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Advanced Clinical Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship | Advanced Clinical Practice MSc
3 years part time | January 2020 start

Our Advanced Clinical Practice Masters Apprenticeship provides an exciting opportunity for those working as experienced, registered, allied health professionals to progress into advanced clinical roles.

The course is aligned with the four pillars that underpin Advanced Clinical Practice, introduced by the Multi-Professional Framework of Advanced Clinical Practice by Health Education England in 2017, these are:

  • Clinical Practice
  • Leadership and Management
  • Education
  • Research.

This programme is ideal for multi-professionals within healthcare and opens career opportunities from a variety of clinical backgrounds, in both acute and primary care sectors. It provides an advanced level of training and education to help meet the changing needs of healthcare provision, equipping students with the skills and abilities to work at an advanced level of practice. 

Upon completion of the course, students will gain an Advanced Clinical Practice qualification enabling them to work as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner working within a wider health and social care environment. Students will graduate with the skills and knowledge to help drive service improvements, analyse and interpret clinical tests to help make a diagnosis, and improve patient care.  

Course Information

Level of Study
Postgraduate

Mode of Study
3 years part-time

Department
Nursing, Midwifery & Health

Location
Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
January 2021

Fee Information

Module Information

Our Advanced Clinical Practice Apprenticeship will equip students with new, specialist practitioner knowledge to help them adapt to change.

The programme aims to enable innovative solutions and develop new ways of working to improve, transform and streamline service delivery, during the programme students can choose to specialise in one of the six specialist pathways:

  • Primary Care
  • Emergency Care
  • Cancer Care
  • Palliative Care
  • Learning Disability
  • Mental Health

Research is embedded into the structure of this degree, and from the very beginning, students will experience a mix of research-led, research-tutored and research-based teaching. Students will work with academics and clinical supervisors to identify and manage their own learning plans. The course will adopt applied assessment, which will enable students to relate the learning gained directly to their current role or a role in which they aspire to do.  

Full details on the modules for each year of the programme can be found below.

The teaching team on this course consists of clinicians and academics who boast extensive experience, research and knowledge in a variety of healthcare specialisms, bringing their expertise to the classroom to enhance the learning experience.

Our expert team will be there to support students through every step of the course, ensuring they leave with confidence and a full understanding of all aspects of this dynamic clinical practice role. This course is student-centred and uses active learning approaches to engage.

During the programme, students will draw on academic research and experiences of participants, facilitation, case-studies, group discussions, self-study, peer learning, simulations and networking. Assessment techniques will be varied and include 360-degree evaluations and reflections.

The course also uses a problem-centred approach in contextualising and applying best practice, allowing students to apply practical lessons to their own context. 

As an apprentice, students will reap the benefits of workplace learning and to add to this they will have access to our Clinical Skills Centre, based at Coach Lane campus that includes some of the most advanced healthcare facilities in the country. Facilities that ensures learning will progress in parallel with the latest developments in the healthcare industry.

University study will make-up 20% of the apprentice’s weekly learning and timely face-to-face contact will be essential.  Attendance at tutor-led sessions is very important, however as employees, we appreciate apprentices may unavoidably miss an occasionally taught class, therefore, all learning and teaching materials will be available via a virtual classroom and accessible to students remotely. Students will also be allocated an academic coach who will provide support in respect of academic development.

Whilst on campus, students will have access to the University’s exceptional facilities including social spaces, IT facilities and lecture theatres and not forgetting 24/7 access to our award winner University Library. 

 

 

Your Tutors / Clinical Advanced Practice

Meet some of the teaching team who will be working with you at Northumbria University

Dr Richelle Duffy

Senior Lecturer

Gillian Walton

Senior Lecturer

Dr Mark Bevan

Senior Lecturer

Maureen Jersby

Senior Lecturer

Facilities / Advanced Clinical Practice

Facilities

Discover our Clinical Skills Centre and more

Research / Nursing Midwifery and Health

Discover more about some of the inspiring research currently taking place at Northumbria, within our department and across the wider University through our multidisciplinary research themes.

Departmental Research

Integrated Health and Social Care

In partnership with Northumbria University, the employer will support the learner at work to achieve their apprenticeship. Whilst studying the apprentice will be required to work full-time, for at least 30 hours a week, and will be supported through learning at work to achieve the requirements of the apprenticeship standard.

