Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (Health Visiting or School Nursing)

We will support you to meet the programme learning outcomes and the NMC Standards of proficiency for Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (2004) by recognising and building on your existing knowledge, skills and attributes gained through prior related study and work experience as a registered nurse or midwife.

Specifically, this course will enable you to:

• Develop expert clinical knowledge specific to the pre and postnatal periods, preschool, school and college years, advancing your understanding for example in public health, needs assessment, vulnerability, clinical governance and research practice
• Become a highly skilled and innovative practitioner, working authoritatively and flexibly, searching for and stimulating an awareness of health needs, strengths and assets
• Enhance your communication and relationship management skills to support and positively influence health outcomes across the spectrum of human development from infancy, through childhood and adolescence and into adulthood
• Become a dynamic leader for change and advocate for social justice, influencing policy affecting health at the individual, community and population level
• Work collaboratively with service users and multiple professionals across the spectrum of need, complexity and risk to facilitate inclusive health-enhancing activities and reduce health inequalities.

You will undertake a range of core modules, totalling 120 credits at level 7. You will apply your learning time equally between theory and practice, gaining experience in a variety of different settings and areas of professional practice, addressing the common principles of community public health. Common core learning content is complimented by opportunities to apply this learning through the different roles of health visiting and school nursing.

The practice element comprises two parts: taught and consolidated practice and is referred to as the Practice Learning and Placement Unit which is a non-credit bearing module spanning the duration of the course (116 days). You will complete the taught practice element during the first and second trimesters which includes 15 days alternate practice to facilitate experience of working with diverse populations and clients that may be a potential area of responsibility even if not central to your defined area of practice.

A period of consolidated practice at the end of the programme within your defined area of practice (health visiting or school nursing) is completed over 11 weeks (minimum of 50 days) in the third trimester and provides the opportunity to consolidate clinical experiences as an autonomous practitioner in preparation for qualified status.

All applicants for undergraduate programmes will need a minimum English level of IELTS or equivalent 6.0 overall, with no less than 6.0 in writing and no less than 5.5 in all other bands. Some programmes require 6.5/7.0 – please contact the International Office if you are unsure of your course requirement.

For postgraduate entry all applicants will need a minimum of IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in writing and no less than 5.5 in all other bands or equivalent. Some courses have a higher requirement – please contact the International Office if you are unsure of your course requirement.

For International Foundation entry all applicants will need a minimum of IELTS 5.0 or equivalent, with no less than 5.0 in writing and no less than 4.0 in all other bands.

If you have taken an IGCSE exam in English and have a Grade C, this will also usually be acceptable for most undergraduate courses.

We are also able to consider some non-UK English qualifications for entry. The International Admissions Team will advise if they are able to accept your English language qualification once you have applied.