PGDip/MSc in Nursing (Exit Award Of Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing)

Transcription

1 B2.1.1 Course Specification Course Title: PGDip/MSc in Nursing (Exit Award Of Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing) 1 AWARD INSTITUTION/BODY: UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER 2 TEACHING INSTITUTION: UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER 3 LOCATION: JORDANSTOWN/CAMPUS ONE 4 ACCREDITED BY: 5 FINAL AWARD: MSc In Nursing Postgraduate Diploma In Nursing Postgraduate Certificate In Nursing 6 MODE OF ATTENDANCE: Full-Time/Part-Time 7 SPECIALISMS: Generic Pathway 8 COURSE CODE: G155PJ/G160PJ G535PJ/G540PJ 9 LAST UPDATED: Previous Validation 1997 Various CE3 forms submitted since 10 EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE COURSE This programme aims to develop highly knowledgeable and skilled graduate nurses with the knowledge base to be able to function at an advanced level and to develop into expert clinical practitioners, advisers, nurse managers or educators within their particular area of expertise. The graduates of this programme are expected to have a widespread beneficial influence on the quality of patient/client care through enhancing evidence based practice. Their development in relation to research and theory will vary according to the academic award achieved. These graduates will have the theoretical background to become leaders within the profession. 11 MAIN LEARNING OUTCOMES The course provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning. * indicates those learning outcomes to be achieved within the PGCertificate in Nursing 44

2 11K KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF SUBJECT K1 K2 explicate the beliefs and values which form the foundations of nursing and demonstrate how these influence decision making in all areas demonstrate in-depth understanding of the development of nursing knowledge and its application into practice Generic Pathway K3 demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles and empirical evidence underpinning practice development K3* demonstrate the application of a thorough understanding of the scientific, theoretical and research bases of care within their specialist area of work K3 demonstrate an understanding of the pedagogical principles and empirical evidence that underpins the education of nurses, midwives and specialist community public health nurses K3 demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the principles and practice of independent and supplementary prescribing Learning and Teaching Methods: At this academic level, students are expected to function as independent learners with: academic guidance towards various sources; the opportunity to present, debate and defend an argument through seminars and discussions; and reflecting on current and previous experience in reflexive analysis of the relationship between theory and practice. WebCT will be used in presenting elearning enhanced modules. Assessment Methods: A range of assessment methods require students to demonstrate their application of the knowledge acquired within this programme. The School of Nursing Postgraduate Assignment Feedback form assists in assuring reliability in assessment. 11I INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES I1* identify and critically analyse the relevant research issues and principles in their own area of activity I2 I3 identify concepts relevant to their area of practice from various domains of study, analyse and integrate these concepts and apply them imaginatively analyse critically and reflect upon the various competencies concerning the application of a range of quality of care initiatives Learning and Teaching Methods: At this academic level, students are expected to function as independent learners with: academic guidance towards various sources; the opportunity to present, debate and defend an argument through seminars and discussions; and reflect on current and previous experience in reflexive analysis of the relationship between theory and practice. WebCT will be used in presenting elearning enhanced modules. Assessment Methods: A range of assessment methods require students to demonstrate their application of the knowledge acquired within this programme. The School of Nursing Postgraduate Assignment Feedback form assists in assuring reliability in assessment. 45

