Nurse and Midwife Prescribing
AdvCert

About this course

About

The aim of this programme is to prepare nurses and midwives to be able to incorporate safe, appropriate and cost-effective, person-centred prescribing into their practice.

This programme is available at undergraduate level (Level 6) to take account of the professional and academic background and achievement in the target population. Those studying at undergraduate level are expected to demonstrate an level of understanding consistent with the level of study being undertaken.

Within this overall aim, the course is designed to enable you as a student to:

Demonstrate understanding of the legislation regulating nurse prescribing; review the implications for your professional practice of undertaking the extended roles of prescribing and practice within a framework of professional accountability and responsibility; use diagnostic reasoning skills on the data acquired from history and health assessment to achieve appropriate diagnoses; apply knowledge of pharmacology in prescribing appropriate drugs to achieve defined health outcomes;

In addition you will be prepared to: prescribe safely, appropriately and cost-effectively within the administrative arrangements in operation; evaluate and document the effectiveness of drug therapy; empower patients/clients and their carers and families through education for safe and effective self-management of drug therapy with recognition of their right to make their own decisions; collaborate with others in the health care team in prescribing, supplying, administering and disposing of medications; and utilize up-to-date information from a range of sources in decision-making about prescribing; demonstrate theoretical knowledge relating to all aspects of Nurse-Midwife prescribing including the genesis and development of Nurse-Midwife prescribing in the United Kingdom; apply existing and new knowledge of pharmaco-therapeutics, legal and ethical issues and health assessment to the practice of person-centered Nurse-Midwife prescribing;

You will also develop the academic skills to assimilate, synthesize and evaluate information at an appropriate level for each student and the elected level of study; and exercise sound judgment in the decision-making processes that are central to safe Nurse-Midwife prescribing practice.

Attendance

This is a part time course normally delivered at Jordanstown campus, completed over one academic year (ie September until the end of May). From 2020 all elements of the course are delivered online.

Start dates

• September 2022

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The programme aims to deliver a structured curriculum of teaching, learning and assessment, enabling students to develop the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding .The learning experience encourages students to become active and motivated learners, who can seek information, question and analyse its validity and draw appropriate and logical conclusions.

Teaching, learning and assessment in the School are based on the belief that knowledge and information gained in the theoretical modules needs to be contextualised within practice. Ultimately, students are encouraged to build upon this to make connections between theoretical content and practice experiences thus facilitating an ability to suggest possible developments or enhancements in practice that in turn would lead to knowledge generation opportunities. This serves to help students understand the intimate link between theory and practice.

Teaching, learning and assessment take a variety of forms across the suite of modules as specified throughout this document. The strategies used are based on andragogical principles of adult learning such as self-direction and a capacity to draw upon experience. Teaching and learning in the programme has been informed by the Faculty Teaching & Learning Strategy that is an application of the University Teaching & Learning Strategy.

Content

The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.

Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:

• the relevant generic national Qualification Descriptor
• the applicable Subject Benchmark Statement
• the requirements of any professional, regulatory, statutory and accrediting bodies.

Attendance and Independent Study

As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.

Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.

The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.

Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.

Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.

Calculation of the Final Award

The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).

Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.

All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Health Assessment

Year: 1

Status: C

This level 6 module provides an opportunity for students to develop and enhance the knowledge base and practice of health assessment, in order that appropriate interventions and management can occur. Students develop their assessment skills during this module. Assessment is 100% coursework

Prescribing in Practice 6

Year: 1

Status: C

This module is suitable for registered nurses and midwives who aim to become an independent prescriber within their specified scope of practice. It encourages students to critically explore the legislative frameworks and the professional and ethical principles which underpin prescribing practice. Nurses and midwives will enhance their skills in shared decision making in the delivery of person-centred practice. This module is underpinned by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Competency Framework (2016) and is a compulsory module in the NMP programme. Assessment is 100% coursework.

Pharmacotherapeutics in Prescribing

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides the necessary pharmacological knowledge within the context of the underpinning pathophysiology that will enable the healthcare professional to prescribe safely, appropriately, and effectively within a collaborative health care team. It will be offered through a combination of blended learning, taught components and threaded discussion with supported group work. Assessment is by a combination of coursework and an examination.

