level (Level 3).
Module Outline
Each Stand Alone Module is worth 20 CATs points. Where a clinical skills component is included, there may be a requirement for support and supervision of an experienced practitioner within the student’s clinical area. We do offer a limited selection of Level 2 modules, which are designed specifically to prepare you for degree level study. Nurses and midwives who completed their training before 1991 (excluding Project 2000 students) may be interested in taking some or all of these courses. These do not, however, contribute to a BSc (Hons) in Health Studies award. Please note that courses are subject to a minimum registration, so it may not be possible to run all courses each year.
Duration
A Stand Alone Module must be completed within one academic semester.
Entry Requirements
Candidates must normally hold a professional qualification. Note: Some modules require a specific professional qualification.
Candidates must hold at least a Diploma in Higher Education or 120 CAT points at Level 2 (diploma level) for entry to Level 3 (degree level) study.
Candidates must hold a primary degree for entry to Level 7 (postgraduate level) study.
Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements should contact the School for advice.
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How do I apply?
APPLICATIONS FOR STAND ALONE MODULES ARE NOW CLOSED FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 22-23.
WE WILL ADVERTISE AGAIN IN JUNE 2023 FOR SEPTEMBER 2023 START.
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STAND ALONE MODULES - Level 3/6 - DEGREE LEVEL
* Students accessing these modules must be working in the relevant clinical area.
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ADMINISTRATION OF SYSTEMIC ANTI-CANCER THERAPIES - HSN 3016*
Available in Semester Two
This 40 credit double module is designed for nurses working in Cancer units. It covers the following subjects: cellular kinetics and tumour growth, the preparation and safe handling of systemic anti-cancer therapies, and the specialist care of the patient receiving these treatment.
- ASSESSMENT AND ADVANCED COMMUNICATION - SPR 3070 (NOT RUNNNG IN ACADEMIC YEAR 22/23)
Available in semester one
This module is required within a specialist practice pathway to allow students to evaluate person centred assessment and develop new insights of the global appraisal of the patient whilst demonstrating effective communication skills. The specialist nurse is expected to exercise higher levels of judgement and decision making in specialist care and communicate effectively. Therefore the module will be dedicated to communication, the philosophy of holism, person centred care, lifespan continuum and process of disease development, and interpreting patient data. The primary purpose of specialist practice is competent client assessment, effective communication and ensuring patient safety.
- BREAST AND CERVICAL SCREENING FOR NURSES, MIDWIVES AND HEALTH VISITORS - MID 3036
This integrated theory/clinical practice module will enable you to use higher levels of judgement and discretion when undertaking cervical smears and teaching breast awareness and deliver a higher quality service. You will acquire skills such as taking a cervical smear, principles of communication, counselling and teaching, as well as psychosexual counselling. You will undertake relevant research and be able to critically analyse National Screening programmes for the benefit of patients.
The programme also explores the anatomy and physiology of the breast, cervical and genitor-urinary medical conditions, and the ethical and legal issues surrounding screening. Practical supervision will be provided in the student’s own practice such as in a health centre, general practitioner practice or family planning clinic audited by Queen’s and recognised as agreed training facilities. Students must have an identified and agreed supervisor of practice and have negotiated their clinical placement with the module leader prior to commencing the course.
- CHILD CARE AND THE LAW - HSN 3043 (NOT RUNNING IN ACADEMIC YEAR 22/23)
Available in semester two
This module explores Child Care law, looking at key areas of statutory and case law, and related policy and guidelines that impact on care provision for children with differing needs in health care settings. It covers children from birth to 18 years and reviews the Children NI Order 1995, related legislation and the Courts that deal with family matters and juvenile crime. It looks at the role and functions of key agencies and their impact on enforcing children’s rights. The tort of negligence, duty of care and consent in minors is explored as is data protection and freedom of information legislation; including professional guidelines on record keeping and report writing and care plans, and for case conferences and the courts. Also, the preparation and giving of evidence is reviewed.
- EXAMINATION OF THE NEWBORN - MID 3077
Available in semester onee and two
This module will prepare midwives to undertake the examination of the newborn as screening for abnormality. It will include theory of the normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology of major systems as well as the clinical components that would enable the midwife to develop her clinical skills. Theory will be covered during study days and clinical practice will be developed during work time in the maternity unit under supervision. Students will be required to demonstrate knowledge of the theory and practice of examination of the newborn and assessment will be both practical and written.
