STUDY

Postgraduate

MSc Advanced Clinical Practice

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Institution code: S82
UCAS code: N/A
Start date: September 2024
Duration: Maximum of five years part-time. Progression route one year part-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: Qualifications and management experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: N/A
Start date: September 2024
Duration: Maximum of five years part-time. Progression route one year part-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: Qualifications and management experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Overview

The Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) master’s degree is a multi-professional program open to all experienced registered healthcare professionals who wish to advance their careers at the Master’s level and be at the forefront of their field of practice. The course is designed to facilitate the development of knowledge and skills related to advanced clinical practice in the care of adults, children, and their families.

The University of Suffolk is world-class and committed to our region. We are proudly modern and innovative and we believe in transformative education. We are on the rise with a focus on student satisfaction, graduate prospects, spending on academic services and student facilities.

5th

in the UK for graduates in career 15 months after graduation for health professions

(Guardian University Guide 2023)

3rd

for Postgraduate Study

(WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2023)

2nd

in the East of England for graduate prospects

(Complete University Guide 2024)

Course Modules

The MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Progression route) is for students who have successfully completed the PgD in Advanced Healthcare Practice or Enhanced Clinical Practice (ACP exit award) and wish to continue their academic study. It is a one-year, part-time program. Please contact the Course Leader to discuss optional modules or module assessment information.

Downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Records

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This module is the first module for the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice for both the Nurse Practitioner and the Allied Healthcare Professionals pathways and includes both materials to support the student transition from Honours to Masters level study, and the principles around advanced clinical practice.

This module is 20 credits.

This module is aimed at providing the student with an opportunity to demonstrate motivation and commitment to the development of the holistic assessment processes of adult patients/clients in a specific practice setting.

This module is 20 credits.

This module is aimed at providing the student with an opportunity to apply in-depth knowledge of the biological sciences to influence and enhance care of the client group.

This module is 20 credits.

This module is advised for those in ACP roles, where the student’s profession or employer requires it. For students that have already completed the prescribing qualification at Level 6 or for whom prescribing is not available to their registered profession, students will need to choose alternative optional modules.  

Academic advice and guidance will be offered to these students to facilitate the choice of relevant and appropriate modules from the departments wider Master’s provision.

This optional module is 40 credits.

This optional module is 20 credits.

This optional module is 20 credits.

This optional module is 20 credits.

The research module is mandatory for all students progressing beyond the PGCert. This module explores research approaches, designs and methodologies, thus enabling the student to develop their investigative and analytical skills.

Students will undertake primary research or a systematic review of contemporary advanced practice.  

This mandatory module is 40 credits.

This mandatory module is 20 credits.

20 credits

20 credits

This module has been adapted from Suffolk Mind’s well established ‘CARES (Crisis Advice & Recovery – Enhanced Support) training programme. Through partnership working, the University of Suffolk and Suffolk Mind, offer this module.

This module encompasses the final component that you will submit for your Advanced Clinical Practice Masters programme. It is designed to bring together all the learning and development that has occurred while on the programme and to articulate this against the national Multi-Professional Framework for Advanced Practice in England. It will provide a structure for understanding and collecting evidence against
the expected capabilities of advanced clinical practice and put this within your practice context and learning development plan. It will facilitate professional development and transition into the role of an Advanced Clinical Practitioner.

20 credits

40 credits

Course Modules

The MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Progression route) is for students who have successfully completed the PgD in Advanced Healthcare Practice or Enhanced Clinical Practice (ACP exit award) and wish to continue their academic study. One year, part time. 
Please contact the Course Leader to discuss optional modules or module assessment information.

Downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Records

Surgical lamp

This module is the first module for the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice for both the Nurse Practitioner and the Allied Healthcare Professionals pathways and includes both materials to support the student transition from Honours to Masters level study, and the principles around advanced clinical practice.

This module is aimed at providing the student with an opportunity to demonstrate motivation and commitment to the development of the holistic assessment processes of adult patients/clients in a specific practice setting. 

This module is aimed at providing the student with an opportunity to apply in-depth knowledge of the biological sciences to influence and enhance care of the client group. 