3 11P P1 P2 P3 PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS select appropriate research methods for the investigation of research questions demonstrate a high level of competence in each stage of the research process apply understanding of the knowledge base for nursing within one s own area of practice Generic Pathway P4 apply the principles of practice development in initiating and managing change, demonstrating creativity and innovation, and act as a leader P4* demonstrate a high level of competence in assessment and statement of nursing diagnoses, and flexibility, creativity and innovation in approaches to care P4 demonstrate a high level of competence in planning and providing appropriate education in classroom and clinical settings for nurses, midwives and specialist community public health nurses P4 (MSc only) P5 P6 demonstrate a high level of competence in assessing patients and implementing independent and/or supplementary prescribing. based on the relevant literature, identify, plan and implement a research-based project which shall be relevant to the development of nursing practice demonstrate the competencies required to act as consultant or expert nurse Learning and Teaching Methods: At this academic level, students are expected to function as independent learners with: academic guidance towards various sources; the opportunity to present, debate and defend an argument through seminars and discussions; and reflecting on current and previous experience in reflexive analysis of the relationship between theory and practice. WebCT will be used in presenting elearning enhanced modules. Assessment Methods: A range of assessment methods require students to demonstrate their application of the knowledge acquired within this programme. The School of Nursing Postgraduate Assignment Feedback form assists in assuring reliability in assessment. Outcomes P5 and P6 are assessed through the MSc Research Project. 11T T1 T2 T3 (MSc only) T4 TRANSFERABLE SKILLS demonstrate flexibility and creativity in problem solving demonstrate competence in presentation of materials to varying audiences demonstrate the application of entrepreneurial skills in proposals for enhancing practice present the work and results of the project in an appropriate format which may be a dissertation or an advanced portfolio incorporating a paper suitable for publication. Learning and Teaching Methods: At this academic level, students are expected to function as independent learners with: academic guidance towards various sources; the opportunity to present, debate and defend an argument through seminars and discussions; and reflecting on current and previous experience in reflexive analysis of the relationship between theory and practice. WebCT will be used in presenting elearning enhanced modules. Assessment Methods: A range of assessment methods require students to demonstrate their application of the knowledge acquired within this programme. The School of Nursing Postgraduate Assignment Feedback form assists in assuring reliability in assessment. Outcomes T3 and T4 are assessed through the MSc Research Project 46

4 11 MODULE OUTCOME MAP MODULE TITLES Required Modules Advanced Methods in Health and Social Care Research Writing a Research Proposal Development and Application of Knowledge for Practice CODE NUR816 OUTCOMES K1 K2 K3 I1 I2 I3 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 T1 T2 T3 T4 NUR806 Generic Pat If you make any alterations, please highlight them so I can identify them easily. hway Health Care Commissioning, Leadership and Management Practice Development Evidence Informed Healthcare NUR842 Optional Module (Section B2.7) Clinical Short Course (60 credits) (Section B2.7) PGCert in Education for Nurses. Midwives and Specialist Community Public Health Nurses (60 credits) PGCert in Independent and Supplementary Prescribing (60 credits) International Pathway Commissioning, Leadership and Management Evidence Informed Healthcare International Study Module Optional Module (Section B2.7) All Pathways MSc Research Project NUR836 47

5 12 COURSE STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD This programme leads to the academic award of PGDip/MSc Hons in Nursing with an exit award available at PGCertificate Level. The requirements for the awards are: MSc in Nursing 180 credit points at levels 3 and M. Up to 30 credits at level 3. PGDiploma in Nursing 130 credit points at levels 3 and M. Up to 30 credits at level 3. PGCertificate in Nursing 60 credit points at levels 3 and M. Up to 20 credits at level 3. The Postgraduate Diploma includes 2 core modules and additional modules depending on the Pathway undertaken. To complete the MSc students will complete a 60-credit points research project. The PGCertificate consists of a 60-credit clinically focused short course consisting of modules specified for the course being undertaken. Students completing a short course have the alternative options of: completing this degree taking leave of absence for up to 4 years and applying to undertake a Specialist Nursing Practice qualification. At that time they would transfer to the PGDip/MSc in Specialist Nursing Practice and be assessed for prior learning and APELed into that programme. Students completing the PGCertificate in Education for Nurses, Midwives and Specialist Community Public Health Nurses may enter this programme with full credit for their previous award. Distinction is awarded for an overall mark of 70% including module marks of at least 70% in modules amounting to: 90 credit points for the MSc [including the dissertation] 60 credit points for the Postgraduate Diploma 30 credit points for the Postgraduate Certificate. Module Title Credit Level Credit Points Module Status Awards [exit awards] Clinically Focused Modules (Section B2.7) M (3) 60 (< 20) Specified [PGCertificate in Nursing] [Entry with PGCert in Education for Nurses. Midwives and Specialist Community Public Health Nurses] [Entry with PGCert in Independent and Supplementary Prescribing] M 60 Specified M 60 Specified Generic Pathway Commissioning, Leadership and Management (R) M 15 Specified Practice Development (N) M 15 Specified Evidence Informed Healthcare (C) M 15 Specified International Study Module (N) M 15 Option Optional Module (Section B2.7) M 15 Option All Pathways Advanced Methods in Health and Social Care Research (C) M 30 Compulsory Writing a Research Proposal (N) M 10 Compulsory Development and Application of Knowledge for Practice (C) M 30 Compulsory PGDiploma in Nursing MSc Research Project (C) M 50 Compulsory MSc in Nursing 48