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FUNDAMENTALS OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY - HSN 3026
Available in Semester One
This module will provide students with an overview of psychotherapy; models of mental illness and principles of cognitive behaviour therapy. It will also look at the areas of engagement, therapeutic relationship and therapeutic alliance; collaborative empiricism; strengths based assessment, resilience focused conceptualisation, planning, implementing and outcome based evaluating (using empirical measures); awareness, recognition, 29 assessment of depression and anxiety; CBT interpersonal and communication skills; clinical supervision; ethical principles.
- HEALTH ASSESSMENT - NMP 3002*
Available in Semester Two
This module gives students the opportunity to assess the health of clients in their care using a range of interventions and aims to integrate theoretical knowledge to underpin the skills required for competent physical and mental health assessment.
- INTRODUCTION TO THE CARE OF THE PATIENT REQUIRING ANAESTHESIA - HSN 3065
Available in Semester One
The aim of this module is to help the practitioner to develop new skills and confidence in caring for a patient immediately before, during and immediately after anaesthesia, prior to transferring the patient to the care of recovery room staff. The target group for this module is those Registered Nurses who are relatively new to caring for patients requiring anaesthesia and who have little previous experience in this area of practice. The module has as its focus the needs of patients and patient safety; it will help prepare the practitioner to develop new skills along with personal and professional development.
- LEADING FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE - SPR 3041
Available in Semester One
This compulsory module will enable students to evaluate their leadership skills and ability to facilitate others. By exploring clinical governance, reflective practice, leadership theory and models of facilitation, students will become more self aware and demonstrate effectiveness in helping others to learn, problem solve and develop in practice. Emphasis will also be placed on practice development, quality improvement risk and resource management. An awareness of current affairs, media and political issues will be debated in the module. Supported self directed learning and blended learning techniques will be utilised throughout the module.
- LOWER LIMB ULCERATION AND ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS - HSN 3014
Available in semester Two
This module will focus on epidemiology of leg ulceration, diabetic foot problems and primary and secondary lymphoedema. Emphasis will be placed on pathophysiology, patient assessment, special investigations, management options and care plan development incorporating the multiprofessional team.
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MANAGING PATIENT DETERIORATION - HSN 3001*
Available in Semester One
This module has been developed to help provide the nurse with the relevant education and training to enable them to provide holistic, person centred care, to the acutely ill adult. The module provides a foundation for recognising and managing patient deterioration. Acutely ill adults are no longer confined to intensive care or high dependency areas, but are increasingly being nursed in a variety of healthcare settings. This module will have a particular focus on the underlying pathophysiology, assessment and holistic management of patients with conditions such as shock, sepsis, COVID-19 and other respiratory, circulatory or renal conditions. The module will additionally enhance the nurse’s ability to critically discuss the principles of clinical assessment and decision making in planning and evaluating the deteriorating patient’s care.
- MODULES OF DEMENTIA CARE - HSN 3031 (NOT RUNNING IN ACADEMIC YEAR 22/23)
Available in Semester One
The aim of this short course is to facilitate registered nurses in developing the practical skills necessary to function effectively when caring for people with dementia and to appreciate the underpinning principles of practice alongside a detailed awareness of current evidence based care.
- PALLIATIVE AND END OF LIFE CARE - NUR 3007
Available in Semester Two
This module covers a range of issues including; exploration of the nature of nursing in palliative care, the management of pain and understanding of the patho-physiological nature of pain; pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of pain; symptom control and nursing assessment / intervention in gastrointestinal, respiratory and metabolic symptoms and their management.
- PHYSIOLOGY:HOMEOSTASIS IN ACUTE AND CRITICAL HEALTHCARE - NRS 3008
Available in semester 1
Following introductory lectures on key concepts underpining the homeostatic nature of the human body, this module will focus on specific physiological disruption and adaptation processes in the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and nervous systems within the context of acute and critical health care. In addition, related immunobiological, gastro-intestinal and haematological concepts will also be studies.
- PRESSURE ULCER PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT - NRS 3072
Available in semester 2
This module will focus on the effects of pressure and shear on blood flow, identification of at risk patients, nutrition and tissue viability, effects of posture and seating, manual handling, pressure mapping, pressure ulcer grading, prevalence and incidence collection and multi-professional care plan development.
