MSc Advanced Practice

Entry standards

Minimum of two years’ professional practice including recent experience in your specific area of practice. Candidates interested in the Nurse Practitioner with NMC award will require a first degree or equivalent.

English language requirements

Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 7 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).

Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.

MSc Advanced Practice - structure and modules

Module Titles

There are two types of module - compulsory and optional - and these vary by pathway. Please note that both types can be taken as stand-alone Continuing Professional Development modules.

Core compulsory modules in all pathways include:

• Clinical Decision Making 
• Concepts of Advanced Practice 
• Research for Practice

Additional compulsory pathway-specific modules are:

• The Science of Cancer (Cancer Care pathway) 
• Advanced Communication Skills (Cancer Care pathway) 
• Advanced Assessment (Clinical Care and Nurse Practitioner pathways) 
• Advanced Assessment of the Newborn for Midwives (Midwifery pathway) 
• Clinical Issues in Palliative Care (Palliative Care pathway) 
• Challenges in Pain Management (Palliative Care pathway)

Module Overview

Core Compulsory Modules

Clinical Decision Making

This module will support you in the key development of professional knowledge in the sphere of clinical reasoning and decision-making skills within the health and social care context. It aims to facilitate a wider understanding of the theories of reasoning in the practice/clinical domain including the development of expertise, memory and knowledge, and reasoning strategies employed by practitioners.

Concepts of Advanced Practice

This module will enable you to explore and analyse the concept of advanced practice in health and social care by using and applying existing theoretical frameworks. It will include an exploration and analysis of the characteristics of advanced practitioners and assist you to understand the wider policy context for advanced practice. This module will enable you to develop advanced-practice skills through the creation of a personal development plan and an appraisal of your development as an advanced practitioner.

Research for Practice

This module will help you to explore and examine the nature of the research enterprise and its relationship to the natural and social sciences, including health, education and/or social care. It will help you develop a critical understanding of the range of theoretical, methodological and ethical issues associated with the study of health, education and social care. It will include an examination of the convention of dividing research into qualitative and quantitative approaches and their relationship to evidence-based policy and practice, the measurement of clinical effectiveness and evaluation of educational practices. All students will be supported in developing their own perspectives regarding research practice for education, health and/or social care.

Additional Compulsory Pathway-specific Modules 

The Science of Cancer (Cancer Care pathway)

This module explores current advances in knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiology of human cancers at the cellular, molecular and genetic level. The module will explore the epidemiology of cancer, factors that contribute to risk, early diagnosis, staging, and new and innovative treatments. Approaches to prevention and early diagnosis will be covered, as well as the process of metastasis. Integral to the module will be a user perspective, and policy initiatives relevant to the delivery of cancer services will be discussed.

Advanced Communication Skills (Cancer Care pathway)

This module uses innovative, experiential teaching methods to explore advanced communication skills. Significant issues that will be covered during the module are: handling strong emotion, breaking significant news, managing patient anxiety, patient assessment, information-giving, as well as communication issues with colleagues and members of the multidisciplinary team.

Advanced Assessment (Clinical Care and Nurse Practitioner pathways)

This module aims to help you advance in your role by focusing on the complex skill of assessing patients with undifferentiated health problems, with the aim of providing personalised and coordinated care plans for patients who have complex health needs, in line with the advanced role concepts as set by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) (2008).

Advanced Assessment of the Newborn for Midwives (Midwifery pathway)

This module aims to prepare midwives to undertake the complete physical examination of the healthy newborn with between 37 and 42 completed gestational weeks. This examination will replace the one traditionally undertaken by a paediatrician or a GP. However, in the interest of clients, this constantly changing and expanding role requires midwives to develop new skills and competencies, which necessitate appropriate education.

Challenges in Pain Management (Palliative Care pathway)

This module focuses on acute and chronic pain and is suitable for those working in acute and continuing care settings. The theories of pain will be explored and critiqued. The module is multidisciplinary in nature, and a holistic approach to pain assessment, including the emotional, physical and social aspects of pain and suffering, will be discussed. In particular the management of surgical pain, chronic malignant and non-malignant pain and the effect of pain on those who have cognitive impairment will be covered.

