Healthcare Practice PGCert/PgDip/MSc

Healthcare Practice PGCert/PgDip/MSc

The course offers a varied and flexible programme of practical and academic study. You may complete a 'personalised award' (PDF) in which you self-select modules of study or a specific pathway that allows the exploration of specialist areas of practice; including the development of advanced skills in autonomous practice. This qualification is awarded by St George's, University of London and delivered by the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, a partnership between Kingston University and St George's.

Highlights

• Shared campus with one of the largest teaching hospitals in the UK.
• Taught in partnership with Kingston University. You will benefit from a large, multi-faculty experience combined with the health science expertise offered by St George’s, University of London.
• Access to postgraduate learning centre.

The course offers a varied and flexible programme of practical and academic study. Students complete a personalised award in which they self-select modules of study or a specific pathway that allows the exploration of specialist areas of practice, like the development of advanced skills in autonomous practice. There is provision for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), depending upon the choice of study route followed, and a flexible framework offering interim awards (postgraduate certificates and diplomas) as well as a full MSc. All routes include compulsory research modules.

Modules

Compulsory core modules

• Research methods (15 credits)
• Dissertation Research project or work-based project or systematic review (60 credits).

You may choose to complete a traditional research project, work-based project or a systematic review of your dissertation. This offers flexibility and allows you to undertake a dissertation which will have meaning and relevance to your particular professional circumstances.

Specialist/option modules
All named pathways include at least one specialist compulsory module. Most also include self-selected option modules:

• Acute Medicine
• Advanced Practice
• Cardiac Care
• Child Health
• Community and Integrated Care
• Intensive Care
• Midwifery
• Psychosocial Interventions

Most modules are available on a free-standing basis. You may choose further option modules from the full range of postgraduate courses offered by Kingston and St George’s. This allows you to build a personalised programme of study to meet your specific development needs.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching is delivered using a variety of methods including:

• lectures
• e-learning
• role play
• case studies and small group work
• discussion groups
• work based learning

The course director and pathway leaders oversee all aspects of student learning and assessment and provide individualised guidance with study planning. You will also have a personal tutor who oversees your progress through the course. You are also allocated a research supervisor to support you through the research methods module and dissertation and there is a learning support lecturer who can provide one-to-one help with academic writing skills.

Assessment methods

Students are assessed using:

• oral presentations
• reports
• written examinations
• scope of practice portfolio
• practice-based assessments
• case logs
• dissertation

Entry requirements

Standard entry requirements

• Honours degree 2.2 or above in a recognised health-related subject (or an equivalent overseas qualification)
• Recognised health-related professional qualification and evidence of current valid professional registration (e.g. PIN number)
• Normally a one-year post-qualifying practice experience and working in an area of healthcare practice at the point of application
• Personal statement outlining reasons for applying
• Two satisfactory references, one of which must be an academic reference. The second should be a reference from your current employer dated within the last year (from date of application)

Module-specific requirements will apply to some modules.

Non-standard entry
Applications will also be considered from applicants who can demonstrate the following:

• Successful completion of a standalone module at level M or
• A minimum of 30 credits from standalone modules at level 6, at or above grade B (60 percent).

Candidates with non-standard qualifications will be asked to complete a short qualifying essay and may be required to submit supplementary details (e.g. transcripts).

Advanced Practice and Advanced Practice in Clinical Cancer Care route
In addition to the above academic requirements, you will be required to:

• have a minimum of two years full-time experience or the equivalent in part-time hours in health or social care employment.

normally be employed in a senior healthcare role and be working in a practice setting which enables the achievement of the specialist module outcomes /advanced practice competencies (DH, 2010) If you meet these requirements you will be invited to attend an interview to confirm you are in an appropriate role which supports the achievement of the advanced practice learning outcomes and assessments.

English language criteria
If your native language is not English, you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. English language tests are valid for only two years, as English language ability changes from year to year. If you've completed a test which is now considered out of date, you may be required to complete another, though applicants are only permitted a maximum of two test attempts within a one year period.

IELTS:
Overall 7.0 with 6.5 in Listening, 6.5 in Reading, 7.0 in Writing and 6.5 in Speaking.

Pearson test:
Pearson (PTE Academic) Test overall 67 with 67 in Listening, 67 in Reading, 67 in Writing, 67 in Speaking. Cambridge English Advanced (Certificate in Advanced English):
Cambridge English Advanced overall 185 with no less than 176 in each section.

Cambridge English: Proficiency (also known as Certificate of Proficiency in English):
Cambridge English: Proficiency overall 185 with no less than 176 in each section.

Fees and funding

2015 Entry UK and EU/EEA:

• MSc full-time, one year: £6,800 per year
• MSc part-time, two years: £3,500 per year
• MSc part-time, two years: £3,500 per year
• Postgraduate diploma full-time, one year: £4,550 per year
• Postgraduate certificate part-time, one year: £2,450 per year

2015 Entry Non-EU (international):

• MSc full time, one year: £12,780 per year
• Postgraduate diploma full time, one year: £8,550 per year
• Postgraduate certificate part time, one year: £4,275 per year

*Fees are subject to annual review and change.