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RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT IN CLINICAL PRACTICE - SPN 3001
Compulsory module on the post registration degree programme - BSc (Hons) in Health Studies
Available in semester 2
This module will build on the students’ existing knowledge, enabling them to develop as independent, critical and experienced practitioners who can develop change strategies within their own area of practice. Change in specialist areas requires practitioners to critically review research based practice, value its worth and disseminate this to promote and enhance the quality of patient care. The module will provide experienced nurses with the ability to apply research based knowledge and skills to evaluate the care and management of those patients/clients in their own area of clinical practice.
- SELF HARM - HSN 3078
Available in semester Two
Self-harm is increasingly common, but is often hidden. It can be hard to know what might be causing a person to self-harm, and how to help and support them. Most people who self-harm say it gives them some relief from unbearably painful emotions or numbness. Most say they are not suicidal, but a small number are truly suicidal, and it is known that people who repeatedly self-harm are at increased risk of dying by suicide.
This module aims to highlight the difference between self-harm and suicide and explore the role self-harm plays in the management of extreme distress. You will learn how to work more empathically and effectively with services users who present with this method off dealing with distress. Providing support for the family through education and skills development will be a significant aspect of this module. - SUBSTANCE MISUSE - HSN 3077
Available in semester 2
From a public health perspective figures from the NHS Health and Social Care Information Centre showing a 5% rise in overall admissions for drug and alcohol related mental and behavioural disorders is very worrying. Substance misuse is something that can develop very insidiously and what often began as a voluntary choice has turned into a physiological and psychological need.
This module will explore the epidemiology of substance use across the life-span. You will have an understanding of the diagnostic and screening assessment and treatment process. Using an early intervention framework you will develop the skills of early recognition and extended brief interventions. Current pharmacological treatments will be reviewed. Particular attention will be given to co-morbid mental and physical illnesses. - THE MANAGEMENT OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AND SEXUAL HEALTH - HSN3148 (NOT RUNNING IN ACADEMIC YEAR 22/23)
This module will enable health practitioners in relevant clinical settings to undertake the diagnosis and management of STIs, including partner notification and risk reduction in addition to achieving clinical competence in sexual history taking, genital examination, diagnosis and treatment. At completion of the module the health practitioner will be able to utilize higher levels of judgment, expertise and knowledge to become professionally competent and confident in giving advice and effective care on matters concerning common genital and sexually transmitted infections.
- THEORY AND PRACTICE OF FAMILY PLANNING AND REPRODUCTIVE SEXUAL HEALTH - MID3037
Available in Semester Two
This 40 credit double module will enable you to use higher levels of judgement and discretion in giving advice and effective care on matters concerning fertility control, sexuality and health promotion. You will acquire the theoretical knowledge of fertility control and sexuality, including discussion of all contraceptive methods and their effects on individual lifestyles.
You will gain competence in relevant contraceptive methods, and experience of teaching clients in the use of the use of their chosen contraceptive method. The programme also explores the relevant anatomy, physiology and pathology related to family planning and reproductive health, and the medical, legal, ethical and professional issues surrounding it. Practical supervision will be provided in the student’s own practice such as in a health centre, general practitioner practice or family planning clinic audited by Queen’s and recognised as agreed training facilities. Students must have an identified and agreed supervisor of practice and their family planning placement will be negotiated with the module leader prior to commencing the course.
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THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS: COMMUNICATING WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE DEMENTIA - HSN 3033 (NOT RUNNING IN ACADEMIC YEAR 22/23)
Available in Semester Two
This module focuses on modules and theoris of dementia; attitudes to dementia; therapeutic interventions in caring for persons with dementia in different care settings; multi-dimensional assessment; care / case management; therapeutic interventions for the family; community care issues in dementia care; health education / health promotion and the role of the gerontological nurse in the care of people with dementia.
- TISSUE REPAIR AND REGENERATION - HSN 3013
Available in semester 1
This module will focus on the physiological process of wound healing, extrinsic and intrinsic factors affecting wound healing, microbiology of wounds, assessment of patients with wounds and acute and chronic wound management, including management options.