Clinical Issues in Palliative Care (Palliative Care pathway)

The aim of this module is to explore the multidimensional nature of symptoms in advanced illness, to appraise the evidence base in relation to symptom assessment and interventions, and to facilitate the patient/carer involvement in managing symptoms. You will be able to demonstrate a critical analysis of the use of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies and how these may influence symptom experience.

Dissertation (for MSc award)

Optional Modules

Any module within the School of Health and Social Care's Continuing Professional Development Framework can be accessed following discussion and agreement with your pathway leader. Please see the Advanced Practice web pages for more details.

Programme Structure and Modules

To accommodate the complexities arising in the fields of health and social care, the structure of the programme is aligned with those that fall under the Lifelong Learning Programme which sits within the University of Surrey Credit and Transfer Scheme. This is based on the notion of credits being awarded for different levels of achievement, with a specified quantity needed at each level in order to achieve an award. For the awards offered within this framework, the following are relevant:

A student may include no more than 30 credits at HE3 within the PG Dip / MSc award.

This structure has been designed with the flexibility to accommodate the changing face of practice while also maintaining the academic integrity of the awards.

 MSc Advanced Practice (Cancer Care)

MSc Advanced Practice (Clinical Care)

MSc Advanced Practice (Midwifery)

MSc Advanced Practice (incorporating Specialist Practice NMC Awards) 

The Nurse Practitioner pathway can be undertaken with or without the NMC award. This can be discussed in detail with the pathway leader.

MSc Advanced Practice (Palliative Care)

MSc Advanced Practice - entry standards

Entry standards

Minimum of two years’ professional practice including recent experience in your specific area of practice. Candidates interested in the Nurse Practitioner with NMC award will require a first degree or equivalent.

English language requirements

Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 7 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).

Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.

Application procedure

All candidates are invited to attend an interview. Overseas students may have telephone interviews. Non-graduates are expected to submit an entrance essay.

Applications for the Autumn intake close at the end of July, though early application is advised.

Planned intake

Up to 40

Start date

September

Director of Studies

• Mrs Ann Robinson

MSc Advanced Practice - fees and funding

Fees

Full time:

UK/EU - £8,125
Overseas - £11,550

Part time:

UK/EU - £4,065 
Overseas - £5,775

Full time (with Specialist Practice Award):

UK/EU - set by the SHA 
Overseas - £11,550

Part time (with Specialist Practice Award):

UK/EU - set by the SHA 
Overseas - £5,775

www.surrey.ac.uk/pgfees/2012

MSc Advanced Practice - professional context

MSc Advanced Practice - teaching

Staff perspective

MSc Advanced Practice - learning

Self study hours

150 hours per 15-credit module (30 hours taught)
300 hours per 30-credit module (60 hours taught)

MSc Advanced Practice - graduate profile

Student Profile: Fiona Nadin

MSc Advanced Practice

I work as a Community Matron within Surrey PCT, a role which is still fairly new within the NHS and was born from the route of District Nursing. The role entails taking good nursing to the people with the most chronic burden of disease and multiple long-term conditions. To do this well I felt some advanced nursing skills were required, and the MSc in Advanced Practice at the University of Surrey is the route I’ve chosen to follow to acquire these skills. 

As I work and have a young daughter I decided to study part-time. It’s a tough balance juggling work, home and studying – but all the tutors have been really supportive. My personal tutor is regularly in touch, and the module leaders have been great at helping us mature students understand the academic requirements that we need to achieve. They have also been very helpful at setting achievable deadlines for my personal circumstances. 

The module I’ve enjoyed most so far has been Advanced Assessment and I’m currently completing the Independent Prescribing module. This in some ways will realise a career-long ambition – to be able to assess, diagnose and treat a patient from start to finish, within my own level of competence. 

