University of Bradford:
Postgraduate Programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Health Studies
Division of Service Development and Improvement
Programme title: PG Dip/PG Cert in Cardiology for Practitioners with a Special
Interest
Awarding institution:
Final and interim award(s):
Programme title:
Programme accredited by:
FHEQ Level:
Duration:
UCAS code:
Date produced:
Last updated :
University of Bradford
Postgraduate Diploma
Postgraduate Certificate
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 7
Cardiology for Practitioners with a Special
Interest
Royal College of General Practitioners
British Cardiovascular Society
Level 7
18 months part-time
N/A
December 2013
January 2014
Introduction
This Programme is one of a series of programmes which is taught by West and
South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Commissioning Support Unit (WSYBCSU) and
awarded by the University of Bradford. The programmes fall under the collaborative
provision regulations, so although the programmes are taught wholly from within the
NHS, quality assurance and assessment are governed by University of Bradford
regulations.
This part-time programme contains a large element of work-based and shared
learning. As attendance in Bradford only requires a total of 7 study days on 4
separate occasions throughout the 18 months, the programme is accessible to
students nationally. It enables Practitioners with a Special Interest (PwSIs) to gain a
formally recognised standard of competence in the area of cardiology as a special
interest. It is the first postgraduate competence-based programme for PwSIs to offer
national accreditation in this subject, and is run from within the NHS and taught by
consultants and Practitioners with a Special Interest. In this regard, the course has
been well received by key professional medical bodies.
The programme structure is specifically designed to encourage the development of
the specialist practitioner role, by encouraging collaborative clinical work-based
training between the practitioner and the consultant.
Students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Diploma will be able to
progress to the MSc in Cardiology for Practitioners with a Special Interest. Students
who successfully complete the Diploma will have a greater breadth of knowledge of
Cardiology than those who complete the Certificate. This programme is delivered
through the School of Health Studies at the University of Bradford.
Programme Aims for the Postgraduate Certificate
The programme is intended to:
A1.1 develop the subject-specific knowledge and skills to enable GPs and
other practitioners to work independently to treat patients with either
Heart Failure and Valvular Disease or Hypertension, Arrhythmias and
Conduction Disorder or Ischaemic Heart Disease at a higher level and
to deal with complex clinical situations systematically;
A1.2 develop a subject-specific understanding of the role and responsibilities
of consultant specialists and the multidisciplinary team in secondary
care and to establish appropriate relationships with these
professionals;
A1.3 position practitioners at the forefront of their subject-specific area of
cardiac care to develop and establish the most appropriate integrated
care pathways for that area between primary and secondary care for
the patient within current NHS guidelines;
A1.4 engage practitioners in life-long learning through the enhancement of
key skills, a thorough knowledge of critical appraisal and reflective
practice;
A1.5 provide practitioners with a special interest with transferable nationally
recognised training in with either Heart Failure and Valvular Disease or
Hypertension, Arrhythmias and Conduction Disorder or Ischaemic
Heart Disease.
Programme Aims for the Postgraduate Diploma
The programme is intended to:
A2.1 develop wider specialist knowledge and skills to enable GPs and other
practitioners to practice cardiology at a higher level and to deal with
complex clinical situations systematically;
A2.2 develop a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of
consultant specialists and the multidisciplinary team in secondary care
and to establish appropriate relationships with these professionals;
A2.3 position practitioners at the forefront of their area of cardiac care to
develop and establish the most appropriate integrated care pathways
between primary and secondary care for the patient within current NHS
guidelines;
A2.4 engage practitioners in life-long learning through the enhancement of
key skills, a thorough knowledge of critical appraisal and reflective
practice;
A2.5 provide practitioners with a special interest with transferable nationally
recognised training in cardiology.
Programme Learning Outcomes for the PG Certificate
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
B1.1.1critically analyse and apply current and emerging knowledge at the
forefront of the subject- specific area(s) (Heart Failure and Valvular
Disease or Hypertension, Arrhythmias and Conduction Disorder or
Ischaemic Heart Disease) of study with regard to the pathophysiology
and epidemiology of that subject;
B1.1.2 contribute to the development of clinical protocols and practice within
the subject-specific care pathway linking primary and secondary care in
line with current recommendations;
B1.1.3make strategic and appropriate clinical decisions within the relevant
subject-specific care pathway with regard to the treatment and referral
of patients.
B1.2
B1.2.1 Diagnose and manage/refer patients whose symptoms may be due to
cardiac disease in the subject-specific area(s) (Heart Failure and
Valvular Disease or Hypertension, Arrhythmias and Conduction Disorder
or Ischaemic Heart Disease) studied.
