Intro

Successful completion of our Specialist Community Practitioner MSc will give you access to second-level registration on the NMC register as either a qualified general practice nurse or district nurse.

The course provides registered nurses with the opportunity to gain both a professional qualification and an academic award at degree level.

On graduation, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to become a capable and confident general practice nurse, district nurse, or home nurse.

We are known for our flexible approaches to practice-based learning, with course durations and intensities that can be adapted to your individual needs and outside commitments.

Recognising that patients come first in everything the NHS does, and the values of the NHS constitution – respect, dignity, compassion and working together for patients – are embedded in our curriculum.

Our high quality teaching and research are renowned, and have an applied focus. We have established strong links with community specialist practice educators to ensure the provision of support and guidance both within the university and in community practice.

We have a dedicated team of academic staff who are actively engaged in internationalising the nursing and midwifery curriculum.

Find out about postgraduate events

Key facts

Location Brighton: Falmer

Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2 to 5 years

This course meets NMC standards and course graduates are eligible for second-level registration.

Course content

Course structure

The course is delivered in a variety of ways, and is flexible enough to meet the needs of part-time students. Delivery is typically via e-learning, lectures, seminars, workbooks for work-based learning and simulation in our state-of-the-art Clinical Skills and Simulation Suite and Flexible Learning Environment.

You will be allocated practice placements by your employing trust, and assigned a dedicated tutor to support your learning in practice. You may also undertake a period of alternative practice during which you can spend a week in another practice environment, to diversify your skills and experience base.

To prioritise your learning needs and protect your student status you will only undertake patient care in relation to the Community Specialist Practitioner role under the supervision of the qualified practice teacher/mentor.

A variety of learning and teaching strategies are used including problem-based and work-based learning. You need to be highly motivated and be prepared to actively engage with all aspects of your learning.

Public health roles are diverse, and flexibility in the course gives you the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills to suit your personal and professional ambitions.

With the guidance of a tutor, you will set out a professional development plan (PDP) from the initial interview, which will be reviewed throughout the course. The PDP helps to integrate your personal areas of advancement with the existing requirements of the knowledge and skills framework. It also serves as evidence of your expanded skill set in order to boost your future employability.

Health sciences postgraduate education
This course is part of our postgraduate education programme. The programme allows you to sign up for one module at a time and build your qualification as you go. It also gives you access to interdisciplinary modules across a broad selection of health and social science subjects.

The PDP also ensures that your needs are assessed on an ongoing basis and adjustments made accordingly, particularly useful if an extended part-time route is taken.

You will be supported throughout your course and placements by a practice teacher and mentors. An exciting variety of learning approaches are utilised in the course, which can be tailored to your preferred learning styles.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through Student View.

Areas of study

A central mandatory module within the course relates to practice development – an essential skill for specialist practitioners.

The optional modules allow you to focus your practice assignment work on areas which benefit your career.

You will benefit from sharing skills and knowledge with a range of speciality nurses, and be able to nurture an intra-professional collaboration. Programmes have been designed to include modules in which learning is shared with students from other disciplines and, where possible, other professions.

On completion of the course, you will have studied and practised:

assessing risk in complex situations
developing effective relationships based on trust and openness
working flexibly with other services in a range of settings
dealing with conflicting priorities and ambiguous situations
knowing when to use, different and sometimes contradictory theories and perspectives.

Syllabus

Core modules

A Critical Approach to Community Public Health
Project Management and Leadership through Work-based Learning
Advanced Physical Assessment for Adults
Dissertation

Complex Case Management for Long Term Conditions and Frailty
Non-Medical Prescribing (V300)
Prescribing from the Nurse Prescribers’ Formulary for Community Practitioners (NPF) for registered nurses with a specialist Practice Qualification (V100)

In addition to the core modules mentioned above, you can choose from a wide choice of optional modules which allow you to study topics of personal and professional interest.

