THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION FOR MSc in Advancing Nursing Practice Awarding Institution: The University of Edinburgh Teaching Institution: The University of Edinburgh Programme accredited by: N/A Final Award: MSc/Diploma/Certificate in Advancing Nursing Practice Programme Title: MSc/Diploma/Certificate in Advancing Nursing Practice UCAS Code: N/A Relevant QAA Subject Benchmarking Group(s): Nursing Studies 7) Postholder with overall responsibility for QA: Suzanne O Rourke 8) Date of production/revision: August 2014 9) External Summary Postgraduate study at the University of Edinburgh can open up new horizons and career paths, with graduates from Nursing Studies highly regarded throughout the world. The field of nursing is ever changing and increasingly challenging. By studying the MSc Advancing Nursing Practice you will open up new and exciting career opportunities both at home and internationally. The MSc ANP will equip students with the skills for self-development to become leaders and competent decision makers, professional nurses who understand the primacy of care, the promotion of health and the imperative of evidence to underpin best practice and how this is acquired. There is now more than ever an expectation that nurses looking to advance into senior clinical, educational and teaching roles will require a Masters degree. This programme will prepare you to meet this expectation and fulfill your potential as a leader at the forefront of modern advancing nursing practice. For Home students Home students our programme meets with the needs outlined in the recent Postregistration Career Development Framework (2012). This Framework provides an interactive professional development tool which maps the key knowledge, skills and behaviours which practitioners need to progress through or up a level. For International students we aim to provide the necessary skills, knowledge and behaviours which practitioners will need to progress through or up a level in their relevant field of nursing. We recruit nurses from a range of International countries with a range of clinical expertise. 10) Educational aims of programme: The MSc in Advancing Nursing Practice enables students to: develop their practice through engagement with research and scholarship in nursing studies develop a focus on research and application of the evidence base through five themes: Research; Professional Development; Leadership; Clinical Decision Making; Health
develop the analytical skills required for professional development and reflective practice develop the skills for the critical appraisal of the practice of nursing develop a critical appraisal of promoting health The programme aims through a process of flexible and open learning to develop self directed and reflective and reflexive nurses who will have the potential to be future leaders in advancing nursing. Distinctive features of this degree include: development of a portfolio for professional and personal development development of opportunities for the synthesis of theory, evidence and practice accessibility for all nursing disciplines, including managers, educators and clinicians through the flexibility of student led personal learning plans The degree may be taken as a free-standing MSc, postgraduate diploma, postgraduate certificate or as Continuing Professional Development.
11) Programme Outcomes: (a) Knowledge and understanding The programme equips students with advanced knowledge and understanding of: The philosophy, principles, theory and evidence base of advancing nursing practice A critical understanding and synthesis of the principal theories and concepts across the programme s themes: Research; Professional Development; Leadership; Clinical Decision Making; Health The analysis of the complexity and uncertainty within which judgements and decisions are made within practice The current issues within advancing nursing practice o Graduate attributes: Skills and abilities in Research and Enquiry Key research and enquiry skills fostered by the programme include the capacity to: Apply critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis to issues which are at the forefront, or informed by, developments in nursing practice. Identify, conceptualise and define new and abstract problems and issues in advancing nursing practice. Critically review, consolidate and extend knowledge, skills and practices and thinking in advancing nursing practice. Articulate complex issues and make informed judgements in decision-making in advancing nursing practice. Demonstrate skills of critical thinking, theoretical reasoning and scholarship Articulate critical awareness of current issues in the application of research in a particular setting Demonstrate the ability to critically appraise the evidence for practice. Plan and undertake advanced scholarly work and research investigation in nursing Critically appraise the application of theory in the practice setting (b) Graduate attributes: Skills and abilities in Personal and Intellectual Autonomy Key personal and intellectual autonomy skills fostered by the programme include the capacity to: Develop original and creative responses to problems and issues in advancing nursing practice. Exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in advancing nursing practice. Demonstrate leadership and initiative and make an identifiable contribution to change and development in advancing nursing practice. Practise in ways which draw on critical reflection on own and others roles and responsibilities in advancing nursing practice. Demonstrate the capacity to address complex and ethical issues and make informed judgements in advancing nursing practice. Demonstrate awareness of the skills and knowledge required to provide strategic leadership for health Be independent learners who take responsibility for their own learning, and are committed to continuous reflection, self-evaluation and self-improvement
