About this course
Develop your professional skills and knowledge to a high level of competence on this Advanced Critical Care Practitioner MSc at the University of Southampton. Successfully completing this Level 7 training course will allow you to apply for membership with The Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM) as an advanced critical care practitioner.
You’ll study within the School of Health Sciences: ranked 5th in the world and 2nd in the UK for nursing and midwifery (QS World Rankings by Subject 2020/21).
This Advanced Clinical Practice (Advanced Critical Care Practitioner) master’s course is for experienced registered practitioners currently working within a UK healthcare setting.
The course will support your ongoing development in your chosen specialist area. It will allow you to take a leading role in the provision of high-quality, evidence-based critical care, helping to monitor and treat patients with life-threatening conditions.
Led by our expert academics you’ll:
- examine role development in relation to advanced critical care practitioner
- explore how to apply evidence to your field of practice
- examine the use of advanced practice, communication and decision-making skills
- develop new or enhanced clinical skills relevant to your professional role within advanced critical care
- build on your knowledge, skills and competence to become an expert or leader in your specialism
The course is built around the 4 pillars of advanced practice:
- advanced clinical practice
- leadership
- education
- research
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 clinical, health or science subject
- current registration with a relevant UK professional body
- at least 2 years’ relevant post-registration clinical experience
- a current job contract in a clinical or related setting
- up to 2 references
Additional criteria apply if you're seeking membership of The Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM). For more information, contact us or visit the FICM website.
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.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
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 part-time-only master’s course runs for 2 to 5 years, allowing you the flexibility to continue working alongside your studies.
If you apply for the PGDip, you’ll study 6 taught modules. If you apply for the full MSc, you’ll study 6 taught modules and complete a dissertation.
Most taught modules require you to be at the University for 5 to 6 days, typically for 1 day a week. Some modules require up to 10 days’ attendance.
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
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
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
The learning activities for this course include:
- lectures and seminars
- group activities
- workplace-based learning
- facilitated clinical skills practice
- supervised study
- independent learning
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- essays
- case studies
- written exams
- simulated assessments
- practice-based assessment
- clinical portfolio
- a dissertation
Dissertation
If you’re taking the full MSc, you’ll research and write a dissertation on a subject 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 empirical project
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
This qualification will allow you to apply for membership of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM) as an advanced critical care practitioner.
You'll be able to work as an advanced critical care practitioner in a critical care unit or similar environment.
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
On this course you'll pay for each module as you study it.
See the latest module fees and dates.
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.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
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.
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.
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.
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
