Short Courses Content
Stand Alone Module | Nursing
Evidence Based Practice
LEVEL OF STUDY : 7 - postgraduate level
Module Code: HSN7076
This module introduces the principles and application of evidence-based practice (EBP) and quality improvement in health and social care. Students will explore the seven steps of EBP: cultivating a spirit of inquiry, formulating answerable clinical questions, searching for the best available evidence, critically appraising the evidence, integrating evidence with clinical expertise and service user preferences, evaluating outcomes, and disseminating findings.
| Duration | 1 semester |
| Delivery | Online |
| Fees from | No Fee |
| Start date | To be confirmed |
The module also examines key quality improvement methodologies and tools used to enhance safety, effectiveness, and person-centred care. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking skills and applying evidence systematically to improve practice and service delivery.
For provisional timetables, please refer to the section below titled Delivery.
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.
Please note that courses are subject to a minimum registration, so it may not be possible to run all courses each year.
Fees
| Commissioned Health Trust | No Fee |
| Self Funding / Fee Paying - 2026/27 | £856 |
Tuition fees and other charges are set by the University and are subject to change. | |
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a professional qualification in Nursing, Midwifery, or Allied Health and Social Care Services. See Selection Criteria for full requirements.
The Programme
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Course Content
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.
- Analyse the role of the seven-step evidence-based practice process in supporting quality improvement and practice development.
- Evaluate how the seven-step evidence-based practice process informs advanced clinical decision making.
- Judge approaches for forming searchable clinical questions identifying appropriate evidence sources and interpreting research quality within the seven-step evidence-based practice process.
- Synthesise the application of the seven-step evidence-based practice process to a problem in the learner’s own field of practice and evaluate how evidence informs decision making quality improvement and practice development.
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Outcomes
This 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.
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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.
HSN7076 Evidence Based Practice - materials will be released each Monday - students will need 3 hours per week study time to complete the module.
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Selection Criteria
Applicants must have a professional qualification in Nursing, Midwifery, or Allied Health and Social Care Services. They 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 post graduate certificates or standalone modules must be working 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)
How to apply
We will advertise again in June 2026 for September 2026 entry.
Please complete the form below if you’d like to join our mailing list and be notified when applications reopen.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST - CPAD PROGRAMMES
For any queries, please email cpadsnam@qub.ac.uk.
Please note that these courses are not open to international applicants living outside the UK/ROI.