Pg Dip Specialist Community Public Health Nursing - School Nursing

For September starters there will be induction on 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th and 6^th September 2024

About this Course

The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) empowers NMC-registered nurses and midwives to take a strategic lead in advancing specialist community public health nursing. This programme fosters effective collaboration across various disciplines and agencies, all with the goal of enhancing the health and well-being of infants, children, families, groups, and communities.

The programme fulfils the education and professional Standards of Proficiency for Specialist Community Public Health Nurses developed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2022) and Standards for post-registration programmes (2022).  The programme leads to a registrable qualification with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and professional recognition in specialist community public health nursing in either health visiting or school nursing.

Students can choose to undertake the programme either with or without integrated Nurse Independent / Supplementary Prescribing (V300).  Independent Nurse prescribing is integrated into the programme and cannot be awarded as a separate qualification. Students can only undertake Nurse Independent / Supplementary Prescribing (V300) with the support of their funding organisation and must be confirmed with the admissions tutor prior to applying for the programme.

Health Visiting and School Nursing professionals play distinct roles in the community, and this programme is designed to support you in your specific path:

School Nurses are autonomous practitioners who champion the rights of school-aged children and young people. They collaborate across health, education, and other agencies as part of a broader public health service, advocating for optimal health for all school-aged children and young people.

Health Visitors use their professional autonomy to adapt and tailor their approaches to meet the diverse and evolving health and well-being needs of children, families, and communities, thereby positively influencing their future health outcomes.

Why Choose this Course

This programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to excel in your chosen field, whether you’re aiming to be a dedicated school nurse or a dynamic health visitor.

During the PGDip Specialist Community Public Health Nursing programme you will:

•   Evaluate the current organisational and professional agendas that influence care delivery in primary healthcare and community settings.
•  Study leadership and management skills so that when you graduate you will be able to provide effective leadership within a mixed skill team and multi-agency work setting   as well as to work proactively in a commissioning environment.
•  Combine learning at the University with hands-on experience in a practice environment, with an equal allocation of practice and theory hours.

Programme Structure

To attain a PGDip award you need to complete 120 credits. To top-up to an MSc you will need to complete a further 60 credits (180 credits) for MSc Top Up apply here. There is an interim award available of a Postgraduate Certificate which can be awarded after completing 60 credits. There is no professional qualification associated with this award.

Teaching Methods

On the PGDip Specialist Community Public Health Nursing programme, you will experience a diverse range of teaching styles designed to enhance your educational journey. This programme prioritises the development of your capacity for self-directed study and interpersonal skills, ensuring you are well-prepared for the demands of the field.

We place a strong emphasis on structured research, well-prepared written and verbal presentations, and computer literacy. Alongside traditional lectures, seminars, tutorials, and simulation of practice which allows learners to actively engage with realistic scenarios relevant to their field, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. You will engage in case studies, individual and group projects, and other student-centred activities.

The programme's assessment methods are varied and dynamic, including essays, presentations, reports, and posters. This multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of your skills and knowledge, setting you up for success in your professional career.

A UK degree, or other qualification at equivalent level, in a health-related subject.

·        Current and active Nursing and Midwifery Council registration as a nurse (level 1) and / or registered midwife.

·        You will need to have access to an appropriate specialist community practice placement with a designated practice supervisor and practice assessor for the duration of your studies on the programme. This is normally provided through the sponsoring employer.

·        Applicants must demonstrate safe and effective practice at the level of proficiency appropriate to the NMC-approved SCPHN programme before being considered eligible to apply for entry.

·        Normally students are sponsored by their employer to undertake the programme, however, it is possible for self-funded/ non-NHS/ self-employed students to enrol on the programme providing they are able to locate and negotiate an appropriate specialist community public health practice placement with a designated practice supervisor and practice assessor whilst enrolled on the programme, with an appropriate service provider e.g., NHS Community Trust or equivalent.

·        Non-NHS, self-employed or self-funding applications must complete a SCPHN honorary contract with their allocated NHS Trust in addition to the University online application and supporting admissions form. 

·        Successful interview with the sponsoring employer, conducted in collaboration with the University to demonstrate the student’s understanding of the role of the Health Visitor or School Nurse, the demands of the programme and academic level of study required.

·        Successful applicants are subject to disclosure and barring service (DBS) checks and occupational health assessments.