In the workplace, apprentices will be supported by a mentor and colleagues.  Both apprentice and their line manager will be supported by Northumbria University throughout the programme, including access to online support materials for line managers. Apprentices will also meet with their manager/mentor and individual professional development coach in the workplace at least four times each year.

During the programme, many assessments are work-based and aligned to the context and activity of the organisation, leading to increased organisational understanding and performance by the apprentice whilst ensuring they develop new skills and enhance productivity and performance.

To complete the programme, the learner will have to demonstrate that they have obtained the relevant skills, knowledge and behaviour required during their workplace training.

Whilst off-campus and in the workplace, students will have access to our technology-enhanced learning (TEL) facilities provide access to module information, electronic reading lists and online learning resources such as podcasts, e-books and e-journals.

Discover More

Explore our full range of Higher and Degree Apprenticeships within the following sectors:

Architecture, Built Environment and Construction

Digital, Tech and Creative

Financial and Legal Services

Health, Sport and Social Care

Leadership and Management

The employer covers all tuition fees for the apprentice, the total payment required depends on the organisation’s apprenticeship levy status.

Students studying an apprenticeship do not pay any tuition fees, however, as they are in full-time employment they do not have student status and therefore are not entitled to apply for student finance.  

To discuss the fees for this apprenticeship in detail or to explore signing an agreement with the university, complete the enquiry form below and someone from our Business and Enterprise team will be in touch shortly.

The Levy Explained

Funding for Non-Levy Payers

 Enquire now about this apprenticeship:

We guide both employer and employee through the application and funding process and will be on hand to assist you during the apprenticeship journey.

To start the application process for either current employees or new recruits contact our Business and Enterprise team today by email or complete our online enquiry form. Alternatively, you can call 0191 227 3251.

All students are required to be in full-time employment to study the Advanced Clinical Practitioner Apprenticeship. If you are interested in studying this apprenticeship and you are in current full-time employment complete our online enquiry form.

If you are not in full-time employment but would like to study this apprenticeship programme, keep checking our vacancies page for information regarding job opportunities.  

 

 Enquire now about this apprenticeship:

Discover More

Explore our full range of Higher and Degree Apprenticeships within the following sectors:

Architecture, Built Environment and Construction

Digital, Tech and Creative

Financial and Legal Services

Health, Sport and Social Care

Leadership and Management
Entry Requirements Modules Overview

Entry Requirements 2020/21

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject.

Registration with the Health and Care Professionals Council / Nursing and Midwifery Council (or other appropriate Allied Health Professional registrant) and employed in a relevant clinical setting.

Employed as or working towards an Advanced Clinical Practice role.

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English language requirements:

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

 *The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS.  You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

If you'd like to receive news and information from us in the future about the course or finance then please complete the below form

* By submitting your information you are consenting to your data being processed by Northumbria University (as Data Controller) and Campus Management Corp. (acting as Data Processor). To see the University's privacy policy please click here

Modules Overview 2020/21

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two Year three

Year one

AC7047 -

Health History and Examination (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn knowledge and skills for undertaking a general approach to health history and clinical examination of patients that will help you to achieve capability in the Clinical Practice pillar of Advanced Clinical Practice. You will cover biological systems in order to provide a systematic approach to history and clinical examination. The systems covered in your learning are as follows:
• Cardiovascular system
• Respiratory System
• Gastrointestinal system
• Neurological system
• Examination of the ear
• Examination of the eyes
• Endocrine system
• Genitourinary system
You will learn how to review clinical data in order to make (differential) diagnoses, produce patient management plans and evaluate patient outcomes contributing to the Leadership and Management pillar.
To help you to develop your research role in the context of the ACP role, you will learn to interpret clinical evidence to evaluate tests and investigations. This will involve understanding research methods and data applicable to clinical practice.