B1.2.2 Critically reflect and make sound clinical judgments on the most
appropriate treatment modality for patients who present with cardiac
disorders in the subject-specific area(s) studied and treat or refer
accordingly;
B1.2.3 Communicate complex clinical conclusions clearly to patients and the
clinical team;
B1.2.4 Critically appraise and update your own clinical knowledge and skills in
the subject-specific area(s) studied.
B1.2.5 Evaluate the PwSI role and its implications for the whole patient pathway
and current techniques for improving the delivery of patient care.
B1.3
B1.3.1 Act autonomously and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary context.
B1.3.2 Communicate effectively.
B1.3.3 Critically reflect on and evaluate a wide range of information, and make
complex decisions as a result of this process.
B1.3.4 Use information technology as a medium for communication and
presentation of data.
B1.3.5 Gain the skills to enable continuous professional development.
Programme Learning Outcomes for the PG Diploma
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
B2.1
B2.1.1critically analyse and apply current and emerging knowledge at the
forefront of the discipline with regard to the pathophysiology and
epidemiology of cardiac disease;
B2.1.2 contribute to the development of clinical protocols and practice within
the care pathway linking primary and secondary care in line with
current recommendations;
B2.1.3 make strategic and appropriate clinical decisions within the relevant
care pathway with regard to the treatment and referral of patients.
B2.2.1 Diagnose and manage/refer patients whose symptoms may be due to
cardiac disease.
B2.2.2 Critically reflect and make sound clinical judgments on the most
appropriate treatment modality for patients who present with cardiac
disorders and treat or refer accordingly;
B2.2.3 Communicate complex clinical conclusions clearly to patients and the
clinical team;
B2.2.4 Critically appraise and update your own clinical knowledge and skills.
B2.2.5 Evaluate the PwSI role and its implications for the whole patient pathway
and current techniques for improving the delivery of patient care.
B2.3.1 Act autonomously and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary context.
B2.3.2 Communicate effectively.
B2.3.3 Critically reflect on and evaluate a wide range of information, and make
complex decisions as a result of this process.
B2.3.4 Use information technology as a medium for communication and
presentation of data.
B2.3.5 Gain the skills to enable continuous professional development.
The Curriculum
Each of the three clinical modules lasts six months. The fourth module is the Applied
Methodologies module (AM) which can be taken alongside one or more of the other
modules, over a maximum period of 18 months.
Each module is worth 30 credits, amounting to a total of 120 credits. For the
Postgraduate Diploma, all 30-credit modules are core modules. For the Postgraduate
Certificate, the only core module is the Applied Methodologies (AM) module. One or
two options may be chosen from the clinical modules to form your programme of
study. Any 30-credit module can be studied independently, outside of a Postgraduate
award. However, it is recommended that you study for the diploma in order to gain the
value of a broad education, and the course provides flexibility to enable this.
Postgraduate Certificate
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
HH-8000T
Applied Methodologies
Core
30
7
Up to
18
months
HH-8001T
Heart Failure
Disease
Valvular Option
30
7
6
months
HH-8002T
Hypertension, Arrhythmias and Option
Conduction Disorder
30
7
6
months
HH-8003T
Ischaemic Heart Disease
30
7
6
months
and
Option
Postgraduate Diploma
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
HH-8000T
Applied Methodologies
Core
30
7
18
months
HH-8001T
Heart Failure
Disease
Valvular Core
30
7
6
months
HH-8002T
Hypertension, Arrhythmias and Core
Conduction Disorders
30
7
6
months
HH-8003T
Ischaemic Heart Disease
30
7
6
months
and
Core
The curriculum may change, subject to the University’s programme approval,
monitoring and review procedures.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
The Postgraduate Diploma is run by WSYBCSU and the award is made through the
University of Bradford.
A variety of teaching methods is employed in the programme, to enable you to fulfil
the varied modular learning outcomes. The learning within the programme is gained
through:
1 Face-to-Face tuition: this occurs at the beginning of each module in Bradford.
Tutors are available by email if required during placement periods to handle
learning queries. Tutors are clinical practitioners (consultant specialists and
PwSIs).
2 work-based learning: this forms the central part of the programme of study, in
the form of clinical placements – each six month module should contain at least
14 weeks of hands-on practical study in a secondary care environment. This
learning is undertaken on placement in the locality, under the supervision of a
clinical mentor. You will approach the mentor in the first instance: they must be
a GMC registered consultant in cardiology whose name appears on a national
register of practitioners, and who has teaching experience. The clinical mentor
will receive a specific Mentor Guide including advice and support from the
Programme management team in fulfilling the role of mentor.
3 guided reading (given by tutor and mentor): this complements the placement
and enables you to fulfil the theoretical background necessary for your
placement activities, and prepares you for your written and presentational
assignments.
