Allied Health Professional

Provisional Teaching dates for PHM801 are 1 to 5 September (1 to 3 September is face to face teaching on the Belfast campus and 4 and 5 September will be online) plus 3 and 5 November 2025 (3 November is face to face teaching on the Belfast campus and 5 November will be online).

PHM801 - Teaching dates are 7, 8 and 9 September 2026  (10 &  11 September are online),  plus 2 November 2026 (Lecture), 3 November 2026 (Practical) and 4 November 2026 (Online)

The aim of the module is to develop research design skills to enable students to produce a working research proposal for the Masters project.

The Research Project Preparation module is offered in Semester 1 or Semester 2.

This module is distance learning.

The aim of this project module is to engage the student in an independent piece of research activity under the guidance of a supervisor from the School of Health Sciences.

It is expected that this research will add to the student's knowledge and perhaps inform future teaching, clinical practice or further research.

The research activity will be allied to that carried out in the Centre for Health and Rehabilitation Technologies (CHaRT) within the Institute for Nursing and Health Research (INHR).

This 15 credit point, online module runs twice per academic year and offers health professionals an opportunity to develop their understanding of a range of research methodologies commonly used within healthcare.

They will use this understanding of clinical research methods to develop skills in critically appraising and synthesising literature in order to inform and advance the quality of care and service delivery.

For those students proceeding to the Masters award, the module will complement the 'Preparation for Project' module and provide a foundation for the Masters project.

The Research Project Preparation module is offered in Semester 1 or Semester 2.

It is our intention that the majority of the teaching will be delivered as face-to-face teaching during semester 1 and semester 2 of the academic year.

Teaching for both modules is scheduled for Belfast campus face to face.

The teaching team includes Professor Suzanne Martin and Myra Weir with visiting lecturers/speakers.

Module1

The module will focus on the self as a collective leader – we will explore compassion for ourselves and others and spend time on the values and behaviours embodied by a collective leader. The aim of this module is to create an authentic, consistent approach to compassionate leadership in practice acknowledging both the personal and professional components of this.

On day 1 registration will take place between 9:45am to 10am.  It is our intention you should be finished by 4:15pm each day. There is one assessed component to this module

1. A personalised reflective log (portfolio) and based on the collective leadership action plan (behaviours and action plan) that provides a clear outline of approaches and strategies to underpin compassionate self-care, enabling progression to senior leadership positions within the HSC.  You will be provided with a template for this submission.

Teaching dates are  2 to 4 March 2027

Module 2

The aim of this module is to introduce the key concepts and application of co-production, systems thinking and quality improvement, whilst exploring strategic leadership initiatives. Registration is 9:45am to 10:15am.  It is our plan that you should be away by 4:15pm each day.  The assignment for this module is a written submission based on the following.

A written assignment where students will be tasked to critically reflect on the challenges and opportunities as Nurses, Midwives and AHPs emerge as a collective leaders within the HSC whilst holding firm to professional and regulatory requirements.

Required reading during these modules include:

1. West, M.A., 2021. Compassionate leadership: sustaining wisdom, humanity and presence in health and social care. Swirling Leaf Press.

   3 hard copies available in library Belfast campus.

2. Trzeciak, S., Mazzarelli, A., & Booker, C. 2019. Compassionomics: The revolutionary scientific evidence that caring makes a difference. Studer Group.

4 hard copies available in library Belfast campus.

Teaching dates are 10, 11 and 12 November 2026

If you have any specific needs, you want to bring to the teaching team’s attention please contact Professor Suzanne Martin at s.martin@ulster.ac.uk

The module details are below:

PTH702 - Spasticity Management in Neurodisability Across a Lifespan

This module will deliver and review the modern neurodisability in regards Spasticity management agenda. It will explore the prevention, epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment of clients/patients and evaluate the role of therapists in an integrated care pathway.

The module is fully online and is delivered across 6 weeks.

PTH703 - Neuroplasticity in Neurodisability Across a Lifespan

This module will deliver and review the modern neurodisability in regards Neuroplasticity management agenda. It will explore the prevention, epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment of clients/patients and evaluate the role of therapists in an integrated care pathway.

This module will be delivered online for six weeks.

The module is designed to evaluate new innovations and advances in radiotherapy and oncology practice.

It will facilitate practising Therapeutic Radiographers to identifying and undertake areas of professional role development whilst encouraging critical reflection and evaluation of current radiotherapy practice.

It will aid individuals in their continuing professional development and maintenance of professional registration,.

This module is distance learning.

This module introduces the student to the essentials of CT. The skills and knowledge gained will facilitate proficiency in CT imaging of the head, cervical spine, chest, abdomen and pelvis, as well as being able to critically evaluate CT images for technical suitability. The record of clinical training and cases will effectively demonstrate application of learning in CT imaging.

This module is scheduled for Semester 2.

This module is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of the core principles of MR physics, technology and safety. The module also develops the skills of the MR Practitioner for standard imaging of the nervous system with an introduction to image critique and service delivery evaluation.

This module is scheduled for Semester 2.

