UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
1. Awarding Institution / Body
University of Central Lancashire
2. Teaching Institution and Location
of Delivery
University of Central Lancashire
3. University School/Centre
Health Sciences
4. External Accreditation
None
5. Title of Final Award
BSc (Hons) Nurse Practitioner
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Part Time
7. UCAS Code
Not Applicable
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
9. Other external influences
10. Date of production/revision of this
form
Nursing & Midwifery Council Domains and Competencies
for Nurse Practitioners (2006)
RCN Domains and Competences for Advanced Nurse
Practitioners (2010)
NHS Skills For Health
Relevant DH policies
23 January 2014
11. Aims of the Programme
This programme will prepare practitioners to admit patients with undifferentiated diagnoses to the
health care system by diagnosing, initiating, managing treatment and arranging referral as
appropriate. This will be achieved by facilitating the integration of theory and practice to enable critical
examination of underpinning theoretical frameworks necessary to develop the knowledge and skills of
a nurse practitioner.
1
Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A.
Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Critically apply theory to practice in order to enhance professional competence
A2. Critically analyse theories underpinning the consultation process
A3. Critically review pathophysiological processes related to disease and injury
A4. Evaluate the relevance of evidence in the development of best clinical practice
Teaching and Learning Methods
Direct University classroom contact includes key lectures, group discussion, practice based scenarios
and seminars. There will be the opportunity for reflections, group work and interactive exercises.
e-Learn activities include: directed learning, guided reading, on-line activities, reviewing web links.
Assessment methods
Examination, OSCE, essay writing / case study (critiquing, analysing), presentation with
defence/rationale, critiquing video analysis, problem analysis
B.
Subject-specific skills
B1. Demonstrate critical and analytical skills in assessing and examining an individual’s health status
B2. Formulate a diagnosis by identifying appropriate differential diagnoses according to the needs of
the individual
B3. Implementation of the individual’s management plan including information giving, health
education, prescribing/supplying pharmacological and non-pharmacological agents according to role
definition and legal requirements
B4. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of the management plan in relation to patient outcomes
B5. Exercise professional accountability reflected in the degree to which professional skills,
knowledge and expertise are utilised
Teaching and Learning Methods
Direct University classroom contact includes key lectures, group discussion, the exploration of
clinically based scenarios and seminars. There will be the opportunity for reflections, video analysis,
group work and interactive exercises. The use of clinical skills laboratories will facilitate the acquisition
of clinical skills through demonstration, role play and simulation exercises. e-Learn activities include:
directed learning, guided reading, on-line activities, reviewing web links.
Assessment methods
OSCE, annotated bibliography, essay writing (critiquing, analysing, reflecting), audit, examination,
case presentation
C.
Thinking Skills
C1. Reflect on the role and responsibilities of the nurse practitioner and make recommendations for
practice development
C2. Use research to plan, implement and evaluate concepts / strategies leading to care improvement.
C3. Use clinical decision making strategies to promote safety and help deal with uncertainty
Teaching and Learning Methods
Direct University classroom contact includes key lectures, group discussion, the exploration of
clinically based scenarios and seminars. Utilising information technology opportunities including
e-Learn activities: directed learning, guided reading, on-line activities, reviewing web links.
Assessment methods
OSCE, essay writing, critiquing and appraising research, problem analysis
D.
Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Practice as an autonomous practitioner, extending their scope of practice within their
organisational boundaries
D2. Critically reflect on the effectiveness of appropriate communication skills for professionals when
supporting individuals or groups. Understanding both verbal and non-verbal communication and being
able to interpret both.
D3. Demonstrate effective Information Technology skills, for example, using search engines, e-Learn,
Microsoft programmes, e-mail, local documentation techniques
D4. Appraise their understanding of multi-disciplinary team working: roles and responsibilities of
individuals team members and the team collectively. To understand collaborative/partnership working
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D5. To be able to identify and resolve issues, have an awareness of the process of problem solving
and to utilise strategies to guide clinical decision making
Teaching and Learning Methods
Direct University classroom contact includes key lectures, clinical sessions, discussions, reflections
(Practice assessment document), group work, interactive exercises, exploration of patient centred
care studies, seminars. e-Learn activities include: directed learning, guided reading, on-line activities,
reviewing web links.
