MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Health and Social Care Professions)

• Train to become an evidence-based practitioner, equipped to manage and lead in busy and constantly changing settings. Take the opportunity to study in a setting with exciting core and optional modules.*
• Study alongside an interprofessional range of health and social care professionals from a variety of backgrounds, for example allied health professionals, nursing, medical and social care.
• Choose from optional modules in a range of specialist areas such as management of long-term conditions (service delivery), practice education and evaluating outcomes. Specialist modules such as injection therapy can be taken as individual CPD options. Further options are also available from our named pathways.
• Complete the programme in a year, with a one year full-time study option. Alternatively, balance work and caring commitments by studying part time over two years and up to a maximum of five years. The full-time route is suitable for international students, who will be supported to choose optional modules with non-clinical assignments.
• Make the most of our approach to blended learning, which combines short study blocks and distance learning technologies with face-to-face teaching, enhancing the learning process by allowing time for reflection. Study comprises a mixture of lectures, practicals, seminars and tutorials.
• A range of assessments are used across our modules, designed to link your knowledge and skills to your area of practice. This will also enable you to develop advanced practitioner skills, including evidence-based case studies, portfolios and service delivery proposals as well as written and oral work.
• Learn from research active teaching staff, with national and international reputations in their specialist area. You’ll be encouraged to join the faculty’s research groups, nested under the Institute of Health and Community, and will work with our experienced staff on your own research project.
• Choose from three award pathways with full and part-time options: postgraduate certificate (PgCert), 60 credits; postgraduate diploma (PgDip), 120 credits; and masters (MSc), 180 credits.

*As this programme is designed for qualified practitioners there is no requirement of a clinical placement component. Neither the programme nor any of its pathways lead to eligibility to apply for registration with a regulatory body.

• Year 1

• Pathways in this programme include the following shared modules: applying evidence to practice, developing self and others, project design for research, and the research dissertation. The pathways will all have at least one pathway specific module and two programme optional modules. To gain a postgraduate certificate, you’ll need to earn 60 credits. You’ll study three modules worth 20 credits each: applying evidence to practice, a pathway specific module or a programme option module if you are not pursuing a specific pathway, and a programme option module. To gain a postgraduate diploma, you’ll need to earn 120 credits. You’ll study three modules worth 20 credits each: project design for research, developing self and others, and a pathway specific module or programme option. To be awarded the full masters degree, you’ll need to earn a total of 180 credits. You’ll study the same core modules as the postgraduate diploma, with the extra 60 credits coming from your research dissertation.

  
  
  For further information on the modules that make up this programme please visit MSc Advanced Professional Practice module information. Full time or international students will be supported to choose optional modules with non-clinical assignments.

  Core modules

  • ADV702 Applying Evidence to Practice

    Focusing on the application of evidence based practice (EBP) to professional practice; you’ll learn how to use research to guide best practice. You will also identify a question relevant to your area of practice, review and critique the literature in this area, and plan and evaluate any necessary change to professional practice.

  • ADV715 Project Design for Research

    You’ll explore methodology and methods relevant to the development of a research project and by the end of the module you’ll formulate a research proposal. You’ll learn how to define and refine a research question, select and appraise methodology, address ethical considerations, and select and appraise data collection and analysis techniques.

  • ADV716 Research Dissertation

    You’ll complete your dissertation as part of your Advanced Professional Practice Masters programme under supervision from the module team and a named dissertation supervisor.

  Optional modules

  • ADV604 Safeguarding Children

    This module is specifically designed to enable students to develop their own professional practice by building on and reflecting on their learning and experience gained from relevant and appropriate learning events in relation to children's services and safeguarding.

  • ADV703 Occupation as the Focus of Contemporary Practice

    This module explores occupation in contemporary occupational therapy practice. This includes current and emerging theory and research on occupation, occupational performance and models of practice. The module develops students ability to reflect on, challenge and articulate application to practice.

  • ADV710 Pathomechanics and Rehabilitation of Gait and Balance

    This module focuses on the diagnostic and therapeutic interventions of health professionals managing patients with gait and balance problems. Gait and balance are explored alongside theoretical and practical approaches to rehabilitation in a wide variety of conditions.

  • ADV712 Supported Independent Study

    This module is specifically designed to enable students to develop their own professional practice by undertaking and reflecting on learning and experience gained through a period of supported independent study related to agreed learning objectives.

  • ADV728 Safeguarding Children

    This module is specifically designed to enable students to develop their own professional practice by building on and reflecting on their learning and experience gained from relevant and appropriate learning events in relation to children's services and safeguarding.

  • ADV729 Critical Care Management - Airway, Breathing and Circulation

    This module will provide students with the underpinning knowledge and skills necessary to deliver airway, breathing and circulatory (ABCs) pre-hospital critical care management within a variety of settings. It will incorporate critical understanding and application of physical assessment, physiology, pathophysiology and general examination.

  • ADV730 Critical Care Management - Neurological, Environmental and Special Patient Groups

    This module will provide students with the underpinning knowledge and skills necessary to deliver neurological, environmental emergency and special patient group pre-hospital critical care management within a variety of settings. It will incorporate critical understanding and application of physical assessment, physiology, pathophysiology and general examination.

