Professional Practice PGCert

Postgraduate taught degree

This course is for 2023/24 entry.

Key information

This inter-professional programme gives you the opportunity to be based in a world-leading centre for healthcare education and applied research. Select from our portfolio of master's level modules to design a unique and personalised work-focused programme that meets your educational and professional goals.

Start dates

Choose from multiple start dates

September 2023
January 2024

Institution

City, University of London

Course codes

PSPPRA
PSPPMD
PSPPIC
PSPPCC

Location

Northampton Square

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

Professional Practice PGCert Course overview

Benefits of this course

You will develop your critical, analytical, research and communication skills and learn how to apply them effectively in an inter-professional workplace.

The flexible modular structure means you can study to postgraduate certificate or master's level.

At postgraduate certificate level you can choose to study the General Professional Practice route, or specialise in one of the following areas:

neonatal
midwifery
intensive care
cardiac care.

At MSc level, you will study the General Professional Practice route together with elective modules that reflect your own professional interests and area of specialism.

Award

You can select to apply for one of the available exit points for this course.

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)

Who is this course for?

If you are an experienced health and social care professional who wants to explore areas you are curious and passionate about then this course is for you.

Our flexible and work focused master's degree will give you critical insight into the evidence base surrounding your area of interest and enhance the skills you need to excel in professional practice.

Structure

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)

Duration:

Part-time: 1 year

Total credits: 60

Modules:

4 in total

Core modules: 3

Modules

The programmes are made up of a number of core and elective modules. The Programme Director will be able to advise you in your choice of elective modules.

Contact hours and mode of delivery will vary, dependant on the module options chosen. Each 15-credit module has a total of 150 hours of study which is comprised of face to face contact, on- line activity, directed and self-directed study.

MSc

To be awarded the MSc Professional Practice you must complete the four programme core modules (Professional Leadership, Evidence Based Evaluation, Professional Practice Project, and SHPS MSc Dissertation Module) and additional elective modules to the value of 45 credits.

MSc Elective modules

The postgraduate level modules currently offered by the School (subject to change) can be found at the School of Health & Psychological Sciences home page. The list includes both clinical modules and non-clinical modules. The module list is not binding as new modules become available from time to time and will be offered if they are appropriate. Similarly, some modules may be withdrawn. Some modules may only run every second year so it is important to make your module choice in advance and in close consultation with your programme director.

Postgraduate Certificate

To be awarded the PG-Certificate Professional Practice you must successfully complete the programme core module (Professional Leadership) and additional elective modules to the value of 45 credits.

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.

PG Cert Core modules - Cardiac specialist route

PG Cert Core modules - Intensive care specialist route

PG Cert Core modules - Leadership/generic route

Professional Leadership (15 credits)

In this module you will develop your leadership qualities and have regard for the leadership qualities of others. The approach to the module is practical and straightforward yet enables you to critically explore leadership concepts in your own practice.

PG Cert Core modules - Midwifery specialist route

PG Cert Core modules - Neonatal specialist route

Elective modules

Personal and People Development (15 credits)

The module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the factors facilitating the development of self and the learning of others with a view to influencing work-based practice.

Also available as a CPD course: Personal and People Development. Course code APM041.
Work Based Project (15 credits)

This work-based/work-focused project module is designed to allow you to develop the skills, aptitudes, abilities and attitudes needed to become a reflective and enquiring practitioner. You will focus on the enhancement of one aspect of practice relevant to your role.
Leading Change (15 credits)

This module will develop the skills to implement a change plan and lead a team through and beyond the transition. You will prepare a change plan for leading a change initiative, and supporting and sustaining the change following implementation.

