Advanced Clinical Practice (Advanced Allied Health Practitioner) (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:2 degree in a subject from a clinical or science background, and:

• a current professional registration with a relevant UK professional or statutory body – normally the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or the General Pharmaceutical Council
• a current job contract in a clinical or clinically-related area
• access to a clinical mentor who can assess your practice competency and support your learning
• at least 2 years of relevant post-registration clinical experience (3 years before commencing V300 non-medical prescribing) 
• at least 1 satisfactory reference from your current employer, including confirmation of the required practice experience and mentor support

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This MSc runs for 2 to 5 years part time, allowing you the flexibility to continue working alongside your degree.

You’ll take 6 taught modules to give you a grounding in advanced clinical practice and develop your skills. You’ll also take a dissertation module to plan, undertake and report on an original project.

You’ll need to register for your chosen modules each year once dates are published. You may also study 1 or 2 modules ‘stand-alone’ before registering for the degree pathway.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

We promote a student-centred approach to guide your learning and encourage you to master your planning skills. Your personal academic tutor, module leaders and mentor in practice will support you throughout the programme.

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures and seminars groups
• action learning groups
• workplace-based training
• practical clinical skills sessions
• supervised and self-directed study

These methods are designed to integrate theory and practice, and to foster a spirit of enquiry. We use these methods to mix theory and practice, and to inspire curiosity in our students. We emphasise group discussion and learning to encourage collaborative working.

Assessment

We’ll assess your work according to the assessment guidelines within the module profile. Our assessment methods are designed to maximise your critical thinking and analysis skills, and develop your understanding of advanced clinical practice.

We’ll assess you through a combination of:

• written and oral exams
• practical assessments
• case studies
• a portfolio
• presentations
• your final dissertation

We may also ask you to attend a viva voce exam.

Dissertation

You’ll plan, carry out and report on an independent, original project that’s relevant to your current or future area of practice. You can submit your final dissertation in one of the following formats:

• a literature review
• a service improvement project (including audit)
• an evidence-based project

Academic Support

You’ll have access to:

• an induction day on study skills, information technology and library facilities
• a dedicated section for your course on Blackboard – the University’s online learning resource
• your module leaders, programme leader and dissertation supervisor for guidance and support
• the Health Sciences Student Office for administrative support
• programme and module handbooks
• the University’s student counselling service

Our MSc programme will develop your skills and expertise to prepare you for promotion to specialised roles such as:

• advanced nurse practitioner
• advanced practitioner
• advanced critical care practitioner
• advanced health practitioner
• clinical specialist
• consultant practitioner

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

On this course you pay for each module as you study it. There is no overall fee.

Read the latest module fees and dates on our CPD course page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK and EU nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries  may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.

Application deadlines

Single module (CPD) applications

To apply for a single module (CPD), you'll need to fill in a physical application form that you can download from our continuing professional development pages.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

You may also be asked to provide:

• evidence of professional qualifications

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

We may invite you to an interview, which will take place by phone if you live abroad. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if we'd like to talk to you before offering you a place.

We'll invite shortlisted candidates to a selection day, which includes an interview. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if you're invited to the selection day. This will include information on how to prepare and what to expect during the session.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000