More information

AC7049 -

Life Science and Pharmacology for Advanced Clinical Practitioners (Core,40 Credits)

The purpose of this module is to allow you to deepen your knowledge of life science and pharmacology science to enable development within your ACP role in relation to all four pillars of advanced clinical practice. You will critically examine the complex interaction of normal physiological processes involved in the control and regulation of metabolism. Within your study you will analyse the manifestations and consequences of altered physiology in response to disease processes. You will also critically appraise the means and methods of measuring the parameters of normal and altered physiology and explore how various drug groups interact with and affect cellular physiology. Each study day will be specific to a body system and focus on the normal anatomy and physiology and abnormal pathophysiology of all body systems critically exploring disease, and disease processes that affect homeostasis. In accordance with the module title, pertinent drugs will be explored regarding the Administration Distribution, Metabolism and Elimination (ADME) process, inclusive of Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics of the particular drug group, group work will also be utilised to formatively evaluate knowledge throughout the sessions and will prepare you for the written assessment and your MCQ. The module will be delivered through a combination of taught, directed and self-directed study. The module will be summatively assessed in two parts (1) a timed invigilated assessment (TIA), which will be comprised of multiple choice and short answers questions relating to life science and pharmacology, and (2) a 3,000-word essay based on a chosen organ dysfunction and evidence based pharmacological intervention.

More information

Year two

AC7045 -

Evidence Based Competence for Advanced Clinical Practice (Core,40 Credits)

In this module you will develop and build on the Clinical Practice, Leadership and Management and Education pillars of your advanced clinical practice role. You will explore and demonstrate the application of year 1 learning in a competency framework underpinned by a clinical, personal and professional critical evaluation and analysis of the concepts required of an ACP. You will evaluate and explore the development of your competence, capability, confidence and your role as an ACP in leading and managing care. You will learn how your decision making and education has moved into the sphere of Advanced Clinical Practice applying a deeper understanding and application of the principles underpinning the Advanced Care you will now be providing. You will utilise workplace opportunities to focus on your development, to evaluate, underpin and analyse the practical clinical application of the skills and knowledge developed in year 1 and the progression of these skills to ACP level. You will apply the evaluation of your competence and capability to topics relevant to the developing role of an ACP. If you have opted to study for a specialist named award, you will be expected to explore these topic areas in the context of your specialist area of practice and demonstrate achievement of locally or nationally agreed competencies specific to your role.

More information

AC7050 -

Service Improvement and Research Methods in Advanced Clinical Practice (Core,20 Credits)

The module is designed to meet the needs of health and care professionals working in Advanced Clinical Practice roles across a diverse range of speciality and subject-specific areas. It will equip you with the knowledge, skills and behavioural capabilities to transform service delivery and secure continuous quality improvement. It will further enable you to identify and appraise existing knowledge or generate new knowledge in the context of uncertain and complex healthcare systems.

Designed to support you to critically engage in research and service improvement activity, it has also been closely aligned with the Multi-professional framework for advanced clinical practice in England, research capability pillar (HEE, 2017; p.10). A key focus of this module will be to identify ways in which you can critically engage in research activity, identify the need for further research or service improvements and facilitate collaborative research links. Support being provided to apply the learning within context of individual practice, disciplines and professional interests.

Throughout the module, you will engage in a wide variety of authentic learning activities and critically examine aspects of the research process and service improvement methods. Utilising good research practice guidance and appraising a range of validated methodologies you will develop a broad understanding of how the various approaches can be used to enhance care provision, promote safety and improve productivity. If you have opted to study for a specialist named award, you will be expected to explore these topic areas in the context of your specialist area of practice.

Module tutors who are also active researchers will support you to adopt a critical and reflexive approach, bringing the research and your role in shaping it to life.

More information

Year three

AC7055 -

Practice Project Apprenticeship (Optional,40 Credits)

This module gives you the opportunity to consolidate your previous learning in a way that is meaningful to you. The development of a practice project will allow you to bring together reflection, theory, action, and practice. You will apply your analytic and assessment skills to a range of change frameworks and, from your findings, select an appropriate framework to plan and conduct a service change which is compatible with the needs of the service user, the service and the practice context. You will learn about influence factors, both internal and external, and in order to take account of multiple perspectives when planning change, you will negotiate and collaborate with relevant stakeholders and colleagues in the planning and implementation of your project, which will include evaluating the impact of any resulting change. Through this you will learn how to successfully operate as a leader, project coordinator, decision maker and auditor. While undertaking this project you will engage in reflective practice, conceptualisation, literature evaluation, relevant data collection and project planning and change management.

