This course is for 2023/24 entry.
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Programme Director Marie Hill introduces herself and the MSc Primary Care (Practice Nursing) programme at City, University of London.
Primary Care (Practice Nursing) MSc/PGDip/BSc (Hons)/GDip Course overview
Benefits of this course
A mix of core and elective modules will allow you to build essential professional knowledge, underpinned by a robust evidence baser to support your developing role as a general GPN.
Core modules will provide the foundation for your studies for your postgraduate programme (MSc/ PGDip), covering:
- key concepts in practice nursing
- research methods
- health policy and politics
- dissertation module (MSc only).
Core modules will provide the foundation for your studies for your undergraduate programme (BSc (Hons)/GDip) covering:
- introduction to general practice nursing
- research methods
- health policy and politics
- practice portfolio practice nurse.
Our wide range of elective modules will support your professional and clinical development as a general practice nurse.
The programme is focused on clinical practice, with a strong emphasis on analysing and interpreting theory and research and applying evidence to the general practice setting.
The flexible modular structure means that you can study to undergraduate, postgraduate diploma or master’s level.
Awards
You can select to apply for one of the available exit points for this course.
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) (BSc (Hons))
- Graduate Diploma (GDip)
Who is this course for?
If you are a registered nurse working in general practice this programme will enable you to develop your professional skills supported by the latest research and evidence-based practice.
The course can be undertaken as soon as you receive your PIN on the Nursing and Midwifery Council register. There is no requirement to have any prior experience as a Registered Nurse to apply for the course.
Structure
Awards
You can select to apply for one of the four available exit points for this course.
Master of Science (MSc)
Duration:
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 2 years
Total credits: 180
Modules:
- 9 in total
- Core modules: 4
- Elective modules: 5
Made up of:
- Core modules (45 credits)
- Optional modules (75 credits)
- Dissertation module (60 credits)
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
Duration:
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 2 years
Total credits: 120
Modules:
- 8 in total
- Core modules: 3
- Elective modules: 5
Made up of:
- Core modules (45 credits)
- Optional modules (75 credits)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) (BSc (Hons))
Duration:
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 2 years
Total credits: 120
Modules:
- 7 in total
- Core modules: 4
- Elective modules: 3
Made up of:
- Core modules (45 credits)
- Optional modules (45 credits)
- Practice Portfolio (30 credits)
Graduate Diploma (GDip)
Duration:
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 2 years
Total credits: 120
Modules:
- 7 in total
- Core modules: 4
- Elective modules: 3
Made up of:
- Core modules (45 credits)
- Optional modules (45 credits)
- Practice Portfolio (30 credits)
Modules
Modules for the primary care practice nurse programmes are relevant to your development as a GPN both theoretically and clinically.
Prior to commencing your programme in February 2023, you will be supplied with the specific modules you will be undertaking for your programme.
Some modules on this course are also available as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) short courses. Where this is available, links are provided within the module descriptions below.
Core modules
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Research Methods (15 credits)
This module will provide you with an introduction to different research methods relevant to public health. Throughout the module, you will be encouraged to think how different research methods can apply to your own areas of practice through discussion and practical exercises.
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Heath Policy and Politics (15 credits)
This module will help you to understand the impact of health and social policy initiatives on communities, the different drivers impacting on the development of policy and the role of community nurses in influencing policy.
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Key Concepts in Practice Nursing (15 credits)
The module will promote a culture of compassionate care that enshrines the 6Cs (i.e. Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage and Commitment) with the patient at the centre of all consultations to assist your transition to practice nursing.
Elective modules
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Diabetes Care (15 credits)
This module examines in depth knowledge of type1, type 2 and gestational diabetes mellitus [DM]. Through critical exploration and evaluation of practice, political and service issues, the module enhances confidence and competence to care for a person with DM.
Also available as a CPD course: Diabetes Care – MSc. Course code NMM011.
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Asthma/COPD (15 credits)
The module aims to influence and change respiratory practice in relation to asthma and COPD by increasing knowledge, expertise and practical skills.
Also available as a CPD course: Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – MSc. Course code NMM048.
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Cervical Cytology (15 credits)
This module aims to provide you with the requisite knowledge and understanding of the role and function of the National Health Service [NHS] cervical screening programme, and the relevant skills and evidence base for your role as a smear sampler.
Also available as a CPD course: Cervical Cytology – level 7. Course code NMM320.
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Key Concepts in Practice Nursing (Module 2) (15 credits)
This module will cover consultation skills, including an introduction to family planning, end of life and palliative care and minor illness/minor injury (including tissue viability and wound care).
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Clinical Assessment in Primary Care (15 credits)
This introductory module prepares you as an experienced practitioner to develop systematic and structured history taking, physical examination and diagnostic reasoning skills in relation to four systems (the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system and the urinary system).
Also available as a CPD course: Clinical Assessment in Primary Care – MSc. Course code NMM084.
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Long Term Conditions (15 credits)
This module aims to provide nurses with an introduction to the care and management of clients with long term conditions, with a focus on primary care and community settings.
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Education in the workplace (15 credits)
This module will enable you enhance your skills in presentation, teaching, supervision and assessment of others and will provide insight into your own learning and education needs.
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Innovations in healthcare leadership and management perspectives (15 credits)
This module aims to further develop the leadership and management competencies of qualified health and social care professionals. Through this module you will critically analyse the principles of project management and the theories that explain the leadership phenomenon.
