BSc (Hons) Critical Care

• Programme overview

• The course comprises of four 20 credit core modules and 40 credits in optional modules within the Faculty of Health.

  It may be possible to accredit any previous formal certificated learning and informal non-certificated learning, including e-learning as part of the degree pathway by

  Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Please see the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) section of our website for further details.

  Please note that if you apply to RPL up to the maximum of 60 credits you will need to achieve the core modules through either RPL or taught and the rest from a combination of optional modules from CPD offer to be eligible for the award of BSc (Hons) Critical Care.

  Optional modules

  Any other module, partnership module, mentorship or learning achieved via professional development modules from the University of Plymouth or with another HEI in the relevant subject of critical care – if you are unsure on whether a module you have passed is relevant, please contact the Programme Lead.

  Optional modules

  • Understanding Evidence to Inform Clinical Decision Making (HEAD360P)

    The module is designed to extend students' knowledge around evidence-informed decision making. This will be achieved through students identifying and evaluating a body of research-based evidence relevant to clinical practice.

  • Urgent, Emergency and Critical Care: Leadership and Innovation (UEC607)

    This module will enhance the students' confidence and competence to lead and manage quality improvement and innovation in urgent, emergency and critical care.

  • Evidencing Professional Development in Urgent, Emergency and Critical Care via (e)-Portfolio (UEC608)

    This module will enable the student to develop their professional practice in the provision of urgent, emergency and critical care. Evidence supporting the students' development will be collated in an electronic portfolio (e-portfolio).

  • Developing Professional Practice in Critical Care (UEC609)

    This module will enable the student to develop their professional practice with regard to history taking, clinical examination, diagnostics, decision making and clinical management planning in critical care.

  • Independent Study (HEAD361)

    This module extends knowledge of primary and secondary research and develops critical appraisal skills. Students construct an integrative literature review of a practice focused research topic.

  • Advancing the Management of Long Term Conditions (ADV605)

    This module focuses on developing knowledge and understanding to support service development for people with long term conditions' that is person centred; promoting self-management and collaborative working. The module is based upon best practice as 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.

  • Advancing the Management of Long Term Conditions (ADV605Z)

    This module focuses on developing knowledge and understanding to support service development for people with long term conditions' that is person centred; promoting self-management and collaborative working. The module is based upon best practice as 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.

  • Supporting the Needs of the Frail Older Person (ADV608)

    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.

  • Supporting the Needs of the Frail Older Person (ADV608Z)

    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.

  • Contemporary Leadership (ADV611)

    This module will enable students to explore and critically analyse the complex and dynamic nature of leadership within the context of personal, team, organisational, national and global professional practice.

  • Contemporary Leadership (ADV611Z)

    This module will enable students to explore and critically analyse the complex and dynamic nature of leadership within the context of personal, team, organisational, national and global professional practice.

  • The Supervision of Clinical Practice - Application of Enhanced Theory and Skills (HEA302DL)

    To enhance the ability of the professional healthcare worker to be an effective supervisor and supervisee. This is achieved through linking and applying the theory of supervision to its practice using both formative and summative approaches.

  • Specialist Approaches to Palliative Care and Symptom Mgmt Enhanced Prac (HEAB344DL)

  • Advancing Practice in Long Term Conditions Management (HEAB358C)

    The module equips students to lead and implement informed change in the practice of Long Term Conditions Management

  • Mentorship (HEAB370DL)

    This module will prepare the student for a role where they will provide a contribution to the education and facilitation of students/learners and the development of education within their practice setting.

  • Intermediate Course in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (HEAB397P)

    This module focuses on the theory and develops the practice of family therapy in the context both of its historical development and its current position in health and social care provision. The taught content informs and complements the skills development component.

  • Foundation Course in Solution Focused Therapy (HEAC312P)

    This module focuses on the theory and practice of contemporary Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) in healthcare provision and health enhancement in a wide variety of clinical and non-clinical settings.

