Overview

The MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice is designed for experienced healthcare professionals who wish to expand their expertise, enhance their clinical skills, and take on leadership roles in their respective fields. This course equips practitioners with the advanced knowledge and competencies required to provide high-quality, evidence-based patient care across a variety of healthcare settings.

The programme focuses on four pillars of advanced practice: clinical expertise, leadership and management, education, and research. You will develop the ability to assess, diagnose, and manage complex clinical cases while also contributing to service development, innovation, and policy-making.

Through a blend of theoretical study, practical training, and supervised clinical experience, you will refine your decision-making skills, gain advanced diagnostic abilities, and strengthen your leadership capabilities to drive improvements in patient care and healthcare systems.

Course Modules

The MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice consists of a combination of core and optional modules designed to deepen your clinical expertise while broadening your professional skills.

Core Modules:

1. Advanced Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
2. Applied Pharmacology and Prescribing Practice
3. Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare
4. Research Methods for Evidence-Based Practice
5. Professionalism and Ethical Considerations in Clinical Practice
6. Clinical Decision-Making and Complex Case Management
7. Work-Based Learning and Supervised Clinical Practice
8. Final Dissertation or Advanced Clinical Project

Optional Modules (subject to availability):

• Chronic Disease Management and Long-Term Conditions
• Mental Health and Well-Being in Advanced Practice
• Acute and Emergency Care
• Palliative and End-of-Life Care
• Digital Health and Technology in Clinical Practice

Course Structure

This MSc combines academic study, hands-on clinical training, and independent research, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience tailored to the needs of advanced healthcare professionals.

Teaching methods include:

• Interactive lectures and seminars
• Clinical skills workshops and simulation-based training
• Case-based discussions and scenario analysis
• Supervised work-based learning in healthcare settings
• Independent research and professional reflection
• Students will complete a final dissertation or an advanced clinical project, allowing them to apply research methods to a relevant clinical issue and contribute to the advancement of healthcare practices.

Assessment methods include:

• Written assignments and critical appraisals
• Clinical competency assessments
  OSCEs (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations)
• Case study presentations
• Research dissertation or project submission

Entry Requirements

Applicants to the MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice should meet the following criteria:

• A bachelor’s degree (2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant healthcare field (e.g., Nursing, Physiotherapy, Paramedicine, Pharmacy, Radiography, or another allied health profession).
• A minimum of two years post-qualification experience in a clinical role.
• Current registration with a recognised professional healthcare body (e.g., NMC, HCPC, GMC).
• Employer support and approval to undertake the course, including access to a clinical mentor.
• Evidence of professional development and relevant clinical experience in an advanced practice role.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the English language proficiency requirements (IELTS 7.0 or equivalent).

All applications are subject to university approval, and an interview may be required as part of the selection process.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice are well-equipped to take on senior roles in healthcare, leading clinical teams, improving patient outcomes, and shaping healthcare policies. Career opportunities include:

• Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) in hospitals, primary care, and community settings
• Specialist or Consultant Practitioner in areas such as acute care, mental health, paediatrics, and elderly care
• Clinical Educator or Lecturer in universities and healthcare training institutions
• Healthcare Leadership and Management Roles, influencing policy and service development
• Research and Development in Clinical Practice, contributing to innovation in patient care
• This MSc also provides a pathway for further academic and professional development, including doctoral-level study (e.g., DProf in Advanced Clinical Practice or PhD in Healthcare Research).

Why Choose This Course?

✔ Enhance Your Clinical Expertise – Develop advanced skills in patient assessment, diagnostics, and complex case management.
✔ Leadership and Innovation – Prepare for senior roles where you can influence healthcare practices and policies.
✔ Work-Based Learning – Gain practical experience with real patients in supervised clinical settings.
✔ Flexible Study Options – Designed to accommodate working professionals with part-time and blended learning options.
✔ Accredited and Recognised – Meets national standards for advanced clinical practice, enhancing career progression opportunities.

Advance your career, expand your clinical skills, and become a leader in modern healthcare with the MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice.