Advanced Health Assessment and Prescribing (PGCert)

You'll need the following:

• a 2:2 degree in a relevant subject 
• current professional registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council  or Health and Care Professions Council
• a current job contract in a clinical or clinically related area
• at least 3 years’ relevant post-registration clinical experience 
• a clinical supervisor and a clinical assessor who can assess your practice competency and support your learning
• references from your current employer, confirming supervisory support, role suitability and practice experience

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 all of the following scores as a minimum:

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

Students have up to three years to complete the programme but the normal duration of study is 18-24 months. The usual pattern of study for a student requiring all three modules would be:  

• History Taking and Physical Assessment – Sept Academic Year one   
• Diagnostic Assessment and Decision Making – Jan Academic Year one   
• Pharmacology and Prescribing - Sept Academic Year Two.  

It is also possible start the first module (History Taking and Physical Assessment) in January or March of Year one, and then study Diagnostic Assessment and Decision Making in Sept of Year Two, and Pharmacology and Prescribing in March of year two – but such students must register to study the programme no later than start of year two.

Recognition of Prior Learning will also be considered but can be used for a maximum of one module only. Students who have studied two of the modules ‘stand alone’ with the University of Southampton may still register for this award provided they do so before the start of the remaining module.

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

Learning

The School promotes a student-centred approach that will support you to learn, and also encourage the mastery of your skills in planning and managing your learning.

Your learning will be supported by your personal academic tutor, module leaders and, where appropriate, mentor in practice.

Teaching and learning methods include:

• lectures
• seminar groups
• action learning groups
• work place based learning
• facilitated clinical skills practice
• supervised and self directed study

 These methods are designed to integrate theory and practice and to foster a spirit of enquiry. The programme emphasises inter-professional learning and teaching in order to encourage and promote collaborative working.  Key skills are fostered via the learning and teaching activities throughout the programme. 

Assessment

Each module will be assessed according to the assessment guidelines within the module profile. The assessment methods are designed to help you integrate theory and practice, and to maximise your skills of critical thinking and analysis. 

Assessment for the programme is by a combination of:

• coursework (in the form of written academic assignments)
• written examinations
• practical assessments
• case studies
• a non medical prescribing portfolio

The assessment methods enable you to demonstrate achievement of the programme learning outcomes as you progress through each module. 

You will be required to undertake assessment of competency as part of your Pharmacology and Prescribing in Clinical Practice module. These competencies are based on those stipulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the Health and Care Professions Council and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Academic Support

Throughout your programme you'll be supported by the team of staff who oversee the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice and its related programmes, with opportunities for small group learning.

The History Taking and Physical Assessment module includes extensive skills lab based coaching and hands on practice in small groups.

The Diagnostic Assessment and Decision Making module includes assignment/exam preparation sessions as well as group tutorials and a named module tutor to support you in the development of your written assignment.

The prescribing module is supported by a team of clinical pharmacists from UHS and the module team have also completed a prescribing programme. Their knowledge and experience will support you in achieving the assessment components of the module.

Completion of this programme will prepare you to undertake the role of non-medical prescriber, underpinned by the requisite skills in advanced health assessment, diagnosis and clinical decision making.  

These skills will equip you to undertake a more autonomous role within your practice setting.

For some, this will be a key component of the required education for a current or new extended, specialist or advancing practice orientated role.

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). 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

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.

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:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

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, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

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 aim to get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

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