(c) Graduate attributes: Skills and abilities in Communication Key communication skills fostered by the programme include the capacity to: Articulate critical awareness of current issues in the application of research in a particular setting Demonstrate highly effective oral and written communication skills Reflect on and analyse your own their communication skills in the healthcare environment Demonstrate the ability as a reflective professional practitioner to communicate and justify their formulation of their work based aims and objectives (e) Graduate attributes: Skills and abilities in Personal Effectiveness Key personal effectiveness skills include the capacity to: Utilise and demonstrate analytical and problem solving skills Demonstrate self-evaluation skills Work effectively both independently and within a team Demonstrate the ability to set appropriate learning objectives in a creative manner Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate the learning outcomes (f) Technical/practical skills Develop extensive IT and presentation skills. Time-management skills Oral and written communication skills 12) Programme Structure and Features: This postgraduate programme is designed for nurse clinicians, managers and educators interested in studying nursing at an advanced level. Candidates on this programme can register for: MSc in Advancing Nursing Practice (180 credits) Postgraduate Diploma in Advancing Nursing Practice (120 credits) Postgraduate Certificate in Advancing Nursing Practice (60 credits) Continuing Professional Development (10 or 20 credit courses) Five themes: Research; Professional Development; Leadership; Clinical Decision Making; Health. Each theme contains two 20 credit courses: theory and work based/related application. Students are required to complete the theory course within a theme before progressing to either the evidence based or work based/related course if chosen. The structure of the programme is flexible to enable students to map a pathway of chosen courses that relate to their own individual interests and professional areas of work. The MSc consists of 2 compulsory courses: Research Methods in Nursing and Health Care A (20 credits) and Professional and Personal Development (20 credits). Both these courses run in Semester 1. Students are required to take a total of 3 courses in Semester 1 (if studying full-time), therefore, they will choose further course/s up to a total of 20 credits from those being offered in Semester 1. In Semester 2 students are also required to take a total of 3 courses (if studying full-time). Part-time students over 2 or 3 years normally take one or two 20 credit courses each semester so they complete a total of 60 credits of taught courses in each of years 1 and 2. The dissertation/portfolio is completed at the end of year 2 or during year 3. All students should register for courses in consultation with the Programme Directors. Overview of the Programme Year 1 Notes: This programme may be taken part-time over 2 or 3 years
COMPULSORY COURSES This DPT has 2 compulsory course(s) Code Course Name Credits NUST11059 Professional and Personal Development 20 NUST11078 Research Methods in Nursing and Health Care A 20 COURSE OPTIONS Select a minimum of 40 credits and maximum of 80 credits from the following list of courses, as available Code Course Name Credits TBA Person Centred Care in practice: Relationship and Emotion 20 TBA Telecare 10 NUST11045 Leadership: exploring your potential 20 NUST11048 Clinical Decision Making and Professional Judgement 20 NUST11052 NUST11060 NUST11049 Research Methods in Nursing and Healthcare: Work based/ related application Professional and Personal Development: Work based/related Application Clinical Decision Making and Professional Judgement: Work based/work related application 20 20 20 NUST11077 Research Methods in Nursing and Health Care B 20 NUST11013 Supervised Reading Half-Course 10 NUST11075 Supervised Reading 20 Notes: Please note that not all options will be available every year. Students may also select a minimum of 0 credits and maximum of 40 credits from Level 11 courses
in Schedules A to Q, T and W, as available http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/14-15/dpt/cx_schindex.htm Select one 60 credit course from the list below Code Course Name Credits NUST11064 Portfolio (MSc in Advancing Nursing Practice) (Advanced) 60 NUST11058 Dissertation (MSc Advancing Nursing Practice) 60 Progression Regulation 49 Postgraduate assessment progression For programmes where there is an identifiable taught component followed by a project or dissertation component, students must pass the assessment requirements of the taught stage at an appropriate level, as specified in the relevant Degree Programme table, at the first attempt before progression to the dissertation. In order to progress to the masters dissertation students must: (a) pass at least 80 credits with a mark of at least 50% in each of the courses which make up these credits; and (b) attain an average of at least 50% for the 120 credits of study examined at the point of decision for progression; and (c) satisfy any other specific requirements for the masters degree programme, that are clearly stated in respective programme handbooks. Regulation 50 Postgraduate degree, diploma and certificate award In order to be awarded the certificate students must: (a) pass at least 40 credits with a mark of at least 40%; and (b) attain an average of at least 40% for the 60 credits of study examined for the certificate; and (c) satisfy any other specific requirements for the named certificate that are clearly stated in respective programme handbooks. In order to be awarded the diploma students must: (a) pass at least 80 credits with a mark of at least 40%; and (b) attain an average of at least 40% for the 120 credits of study examined for the diploma;
and (c) satisfy any other specific requirements for the named diploma that are clearly stated in respective programme handbooks. In order to be awarded a masters degree students must: (a) have satisfied any requirements for progression, as laid out in taught assessment regulation 49 above, and (b) attain an additional 60 credits, by achieving a mark of at least 50% for the dissertation or project component and (c) satisfy any other specific requirements for the masters degree programme, that are clearly stated in respective Programme Handbooks. 50.3 The General Postgraduate Regulations permit a General Postgraduate Certificate to be attained by students who do not fulfil the requirements for a specific diploma or certificate award but who have attained a minimum of 60 credits gained from passes in University courses which count towards graduation. At least 30 of the credits attained must be at level 11. Entrance Requirements An honours undergraduate degree or equivalent (reaching SCQF level 10) or relevant nursing experience and to provide evidence to do academic work at this level (SCQF level 11). Period of Study The MSc programme is designed to be completed in one year of full-time study or over two or three years of part-time study. Mode of Study Full-time or part-time, Continuing Professional Development. Exit Awards The Certificate (Advancing Nursing Practice) A certificate is 60 credits. The Diploma (Advancing Nursing Practice) A Diploma is 120 credits. The Masters The Masters is 180 credits. Social Responsibility The University of Edinburgh Social Responsibility and Sustainability Strategy 2010 20 http://www.ed.ac.uk/about/sustainability/home Sustainability The University of Edinburgh Social Responsibility and Sustainability Strategy 2010 20 http://www.ed.ac.uk/about/sustainability/home Equality & Diversity Equality and Diversity Policy, School of Health in Social Science