This module will enable the student to gain knowledge and understanding of the scientific and technological principles underpinning the safe and effective use of medical ultrasound in the clinical setting.

It enables appraisal of a range of ultrasound technologies to optimise the production and recording of high quality diagnostic ultrasound images.

The module enables the student to refine professional skills in order to meet the needs of the ultrasound service user in line with governance principles.

Teaching dates are 14-18 September 2026 - 4 days).  Teaching will be in person on the Belfast campus.

This module will enable the student to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to undertake ultrasound imaging of abdomen and non-gynaecological pelvis independently and safely.

It will provide the knowledge and understanding to enable the student to differentiate between normal and abnormal ultrasound appearances and to utilise problem solving skills to provide a differential diagnosis.

This module is scheduled for Semester 2.

This module will enable the student to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to undertake ultrasound imaging of the female genito-urinary system. It will provide the knowledge and understanding to enable the student to differentiate between normal and abnormal ultrasound appearances and to utilise problem solving skills to provide a differential diagnosis.

Teaching dates are 10, 11, 24 and 25 September 2026 (4 days).

This module will enable the student to evaluate the need to develop good scanning technique and follow protocols to produce technically accurate obstetric ultrasound examinations independently and safely. It will provide the knowledge and understanding to enable the student to differentiate between normal and abnormal ultrasound appearances and to utilise problem solving skills to provide a differential diagnosis necessary to inform the care pathway of the antenatal patient.

This module is scheduled for Semester 2.

Advanced Musculoskeletal Practice 1 is designed for physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals working in musculoskeletal settings who are seeking to advance their clinical expertise.

The module provides a comprehensive exploration of evidence-based assessment and management strategies for upper quadrant musculoskeletal conditions, the module is aligned with contemporary frameworks for advanced clinical practice ensuring that learners develop high-level decision-making skills applicable to a variety of musculoskeletal presentations.

This module is scheduled for Semester 2.

The 30 credit point module is formed on advancing participants' knowledge of physiology relating to airway clearance techniques, proficiency in using these techniques and knowledge of the scientific evidence supporting the use of these airway clearance techniques.

This module is scheduled for Semester 2.

This module will provide the opportunity to discuss current clinical assessment and management principles for professionals treating patients with biomechanical pathologies. The module will enable current assessment and management models to be analysed as well as allowing trends in research and clinical practice to be explored.

This module is scheduled for Semester 2.

This module will increase knowledge, understanding and enhanced clinical application of environmental design and housing adaptations practice in particular, as a facilitator of health and social care within the context of community care.

Teaching dates are 1, 7 and 15 October 2026.  Assessments are 24 and 25 November 2026 (Room BC-06-318)

This module gives the student the opportunity to enhance their clinical reasoning skills in determining the optimal seating and positioning strategies for clients with complex disability.

It provides opportunities for participants to reflect critically on their own experience as a practitioner and the skills to complete a comprehensive client-centred seating and postural assessment.

This module is scheduled for Semester 2.

This module can be taken as a single credit bearing module for continuing professional development or as part of Advancing Practice Programme which is aimed at appropriately qualified dietitians working in clinical practice wishing to enhance their communication skills and facilitate health related behaviour change.

A work based module where students develop advanced communication skills and gain an understanding of the under pining behavioural theory relevant to clinical dietetic practice.

Students will reflect on their communication skills and explore ways to further incorporate advanced skills to facilitate behaviour change with clients and patients.

Students will also be required to critically reflect on their own clinical practice to identify aspects which could be developed and to explore techniques to enhance effective change.

This module is scheduled for Semester 2.

This module can be taken as a single credit bearing module for continuing professional development or as part of Advancing Practice Programme which is aimed at appropriately qualified dietitians working in clinical practice wishing to enhance their clinical nutrition skills and facilitate leadership.

A work based module where learners develop advanced clinical nutrition skills and gain an understanding of the under pinning theory relevant to clinical nutrition dietetic practice.

Learners will reflect on their practice and explore ways to further incorporate advanced skills facilitating service user engagement.

Learners will also be required to critically reflect on their own clinical practice to identify aspects which could be developed and to explore techniques to enhance leadership opportunities.

This module is scheduled for Semester 2.

This module will enable Speech and Language Therapists (SLT) to develop advanced knowledge and skills in the clinical management of adults with EDS disorders.

This module is scheduled for Semester 2.

Week 1 - Monday 11 January 2027 to Thursday 14 January 2027

Week 2 - Monday 1 March 2027 to Thursday 4 March 2027

This module will enable Speech and Language Therapists (SLT) to develop advanced knowledge and specialist skills in the clinical management of children who present with SLCN.

In addition to the broad application of a range of theoretical and clinical frameworks, there will be a focus on their more specific application in the areas of Autism and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) across infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

In addition to the recommended reading, lecture materials will guide students to a range of topical and up-to-date literature in each content area. Teaching and learning will take place over two week-long blocks with supplementary (online) workshops and tutorials.

Teaching dates are 2 to 5 November 2026 (on campus)