My patients often feel a bit forgotten by the health service. By understanding how their conditions affect them, in terms of the disease process and the psychology behind their thinking, I am able to make well-informed decisions and work in partnership with them to help them achieve the care that they want to get from their NHS. 

This insight is the result of studying at Surrey, and the opportunity to learn and question my practice on a day-to-day basis.

Student Profile: Kathy Birch

MSc Advanced Practice

Returning to study after more than twenty years was daunting, especially as I missed out on university life the first time around. With lots of practical knowledge and clinical skills, this would be my opportunity to link them with theoretical learning. 

My pathway leader is a huge support, encouraging me to develop the critical skills necessary to succeed. The module leaders are both accessible and approachable with specialist advice available from other members of the Faculty. 

As a physiotherapist working in specialist palliative care, I was the first Allied Health Professional (AHP) to enrol. AHPs are definitely in the minority on the modules. This has been an advantage to my learning experience, as I work in an area actively promoting interdisciplinary care of patients. A variety of teaching methods allow open exploration of topics, enhancing the learning experience. Assignments promote self-directed learning in the area the student chooses, so I can now link learning to practice. 

What are the challenges? Deadlines exist. Developing coping strategies and understanding your own learning style is crucial. 

I am constantly amazed by the way in which I can apply what I’m learning to my clinical work. I’m rubbing shoulders with academics and clinical colleagues who are expanding my experiences on a daily basis. 

One year into my course, I am succeeding at Masters level and confident of my academic and clinical skills. I’m ready to progress through the course and tackle a research project and dissertation!

Graduate Profile: Celia Leck

MSc Advanced Practice (Clinical)

I had personal experience of the University of Surrey prior to the commencement of my MSc through a teaching and assessing course, and I was impressed by their innovative approach. I also mentor student nurses who study at the University and I am aware of the high standards expected.

My MSc programme has been academically stimulating, varied and enjoyable. The support offered by the University has been first class and I would have no hesitation in recommending any of its programmes relating to nursing.

I work as a Ward Matron in a neurological rehabilitation unit within a community hospital. The work of running a unit is demanding and my advanced studies enable me to support my patients and colleagues to a higher standard.

The MSc helped me to increase my skills in the critical appraisal of academic work, especially research articles. I am more confident that the knowledge I possess is up to date and meets all the requirements of an advanced level qualification.

The campus has very good facilities and caters for all tastes and cultures. There are places to study, socialise or have a quiet time – whatever you wish. The grounds are amazing and the University’s students are lucky to have such lovely surroundings.

MSc Advanced Practice - more

International Students

International students may be able to undertake the Advanced Practice programme if they have not sought or would be unable to seek registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). This would need to be discussed on an individual basis with the Director of Studies.

MSc Advanced Practice - apply

All candidates are invited to attend an interview. Overseas students may have telephone interviews. Non-graduates are expected to submit an entrance essay.

Applications for the Autumn intake close at the end of July, though early application is advised.

• MSc Advanced Practice (Cancer Care) - Full-time- Starting Sep 2012
• MSc Advanced Practice (Cancer Care) - Part-time - Starting Sep 2012
• MSc Advanced Practice (Clinical Care) - Full-time - Starting Sep 2012
• MSc Advanced Practice (Clinical Care) - Part-time - Starting Sep 2012
• MSc Advanced Practice (Midwifery) - Full-time- Starting Sep 2012
• MSc Advanced Practice (Midwifery) - Part-time - Starting Sep 2012
• MSc Advanced Practice (Nurse Practitioner - Adult) - Full-time - Starting Sep 2012
• MSc Advanced Practice (Nurse Practitioner-Adult) - Part-time - Starting Sep 2012
• MSc Advanced Practice (Nurse Practitioner) with SPA - Full-time - Starting Sep 2012
• MSc Advanced Practice (Nurse Practitioner) with SPA - Part-time - Starting Sep 2012
• MSc Advanced Practice (Palliative Care) - Full-time - Starting Sep 2012
• MSc Advanced Practice (Palliative Care) - Part-time - Starting Sep 2012