The School of Health in Social Science is committed to promoting equality and diversity among its students and staff. We aim to develop a positive culture where everyone can develop to their full potential. By promoting equality we aim to ensure individuals or groups of individuals are treated fairly and equally and no less favourably, specific to their needs, including areas of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation and age. Promoting equality should remove discrimination in all of the aforementioned areas. Bullying, harassment or victimization are also considered as equality and diversity issues. In promoting diversity we aim to recognise, respect and value people s differences to contribute and realise their full potential by promoting an inclusive culture for all staff and students. We can promote equality and diversity by: treating all staff and students fairly creating an inclusive culture for all staff and students ensuring equal access to opportunities to enable students to fully participate in the learning process enabling all staff and students to develop to their full potential equipping staff and students with the skills to challenge inequality and discrimination in their work/study environment making certain that any learning materials do not discriminate against any individuals or groups ensuring policies, procedures and processes don't discriminate More information about the University of Edinburgh s policies for Equality and Diversity can be found here: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/equality-diversity Any concerns about Equality and Diversity within the School should be directed to Dr Aisha Holloway (Aisha.Holloway@ed.ac.uk). Marking scheme All items of work will be marked according to the common marking scale. Candidates who achieve an average mark of at least 70 across all the taught courses and a mark of at least 70 for the dissertation will be recommended for the award of MSc with distinction. 13) Teaching and Learning Methods and Strategies The experienced teaching team has a breadth of clinical and academic experience in a range of health-related areas. The programme offers an exciting blend of different learning methods. This includes: face-to-face teaching, virtual learning environments, on-line discussion, workshops and e-portfolios. All teaching is supported by written lecture material and additional relevant resources e.g. video clips, journal articles and self-assessment activities. There are a variety of weekly classes, online and self-directed learning, and workbased projects. You will have the opportunity to work in groups, in pairs and individually. All courses offer feedback/feedforward on a specific formative assessment linked to the final summative assignment. The feedback is within 15 working days of submission, or in time to be of use in subsequent assessments within the course, whichever is sooner. All teaching and learning is evidence based in line with the philosophy of contemporary health care service delivery and nursing practice. Lectures are also supported in many cases by tutorials and seminar, these are a way of facilitating and enabling students to develop their critical thinking skills. Together these prepare students for the 60 credit dissertation. A dissertation supervisor is allocated to each student for the duration of the dissertation study. We also encourage and work with students to publish from their dissertations. The Programme Director runs 2hrly student support tutorials every 2 weeks throughout the Semesters to provide support, identify any issues that students have with courses, assignment, study skills, feedback etc. These sessions are extremely useful as a way of keeping in touch and monitoring teaching and learning progress. The programme has a strong relationship with the School librarian who provides support and delivers generic introductory sessions to the Library and its resources as well as tailored group and individual sessions to meet specific and particular needs. Students are encouraged to participate in Innovation Learning Week through School activities
or those organised across the wider University campus. 14) Assessment Methods and Strategies The assessment strategy for the programme uses a combination of methods to enable students to demonstrate their achievement of the learning objectives. Assessments take the form of essays, journal articles, research proposals, online discussion boards and case studies. Formative assessments are used to provide students with both written and verbal feedback, this is with the aim of: Facilitating the development of self-assessment (reflection) in learning. Encouraging teacher and peer dialogue around learning. Helping to clarify what good performance is (goals, criteria, expected standards). Providing opportunities to close the gap between current and desired performance. Delivering high quality information to students about their learning. Encouraging positive motivational beliefs and self-esteem. Providing information to teachers that can be used to help shape the teaching. Assignment workshops for course summative assessments. This enables discussion between course organiser and students with regards the aims of the assessments, reviewing the assessment guidelines and review of previous examples of high grade assessments from previous years. Individual written feedback is provided on all summative assessments with further face to face discussion offered in addition. 15) Career Opportunities The College Career Advisor delivers a Careers Advice session Marketing Yourself to programme students. In addition students are provided with links to specific resources and opportunities e.g global opportunities. There is a specific focus on how students continue to develop their careers following completion of their studies and complete the Skills Audit http://www.ed.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.85879!/filemanager/skills%20developed%20through%20pgt%20s tudy.pdf
16) Other items: Students will have access to the full range of learning resources available in the School of Health in Social Science and the wider University of Edinburgh, including excellent library and computing facilities. Further information about the programme is available at www.ed.ac.uk.