Advanced Practice

The MSc Advanced Practice reflects a number of specific drivers within social and healthcare practice. Working with clinical experts, specialist agencies, research centres and keynote experts ensures the programme has a robust and credible practice base in both its delivery and application. This initiative addresses the changing frame of health, social, public and voluntary sector workers – whereby collaboration and shared working is recognised as meeting the needs of the individual worker, patients, public and carers.

Key publications that give background to the MSc: Setting the Direction (DOH, 2006); Better Health; Better Care (NHS Scotland, 2007); Senior Charge Nurse Review (NHS Scotland, 2008); Delivering Health Leading Better Care: Report of the Senior Charge Nurse Review and Clinical Quality Indicators (NHS Scotland, 2008)

Programme Objectives

The Advanced Practice programmes are specifically designed for practitioners in health and social care and allied health professions who engage with a broad range of individuals with differing health and social care needs. The programme is designed to both develop and embed knowledge, skill and confidence in practitioners who may already be working in a senior position as well as providing a base for those who are aspiring to advance their career. Each of the themed programmes aims to equip you with the ability to challenge theory, practice and effectiveness within the core elements of the programme as well as in your chosen specialist fields.

We develop your ability to critically examine theoretical frameworks which can be integrated within your advanced practice. Autonomous and multi-professional working allows students from differing professions to work innovatively and learn collaboratively, in keeping with the ethos of cross-sector partnerships in health and social service provision. 

Entrance Requirements

Candidates should hold a degree or degree equivalent from a university or college recognised by the University of Stirling. A professional qualification plus relevant experience may be accepted as equivalent. Selection follows consideration of written application, professional references and an informal discussion with the Programme Director. The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health - in line with the University - operates a system for inclusion of RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) and APEL (Recognition of Prior Experiential learning).

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6 in each skill), or TOEFL: Listening 23, Reading 23, Speaking 23, Writing 23.

Funding

information on possible sources of funding

Programme Start Date

All taught modules commence in the first week of September and February.

Structure and Content

The Advanced Practice programmes share core modules and a specialist module. Each 15-week module is SCQF level 11 with 15 or 30 credits. Students complete 30 credits each semester, as such this may be a single 30 credit module, or two modules of 15 credits. The dissertation is worth 60 credits. Modules are provided in the autumn and spring semester.

The core modules:

• Gateway to Advanced Practice (15 credits)
  
• The Advanced Practitioner (15 or 30 credits)
  
• Work-based Learning (15 or 30 credits)
  
• Quality Improvement Projects in Health and Social care (30 credits)
  

The completion of the specialist themed module when linked to the same area of practice explored within your work based learning module and maintained in your thesis provides you with a named MSc Advanced Practice, for example, MSc Advanced Practice (Long-term Conditions).

The thesis follows a work based framework and should relate to a Quality Improvement theme.

Delivery and Assessment

The programme can be completed over three years, part-time, or full-time over 18 months. Each module incorporates blended learning approaches which provide opportunity for campus-based learning (maximum three days per module) and self-directed, web-based learning framed by online activities. You are encouraged to embed your learning within your practice, thereby advancing your critical understanding and application by completing directed activities, reading, seminars, tutorials and accessing student support online. Each module, with the exception of the dissertation, is available as a stand-alone Continuing Professional Development (CPD) module.

Timetable

Contact the School for information on your timetable and reading lists.

RAE Rating

In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), 20 percent of research in Nursing, Midwifery and Health was described as ‘World-leading’ and a further 65 percent as of ‘International Significance’, placing us firmly as the leading nursing and midwifery department in Scotland and one of the top ten in the UK.

Career Opportunities

Completion of the Advanced Practice programme provides opportunity to develop transferable skills therein optimising the ability of each student to impact on the experience of individuals, families and service providers within a range of clinical, social and pastoral settings within the UK and internationally. All modules are related to NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF), enabling you to clearly identify the core and specific dimensions within the KSF which can be achieved when you successfully complete your module/programme.

All modules can be linked to specific professional capability/competency frameworks within your practice area. You are encouraged to view your participation within the programme as a means of supporting your professional development plans (PDP) and career progression.