Assessment methods
OSCE, essay writing, critiquing and appraising research, annotated bibliography, problem analysis,
portfolio construction, case presentation
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13. Programme Structures
Level
Module
Code
Module Title
Pathway 1
Level 6
NU3047 Valuing Research
Or
NU3059 Valuing research (e-learn)
NU3074 Theories underpinning the
(L6)
consultation process
NU3075 Pathophysiology Applied to
(L6)
Practice
NU3072 Comprehensive Patient
(L6)
Assessment & Diagnosis (A)
NU3073 Comprehensive Patient
(L6)
Assessment & Diagnosis (B)
NU3113 Work-Based Practice Project
(L6)
Pathway 2
NU3074 Theories underpinning the
(L6)
consultation process
NU3075 Pathophysiology Applied to
(L6)
Practice
NU3072 Comprehensive Patient
(L6)
Assessment & Diagnosis (A)
NU3073 Comprehensive Patient
(L6)
Assessment & Diagnosis (B)
NU3023 Non-Medical Prescribing
(L6)
15. Personal Development Planning
14. Awards and Credits
Credit
rating
20
20
BSc (Hons) Degree Nurse
Practitioner
Requires 120 credits at Level 6,
including a minimum of 120 at
Level 5 or equivalent
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
40
QAA state that “the ultimate responsibility for deriving benefit from PDP should rest with each
student”.
Students will be supported in this process via their Practice Assessment Document, discussions with
their Practice Mentor and Module Supervisors. Within these forums. help will be given to explore and
record their development and to set individual goals and devise action plans to meet their needs and
extend their personal and professional opportunities. Students will be encouraged to develop
reflective skills on the academic knowledge they acquire and its application to clinical practice.
Students will further develop their Information Technology skills by utilising eLearn (virtual learning
environment) and facilities within LLRS. They will be instructed on how to search the literature
effectively and be advised how to access further academic courses.
All students will be encouraged to utilise appropriate support systems such as module supervisor,
personal tutor, peer support and University support via the ‘I’ and Student Services.
Students will be encouraged to access PDP documentation via student office, on-line.
Reference
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (2004) Recommendations for policy on PDP.
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/AssuringStandardsAndQuality/Pages/PDP-publication.aspx
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications,
together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be
expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have
been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for
the most up to date information.
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Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
- Qualified and registered nurse with a minimum of 3 years post registration experience.
- Working in a healthcare setting where there is opportunity for clinical exposure and a wide range of
clinical consultations.
- Working a minimum of 18.5hours a week in an appropriate healthcare setting.
- Have achieved 120 credits at level 2 in health related subjects, or equivalent.
- Identified clinical practice time with a named Clinical Mentor.
17. Key sources of information about the programme


Course Information website
(Provide direct link)
University of Central Lancashire website
www.uclan.ac.uk
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APPENDIX 21 - CDG
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Programme Learning Outcomes
Core (C),
Compulsory
Other skills relevant to
Module
(COMP) or
Knowledge and
employability and personal
Level Code
Module Title
Option (O)
understanding
Subject-specific Skills Thinking Skills
development
LEVEL 6
A1
NU3047
(L6)
NU3059
(L6)
NU3074
(L6)
NU3075
(L6)
NU3072
(L6)
NU3073
(L6)
NU3113
(L6)
NU3023
(L6)
Valuing Research
O
Valuing Research (eLearn)
O
Theories underpinning the
consultation process
Pathophysiology Applied to
Practice
Comprehensive Patient
Assessment & Diagnosis (A)
Comprehensive Patient
Assessment & Diagnosis (B)
Work-Based Practice Project
C
O
Non-Medical Prescribing
O
C
C
C
A2
A3
A4
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
C1
C2
C3
D1
D2
D3
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