  • ADV731 Pre-hospital Critical Care Passport Competencies 1

    This module is a 0 credit module which confirms the completion of the Skills and Competencies passport required for a PGCERT award within the MSc Pre-Hospital Critical Care/ Retrieval and Transfer pathway.

  • ADV732 Advanced Clinical Reasoning for the Critical Care Patient

    This module will build upon prior knowledge and experience to develop advanced clinical reasoning skills in critical care management. Students will explore at depth the theoretical underpinning knowledge needed to justify a range of clinical decisions, including the inter-arrest / post cardiac arrest scenario. Critical reflection on their own area of practice is a key element of this module.

  • ADV733 Retrieval and Transfer of a Critical Care Patient Within Special Situations

    This module will provide students with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to undertake and lead critical care retrieval and transfers. It will also critically analyse the special situations that may require alternative or additional application of understanding and abilities.

  • ADV734 Pre-hospital Critical Care Passport Competencies 2

    This module is a 0 credit module which confirms the completion of the Skills and Competencies passport required for a PgDip award within the MSc Pre-Hospital Critical Care/ Retrieval and Transfer pathway.

  • ADV735 Advancing the Management of Long Term Conditions

    This module focuses on critically applying knowledge and understanding to support service development for people with long term conditions' that is person centred; promoting self-management and collaborative working. This module is based on best practice discussed within national and international policy and guidelines. It will explore in depth the impact of long term conditions on the individual, their family and carers.

  • ADV739 Rehabilitation: Cognition, Perception and Behaviour

    This module will draw on the fields of neuropsychology, neuroscience and rehabilitation to explore cognitive and perceptual domains such as memory, executive function, attention and language. An inter-disciplinary team will highlight the functional and psychosocial impact of dysfunction to these domains and provide a critical review of current clinical interventions.

  • ADV740 Enhancing Practice in Chronic Pulmonary Conditions

    This module explores the role of the advanced cardiorespiratory practitioner, integrating skills and techniques, theoretical concepts, clinical reasoning and critical appraisal of the evolving body of knowledge from current evidence in the management of chronic pulmonary conditions.

  • ADV747 Supporting the Needs of the Frail Older Person

    Students will develop a critical understanding of the principal theories and concepts that influence the management of frailty and complex care needs in the older person. They will develop advanced assessment, evaluation and management skills and apply these in a person centred framework to their practice, using evidence based theories around frailty, co-morbidity, polypharmacy and the ageing process.

  • ADV749 Dietetic Practice: Supported Study

    This module is specifically designed to enable students to develop their own professional practice by undertaking and reflecting on learning and experience gained through a period of supported independent study related to agreed learning objectives.

  • ADV750 Occupational Therapy Practice: Supported Study

    This module is specifically designed to enable Occupational Therapists to develop their own occupational therapy professional practice by undertaking and reflecting on learning and experience gained through a period of supported independent study related to agreed learning objectives.

  • ADV751 Physiotherapy Practice: Supported Study

    This module is specifically designed to enable Physiotherapists to develop their own professional practice by undertaking and reflecting on learning and experience gained through a period of supported independent study related to agreed learning objectives.

  • ADV752 Social Work Practice: Supported Study

    This module is specifically designed to enable Social Workers to develop their own professional practice by undertaking and reflecting on learning and experience gained through a period of supported independent study related to agreed learning objectives.

  • ADV755 Application of Law and Policy in Safeguarding Adults

    The module will critically examine the broad range of policy and legal frameworks that underpin practice in Safeguarding Adults. It will consider the application of legislation which supports professional practice. The Care Act 2014 and law pertaining to equality and human rights will provide a common foundation for this module.

  • ADV756 Advanced Critical Reflection, Risk and Decision-Making

    Participants will be facilitated to utilise the potential of critical reflection as a tool to further their knowledge and skills in order to improve their understanding of the complexity of risk, practice and decision making processes. This course enables the raising of professional issues, procedures and standards to the level of (critical) reflection, practice wisdom and research.

  • ADV757 Advanced Practice in Safeguarding Adults

    The module will critically examine the broad range of policy and legal frameworks that underpin practice in Safeguarding Adults. It will consider the application of legislation which supports professional practice. The Care Act 2014 and law pertaining to equality and human rights will provide a common foundation for this module.

  • ADV758 Supporting the Needs of the Frail Older Person

    Students will develop a critical understanding of the principal theories and concepts that influence the management of frailty and complex care needs in the older person. They will develop advanced assessment, evaluation and management skills and apply these in a person centred framework to their practice, using evidence based theories around frailty, co-morbidity, polypharmacy and the ageing process.

  • ADV759 International Perspectives and Practice Requirements for Health and Social Care Practitioners

    This module will enhance students¿ knowledge of their profession within a global context. It will provide the opportunity for health and social care practitioners to explore current research and development related to a range of countries. This learning will be incorporated into a professional development plan towards considering career development within these contexts.

