This course is for 2023/24 entry.
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Structured around the Critical Care National Network Step 2 and 3 competencies.
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Study at an advanced level, in a way that works for you.
Critical Care PGCert/GradCert Course overview
Benefits of this course
By the end of this programme you’ll have an in-depth understanding of bioscience underpinning patient management and advanced organ support.
You will have also explored co-ordination of care, quality issues, patient safety and leadership.
You will be able to:
- Promote evidence-based practice
- Demonstrate a range of skills related to caring for a critical care patient
- Evaluate current practice to be a proficient practitioner.
Your expertise in intensive care will be recognised by employers and help you take the next step in your nursing career.
Blended Learning
The programme will be delivered via a blended learning approach.
This approach allows you to learn in a manner that is convenient to you with a mix of face-to-face, online synchronous (participants are engaged at the same time online), and asynchronous lectures (not in real time) and tutorials to optimise flexibility and accessibility.
This approach will enable you to work around clinical commitments, family commitments and preferred styles of learning to progress on an academic pathway.
Awards
You can select to apply for one of the available exit points for this course.
- Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
- Graduate Certificate (GradCert)
Who is this course for?
If you are a registered nurse or allied health professional working in critical care (level 3) this programme will enable you to develop your knowledge and professional skills supported by the latest research and evidence-based practice.
Structure
Awards
You can select to apply for one of the two available exit points for this course.
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
Duration:
- Part-time: 40 weeks
Total credits: 60
Modules:
- 2 in total
The duration of each module is 10 weeks. The full programme duration is up to 40 weeks, allowing for the completion of 'The National Competency Framework for Registered Nurse in Adult Critical Care (CC3N)'.
The PGCert programme is Postgraduate (Level 7).
Graduate Certificate (GradCert)
Duration:
- Part-time: 40 weeks
Total credits: 60
Modules:
- 2 in total
The duration of each module is 10 weeks. The full programme duration is up to 40 weeks, allowing for the completion of 'The National Competency Framework for Registered Nurse in Adult Critical Care (CC3N)'.
The GradCert programme is Undergraduate (Level 6).
Modules
Core Modules
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Core Concepts in Critical Care (30 credits)
This module provides the bioscience fundamentals of critical care nursing, exploring pathophysiology, disease process and management strategies. This introduces you to the multifaceted nature of caring for a critically ill patient.
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Dimensions of Critical Care (30 credits)
This module will explore coordination of care with a focus on recovery and rehabilitation, biomedical ethics as well as the psychosocial aspects relevant to caring for critically ill patients. Professional issues, including quality, safety, leadership and workforce wellbeing are covered.
Programme specification
The programme specification contains more information on how the course is organised, the requirements for progression for each part and credits required for awards.
Download course specifications:
Teaching and assessment
The programme offers you the opportunity to study at an advanced level, in a way that works for you. The blended learning approach is structured to deliver 80% of the module online and 20% face-to-face.
You will learn through a dynamic mix of direct and interactive methods, including:
- lectures
- self-directed study
- guided independent study
- workshops
- tutorials
- e-learning.
Each module is delivered over 10 weeks. You’ll receive regular contact from your lecturers via fortnightly online recorded seminars which address key areas of knowledge.
You will also attend the university for two separate classroom days within each 10-week term.
Your modules will be led by a clinically credible faculty including clinical academics and experience practitioners with current practice in critical care environments, ensuring that your studies are informed by the latest developments in the field.
You will also benefit from contributions from external visiting lecturers and guest speakers, including experts from the School’s extensive network of practice partners.
Assessment
- Core Concepts in Critical Care module – Viva Voce (oral) examination based on a patient scenario
- Dimensions of Critical Care module - E-poster with a voice over on your chosen area of interest within critical care.
You are also required to complete the ‘National Competency Framework for Registered Nurses in Adult Critical Care’ (CC3N) (Steps 2 & 3).
- PG Certificate (Level 7) – the pass mark is 50% for academic assessments
- Graduate Certificate (Level 6) - the pass mark is 40% for academic assessments
- The ‘National Competency Framework for Registered Nurses in Adult Critical Care’ (CC3N) (Steps 2 & 3) is a pass/fail assessment.
Fees and funding
Fees for academic year 2023/24
Postgraduate Certificate
(PGCert)
Part-time
per year
UK: £1,600
Part-time per year
UK: £1,600
Graduate Certificate
(GradCert)
Part-time
per year
UK: £1,600
Part-time per year
UK: £1,600
Where applicable, tuition fees for City's programmes will be subject to inflationary increases in each year of study. Our policy for these increases is set out in our terms and conditions of study.
For further information, please contact the Programme Director, Maria Bliss: maria.bliss.1@city.ac.uk
Funding
Additional expenses
Some of our degrees may involve additional expenses which are not covered by your tuition fees. Find out more about additional expenses.
Career
Successful completion of this programme will equip you with additional specialist knowledge that will enhance your clinical practice and demonstrate your commitment to your profession.
You will be well placed to progress your career in critical care.
How to apply
Entry requirements
UK
You must be a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or Allied Health Care Professional (HCPC) registrant and meet the criteria to undertake the programme.
You will need:
Postgraduate Certificate - Level 7 Postgraduate
- First Degree (minimum 2:2) and above OR evidence of higher-level study undertaken within the last five years
- You must have completed Step 1 of The National Competency Framework for Registered Nurse in Adult Critical Care (CC3N)
- You must be working currently in a critical care setting (providing Level 2 & 3 care), with 12 months experience in critical care
- Confirmation of managerial support from your current clinical area.
Graduate Certificate - Level 6 Undergraduate
- You must have completed Step 1 of The National Competency Framework for Registered Nurse in Adult Critical Care (CC3N)
- You must be working currently in a critical care setting (providing Level 2 & 3 care), with 12 months experience in critical care
- Confirmation of managerial support from your current clinical area.
To undertake this course you must identify, negotiate, and access relevant opportunities and experiences to demonstrate skills and competencies in Critical Care, under the supervision of an appropriately experienced/qualified assessor.
English language requirements
For students whose first language is not English, the following qualifications will meet the English language requirement for entry to a postgraduate course of study:
- A first degree from a UK University
- A first degree from an overseas institution recognised by City, University of London as providing adequate evidence of proficiency in the English language, for example, from institutions from Australia, Canada or the United States of America
- International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) with a minimum score of 7.0 with no subtest below 7.0
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) score 72
- TOEFL 100 overall with 24 in Writing, 20 in Listening, 19 in Reading and 20 in Speaking
- Other evidence of proficiency in the English language which satisfies the Board of Studies concerned, including registration with your professional regulator.
Application process
Applicants will apply through the online registration process and must meet the criteria to enter the programme.
Please make sure you apply for the correct level; PG Cert (Level 7) or Graduate Diploma (Level 6).
Closing date for September 2023 applications: 3rd of July 2023.
September 2023 entry
Contact the postgraduate team
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7040 5000
Email: pghealth@city.ac.uk
Our academics
Your studies are supported by a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field. On occasion we also work with external professionals to enhance your learning and appreciation of the wider subject.
Our students
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Housing and student life
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Accommodation and housing
We offer accommodation options and support for all postgraduate students. Our dedicated Accommodation Service can help you to find private accommodation in London if required.
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Student wellbeing
Our extensive support network spans from learning support and disability support through to counselling, financial advice and career advice. Please do tell us if you need our help.
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Living in London
We are based in the heart of one of the most vibrant and colourful cities in the world. London offers a rich variety of cultural experiences far beyond your studies.
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