PGDip MSc Community Specialist Practice

The entry requirements listed here are our typical offer for this course if you wish to begin studying with us in 2021. They should be used as a general guide. 

In exceptional cases candidates will be considered for entry onto the MSc programme without a first degree if they can demonstrate innovations in practice, publications and have expertise in the field. Candidates without a first degree will be required to undertake and pass an M level module in order to enter the MSc. A maximum of 40 credits of the final award may be brought into the course provided they meet the learning outcomes and have been undertaken in the previous 5 years.

Degree and experience
Academic requirements are as for the SHS postgraduate education programme and the requirements of the NMC. In order to enter the chosen pathway, candidates must have their names on the parts of the NMC register as identified below. 

Registration as nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council under:

• General Practice Nursing RN1, RNA
• Nursing in the Home (District Nursing) RN1, RNA.

And

• normally hold a health-related degree at 2:1 or above
• have successfully completed recent study within the last five years
• normally have a minimum of three years’ post-registration experience, preferably in the community
• demonstrate the potential to benefit from masters-level study
• have appropriate clearance from the Criminal Records Bureau, organised by the sponsoring organisation.

Students who already hold a recognised qualification in any one of the specialist options at degree level may apply for admission to another specialist option provided they satisfy the necessary entry criteria. Such students will need to complete 120 masters-level credits in order to gain the postgraduate diploma, and to demonstrate achievement of the specialist practice learning outcomes for the chosen pathway.

To apply for this course, please contact the course administrator, communitynursing@brighton.ac.uk.

How to apply 
This course starts in September. Applications are accepted in February of each year, which is also when the relevant application form is made available by the school. For more information, contact the programme administrator on communitynursing@brighton.ac.uk.

Applications are accepted in the February of each year, which is also when the relevant application form is made available by the school. 

The Trust and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) will shortlist the applications and, if successfully shortlisted, your details will be forwarded to the university where you will be asked to complete an online application form and invited to interview.

Please note that it will not be possible to make an application to the university unless you have applied and been shortlisted. Any applications that do not meet this criteria cannot be considered.

In addition, references to support good health and character are required at admission stage, along with a satisfactory DBS check which is undertaken by the applicant’s current employer. Students are thereafter required to make an annual declaration regarding health and good character, and this would also be required before application to the Register. For more information, contact the programme administrator on: communitynursing@brighton.ac.uk

Interview procedures
Normally interviews are carried out with a representative from UoB and representatives from the trusts (including a Practice Teacher representative). At interview consideration will be given to the following;

• knowledge of the role
• communication skills
• appropriate attitude
• potential for development as a Community Specialist Practitioner
• potential for development to study at masters level.

For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more