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PLEASE NOTE: The next entry is planned for March 2021 subject to validation. This course is currently going through re-validation and is subject to change.

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

Fees
Fee Information

Modules
Module Information

Top 15 in UK for graduate employability Top 50 University 2022
Entry Requirements Modules Overview

Entry Requirements 2025/26

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 the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

Modules Overview 2025/26

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 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.

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

DA7010 -

Apprenticeship Dissertation (Core,40 Credits)

In this module you will critically explore a range of approaches to research and how research informs clinical practice. Emphasis will be placed on your understanding of the world view, design and meaning system that will drive your own final project that will form your dissertation. You will pick between an Empirical Project, Service Improvement or Systematic Appraisal. In the module you will revisit and deepen your understandings of a range of key topic areas linked to research and service improvement processes; it will include discussion of world views and research paradigms; the research question, aim or hypothesis; research and service improvement design, using literature and theory to inform evidence-based practice; developing ethical codes; constructing the research sample, collecting robust research evidence; ensuring quality assurance within your work; analysing both qualitative and quantitative evidence; and writing and disseminating your findings. You will be invited to attend a series of research and service improvement seminars during the module and you will have access to a named supervisor for one-to-one supervision. Both the seminars and individual 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 research and service improvement processes will work best for your final project goals and design.



If you are studying for a specialist named award, you will be expected to complete your research project in the context of the nationally recognised standard of advanced practice associated with that award. Please refer to the programme specification document for more information about specialist named awards

More information

DA7012 -

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

The purpose of this module 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. To undertake this module, you must meet the criteria to pass through a formal programme gateway that demonstrates readiness to undertake the EPA. Further details about the gateway criteria and EPA can be found by visiting the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Integrated degree) website.

When you study this master’s programme as an apprenticeship, in addition to your degree grade you will be awarded an apprenticeship grade. The apprenticeship grade range includes fail, pass, merit and distinction and this module will provide you with your apprenticeship grade. You can find more information about the apprenticeship grade via the link above.

If you are studying for a specialist named award, you will be expected to demonstrate that you meet the knowledge, skills and behaviours of an advanced clinical practitioner working in the nationally recognised standard associated with that award. Please refer to the programme specification document for more information about specialist named awards.

More information

Modules Overview 2026/27

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 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.

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

DA7010 -

Apprenticeship Dissertation (Core,40 Credits)

In this module you will critically explore a range of approaches to research and how research informs clinical practice. Emphasis will be placed on your understanding of the world view, design and meaning system that will drive your own final project that will form your dissertation. You will pick between an Empirical Project, Service Improvement or Systematic Appraisal. In the module you will revisit and deepen your understandings of a range of key topic areas linked to research and service improvement processes; it will include discussion of world views and research paradigms; the research question, aim or hypothesis; research and service improvement design, using literature and theory to inform evidence-based practice; developing ethical codes; constructing the research sample, collecting robust research evidence; ensuring quality assurance within your work; analysing both qualitative and quantitative evidence; and writing and disseminating your findings. You will be invited to attend a series of research and service improvement seminars during the module and you will have access to a named supervisor for one-to-one supervision. Both the seminars and individual 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 research and service improvement processes will work best for your final project goals and design.



If you are studying for a specialist named award, you will be expected to complete your research project in the context of the nationally recognised standard of advanced practice associated with that award. Please refer to the programme specification document for more information about specialist named awards

More information

DA7012 -

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

The purpose of this module 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. To undertake this module, you must meet the criteria to pass through a formal programme gateway that demonstrates readiness to undertake the EPA. Further details about the gateway criteria and EPA can be found by visiting the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Integrated degree) website.

When you study this master’s programme as an apprenticeship, in addition to your degree grade you will be awarded an apprenticeship grade. The apprenticeship grade range includes fail, pass, merit and distinction and this module will provide you with your apprenticeship grade. You can find more information about the apprenticeship grade via the link above.

If you are studying for a specialist named award, you will be expected to demonstrate that you meet the knowledge, skills and behaviours of an advanced clinical practitioner working in the nationally recognised standard associated with that award. Please refer to the programme specification document for more information about specialist named awards.

More information

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.

 

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

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