More information

AC7056 -

Empirical Project (Apprenticeship) (Optional,40 Credits)

You will be encouraged to critically explore a range of approaches to research however emphasis will be placed on your understanding of the world view, design and meaning system that will drive your own research study. It is assumed that prior to the undertaking of this dissertation module you will have undertaken study that prepares you for engagement with a Masters dissertation process and that you will have constructed a robust research proposal that has gained or is in the process of gaining ethical approval from both the University and (if applicable) your employing organisation. In the module you will revisit and deepen your understandings of a range of key topic areas linked to the empirical research process, this will include discussion of world views and research paradigms, the research question, aim or hypothesis, research design, working with literature and theory, developing ethical codes, constructing the research sample, collecting robust research evidence, ensuring quality assurance within your research work, analysing both qualitative and quantitative evidence and writing and disseminating the research dissertation work. You will be invited to attend a series of research seminars during the module and you will have access to a named supervisor for one to one supervision work. Both the seminars and supervision will encourage you to apply the key areas of learning within this module to your own professional context and field of expertise. This will enable you to critically examine how the empirical research process will work best for your research goals and design.

More information

AC7057 -

Knowledge for Advanced Clinical Practice (Apprenticeship End Point Assessment) (Core,20 Credits)

This purpose of this module is not to introduce any new learning. It is to consolidate your previous learning and support you in your demonstration of the achievement of knowledge, skills and behaviours outlined in the National Standards for the Integrated Degree Apprenticeship for Advanced Clinical Practitioner at Level 7 to meet the end point assessment (EPA) requirements of the apprenticeship.

More information

Modules Overview 2021/22

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two Year three

Year one

AC7047 -

Health History and Examination (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn knowledge and skills for undertaking a general approach to health history and clinical examination of patients that will help you to achieve capability in the Clinical Practice pillar of Advanced Clinical Practice. You will cover biological systems in order to provide a systematic approach to history and clinical examination. The systems covered in your learning are as follows:
• Cardiovascular system
• Respiratory System
• Gastrointestinal system
• Neurological system
• Examination of the ear
• Examination of the eyes
• Endocrine system
• Genitourinary system
You will learn how to review clinical data in order to make (differential) diagnoses, produce patient management plans and evaluate patient outcomes contributing to the Leadership and Management pillar.
To help you to develop your research role in the context of the ACP role, you will learn to interpret clinical evidence to evaluate tests and investigations. This will involve understanding research methods and data applicable to clinical practice.

More information

AC7049 -

Life Science and Pharmacology for Advanced Clinical Practitioners (Core,40 Credits)

The purpose of this module is to allow you to deepen your knowledge of life science and pharmacology science to enable development within your ACP role in relation to all four pillars of advanced clinical practice. You will critically examine the complex interaction of normal physiological processes involved in the control and regulation of metabolism. Within your study you will analyse the manifestations and consequences of altered physiology in response to disease processes. You will also critically appraise the means and methods of measuring the parameters of normal and altered physiology and explore how various drug groups interact with and affect cellular physiology. Each study day will be specific to a body system and focus on the normal anatomy and physiology and abnormal pathophysiology of all body systems critically exploring disease, and disease processes that affect homeostasis. In accordance with the module title, pertinent drugs will be explored regarding the Administration Distribution, Metabolism and Elimination (ADME) process, inclusive of Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics of the particular drug group, group work will also be utilised to formatively evaluate knowledge throughout the sessions and will prepare you for the written assessment and your MCQ. The module will be delivered through a combination of taught, directed and self-directed study. The module will be summatively assessed in two parts (1) a timed invigilated assessment (TIA), which will be comprised of multiple choice and short answers questions relating to life science and pharmacology, and (2) a 3,000-word essay based on a chosen organ dysfunction and evidence based pharmacological intervention.

More information

Year two

AC7045 -

Evidence Based Competence for Advanced Clinical Practice (Core,40 Credits)

In this module you will develop and build on the Clinical Practice, Leadership and Management and Education pillars of your advanced clinical practice role. You will explore and demonstrate the application of year 1 learning in a competency framework underpinned by a clinical, personal and professional critical evaluation and analysis of the concepts required of an ACP. You will evaluate and explore the development of your competence, capability, confidence and your role as an ACP in leading and managing care. You will learn how your decision making and education has moved into the sphere of Advanced Clinical Practice applying a deeper understanding and application of the principles underpinning the Advanced Care you will now be providing. You will utilise workplace opportunities to focus on your development, to evaluate, underpin and analyse the practical clinical application of the skills and knowledge developed in year 1 and the progression of these skills to ACP level. You will apply the evaluation of your competence and capability to topics relevant to the developing role of an ACP. If you have opted to study for a specialist named award, you will be expected to explore these topic areas in the context of your specialist area of practice and demonstrate achievement of locally or nationally agreed competencies specific to your role.

