Primary Care (Practice Nursing) MSc/PGDip/BSc (Hons)/GDip (2023/24)

Postgraduate taught degree

This course is for 2023/24 entry.

Details for 2022/23 entry are also available.

Key information

Primary care is central to the health and well-being of individuals and communities, providing the majority of preventive, treatment and rehabilitation services. You will learn about the latest theory and practice influencing primary care provision and critically evaluate approaches to developing and delivering effective services to enhance your role as a general practice nurse (GPN).

Start date

February 2024

Institution

City, University of London

Course codes

NUMSPCP01 / NUMSPCC01
USPCPN
NUGDPPC01
NUPDPCP01

Location

Northampton Square

Course overview
Structure
Teaching and assessment
Fees and funding
Career
How to apply

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

Optional 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

Optional 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

Optional 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

Optional 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

Elective modules

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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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

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

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (BSc (Hons))

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

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)

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

Explore up-to-date information about funding options, available financial support and typical living costs.

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

This course is not suitable for students who are not eligible to work in the UK.

When applications open, you can apply online and 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.

This course is not currently open for applications.

February 2024 entry

Contact the postgraduate team

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7040 5000

Email: ug.prereghealth@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.