Cardiff School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies

Higher Education Diploma in Clinical Practice

Replaces the previously named Higher Education Diploma in Professional Practice.

The Higher Education Diploma programme is designed to build on previous knowledge, skills and experience of the nurse, midwife and health visitor gained through both practice and education. The programme will enable practitioners to demonstrate an increased level of competence through the development of clinical decision making skills and the delivery of evidence based care that meets the needs of individuals, families and communities and allows opportunities for practitioners to engage in learning that leads to a qualification.

The programme is generic and is made up of 120 credits at level 2. This comprises of 30 credits for the compulsory module ‘Research Awareness’, and 90 credits from any generic or specialist modules of the student’s choice. It is preferable that the compulsory module is undertaken on commencement of the programme, although this is not essential. On successful completion of the 120 credits at level 2 students will be awarded the Higher Education Diploma in Clinical Practice.

Overview

• Compulsory Core Module - Research Awareness - 30 credits at Level 2
• Modules that equate to 90 credits at level 2 - Example:
  • Teaching and Assessing - 30 credits (Level 2)
  • Foundation in Cardiac Nursing - 30 credits (Level 2)
  • Diabetes Care and Management - 30 credits (Level 2)

120 credits level 2 achieved – Award – Higher Education Diploma in Clinical Practice

Timescale of the Programme:

• A flexible modular programme where students choose to undertake modules equating to 120 credits at level 2 over a maximum period of five years from the point of registering for the HE Diploma.
• ‘Stand alone’ modules where registration onto the degree or diploma programme does not take place.

Location of Programme

The delivery of modules will take place at the School of Nursing & Midwifery Studies campuses in Cardiff (Ty Dewi Sant and EastGate House), Caerleon and at other venues throughout SE Wales.

Entry Requirements

Registration with the University to undertake a modular Higher Education Diploma in Clinical Practice programme requires that applicants fulfil the following entry criteria:

• 120 credits points at level 1 in nursing midwifery or a subject area relevant to nursing verified by certification, (e.g. Certificate in Professional Practice)
  OR relevant prior learning or experience.
• Applicants whose first language is not English or Welsh are required to provide proof of their proficiency in the English Language and must have attained a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS Test, no more than 3 years before the proposed date of application, to gain entry to the University.
• Applicants must be working in an area of clinical practice that allows achievement of the learning outcomes and clinical/ theory hours of the particular modules the student wishes to register for.
• Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council on the ‘live’ part of the register for UK applicants.
• Secured funding.
• Employers consent.
• Students will NOT be allowed to undertake a module which they have previously studied at level 2 or 3 which has the same title and content, as the module applied for.

Please note: Students applying for ‘stand alone’ modules outside of the Higher Education Diploma in Clinical Practice would need to fulfil the entry criteria above, other than the 120 credits at level 1.

Assessment

The assessment is varied and dependent upon the module chosen. Both formative and summative assessments apply to all modules.

Modules validated under the Diploma in Clinical Practice scheme of study

• Counselling Skills for Health and Social Care Practitioners (NR2010)
• Foundation in Neonatal Nursing (NR2007)
• Research Awareness (NR2087)
• Diabetes Care and Management (NR2061)
• Teaching and Assessing in Clinical Practice (NR2093)
• Foundation in Cardiac Nursing (NR2059)
• Maintaining Respiratory Health (NR2073)
• Minor Illness (NR2062)
• Foundation in Critical Care Nursing (NR2088)
• Clinical Supervision for Health and Social Care Practitioners (NR2009)
• Cervical Screening and Breast Awareness (NR2060)

Contact

For further details contact: