Short Courses Content
Stand Alone Module | Nursing
Understanding Implementation Science, Practice and Research
LEVEL OF STUDY : 7 - postgraduate level
Module Code: TBC
This module provides a broad introduction to implementation science and its role in bridging the gap between research and practice in health and social care. Students will explore key theories, models, and frameworks that explain how evidence-based interventions are adopted, implemented, and sustained in real-world settings.
| Duration | 1 semester |
| Delivery | Blended |
| Fees from | No Fee |
| Start date | To be confirmed |
The module examines barriers and facilitators to change at individual, organisational, and system levels, and considers strategies to support effective implementation. Emphasis is placed on understanding context, stakeholder engagement, and evaluation, equipping students with foundational knowledge to support the translation of evidence into routine practice.
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.
For provisional timetables, please refer to the section below titled Delivery.
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
The module introduces students to the fundamental concepts, frameworks, and methods of implementation science, and understanding how evidence-based interventions are effectively translated into real-world practice.
Students will receive an overview and background to the history of implementation science practice and research, and contrast implementation science versus quality improvement. Using a case example learning approach, students will explore the barriers, enablers and strategies of implementing an evidence-based intervention into practice using the Hexagon Model.
Students will study a range of Implementation Science Theories, Models and Frameworks (TMFs), the categorisations of these TMFs, and how to select to appropriate TMFs (CFIR, Com-B, Proctor, EPIS). Students will develop their knowledge and understanding regarding organisational readiness, stakeholder engagement, collaboration and co-production. Students will be enabled to identify individual outcomes, service outcomes and implementation outcomes, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
They will gain an understanding of students regarding the wider context of implementation science - communication, relational strategies and trust. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of how evidence-based interventions can be scaled and sustained across real world settings. Students will be supported to identify what works effectively to improve outcomes and what does not, and issues related to de-implementation.
Student learning of evaluation outcome frameworks and implementation science impact will be developed and supported throughout the module to work towards the summative module assessment, based upon using the Hexagon Model.
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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.
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.
Second Semester
TBC
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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.