  • Management of Infection Prevention (HEAC334P)

    This module aims to empower the student with comprehensive infection control knowledge, utilising critical thinking to implement evidence-based practice and manage complex and unpredictable situations relating to infection control in the healthcare environment. This will be done using a variety of teaching methods both in and out of the work place. Assessment will be through completion of a written assignment and demonstration of change management.

  • Enhanced Acute Medical Care for Older Adults (HEAC350P)

    This module will enable the student to critically examine contemporary clinical practice. The student will be able to develop an evidence based underpinning knowledge, and perform skills pertinent to the needs of the older adult in acute care settings. The module will provide strategies in order to improve service delivery and deliver effective high quality care.

  • Nursing the Critically Ill Child in a General Intensive Care Unit (HEAC358E)

    This course provides an introduction to paediatric critical care skills for adult intensive care nurses. It will enable the experienced adult intensive care nurse to further develop and utilise appropriate professional skills to care for the critically ill child in an ICU environment.

  • Specialist Practice in Stroke Care (HEAC371C)

    In this module students will critically examine and explore ways to enhance their roles to provide an evidence based, inter-disciplinary approach to stroke services supported by skills blending. Students will be equipped to facilitate/lead on improving services for stroke patients, their carers and families and the interdisciplinary team

  • Minor Skin Surgery Practice (HEAC381E)

    This module will enable students to assess, plan and implement care of a patient with a dermatological condition requiring minor skin surgery.

  • The Child and Young Person with Mental Health Needs (HEAC385)

    This module introduces the student to the holistic care of children with mental health needs and their family.

  • High Dependency Care for Children: Enhanced Knowledge and Skills (HEAC391P)

    This module will enable practitioners to develop their existing knowledge and skills in the management of children requiring high dependency care by increasing their critical understanding and application of current research and specialised practice.

  • Contemporary Issues in the Care of the Newborn (HEAC396P)

    This module will enable the practitioner to develop and utilise appropriate skills whilst promoting an environment conducive to the provision of high quality care for new-born babies requiring additional care and their families.

  • Newborn and Infant Examination (APL) (HEAC399DL)

    This module enables practitioners who have undertaken a programme of learning to demonstrate competence in the examination of the newborn/infant and to critically analyse the evidence base and professional issues.

  • Newborn and Infant Examination (APL) (HEAC399P)

    This module enables practitioners who have undertaken a programme of learning to demonstrate competence in the examination of the newborn/infant and to critically analyse the evidence base and professional issues.

  • Supporting People in Loss, Grief and Bereavement - Enhanced Practice (HEAD304P)

    This module is designed to equip health and care staff, who have a role in supporting people who are facing or experiencing loss and bereavement, with additional skills and knowledge. It will be of interest to a wide range of professionals and workers who may be involved in providing ongoing bereavement support.

  • Supporting People in Loss, Grief and Bereavement - Enhanced Practice (HEAD304T)

    This module is designed to equip health and care staff, who have a role in supporting people who are facing or experiencing loss and bereavement, with additional skills and knowledge. It will be of interest to a wide range of professionals and workers who may be involved in providing ongoing bereavement support.

  • Family Planning and Women's Health in Primary Care (HEAD306E)

    This short course has been specifically designed to focus on the principles and issues involved in delivering contraceptive services to women within the community setting. This includes comprehensive coverage of managing fertility and incorporates key competences to be gained in practice.

  • Applied Physiology in Critical Illness (HEAD327P)

    This module is designed for health care professionals to provide the underpinning knowledge of anatomy and pathophysiology of critical illness in adults.

  • Advanced Concepts in Critical Care (HEAD328P)

    This module is designed for healthcare professionals currently working in a critical care environment wishing to critically examine advanced concepts of critical care practice and facilitates exploration and appraisal of the contemporary evidence base. It will provide the opportunity to innovate with a service improvement project and develop advanced clinical competence.