Option modules

Behaviour Change for Health Improvement
Advanced Respiratory Care (Adult)
Health, Law and Ethics for CSP and SCPHN

Facilities

Flexible Learning Environment

The Flexible Learning Environment is an adapted home environment in a residential location where you'll be able to practise skills and learn from other students while taking part in realistic training scenarios.

Every room is fitted with cameras and microphones, so that students can be directed and monitored from the control room while the observation room provides the opportunity to review, playback and debrief.

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Clinical Skills and Simulation Suite

Clinical skills and simulation rooms provide an invaluable tool for assessment and monitoring students' progress throughout the course.

You will benefit from practising nursing skills in an environment that simulates nurses’ real-life professional experiences. Learning by simulation with state-of-the-art mannequins enables you to practice in a safe environment under supervision, so you can apply your knowledge and skills in professional practice with confidence.

We have skilled technicians on every campus to support you.

Careers

Most graduates go on to work, or continue working, within the NHS in a variety of community nursing and primary care settings.

The skills and knowledge that you will have achieved by graduation can also be applied to a wide range of community nursing or public health roles in various settings.

The context of public health practice both within and outside of the NHS is constantly changing and the opportunities for career development and innovative approaches to service provision exist.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

In exceptional cases candidates will be considered for entry onto the MSc programme without a first degree if they can demonstrate innovations in practice, publications and have expertise in the field. Candidates without a first degree will be required to undertake and pass an M level module in order to enter the MSc. A maximum of 40 credits of the final award may be brought into the course provided they meet the learning outcomes and have been undertaken in the previous 5 years.

Degree and experience
Academic requirements are as for the SHS postgraduate education programme and the requirements of the NMC. In order to enter the chosen pathway, candidates must have their names on the parts of the NMC register as identified below.

Registration as nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council under:

General Practice Nursing RN1, RNA
Nursing in the Home (District Nursing) RN1, RNA.

And

normally hold a health-related degree at 2:1 or above
have successfully completed recent study within the last five years
normally have a minimum of three years’ post-registration experience, preferably in the community
demonstrate the potential to benefit from masters-level study
have appropriate clearance from the Criminal Records Bureau, organised by the sponsoring organisation.

Students who already hold a recognised qualification in any one of the specialist options at degree level may apply for admission to another specialist option provided they satisfy the necessary entry criteria. Such students will need to complete 120 masters-level credits in order to gain the postgraduate diploma, and to demonstrate achievement of the specialist practice learning outcomes for the chosen pathway.

To apply for this course, please contact the course administrator ProfessionalCourseAdmissions@brighton.ac.uk.

How to apply
This course starts in September. Applications are accepted in February of each year, which is also when the relevant application form is made available by the school. For more information, contact the programme administrator on ProfessionalCourseAdmissions@brighton.ac.uk.

Applications are accepted in the February of each year, which is also when the relevant application form is made available by the school.

The Trust and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) will shortlist the applications and, if successfully shortlisted, your details will be forwarded to the university where you will be asked to complete an online application form and invited to interview.

Please note that it will not be possible to make an application to the university unless you have applied and been shortlisted. Any applications that do not meet this criteria cannot be considered.

In addition, references to support good health and character are required at admission stage, along with a satisfactory DBS check which is undertaken by the applicant's current employer. Students are thereafter required to make an annual declaration regarding health and good character, and this would also be required before application to the Register. For more information, contact the programme administrator on: ProfessionalCourseAdmissions@brighton.ac.uk.

Interview procedures
Normally interviews are carried out with a representative from UoB and representatives from the trusts (including a Practice Teacher representative). At interview consideration will be given to the following;

knowledge of the role
communication skills
appropriate attitude
potential for development as a Community Specialist Practitioner
potential for development to study at masters level.

Fees

Course fees

NHS funding is available and may vary depending on individual circumstances.

How to apply

Applications are accepted in February of each year, which is also when the relevant application form is made available by the School of Sport and Health Sciences.

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Sport and Health Sciences in the 2022–23 academic year are listed here.