  • ADV760 Participation for Children and Young People

    This module will provide an opportunity to explore the concept of participation in relation to working with children and young people. Allied Health Practitioners, will review current working practices, nationally and internationally to enhance the participation focus of goals with children and improve service provision.

  • ADV761 Assessment and Management of Foot and Lower Limb Musculoskeletal Conditions

    Students will analyse methods of assessment to determine clinical impressions. They will apply critical reasoning to the management of musculoskeletal foot and lower limb conditions and explore community multidisciplinary working, emerging practice and traditional methods in the context of combining therapeutic approaches and modalities to achieve desired clinical outcomes in variety of patient groups.

  • ADV762 Recognition and Reduction of Risk to the Lower Limb in the Patient with Diabetes

    Students will explore the complex physiology and psychology of diabetes especially the multisystem pathologies that express in the lower limb. Modifiable risk factors will be evaluated that can influence the development of lower limb pathologies and there will be analysis of current therapies and interventions and evaluation of their limitations.

  • ADV763 Facilitating Collaborative Patient Management and Flow

    This module facilitates health and social care practitioners to collaborate to develop their understandings of the complexities associated with patient flow. This will offer students the opportunity to debate quality improvements and efficiencies from the perspective of the patient, the practitioner and the organisation.

  • ADV764 Leading Professionals, Managing Aspirations for Self and Others

    This module will equip learners with the knowledge and skills needed to actively understand and inform personal development and individual leadership qualities. The module focus will use the professional arena to explore how engagement in personal leadership development can help self and others to reach their full potential, both individually and for organisational advancement.

  • ADV765 The Ageing Person: Society, Body and Mind

    This module explores how the body and mind changes through the ageing process. It works through the direct and indirect influences that this process has on the health and wellbeing of the ageing person, exploring some of the challenges and opportunities associated with ageing within our society.

  • ADV766 Innovation in an Ever Changing Marketplace - Entrepreneurship for Health and Social Care Professionals

    This is a distance learning module. Through a series of webinars and e-learning students will explore the concepts of marketing, entrepreneurship and innovation relating to independent practice, social enterprise, charitable organisations and the NHS. Students will examine and gain an understanding of law and policy related to their field of interest.

  • ADV767 Advanced Clinical Reasoning in Musculoskeletal Conditions

    This module will enable qualified physiotherapists and other health care professionals with relevant musculoskeletal experience to extend their current practice within the field of musculoskeletal physiotherapy, by engendering a higher level of critical thinking and clinical reasoning within the context of evidence based practice.

  • ADV768 Clinical Assessment and Management in Neurology

    The module will (a) highlight how understanding neuroanatomy/physiology can aid in the interpretation of the signs and symptoms of commonly encountered neurological conditions (b) facilitate the development of assessment and management skills.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc APP Health and Social Care Professions pathway specification 6312

You’ll normally have a first degree (BSc (Hons) at 2:2 or above or European first cycle equivalent).

You may be a health or social care professional with a first degree or have related academic degrees. If you do not have a degree but have appropriate experience related to the programme or to any of the chosen pathways you may be eligible to apply.

You must also provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English in accordance with the University’s Admissions Code of Practice - IELTS requirement is 6.5 average with a minimum of 5.5 in each category. If you need to improve your English language to get onto a degree course at Plymouth University, you can book a pre-sessional academic English course

You’ll be assessed individually for your ability to study at this level and therefore an interview may be necessary. You’ll normally be required to submit a short piece of writing as part of the admissions process.

AP(E)L:

Claims for credit for prior learning, whether certificated or experiential, are accepted and will be assessed following university regulations and faculty procedures.

European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS):

This programme is equivalent to 90 ECTS credits (second cycle) with 30 ECTS credits at postgraduate certificate, 60 credits at postgraduate diploma and 90 credits at masters degree. Each 20 credit module has the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits and assumes a notional student effort of between 200-300 hours.

Successful completion of this pathway does not lead to eligibility to apply for registration with a UK-based regulatory body.

When to apply

Applications for this programme can usually be made throughout the year. Please check the closing date and apply as early as possible as our programmes are popular.

Apply for this programme

Applications should be made by using the relevant PDF or Word application form.

Postgraduate application form DOC – A DOC application form for postgraduate students to print, fill in and mail to the University

Postgraduate application form PDF – A PDF application form for postgraduate students to print, fill in and mail to the University

International student postgraduate application form DOC – Postgraduate taught programmes application form for international students

International student postgraduate application form PDF – Postgraduate taught programmes application form for international students

Printed application forms are also available and can be obtained from the Professional Development Unit. Please send your completed application form to the address or email listed below:

Professional Development Unit
4th floor, Rolle Building
Plymouth University
Drake Circus
Plymouth PL4 8AA

Email: pduadmissions@plymouth.ac.uk

Tel: +44 1752 586951

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information, to take part in an interview (which in the case if you are an overseas student may be by telephone or video conference) or you will be sent a decision by letter or email.

If you have a disability and would like further information about the support provided by Plymouth University, please visit our Disability Services website.

Support is also available from our International Office, if you are an overseas student applying to the University.