  • Core Concepts in Critical Care (HEAD329P)

    This module is designed for healthcare professionals who want to critically examine core concepts of critical care practice. It will facilitate exploration and appraisal of the contemporary evidence base, whilst providing opportunity to enhance clinical competence.

  • Preceptorship (APEL) (HEAD331)

    This module is specifically designed to enable students to accredit their professional preceptorship practice development through by building on and reflecting on their learning and experience gained through undertaking a preceptorship Programme within their organisation.

  • Tissue Viability: Core Knowledge for Practice (HEAD339E)

    This module will support the development of the core knowledge required for effective tissue viability practice. Using their own clinical practice as a way of contextualising their developing knowledge, learners will engage with published literature and consider the role of evidence based practice in relation to tissue viability.

  • Enhancing End of Life Care & Palliative Care Practice (HEAD344DL)

  • Assessment, Management and Escalation of the Acutely Ill Adult (HEAD346C)

    This module will enable the student to develop and utilise the knowledge and skills of critical analysis in order to assess, manage and seek appropriate help for acutely ill adults in non-critical care acute areas.

  • Assessment, Management and Escalation of the Acutely Ill Adult (HEAD346E)

    This module will enable the student to develop and utilise the knowledge and skills of critical analysis in order to assess, manage and seek appropriate help for acutely ill adults in non-critical care acute areas.

  • Assessment, Management and Escalation of the Acutely Ill Adult (HEAD346P)

    This module will enable the student to develop and utilise the knowledge and skills of critical analysis in order to assess, manage and seek appropriate help for acutely ill adults in non-critical care acute areas.

  • Assessment, Management and Escalation of the Acutely Ill Adult (HEAD346T)

    This module will enable the student to develop and utilise the knowledge and skills of critical analysis in order to assess, manage and seek appropriate help for acutely ill adults in non-critical care acute areas.

  • Advancing the Care and Support of the Person with Dementia and their Carer (HEAD347C)

    This module is designed to meet the educational needs of practitioners who care for the person with dementia and their carer in a general setting. This module will link evidence based theory to current clinical practice and provide strategies in order to improve service delivery and give effective high quality care.

  • Advancing the Care and Support of the Person with Dementia and their Carer (HEAD347P)

    This module is designed to meet the educational needs of practitioners who care for the person with dementia and their carer in a general setting. This module will link evidence based theory to current clinical practice and provide strategies in order to improve service delivery and give effective high quality care.

  • Principles and Practice of Cardiothoracic Surgical Care (HEAD348P)

    This module will encourage the practitioner to further develop an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to care for patients who require cardiac and thoracic surgical intervention. The design of the module is to focus on the patient's journey through the cardiothoracic centre.

  • CBT Interventions for Mental Health Professionals (Psychosis) (HEAD351)

    This module will focus on the development of systematic knowledge and skills in the use of CBT for the treatment of psychotic experiences. This includes effective assessment; formulation and the use of formal diagnostic systems alongside the development of skills required for the effective use of CBT in psychosis. There will be a focus on reflective practice and workplace-based cases to ensure clinical relevance.

  • Working with People with a diagnosis of Personality Disorder (HEAD353)

    The module seeks to underpin mental health practice in working with people whose personality difficulties lead them to come into conflict with others, engage in harm themselves or to be labelled as 'personality disordered'. The module is designed to develop evidence based interventions in a range of settings. There will be a focus on reflective practice and workplace-based cases to ensure clinical relevance.

  • Facilitating Patient Centred Care and Choice through Advanced Communication Skills (HEAD354)

    This module offers practical communication skills enabling a range of practitioners to engage patients in difficult conversations, to facilitate advance care planning for those at end of life or with complex long term conditions who need to discuss future care options. It enables practitioners to ensure their practice continues to be evidenced based, promoting ongoing conversations with the patient and family/carers.

