UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body
UCLan
2. Teaching Institution and Location
of Delivery
Preston campus
3. University School/Centre
School of Health Sciences
4. External Accreditation
N/A
5. Title of Final Award
Advanced Certificate Principles and Practice of Cytotoxic
Chemotherapy and Biological Therapy Administration
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Part-time
7. UCAS Code
N/A
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
N/A
9. Other external influences
National Chemotherapy Advisory Group (2009); High
Quality Care for All (DoH, 2008); NCEPOD (2008);
Cancer Reform Strategy (DoH, 2007); EONS Clinical
Guidelines (EONS, 2007); Cancer Action Team (2007);
Manual of Cancer Services (DoH, 2004); Essence of Care
(DoH 2003; 2001); Yorkshire Cancer Network (2006);
Merseyside and Cheshire Cancer Network (2006)
January 2014
10. Date of production/revision of this
form
11. Aims of the Programme

Develop safe, competent and knowledgeable practitioners in the administration of cytotoxic
chemotherapy and biological therapies, in both theory and practice.
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Identify key events in the cell cycle in normal and abnormal cell reproduction
A2. Discuss pharmacological actions of various classes of cytotoxic and biological agents and
supportive drugs used in treatment
A3. Critically discuss the indications for use of cytotoxic and biological regimens
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed including: lectures, group discussion,
workbooks, directed reading and e-learning
Assessment methods
Portfolio; clinical practice assessment
B. Subject-specific skills
B1. Critically discuss issues surrounding health and safety in the use of cytotoxic and biological
agents, from professional, patient and carer perspectives
B2. Critically review the prevention and management of extravasation
B3. Critically discuss the recognition, holistic care and management of short- and long-term side
effects of cytotoxic and biological treatments
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed including: lectures, group discussion,
simulation, workbooks, clinical practice with mentor, directed reading, e-learning and portfolio
development
Assessment methods
Portfolio; clinical practice assessment
C. Thinking Skills
C1. Critically reflect on the role of the nurse in the holistic care and management of patient and carer
undergoing treatment with cytotoxic and biological agents
C2. Debate the political, professional and socio-economic influences on the development of patient
services to reflect the need for holistic care and support
C3. Critically review the information needs of patients and their carers undergoing cytotoxic and
biological treatments
C4. Critically examine the ethical and legal issues in the use of cytotoxic and biological treatments
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed including: lectures, group discussion and
debate, workbooks, directed reading, e-learning and portfolio development
Assessment methods
Portfolio; clinical practice assessment
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Debate the role of the chemotherapy nurse in the education and support of other health care
workers involved in care of patients undergoing cytotoxic and biological therapies
D2. Demonstrate competence in the management and administration of cytotoxic drugs and
biological therapies
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed including: clinical practice with mentor,
group discussion and debate, workbooks, directed reading and e-learning
Assessment methods
Portfolio; clinical practice assessment
13. Programme Structures*
Level
Level 6
Module
Code
NU3655
Module Title
Principles and practice of
cytotoxic chemotherapy and
biological therapy administration
14. Awards and Credits*
Credit
rating
40
Advanced Certificate
Requires 40 credits at Level 5 or
above
15. Personal Development Planning
Personal Development Planning (PDP) is a process designed to assist students to get the most from
their time at University. It is intended to provide them with a structured and supported process through
which they can reflect on their learning, performance and/or achievements and plan for personal,
educational and career development. By becoming actively involved in PDP students can improve
their capacity to understand what and how they are learning, and how to review, plan and take
responsibility for their own learning and future development.
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.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
The candidate will typically be a first level UK registered nurse with Dip HE or above, and will
also require:

Supporting statement from manager that they will enable the student to attain the
necessary knowledge and skills in theory and practice through attendance at
classroom sessions and supervised practice
 Evidence of cannulation skills
 Mentor in practice who is skilled in chemotherapy and biotherapy administration
 Access to clinical areas where cytotoxic chemotherapy and biotherapy administration
are integral and regular aspects of clinical work - if this is not available in the student's
own clinical area, then an area where this can be achieved needs to be identified prior
to commencing the course.
17. Key sources of information about the programme




School of Health website
The School of Health NHS Contracts Unit
NHS CPD Apply
School of Health CPD brochure
LEVEL
6
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Programme Learning Outcomes
Core (C),
Compulsory
Module
(COMP) or
Knowledge and
Subject-specific
Level Code
Module Title
Option (O)
understanding
Skills
Thinking Skills
Principles and practice of
cytotoxic chemotherapy and
biological therapy
NU3655 administration
C
Other skills relevant
to employability and
personal
development
A1
A2
A3
B1
B2
B3
C1
C2
C3
C4
D1
D2
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