Also available as a CPD course: Innovation in Health Care: Leadership and Management Perspectives (MSc). Course code NMM119.
Dissertation
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Dissertation (60 credits)
The dissertation provides you with the opportunity to undertake a piece of original, independent research, building on the topic or topics that are of particular interest to you and which you wish to explore in greater depth or from different angles.
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
You will learn through a dynamic mix of direct and interactive methods, including:
- lectures
- seminars
- self-directed study
- workshops
- tutorials
- e-learning.
Your modules will be led by leading researchers and experienced practitioners, 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.
You will be assessed on each module through a range of written and practical examinations, which could include any combination of the following and would be dependent on your choice of modules:
- essays
- written examinations
- case studies
- audit and supporting paper
- protocol development and a supporting paper
- poster development and supporting paper
- a research proposal
- objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE).
Fees and funding
Fees for academic year 2023/24
Master of Science
(MSc)
Full-time
per year
UK: £11,800
Part-time
per year
UK: £5,900
Full-time per year
UK: £11,800
Part-time per year
UK: £5,900
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
(BSc (Hons))
Full-time
per year
UK: £9,250
Part-time
per year
UK: £4,625
Full-time per year
UK: £9,250
Part-time per year
UK: £4,625
Graduate Diploma
(GDip)
Full-time
per year
UK: £9,630
Part-time
per year
UK: £4,815
Full-time per year
UK: £9,630
Part-time per year
UK: £4,815
Postgraduate Diploma
(PGDip)
Full-time
per year
UK: £8,320
Part-time
per year
UK: £4,160
Full-time per year
UK: £8,320
Part-time per year
UK: £4,160
Fees in each subsequent year of study (where applicable) will be subject to an annual increase of two percent. We will confirm any change to the annual tuition fee to you in writing prior to you commencing each subsequent year of study (where applicable).
This course is not suitable for students who are not eligible to work in the 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 your programme will equip you with the requisite knowledge and clinical skills that will enhance and develop your practice as a GPN.
You will be well placed to progress in your career, and specialise in certain clinical areas and the care and management of long-term conditions.
You will also have the research and analytical skills to introduce innovations in service provision, enabling you to make a substantial contribution within the general practice environment.
How to apply
Entry requirements
UK
To study the BSc/Graduate Diploma, you will need 120 credits at Level 4 and 5.
- You must have current registration on Part 1 or Part 2 of the NMC register and have no restrictions placed on your registration at the point of application and/or during the tenure of your programme
- You must be employed as a GPN and this must be continuous for the duration of your programme
- You must have an undergraduate diploma in Nursing
- We will need to see evidence that you have undertaken study in the past 5 years (including assessment results).
To study the MSc/ Post Graduate Diploma you will need 120 credits at Level 6.
- You must have current registration on Part 1 or Part 2 of the NMC register and have no restrictions placed on your registration at the point of application and/or during the tenure of your programme
- You must be employed as a GPN and this must be continuous for the duration of your programme
- You must have an honours undergraduate degree with either a First or a 2.1 classification
- We will need to see evidence that you have undertaken study in the past 5 years (including assessment results).
English language requirements
In addition to the listed entry requirements, if your first language is not English you will also need one of the following:
- IELTS: 7.0 with at least 6:5 in all components
- TOEFL 100 overall with 24 in Writing, 20 in Listening, 19 Reading and 20 Speaking.
Application process
To apply for this course you will need to email for an application form.
This course is not suitable for students who are not eligible to work in the UK.
You will be expected to submit the following:
- One application form
- A short personal statement (c800-1200 words) outlining why you are applying for this programme
- A copy of your degree transcript: We require an original transcript or a copy certified by your institution. If you have not yet graduated, you will be required to send us your degree transcript as soon as it is available. You will not be able to register as a City student without having supplied your degree transcript.
Please note: Academic references are not required when you submit your application. However, the admissions tutor may request them at a later date to help make a decision on your application.
As well as being registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) applicants to the Primary Care (Practice Nursing) must be employed as practice nurses in the UK.
Only those employed as practice nurses within the UK and are registered with the NMC are eligible to apply’
If you are employed as a practice nurse and interested in the programme, please contact the admissions team for an application form.
February 2024 entry
- Apply online for MSc Primary Care (Practice Nursing) with full-time study in London
- Apply online for MSc Primary Care (Practice Nursing) with part-time study in London
- Apply online for BSc (Hons) Primary Care (Practice Nursing) with full-time study in London
- Apply online for BSc (Hons) Primary Care (Practice Nursing) with part-time study in London
- Apply online for GDip Primary Care (Practice Nursing) with full-time study in London
- Apply online for GDip Primary Care (Practice Nursing) with part-time study in London
- Apply online for PGDip Primary Care (Practice Nursing) with full-time study in London
- Apply online for PGDip Primary Care (Practice Nursing) with part-time study in London
Contact the postgraduate team
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7040 5000
Email: health@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
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Student wellbeing
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Living in London
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What's happening
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News
NHS England Community Nursing Research Awards 2022
The NHS England Community Nursing Research Awards recognise excellence in Community Nursing research. The 2022 awards ceremony was hosted at City, University of London.
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News
Lisbeth Hockey Memorial Lecture 2022 - On the importance of being a patient: the experience of breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic
Part of the School of Health & Psychological Sciences’ Dean’s Lecture Series, the Lisbeth Hockey Memorial Lecture 2022 was delivered by Professor Sally Kendall MBE, University of Kent.
