The BSc (Hons) / Graduate Diploma / PG Diploma in Specialist Practice in Nursing degree programme is completed over two academic years as a part-time course of study. This is a Nursing and Midwifery Council validated programme and recordable qualification.

Programme Aim

The degree programme aims to enable nurses not only to attain the competency and expertise to provide care as specialist practitioners, as defined by the NMC (2001), but also, by virtue of their participation in more advanced professional and academic study, to develop their capabilities as leaders, innovators and clinical supervisors.

Programme Outline

This degree programme comprises six modules and a clinical component at Degree Level (Level 3) or Postgraduate Level (Level 7); three core modules and three specialist specific modules with a clinical component that incorporates the clinical competencies required or a specialist practitioner (NMC,2001).

Duration

Part-time students should normally complete six modules and the clinical component over two academic years (three modules in each academic year).

Entry Requirements

Candidates must hold a current and recognised professional qualification in nursing and have a minimum of one year’s post registration experience specific to the area of specialist practice being undertaken.

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 who already hold a degree in nursing or other relevant subject can opt to undertake this programme at either Graduate Diploma (degree level study) or Post Graduate Diploma (Masters level study).  This decision should be taken in consultation with the Programme Co-Ordinator as part of the application process.

Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements should contact the programme co-ordinator for advice.

Practice Placements

Specialist Practice programmes by definition must have a clinical placement requirement in order to meet the NMC requirements for recording the specialist practice qualification. The student must be scheduled to work a minimum of 75 days practice in the appropriate area supervised by a practice supervisor/practice assessor.  In the event of students working in developing specialist units, it may be necessary for them to have placements outwith their Trust, in order to enable achievement of the learning outcomes. The duration of such external placements will be dependent upon the clinical experience currently available and that which they have already attained in their employing Trust.

Practice Supervisor/Practice Assessor

The student must have identified and agreed a Practice Supervisor/Practice Assessor prior to commencing the programme, who will be required to undertake a half-day study course in preparation for the role. The Practice Supervisor/Practice Assessor will be selected by the Practice Educator within the Trust, following discussions with their nurse manager and the link lecturer or course director.

Programme Pathways

The following specialist practice pathways, some of which may contain optional modules, are offered

Compulsory modules common to all the pathways are:

• Enhanced Person-centred Practice SPR3077/7077
• Research and Development in Clinical Practice SPR3101
• Applied Research Methods and Statistics NUR7002

List of Pathways

• Anaesthetic Nursing 
• Cancer Care - Oncology 
• Cardiology Nursing 
• Dermatology (not running in academic year 21/22)
• Nursing Care for Older People
• Respiratory Nursing 
• Tissue Viability (not running in academic year 21/22)

 

How to apply

This is only available through commissioned activity with the Department of Health in Northern Ireland.  Applications need to be made through employers.  For further information please contact nur.registry@qub.ac.uk