  • Facilitating Patient Centred Care and Choice through Advanced Communication Skills (HEAD354P)

    This module offers practical communication skills enabling a range of practitioners to engage patients in difficult conversations, to facilitate advance care planning for those at end of life or with complex long term conditions who need to discuss future care options. It enables practitioners to ensure their practice continues to be evidenced based, promoting ongoing conversations with the patient and family/carers.

  • Foundation Course in Family Therapy (HEAD356P)

    This module will focus on the theory and practice of contemporary Family Therapy practice in healthcare provision and health enhancement in a wide variety of clinical and non-clinical settings.

  • Enhanced Care of the Patient Requiring Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) (HEAD358P)

    This module will allow the student to develop enhanced skills in the delivery of SACT and acquire new competencies that will enable them to assume significant clinical and leadership responsibilities within the organisation.

  • Specialist Cancer Care (HEAD359P)

    This module is designed to enable suitably qualified healthcare workers to become competent at assessing, delivering and evaluating the specialised treatment and care of people with cancer and their carer in a general and specialist setting. This module will link evidence based theory to current clinical practice and provide strategies in order to improve service delivery and give effective high quality care.

  • Understanding Evidence to Inform Clinical Decision Making (HEAD360)

    The module is designed to extend students' knowledge around evidence-informed decision making. This will be achieved through students identifying and evaluating a body of research-based evidence relevant to clinical practice.

  • Understanding Evidence to Inform Clinical Decision Making (HEAD360C)

    The module is designed to extend students' knowledge around evidence-informed decision making. This will be achieved through students identifying and evaluating a body of research-based evidence relevant to clinical practice.

  • Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare Practice (HEAD363)

    This module builds on existing knowledge of legal and ethical frameworks. Students explore and debate ethical and legal concepts, issues and theories relating to health and social care.

  • Integrated Advancing Practice in Context (HEAD366)

    This module will enable the student to develop their professional understanding of Advancing Practice within their working environment and explore the complexities of their practice. They will examine the legal & ethical boundaries and accountability of practice personally, professionally and strategically.

  • The Fundamentals of Health Assessment (HEAD367)

    This module is designed to enable healthcare professionals to critically examine and develop in an area of professional clinical practice, in a range of settings. Taught workshops will guide the student, building on their pre-existing body of knowledge to further develop their skills in health assessment, clinical examination and clinical reasoning.

  • Holistic Neonatal Assessment and Clinical Management (HEAD375P)

    This module will enable neonatal nurses to develop existing professional skills. Performing comprehensive health assessments through history taking, clinical examination, diagnosis and documentation, to contribute to initial treatment and management strategies. The practitioner develops competence through experience in clinical practice, utilising pathophysiological knowledge within the clinical decision making process.

  • Perinatal Mental Health (HEAD377)

    This module will enable students to increase their knowledge surrounding the development and management of the care of childbearing women with perinatal mental health needs. Students will be research informed and prepared to explore evidence to inform decision making. The needs of mothers and babies; before, during and after birth, would be at the centre of care with a strong emphasis on respect and dignity.

  • Haematology (HEAD378E)

    This module will enable learners to take a lead role in the provision of care and treatment of patients and their carers with Haematology conditions. Students will develop an underpinning knowledge and critical awareness in Haematology health care practice.

  • Enhancing Practice in Paediatric Palliative Care (HEAD379P)

    This inter-professional module aims to enhance the practice of all professionals delivering palliative care to children, young people and their families. The module will build upon existing knowledge and experience while enabling students to develop a critical and reflective approach to the care of a child or young person on a palliative care pathway.

  • Enhancing Practice in Paediatric Palliative Care (HEAD379Z)

  • Minor illness and Injuries - the principles and practice of management for unscheduled care (HEAD382)

    This module will enable the student to develop the underpinning knowledge and professional understanding of the practical and theoretical management of patients presenting with common minor illness and injuries across healthcare settings. They will consider the clinical, legal and ethical boundaries and recognise the limitations within their scope of practice and working environment.

