Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Advanced Critical Care Practitioner) MSc
3 Years Part-Time | January Start

The MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Advanced Critical Care Practitioner) Degree is a research rich, experientially focused advance qualification. As such, the programme places an emphasis on developing and applying the knowledge, skills and competences required for a successful career in the areas of Advanced Clinical Practice.

The practice focused, clinical nature of this programme enables contextualisation of theoretical underpinnings of the 4 pillars of advanced practice; Clinical Practice, Leadership and Management, Education, and Research, thus developing capability in an advanced role whilst also preparing students to contribute to the future healthcare agenda. The programme aims to enable innovative solutions and develop new ways of working to improve, transform and streamline service delivery and equip students with new, specialist practitioner knowledge to develop in the new role.

The philosophy of the programme is derived from work-based learning guidelines and will:

• Develop confidence and competence as research informed and research led learners
• Enable engagement with and utilise critical reflection as a tool to explore and demonstrate applied learning
• Focus learning on diverse professional and personal development needs by using the workplace as the context for the learning
• Facilitate the updating of knowledge, skills and capabilities

The programme comprises core study modules in year one with optional routes in year two, ensuring that studies are tailored to the needs of the student. The options for year two include the NMC/HCPC approved Prescribing for Non-Medical Health Professionals module or continued development in line with the 4 pillars of advanced practice. In year three, the dissertation module offers a choice of Practice Project, Empirical Project, or Systematic Appraisal. Full details on the modules for each year of the programme can be found below.

During the programme students will complete academic essays, short examinations, oral presentations of practice, a viva-voce, practical demonstrations and develop a portfolio of evidence for summative assessment. Students will also be required to successfully complete a university based multi-station objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to demonstrate clinical skills early in the programme. The varied and authentic nature of these assessments will prepare students for and continue to be useful throughout a career as an advanced practitioner.

In addition to the MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Advanced Critical Care Practitioner) Master’s degree, the following specialist awards are available:

• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner
• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Emergency Care)
• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Primary Care)
• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Sexual Health)

To achieve a specialist award, students must meet the requirements of the appropriate nationally recognised standard or curriculum over the course of the programme. 

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.

With many years’ experience supporting advanced practice students, our expert team will be there as a support through every step of the programme, ensuring students leave with confidence and a full understanding of all aspects of this dynamic clinical practice role. This course uses active learning approaches to engage.

Based at Coach Lane campus, students will have access to our Clinical Skills Centre, a purpose-built facility that will allow you to develop practical skills and gain valuable experience of real situations through a simulated environment.

Our healthcare facilities are some of the most advanced in the country. Facilities that ensures learning will progress in parallel with the latest developments in the healthcare industry. 

Technology is embedded throughout all aspects of your degree and you will receive ongoing support through our innovative e-learning platform, Blackboard, where you can access module handbooks, assessment information, lecture presentation slides and reading lists. Key lectures will also be recorded to allow you to listen again.

Whilst on campus, you 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.   

Being part of the MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Advanced Critical Care Practitioner) course will mean you are learning from a team of research-active professionals who are passionate about clinical practice and their individual areas of specialism.

A research-rich, experiential focused advanced qualification, 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 in the workplace. 

University study will make-up 20% of an student’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 students 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 a personal tutor who will provide support in respect of academic development.

Northumbria University has been ranked in the top quartile in the UK for research power in Allied Health Sciences and Nursing. Additionally, more than 80% of our research activity in Allied Health Sciences and Nursing is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2014).

On completion of this course you should possess the ability to lead on future innovative initiatives as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner, in addition to holding the attributes required to be educator within your own professional environment.

This course provides both practical and theoretical content that reflects the professional requirements. This programme is designed for those wishing to enhance their clinical leadership, advanced clinical practice skills, and engagement in the research and education pillars as set out by HEE Framework.

Students will combine their academic studies with work-based development of specialist skills and reflection including personal practices and behaviours. Upon completion of the programme, students will gain an MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Advanced Critical Care Practitioner) qualification, enabling recognition as an ACP 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 data to help make a diagnosis, and improve patient care. This will equip students for such influential roles and support longer-term career aspirations working in advanced clinical practice.

Further study options are available should you wish to progress your studies to PhD level, and graduates may also wish to pursue careers within teaching or research.

To further enhance your future opportunities we offer ongoing career development support in the form of career guidance, CV advice, portfolio building and interview preparation. This course will also allow you to develop key employability skills such as organisation, time management and leadership.