Where health course includes a placement
- UK students – travel costs which are over and above your daily journey to university and dual accommodation costs may be reimbursed by the NHS learning support fund.
- Overseas students are not covered by the NHS scheme, this means that any additional travel or accommodation costs for this course will be your responsibility. Travel to placement may be up to 90 mins each way/ travel on public transport at peak time cost, and you may incur additional accommodation and living costs if staying away from your usual home base for the length of your placement.
An initial set of specialist clothing and uniforms, where required, are included in the course fees.
DBS checks and occupational health checks, where required, are included in the fees.
Course books are available from the university but you may wish to budget up to £100 if buying your own copies.
In sport courses, UK-based field trips are available in some option modules in the final year. You do not have to take these option modules to complete the degree programme. Where a field trip is present costs are covered but you are expected to make a contribution towards food. Typically this is £50.
For sports courses which require a placement, you’ll be expected to pay for your living costs and travel. Physical Education (QTS teacher training) students can claim travel costs to their school placement.
The school runs a number of day trips which students do not pay for. There may be some food and drink costs and you should budget around £30 per year.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2023–24.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Falmer campus

Set in the South Downs, our Falmer campus is around four miles from Brighton city centre. Students based here study a range of subjects – from 2024 these will include education studies, teaching, sport and exercise, nursing and midwifery, allied health professions and medicine. Brighton and Hove Albion's Amex stadium and beautiful Stanmer Park are right next door.

Falmer campus has two halls of residence on site, as well as a library, restaurant, cafes and the students' union shop and bar.

The campus sports centre has a fitness suite, activity studios and a sports hall. There is also a floodlit astroturf football pitch, netball and tennis courts.

Specialist learning facilities at Falmer include the curriculum centre used by teaching and education students, which houses over 30,000 teaching resources, and clinical skills and simulation suites used by health students. New facilities are being developed ready for September 2024 when all of our sport and health students will be based here. Learn more about the changes at Falmer.

Cycle lanes link Falmer with our other campuses and the city centre. There are regular bus services to the city centre and other campuses. Falmer train station is right next to campus and a nine minute journey to central Brighton.

Newly refurbished atrium in the Checkland Building

Accommodation

Brighton: Falmer

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Halls of residence
We have self-catered halls on all our campuses, within minutes of your classes, and other options that are very nearby.

You can apply for any of our halls, but the options closest to your study location are:
Falmer campus is linked to the halls on Falmer campus and at Varley Park. All halls are self-catered.
- Paddock Field and Great Wilkins halls offer a range of rooms on our Falmer campus, minutes from your classes, and on the edge of the South Downs.
- Varley Park is a popular dedicated halls site, offering a mix of rooms and bathroom options at different prices. It is around two miles from Falmer campus and four miles from the city centre. Public transport in the city is excellent, and there’s a shuttle bus between our Brighton campuses during term time.

Want to live independently? We can help – find out more about private renting.

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Students dining at Westlain

Local area

About Brighton

The University of Brighton is at the heart of our city's reputation as a welcoming, forward-thinking place which leads the way when it comes to the arts, music, sustainability and creative technology. Brighton is home to a thriving creative community and a digital sector worth £1bn a year to the local economy, as much as tourism.

Many of the work-based learning opportunities offered on our courses such as placements and guest lectures are provided by businesses and organisations based in the city.

You can also get involved with city festivals and events such as the Brighton Festival, the Fringe, Brighton Digital Festival, Brighton Science Festival, the London to Brighton bike ride, and the Great Escape festival of new music to name but a few. Other annual highlights include Pride, the Brighton Marathon, and Burning the Clocks which marks the winter solstice.

You'll find living in Brighton enriches your learning experience and by the end of your course you will still be finding new things to explore and inspire you.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Maps

Falmer campus

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition.

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Stay in touch

Find out about postgraduate events

Find out more

ProfessionalCourseAdmissions@brighton.ac.uk

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Specialist Community Practitioner MSc PGDip