6 13 SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR LEARNING Students and their learning are supported in a number of ways: Induction process which ensures that they understand the context in which they are studying and develop the academic skills required. Course Director ensures that all necessary information is provided and the course is organised effectively. The Course Director can be approached by students as necessary. Advisers of Studies. Each student is allocated to a Studies Adviser who will provide academic and pastoral support for completion of the programme. Within this programme the Advisor of Studies is normally the specialist lecturer for the particular specialised area. All students will also have access to the full range of student services and facilities provided including: Information Services Department (includes Library and IT Services) Student Support Department Sport and Recreation Department International Office Students Union Chaplaincy Support will be available to deal with technical issues related to the use of elearning 14 CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION Applicants will normally: (a) have gained (i) (ii) (iii) an Honours or non-honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being or an equivalent standard; or an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Postgraduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate or an approved professional or other qualification; or provide evidence of their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) have successfully completed an undergraduate research module (or equivalent learning) hold a first level nursing qualification entered on the NMC Register (UK applicants) or hold a first level nursing qualification in their own country; and normally be in clinical practice (UK students) (required for certain pathways): (others will be expected to have had recent clinical practice); and provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent); or International students will have a score of 6.5 on the IELTS test with a score of 5.5 on each sub-scale; students may be accepted with credit from previous relevant study (see Regulations) 49

7 15 EVALUATING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND STANDARD OF LEARNING AND TEACHING The School of Nursing aims to be responsive to health service needs and to feedback from a wide range of sources, and aims to be innovative in continually improving quality. A number of methods are used to obtain feedback and modify the programme accordingly. Staff/student consultation enables students to raise any issues of concern related to their programme. This may be managed in a number of different ways including formal Staff/Student Consultative Meetings, meetings with a class or option group, use of questionnaires, on-line discussions. As necessary issues are forwarded to the Course Committee Annual student questionnaires are used to evaluate the quality of staff teaching Modules are evaluated on each occasion offered Student performance in theoretical assessment in monitored Annual course/subject monitoring occurs External examiners play a key role in monitoring of standards University/Faculty/School strategies support quality of teaching and learning Staff are encouraged to access a range of Staff Development activities 16 REGULATION OF STANDARDS Assessment rules Pass mark is 50% Condonement is not permitted Distinction is awarded for an overall mark of 70% including module marks of at least 70% in modules amounting to: o o o 90 credit points for the MSc [including the dissertation] 60 credit points for the Postgraduate Diploma 30 credit points for the Postgraduate Certificate. External examiners There is one external examiner appointed for the programme. In addition, the external examiners for specialist areas of practice in the Specialist Nursing Practice programme will examine those modules comprising the PGCertificate. External examiners are academic subject or professional experts appointed from outside the University. Their key functions are to contribute to the assurance of the standards of the award and the fair treatment of students. They are involved in the moderation and approval of assessments and the moderation of the marking undertaken by internal examiners. His/her responsibilities will be to: review the standard of work produced by students and compare this with work produced by students on comparable courses elsewhere comment on the quality of teaching and learning review the appropriateness of assessment methods comment on any other relevant issues 50

8 17 INDICATORS OF QUALITY RELATING TO LEARNING AND TEACHING 84% of academic staff and 92% of Nursing staff in the School of Nursing are: Registered Nurse Teachers or hold another teaching qualification or are currently undertaking a teaching qualification. The remaining Nurse Lecturers are commencing the Nurse Teachers course in the next academic year. A member of staff in the School of Nursing was awarded a Distinguished Teaching Fellowship, one of two awarded by the University in 2003/04. A number of staff within the School of Nursing, including three at Professorial level, hold positions in partnership with Health Boards or Trusts thus facilitating the School in developing programmes to meet the needs of service. Several members of staff in the School belong to the Higher Education Academy Nursing at the University of Ulster was awarded a score of 22 at QAA Subject Review [2001] The School of Nursing at the University of Ulster gained a score of 4 in the Research Assessment Exercise and is joint 5 th in the UK [2002] The strength of research activity in the School is important in providing postgraduate programmes at the cutting edge of the discipline. At present 21 members of staff hold Doctorates and about 17 are currently working towards these awards FDTL4 funding of 250,000 awarded in August 2002 for project on development of role of mentor by University of Ulster in partnership with Universities of Bournemouth and Northumbria and in collaboration with Queen s University of Belfast. 51