  • Minor illness and Injuries - the principles and practice of management for unscheduled care (HEAD382E)

    This module will enable the student to develop the underpinning knowledge and professional understanding of the practical and theoretical management of patients presenting with common minor illness and injuries across healthcare settings. They will consider the clinical, legal and ethical boundaries and recognise the limitations within their scope of practice and working environment.

  • Substance Misuse and Dual Diagnosis (HEAD383)

    This module focuses on the services and interventions for people who misuse a range of substances or have 'dual diagnosis' implying co-existing mental health problems. Participants will develop their skills for working with this group, consider the influence of various models and approaches as well as the issues for them as individuals and for society.

  • Specialist Cardiothoracic Critical Care (HEAD384P)

    This module is designed as a specialist bolt on module to enhance cardiothoracic knowledge and skills within a critical care environment. The content will be specific to cardiothoracic care and advances in monitoring and surgical techniques. This module will allow recognition of the specialist skills required to manage a complex post-operative cardiac patient.

  • Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Management in Primary Care (HEAD385E)

    Rooted firmly in practice this short module has been specifically designed to focus on the key principles and issues involved in supporting and treating patients with long term respiratory conditions within the primary care setting.

  • Surgical First Assistant (HEAD387)

    Develop clinical skills and knowledge for the role of Surgical First Assistant as described by the Perioperative Care Collaborative (2018)

  • Supervision of Learning and Assessment in Practice (HEAD388)

    This module will enable the student to enhance their role in providing a contribution to the education and facilitation of students/learners and the development of education within their practice setting.

  • Critical Care of Children and Young People, Advancing Knowledge and Skills (HEAD390)

    This module will develop the knowledge and skills of health care professionals in the care of the deteriorating child and young person requiring critical care. The module will build upon the existing knowledge of participants, and develop critical analysis applied to the care of the child/young person requiring critical care across a range of clinical settings.

  • Work Based Learning (HEAD391)

    This module enables the student to undertake an individual work based project and meet a set of agreed learning outcomes for a specified programme of study.

  • Work Based Learning (HEAD391P)

    This module enables the student to undertake an individual work based project and meet a set of agreed learning outcomes for a specified programme of study.

  • Diabetes Mellitus (HEAD392)

    A module for the practitioner to explore core knowledge issues relating to diabetes mellitus, based upon diabetes competencies.

  • Bowel Cancer Screening Specialist Practice (HEAD393P)

    This module will enable Health Care Professionals to develop existing professional skills. Performing comprehensive health care on the complexities associated with specialist bowel screening care. The practitioner will develop competence through experience in clinical practice, utilising pathophysiological knowledge within the clinical decision/governance making process.

  • Transition into General Practice (HEAD394)

    This module provides education to support professional development in general practice and primary care networks. Students will learn about and develop skills in delivering person-centred care with a focus on primary prevention, public health initiatives and health screening.

  • Transition into General Practice (HEAD394E)

    This module provides education to support professional development in general practice and primary care networks. Students will learn about and develop skills in delivering person-centred care with a focus on primary prevention, public health initiatives and health screening.

  • Embedding in General Practice (HEAD395)

    This module aims to equip those working in a general practice setting or primary care networks with the necessary generic practice skills to function in this environment.

  • Embedding in General Practice (HEAD395E)

    This module aims to equip those working in a general practice setting or primary care networks with the necessary generic practice skills to function in this environment.

  • Advancing within General Practice (HEAD396)

    This module aims to equip students with knowledge, understanding and capability to deliver person-centred care required to fulfil the role of the General Practice Nurse as defined by the RCGP Nursing standards and in alignment with national Department of Health and Health Education England initiatives.

  • Advancing within General Practice (HEAD396E)

    This module aims to equip students with knowledge, understanding and capability to deliver person-centred care required to fulfil the role of the General Practice Nurse as defined by the RCGP Nursing standards and in alignment with national Department of Health and Health Education England initiatives.