Nurse and Midwife Prescribing Practice Assessment Document ( NMP PAD)

Year: 1

Status: C

This is a practice-based learning module for students completing the Nurse and Midwife Prescribing (NMP) Programme. Students will complete the NMP Practice Assessment Document (NMP PAD) to demonstrate how they meet the competencies of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's (RPS, 2016) Competency Framework for all prescribers. The Nurse and Midwife Prescribing Programme at Ulster require students to complete a minimum of 90 hours practice-based learning. Students will be supported in practice by a Practice Supervisor, Practice Assessor and Academic Assessor.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

A levels are not a requirement for entry to this course.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 7.0 and a score of at least 7 on each of the four aspects of this test.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

• English language requirements
• Your country

Additional Entry Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the University’s general entry requirements as set out in the prospectus or demonstrate their ability to undertake the programme through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). The initial offer standard may vary from year to year. See prospectus entry. Specific requirements for the course are detailed below:

Applicants must:

(a) have gained 120 credit points at level 5 during study for an award in the subject area of Health Sciences from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard;

Applicants must also

1) Hold current registration with the NMC either as a registered nurse (level 1), a registered midwife or Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) with a minimum of one year's experience in the area in which they intend to prescribe

2) Be employed or self-employed (including NHS and non-NHS settings) as a registered nurse/midwife and also provide confirmation that the necessary governance structures are in place, in the student's employment (including clinical support, access to protected learning time and employer support where appropriate) to enable students to undertake, and be adequately supported throughout, the programme.

Exemptions and transferability

Students who have previously completed the Health Assessment module may gain exemption from that module provided they are currently using the skills of patient assessment in practice which can be mapped to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Competency Framework for all Prescribers (2016) as adopted by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018).

No exemptions can be made from the two core modules of the programme, Prescribing in Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics in Prescribing.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• Health & Social Care Trusts
• GP Practice

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Any Nursing Role that merits Non-Medical Prescribing

Career options

Students who enroll on this programme are normally already employed in the specialsim of their career choice. Successful attainment of this qualification places students in a strong position with the skills and knowledge to perform at a high level of practice, thus enhancing your career potential.

Work placement / study abroad

Students will complete a minimum of 90 hours in clinical practice and evidence how they have achieved the competencies within the Nurse-Midwife Prescribing Practice Assessment Document (NMP PAD).

Professional recognition

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

Recorded by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for the purpose of registration as a non-medical prescriber (V300)

Apply

Start dates

• September 2022

Contact

​Course Director:
Dr Rosario Baxter

rcs.baxter@ulster.ac.uk

M:+44 (0)75 3326 1298

Commissioned students’ admissions contact:

Karen Devlin

lk.devlin@ulster.ac.uk

T+44 (0)28 70123604

Independent students’ admission contact:

Karen McCarroll
KL.McCarrroll@ulster.ac.uk

T+44 (0)28 90368983

For more information visit

• Faculty of Life and Health Sciences
• School of Nursing

Disclaimer

1. The University endeavours to deliver courses and programmes of study in accordance with the description set out in this prospectus. The University’s prospectus is produced at the earliest possible date in order to provide maximum assistance to individuals considering applying for a course of study offered by the University. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in the prospectus is accurate but it is possible that some changes will occur between the date of printing and the start of the academic year to which it relates. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
2. Although reasonable steps are taken to provide the programmes and services described, the University cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility and the University may make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, discontinue, merge or combine courses and introduce new courses if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key staff, changes in legislation or government policy including changes, if any, resulting from the UK departing the European Union, withdrawal or reduction of funding or other circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
3. If the University discontinues any courses, it will use its best endeavours to provide a suitable alternative course. In addition, courses may change during the course of study and in such circumstances the University will normally undertake a consultation process prior to any such changes being introduced and seek to ensure that no student is unreasonably prejudiced as a consequence of any such change.
4. The University does not accept responsibility (other than through the negligence of the University, its staff or agents), for the consequences of any modification or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University but will take into consideration the effects on individual students and seek to minimise the impact of such effects where reasonably practicable.
5. The University cannot accept any liability for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its control, but the University will take all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.

Testimonials

'A great course, very challenging but well worth while doing for my current role and future career prospects '

'Tremendous support from the teaching team, a brilliant experience'