More information

AC7050 -

Service Improvement and Research Methods in Advanced Clinical Practice (Core,20 Credits)

The module is designed to meet the needs of health and care professionals working in Advanced Clinical Practice roles across a diverse range of speciality and subject-specific areas. It will equip you with the knowledge, skills and behavioural capabilities to transform service delivery and secure continuous quality improvement. It will further enable you to identify and appraise existing knowledge or generate new knowledge in the context of uncertain and complex healthcare systems.

Designed to support you to critically engage in research and service improvement activity, it has also been closely aligned with the Multi-professional framework for advanced clinical practice in England, research capability pillar (HEE, 2017; p.10). A key focus of this module will be to identify ways in which you can critically engage in research activity, identify the need for further research or service improvements and facilitate collaborative research links. Support being provided to apply the learning within context of individual practice, disciplines and professional interests.

Throughout the module, you will engage in a wide variety of authentic learning activities and critically examine aspects of the research process and service improvement methods. Utilising good research practice guidance and appraising a range of validated methodologies you will develop a broad understanding of how the various approaches can be used to enhance care provision, promote safety and improve productivity. If you have opted to study for a specialist named award, you will be expected to explore these topic areas in the context of your specialist area of practice.

Module tutors who are also active researchers will support you to adopt a critical and reflexive approach, bringing the research and your role in shaping it to life.

More information

Year three

AC7055 -

Practice Project Apprenticeship (Optional,40 Credits)

This module gives you the opportunity to consolidate your previous learning in a way that is meaningful to you. The development of a practice project will allow you to bring together reflection, theory, action, and practice. You will apply your analytic and assessment skills to a range of change frameworks and, from your findings, select an appropriate framework to plan and conduct a service change which is compatible with the needs of the service user, the service and the practice context. You will learn about influence factors, both internal and external, and in order to take account of multiple perspectives when planning change, you will negotiate and collaborate with relevant stakeholders and colleagues in the planning and implementation of your project, which will include evaluating the impact of any resulting change. Through this you will learn how to successfully operate as a leader, project coordinator, decision maker and auditor. While undertaking this project you will engage in reflective practice, conceptualisation, literature evaluation, relevant data collection and project planning and change management.

More information

AC7056 -

Empirical Project (Apprenticeship) (Optional,40 Credits)

You will be encouraged to critically explore a range of approaches to research however emphasis will be placed on your understanding of the world view, design and meaning system that will drive your own research study. It is assumed that prior to the undertaking of this dissertation module you will have undertaken study that prepares you for engagement with a Masters dissertation process and that you will have constructed a robust research proposal that has gained or is in the process of gaining ethical approval from both the University and (if applicable) your employing organisation. In the module you will revisit and deepen your understandings of a range of key topic areas linked to the empirical research process, this will include discussion of world views and research paradigms, the research question, aim or hypothesis, research design, working with literature and theory, developing ethical codes, constructing the research sample, collecting robust research evidence, ensuring quality assurance within your research work, analysing both qualitative and quantitative evidence and writing and disseminating the research dissertation work. You will be invited to attend a series of research seminars during the module and you will have access to a named supervisor for one to one supervision work. Both the seminars and supervision will encourage you to apply the key areas of learning within this module to your own professional context and field of expertise. This will enable you to critically examine how the empirical research process will work best for your research goals and design.

More information

AC7057 -

Knowledge for Advanced Clinical Practice (Apprenticeship End Point Assessment) (Core,20 Credits)

This purpose of this module is not to introduce any new learning. It is to consolidate your previous learning and support you in your demonstration of the achievement of knowledge, skills and behaviours outlined in the National Standards for the Integrated Degree Apprenticeship for Advanced Clinical Practitioner at Level 7 to meet the end point assessment (EPA) requirements of the apprenticeship.

More information

Any Questions?

Our admissions team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901.

Contact Details for Applicants:

bc.applicantservices@northumbria.ac.uk

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We continuously review and improve course content in consultation with our students and employers. To make sure we can inform you of any changes to your course register for updates on the course page.

Your Learning Experience find out about our distinctive approach at 
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Admissions Terms and Conditions - northumbria.ac.uk/terms
 Fees and Funding - northumbria.ac.uk/fees
 Admissions Policy - northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy
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