- ULTRASOUND SCANNING - MID 3076*
Over Two Semesters
This 40 credit double module will facilitate competence in ultrasound scanning techniques by developing students’ skills and ensuring confident interpretation of ultrasound scanning.
STAND ALONE MODULES - Level 7 - POSTGRADUATE LEVEL
* Students accessing these modules must be working in the relevant clinical area.
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COMPLEXITIES IN PREGNANCY : MIDWIFERY CARE FOR WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES - HSN 7020
Available in Semester 1
All childbearing women should receive universal midwifery care. Increasing numbers of women in the United Kingdom also require additional maternity and medical care during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. The benefits of midwifery care in conjunction with other health disciplines is widely acknowledged (NMC 2019).
This online module comprises of a blend of organisational, professional and clinical topics which reflect the complexities that maternity care providers meet in everyday practice. The module will help to prepare practitioners for future challenges and affords an opportunity to advance knowledge and professional practice in this area through critical discussion and reflection. Applicants should have extensive experience in maternity care.
- FACILITATING LEARNING IN PRACTICE - HSN 7085
NEW: Practice teaching and learning for health and social care professionals - Level 7
Available in Semester 2
Facilitating learning in practice, where students will identify their role as a practice educator in health and social care settings and the relationship with skills sharing, skills delegation, assessment and teaching and learning plans in practice to enable safe skills delegation, assessing learning and professional and legal accountability.
- IMPLEMENTING CONTINUITY OF MIDWIFERY CARE FOR ALL - MID 7078
Available in Semester 2
Module Delivery: it is anticipated the module will be delivered in 22/23 academic year in a blended format with minimal requirement for face to face attendance owing to Covid-19.
This module is for post-registration midwives and will facilitate preparation of the midwifery workforce to implement strategic transformation of maternity services in NI.
Implementation of Continuity of Midwifery Care has progressed increasingly across the UK and further afield. Within NI implementation of CoMC has progressed at much slower pace and to ensure a high-quality education provision, learning from experts in the field across a number of key elements in relation to Continuity of Midwifery Care is required. Leaders in this field, both national and international will contribute to the module planning and design, ensuring a comprehensive coverage of the subject area within the module. Collaborating with experts in the field with experience of implementation and evaluation will result in a relevant, forward thinking and quality educational product. Key elements of the module will include:
- Introducing CoMC into mainstream maternity services
- Ensuring quality and safety
- Cost Effectiveness and Health Economics perspective of providing CoMC
- Evaluating CoMC
- Planning for CoMC Sustainability
- PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH - HSN 7077
Available in Semester 2
Perinatal mental health issues are common, with around 1 in 5 women experiencing an issue either during pregnancy or after birth. Prompt and effective treatment minimises the risk for the mother and improves outcomes for mother and family unit. This module is designed for any health care professional that interacts with pregnant women, mothers and their families during the perinatal period*.
It will cover the prediction, detection, treatment and management of maternal mental ill health through the multi-disciplinary/agency service models currently in operation in alignment with the NI Perinatal Mental Health Pathway. Both emergent and pre-existing mental health issues on the perinatal mental health spectrum will be explored with the aim of developing critical knowledge and understanding. The implications of mental illness during the perinatal period for women, infants and their families will also be included. The module will draw on the teaching expertise of both mental health nursing professionals and midwifery staff within the School and external clinical expertise as appropriate.
*For the purposes of this module, perinatal is defined as pregnancy and postnatal period up to 12 months following birth.
- PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL CARE IN MIDWIFERY - MID 7016
Available in Semester 2
Over the last decade there has been an increase in the number of women with either existing co-morbidities or increased complexity in the childbearing years (Knight et al., 2021). As a result, midwives need to have additional knowledge and skills to enable them to identify the need for and to contribute to the interprofessional provision of maternal critical care. This module reflects current evidence and practicums related to maternal critical care within a maternity care setting. As students progress through this module, they will be challenged to source and apply the underpinning evidence for critical care. Applicants should be NMC Registered Midwives with a minimum of one year of intrapartum experience in a Labour Ward setting within a HSC Trust.
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THEORIES AND PRINCIPLES OF PRACTICE EDUCATION - HSN 7084
Available in Semester 1
This new module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the evidence regarding the theories and principals regarding the delivery of practice education focusing on the needs of patients, families and carers and colleagues and students across practice settings.