About this course
Prepare for an advanced role in clinical practice on this master's degree at the University of Southampton. Our MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Advanced Allied Health Practitioner) develops your existing clinical experience and skills, helping you take on greater responsibility as an advanced or consultant practitioner.
The Advanced Allied Health Practitioner pathway is only open to professionals working as experienced registered practitioners in a UK healthcare setting. You’ll need to demonstrate that you have access to the required practice experience and mentorship.
Throughout this degree you’ll:
- examine role development in relation to advanced practice
- explore how to apply evidence to your field of practice and clinical specialty
- apply communication and clinical decision-making skills to your professional practice
- develop new clinical skills in relation to client health assessment, diagnostic reasoning and pharmacology
- show your clinical competence through simulated and practice-based clinical assessment
If you’re eligible to practise as an independent or supplementary prescriber, you will have the opportunity to obtain the V300 non-medical prescribing qualification.
We centre our allied health master's around the 4 pillars of advanced practice:
- advanced clinical practice
- leadership
- education
- research
You’ll learn more about research and evidence-based practice, advanced health assessment, diagnosis, decision making and pharmacology, plus non-medical prescribing. You’ll also explore the place of advanced practice within modern healthcare and your own professional role.
Flexible learning
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) - you'll usually study for about 2 years and will not need to write a dissertation
You can also take a single module as part of continuing professional development (CPD). Explore modules that are available as CPD.
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Helen Rushforth. She has a background in child health nursing and advanced clinical practice. Visit Dr Helen Rushforth’s staff profile to learn more about her work.
Email: her@soton.ac.uk
Related pathways
We offer 3 other pathways on our MSc Advanced Clinical Practice course:
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
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:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
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
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
Modules are listed here in alphabetical order, not the order of study. Once you’re accepted onto the course, we’ll agree an order of study with you that best meets your needs.
From the optional modules, we’ll ask you to choose:
- either Research Methods or Research Methods (Online)
- either Applied Pharmacology for Clinical Practice or Pharmacology and Prescribing In Clinical Practice
You can also take an additional optional module from any discipline. Explore University of Southampton modules.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
You must also choose from the following modules:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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
Careers
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 2020). 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 thriving 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
Fees, costs and funding
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 any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
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 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.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
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'll 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