A one year exciting and challenging course for nurses working in General Practice
The aim of this course is to support General Practice Nurses (GPNs) to develop critical enquiry in key components of general practice nursing. This includes the knowledge and skills required to deliver autonomous, safe and effective person-centred care to a variety of service users across the lifespan, through the development and management of nurse led clinics and through anticipatory preventative care which reflects public health priorities and long-term conditions.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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This course is designed to be taken over one academic year, in part-time mode. The course will consist of three modules. Two 30 credit modules will be taught over semesters one and two. Additionally, the two taught modules will be complimented with a work-based learning module which will be undertaken across semester one and two. The first module in semester one, NUS744, will provide students with key principles and knowledge required in general practice nursing, with a focus on the context of general practice nursing, health promotion, women's and men's health, communication and decision making when caring for the person with a long-term condition. The second module in semester two, NUS745, will build on this and examine wider aspects of the general practice nurse, including interpersonal skills, interprofessional working, innovation and leadership when delivering person-centred care for those living with a longterm condition. During the course students will also engage in 12 days (72 hours) of work-based learning and this will be captured as part of a non-credit bearing module, NUS746. Students will complete a portfolio that demonstrates how they have met the competencies outlined within the Career Pathway for General Practice Nursing Roles (NIPEC 2019). Details of the modules (Level 7) and corresponding credit values are provided below: NUS744 Integrating the Principles of General Practice Nursing 30 credits NUS745 Evaluating the Enhanced Role of the General Practice Nurse C 30 credits NUS746 GP Nursing Portfolio C I
Alternate weeks in University with every other week in Practice Based Learning in the General Practice area
Semester 1 -There will be a class test on week 6 (30%) on pathophysiology of diabetes/ chronic kidney disease and coronary heart diseas.There will be an assignment (4000) words on a case study and reflection due on week 12
Semester 2 - There will be a presentation on a respiratory condition by week 8 (30%) and an assignment on innovative practice due on week 12(70%)
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 (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
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) by Advanced HE - 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 2021-2022.
High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.
Find out more - information about accommodation
At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.
Find out more - information about student wellbeing
The Belfast campus is situated in the artistic and cultural centre of the city, the Cathedral Quarter.
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.
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An Honours or non-Honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or (ii) an equivalent standard in a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification; [and] be a first level registered nurse working in a general practice setting and (b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent);
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
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This is a recognised course with competencies approved by the Northern Ireland Practice and Education Council (NIPEC) and will be a foundation for a career pathway as a General Practice Nurse
Work placement must be in General Practice with a named appointed practice supervisor
2024/25 Fees
Our postgraduate fees are subject to annual increase and are currently under review. See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2023/24 entry.
On successful completion of both modules and a portfolio the student will be awarded an Advanced Certificate in General Practice Nursing
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