4 e-learning: the virtual learning environment gives access to the peer group and
tutors during placement, facilitating learning through clinical discussion, as well
as providing support.
5 local research and application: The AM module involves working within the
healthcare community to apply 3 different methodologies; learning takes place
during the activities of researching and reading information, planning,
preparation and application of these.
Assessment is designed to enable you to have a rounded measurement of the skills
needed for your role in the healthcare community.
Clinical competence is verified through mentor signature after observation (by
mentor and where appropriate other relevant clinical professionals) and discussion
during the placement periods. The issues of ethics and informed consent are an
integrated part of the students’ daily practice, and it is implicit in all the modules that
there is conformity to the usual standards and guidelines in these areas.
Optionality is available to students studying for the Certificate in their choice of
modules. It is available to students studying for the diploma in the choice of cases
for the written reflective studies and the presentations.
Assessment Regulations
Whilst this Programme conforms to the general principles set out in the standard
University Assessment Regulations which are available at the link below, there are a
number of exceptions to these regulations.
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/
Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their
previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of
each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our
assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability
to succeed on this particular programme.
Entrance requirements for each
programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a
combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be
equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this
learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained
within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry
qualifications.
We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the
University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some
adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to
contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these.
The entry requirements for this programme are as follows:
 you must be a suitably qualified registered primary or secondary care
practitioner, demonstrating successful study skills at level 6, with at least two
years relevant work experience;
 you must obtain written support from an NHS hospital trust consultant (GMC
Registered) in Cardiology for mentorship and the provision of a clinical
attachment;


You must produce evidence of relevant registered qualification, currency and
academic qualifications:
As the assessment elements of the postgraduate diploma require a substantial
amount of written work at level 7, in accordance with regulations from the
University of Bradford we ask that non-native speakers complete an IELTS
English Language Exam at a minimum of 6.5 before they begin their studies.
It is desirable for you to have experience in postgraduate education.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the School of
Management, provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support
your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group
study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students.
Subject librarians provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the
information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your
references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in the library and elsewhere on the campus. Many
of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to
access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available
on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University
email account, personal information and course-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to provide help should you need it, and there is
a 24/7 IT helpline available.
Students are encouraged to access the material available for students available at
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/distance/. All students must undertake the plagiarism
avoidance package available on blackboard on the School of Health Studies
information point.
Students may also contact the librarian at their own Trust, from whom they should be
able to obtain an Athens password to access further NHS on-line resources.
Student Support and Guidance
Programme Team
Support for you personally and in your course of study will be provided both by the
University, the Programme Team and your clinical mentor. The School will ensure
that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support
you. You will be allocated a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), who will be one of the
clinical tutors, on your first teaching day. Information on the role of PATs can be
found on the School of Health information point. You will be provided with a
comprehensive handbook that you can consult on a range of learning issues and
your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
We value the feedback provided by students and you will be provided with the formal
opportunity to comment on the course contents and delivery and other aspects of the
course after the teaching days, the end of each clinical module and at the end of the
course. However, students are encouraged to give informal feedback to the course
team whenever they wish. All issues are addressed rapidly.
Students’ Union
We value feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Student’s Union,
through a system of Student representatives and formal Student Forums, so that any
issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students Union provide professional academic representation and advice. The
Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide
confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect
of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part
of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as
council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can
access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s
Union.
Careers and Employability
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their
employability profile, commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing
a career plan.
Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your
time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The
support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of
information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a
mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and
help to you find part time work, summer work placements, internship programmes
and graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students will receive
seminars and workshops delivered by Career Development Services as part of their
programme of study. All students are encouraged to access Career Development
Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources
available on their web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all postgraduates to
find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the
employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other
information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc.
The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme
information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services’
website www.careers.brad.ac.uk
Learner Development Unit for Academic Skills Advice
For postgraduate students on taught programmes who are looking to improve their
marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all
regardless of degree discipline. Students can access a programme of interactive
workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition ot
our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide
range of online and paper based materials for self-study.
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/learner-development/
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are
committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to
everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to
help you get the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can
discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether
these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact
the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email:
disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles
of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching,
research activities, campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not
claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading
University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including
teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our
commitment to sustainable development.
Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its
inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of
our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. For more
details see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity/ .
Further Information:
For further information, please contact the Education Programmes Team at NHS
West and South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Commissioning Support Unit, Douglas
Mill, Bowling Old Lane, Bradford, BD5 7JR. Tel: 01274 237759, or
psi@bradford.nhs.uk.
or check the University prospectus or contact Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/
The Admissions Office
School of Health Studies
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 236367
http://www.brad.ac.uk/health
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the
University’s regulations and programme approval, enhancement and review
procedures.