COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc Advanced Clinical Practice curriculum provides a comprehensive combination of advanced clinical knowledge, leadership, research, education, and specialist practice to prepare experienced healthcare professionals for advanced roles across diverse healthcare settings. All students complete Personal and Professional Development for Advanced Practice, which focuses on professional accountability, reflective practice, ethical decision-making, clinical governance, and the development of the knowledge, behaviours, and competencies required of Advanced Clinical Practitioners. Assessment, Diagnosis and Decision Making for Advanced Clinical Practice develops advanced skills in patient assessment, clinical reasoning, diagnostic decision-making, differential diagnosis, and evidence-based management of complex health conditions. Research, Audit and Service Evaluation Methods equips students with the ability to critically evaluate research evidence, conduct clinical audits, assess healthcare outcomes, and implement quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient care and healthcare services. Leadership for Advanced Practice develops leadership, strategic management, service improvement, multidisciplinary teamwork, and organisational change management skills, enabling practitioners to lead healthcare innovation and influence clinical practice. Students also complete an Independent Project, undertaking an original research or service improvement project that applies advanced research methods to address a significant clinical or organisational issue. The programme offers a wide range of optional specialist modules that allow students to tailor their learning to their clinical roles and career aspirations. These include Specialist Clinical Practice, Specialist Mental Health Practice, Specialist End of Life Care in Adults, Primary Care, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Women's Health, Stroke Care, Bladder and Bowel Health, Pain Management, Leg Ulcer Management, Frailty and Older Adult Care, Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapies, Teaching, Coaching and Supervision, Promoting Public Health and Well-being, Independent and Supplementary Prescribing, and Individual Learning Contracts designed around specific professional development needs. Throughout the programme, students strengthen advanced clinical reasoning, communication, leadership, research, education, and decision-making skills while developing expertise in evidence-based healthcare. Overall, the curriculum prepares graduates for advanced roles such as Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Specialist, Advanced Allied Health Professional, Clinical Educator, Healthcare Leader, Service Improvement Lead, Prescribing Practitioner, Consultant Practitioner, and Advanced Practice Researcher across hospitals, primary care, community health services, specialist clinics, mental health services, integrated care systems, and other healthcare organisations, while also meeting the educational requirements for inclusion on the NHS England Centre for Advancing Practice Directory.