This module is advised for those in ACP roles, where the student’s profession or employer requires it. For students that have already completed the prescribing qualification at Level 6 or for whom prescribing is not available to their registered profession, students will need to choose alternative optional modules.  

Academic advice and guidance will be offered to these students to facilitate the choice of relevant and appropriate modules from the departments wider Master’s provision. 

This course is 20 credits.

This course is 20 credits.

This course is 20 credits.

The research module is mandatory for all students progressing beyond the PGCert. This module explores research approaches, designs and methodologies, thus enabling the student to develop their investigative and analytical skills. 

The Dissertation module is mandatory for the MSc pathway and will enable students to conduct an independent research activity or a literature-based analytical exploration of a relevant subject area. 

This course is 20 credits.

This course is 20 credits.

This course is 20 credits.

This module has been adapted from Suffolk Mind’s well established ‘CARES (Crisis Advice & Recovery – Enhanced Support) training programme. Through partnership working, the University of Suffolk and Suffolk Mind, offer this module.

This module encompasses the final component that you will submit for your Advanced Clinical Practice Masters programme. It is designed to bring together all the learning and development that has occurred while on the programme and to articulate this against the national Multi-Professional Framework for Advanced Practice in England. It will provide a structure for understanding and collecting evidence against
the expected capabilities of advanced clinical practice and put this within your practice context and learning development plan. It will facilitate professional development and transition into the role of an Advanced Clinical Practitioner.

This course is 20 credits.

This course is 40 credits.

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WHY SUFFOLK

2nd in the UK for Career Prospects

WUSCA 2024

3rd in the UK for spend on academic services

Complete University Guide 2025

4th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction

Guardian University Guide 2024
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Health and Wellbeing class
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Students in the Health and Wellbeing building
Students at a bedside in a stimulation ward
Students in the Health and Wellbeing building

Entry Requirements

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Career Opportunities

Completing the Advanced Clinical Practice course can open up a wide range of career opportunities for healthcare professionals, including but not limited to:

  • Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP)

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist

  • Advanced Practice Nurse

  • Nurse Educator

  • Healthcare Manager/Administrator

  • Researcher

  • Consultant

  • Public Health Specialist: Social Care Manager

  • Allied Health Professional Specialist

  • Health Visitor

  • Midwifery Specialist

Your Course Team

Joanne Learney

Joanne is a Senior Lecturer in Nursing and is a registered Adult and Children’s nurse, with experience in adult and paediatric intensive care.

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Dr Rachel Heathershaw

Rachel is an Associate Professor. After completing her registered nurse training she worked predominantly in acute medicine and rehabilitation.

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Mel Deal

Mel is a Senior Lecturer and Co-course Leader for BSc Adult Nursing and has worked within coronary care, cardiology, and cardiology research.

Mel Deal staff profile photo

Sarah Watkin

Sarah is Senior Lecturer in Non-Medical Prescribing.

Sarah Watkin staff profile photo

Carlos Gonzalez

Carlos teaches on the Non-Medical Prescribing course and supports other courses and projects across the School of Allied Health Sciences. 

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Dr Noreen Cushen-Brewster

Noreen is Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange and has extensive experience in  senior leadership and management nursing roles.

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Zoe Grant

Zoe is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Allied Health Sciences, Zoe teaches across programmes both undergraduate and postgraduate.

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Gillian Heard

Gill is Head of Nursing with a career in cancer and palliative/end of life care and was matron in this area for 20+ years

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Fees and Funding

UK Part-time Tuition Fee

£1,010*

per 20 credit module

*Please contact the Student Centre for further details

Further Information

Postgraduate Loans are available for this course, we also offer University of Suffolk Alumni a 25% reduction on fees, find out more below.

Postgraduate Funding Alumni Loyalty Scheme International Students

How to apply

Applying for a postgraduate programme is simple, you can apply using the link below. You can also find out more about what to include on your application and how to contact us for support during the process on the Postgraduate Study link.

Apply Now Postgraduate Study
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"The University of Suffolk empowered me to be better, to aim high and to make positive changes. I found people here that inspired me and supported me through my journey."

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