  • Emergency Nursing Care (HEAD397)

    This module is designed to enable nursing staff to develop existing professional skills in Emergency Care. They will critically examine and develop specialist knowledge in order to effectively assess, prioritise, plan and deliver effective evidence-based care to the patient presenting to the Emergency Department.

  • Advanced Psychosocial Assessment and Formulation (HEAD398)

    This module will enable students to develop an in-depth understanding of conceptual frameworks and the use of therapeutic factors to undertake a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment of mental health presentations, and to develop a critical understanding of person-centred formulations. There will be a focus on reflective practice and clinical application.

  • Accreditation of Professional Studies (HEAD399)

    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.

  • Anaesthesia Principles and Management (HEAE301C)

    This module will enable Health Care Professionals to develop a higher level of knowledge and skills in anaesthesia to become an autonomous anaesthetic practitioner. The practitioner will develop competence using a critical and reflective approach in anaesthetic clinical practice and the exploration and appraisal of the contemporary evidence base.

  • Coaching and Leadership (HEAE302)

    Coaching and Leadership is a module focused on developing your confidence and competence to lead and develop yourself and others. Students will be able to understand and explore coaching theory and practice using a variety of tools in order to underpin coaching and leadership practice.

  • Independent and Supplementary Non-Medical Prescribing (NMP603)

    This module will enable health care professionals to apply theoretical, analytical and clinical principles of prescribing within their field of practice.

  • Enhanced Principles and Practice of Renal Nursing (NURC317P)

    Renal Nursing is a constantly changing and challenging care environment. This module has been designed to develop a higher level of knowledge and skills in qualified practitioners to equip them to provide high quality and evidence based care using a critical and reflective approach in a renal or renal related clinical environment.

  • Enhanced Principles and Practice of Renal Nursing (Specialist Skills) (NURC318P)

    Renal Nursing is a constantly changing and challenging care environment. This module has been designed to develop a higher level of knowledge and skills in qualified practitioners to enable them to provide high quality and evidence based care using a critical and reflective approach in a renal or renal related clinical environment.

  • Gastro-Intestinal Endoscopy and Related Procedures for Nurses (Specialist Skills) (NURC319)

    This module will facilitate the development of specialist clinical and management skills appropriate to the care provision of the person undergoing endoscopic procedures. The practitioner will develop competence through experience in clinical practice, utilising pathophysiological knowledge within the clinical decision/governance making process.

  • The Child or Young Person Requiring Urgent or Emergency Care (UEC604)

    This module will facilitate the development of practitioners knowledge and skills in the recognition and immediate management of children/young people requiring urgent or emergency care for illness/injury in a range of settings by increasing their ability to apply current research/evidence to practice and deliver holistic care to sick children and their families.

  • Developing Expertise in Urgent & Emergency Care (UEC610)

    This module is designed to enable healthcare professionals to critically examine and develop in an area of professional clinical practice, in Urgent and Emergency Care. Taught workshops will guide the student, building on their pre-existing body of knowledge to further develop their skills in health assessment, clinical examination and clinical reasoning.

  • Mental Health Assessment in Urgent, Emergency and Acute Care (UEC611)

    This module aims to increase knowledge and skills of practitioners working in urgent, emergency and acute care settings and who work with individuals experiencing mental health issues. It explores the principles and process of mental health assessment and the practice of determining appropriate intervention alongside prioritisation of client need based on the current guidance.

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

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

BSc (Hons) Critical Care programme specification 5864

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

To be eligible for the course you must be:

You will be considered and advised individually (where required) by the programme team and Professional Development Unit. Please contact the PDU or programme lead if you have any queries regarding your situation.

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
To apply for this programme please complete the application form and return via email to:

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 University of Plymouth, please visit our Additional support for students with an impairment, health condition or disability website.

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