Also available as a CPD course: Leading Change. Course code APM034.
Advanced Physical Assessment of the New-born and Infant (15 credits)

The purpose of the module is to equip healthcare professions with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to competently undertake the physical examination of the newborn within the first 24-72 hours and at 6-8 weeks.
Optimum Birth (15 credits)

This module aims to enhance and extend your ability to support the physiological birth process for all women, regardless of their ‘risk’ level enabling you to provide intrapartum care at an advanced practitioner level.
Risk and Midwifery Practice (15 credits)

The module will enable you to a) Critically evaluate current clinical practice management arrangements and inter- professional practices during critical situations b) critically examine the care provided in or giving rise to adverse care situations and propose improvements.

Also available as a CPD course: Risk and Midwifery Practice. Course code NMM039.
Advancing Maternity Practice: Facilitating Group Antenatal Care (15 credits)

The module provides a grounding in the latest theoretical and clinical developments in antenatal care provision. It will develop your skills as a qualified midwife in working with groups in order to enhance the quality of practice and to develop facilitation capacities.

Also available as a CPD course: Advancing Midwifery Practice: Facilitating Group Antenatal Care. Course code APM043.
Midwifery Theory: Knowledge, Profession and Practice (online) (15 credits)

This module introduces you to the concept and uses of theory in relation to midwifery; explores the basis of contemporary midwifery theory and practice using a range of academic theoretical perspectives and explores current challenges and opportunities in the organisation and delivery of midwifery care.

Also available as a CPD course: Midwifery Theory and Professionalism. Course code APM019.
Major Trauma: critical care patient management (15 credits)

The purpose of this module is to enable you to effectively apply, evaluate and synthesise principles of care to the person who has been admitted to a critical care setting following a traumatic injury.

Also available as a CPD course: Level 7 Major Trauma: critical care patient management. Course code APM046.
Pathophysiological Principles for Advanced Practice (15 credits)

This module will enable you to demonstrate an appreciation of underlying pathological processes, and to approach complex issues systematically and creatively, make informed judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate your conclusions clearly.
Neonatal Surgical Care (15 credits)

This module will prepare nurses working with neonates within the neonatal unit, hospital or community setting, to safely care for neonates who require, or have undergone, surgery.
Leading and Evaluating Learning in Healthcare Practice (15 credits)

The module takes a critically reflective approach to evaluating your own practice and learning needs, whilst exploring evidence-based approaches to teaching, coaching and facilitation of others

Also available as a CPD course: Leading and Evaluating Learning in Practice (Online). Course code APM058.

MSc Core modules

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, e-learning and work-based learning, including:

lectures
seminars
self-directed study
workshops
tutorials.

Your modules will be led by leading researchers and experienced practitioners, ensuring that your studies are informed by the latest developments in the field.

There is a strong focus on inter-disciplinary working, designed to reflect current health and social care practice.

Assessment methods vary depending on the module but can include:

project work
practice assessment
examinations
coursework
essays
reflective practice
presentations.

Fees and funding

Fees for academic year 2023/24

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)

PGCert PG Cert Cardiac Care

Part-time per year

UK: £4,500

PGCert PG Cert Intensive Care

Part-time per year

UK: £4,500

PGCert PG Cert Midwifery

Part-time per year

UK: £4,500

PGCert PG Cert Neonatal

Part-time per year

UK: £4,500

PGCert PG Cert Professional Practice

Part-time per year

UK: £4,500

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.

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 the PGCert or MSc programme demonstrates your commitment to professional practice and lifelong learning in the continually evolving health and social care sector.

You will be ideally placed to progress in your career, taking on greater responsibility in administration, management, research, education, and clinical practice in a range of public and private settings.

How to apply

Entry requirements

UK

English language requirements

For students whose first language is not English, the following qualifications will meet the English language requirement for entry:

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 in Australia, Canada or the USA
International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) with a minimum score of 7
Pearson Test of English (Academic): a score of 72 required
TOEFL 100 overall.

Application process

As part of your application you will be expected to provide the following:

Personal statement
Summary CV.

This course is not currently open for applications.

September 2023 entry

January 2024 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.