PgDip Community Health Nursing

This course provides a practice-orientated programme of study for nurses wishing to develop their knowledge and skills in community health nursing. It is suitable for those already working in, or wishing to work in, the community. There is also an option to achieve a community qualification recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

The course will enable you to build on your experience and develop the higher level knowledge and skills required for
specialist and advanced practice by providing opportunities for professional and personal development in community health nursing. It aims to facilitate the development of community nurses who can critically analyse, reflect on and utilise evidence in taking forward advances in community health nursing practice that focuses on the needs of patients,
clients, carers and communities. It will enable you to critically evaluate and synthesis the evidence-base for community practice and to develop an innovative, reflective and pro-active approach to meeting the public health, nursing and social needs of individuals, families, groups and communities.

EXIT AWARDS: PgDip (120 credits)/ PgCert (60 credits)
Delivery: At QMU and on placement
Single Modules: Register as an associate student to study single modules in areas of interest, however, the pre-requisites and practice requirements for the community modules must be metfor entry

Duration: Full-time: 1 year; Part-time: 2 - 3 years
Start date: September
Application deadline: May 2013
Teaching, learning and assessment: The teaching and learning methods used will encourage participative and independent learning. Assessment methods will include essays, examinations, portfolio development, poster and seminar presentations. The course is supported by utilising electronic resources. The course is 50% practice-based and requires placement in an approved practice with a qualified practice teacher or sign-off mentor. Placement will be negotiated with your supporting NHS area.
Teaching hours and attendance: Each module which you study on-campus will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work. Your attendance requirements at QMU will depend on which module you are studying and whether you are studying full or part-time.
Links with industry/professional bodies: This award leads to the Nursing and Midwifery Council recorded Specialist Practitioner Qualification of: Community Nursing in the Home: District Nursing or Specialist Community Public Health Nursing Registration (Part 3) - Public Health Nursing (Health Visiting/School Nursing).