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 Gastroenterology for
Practitioners with a Special Interest
Awarding and teaching
institution:
University of Bradford
Final and interim award (s):
Postgraduate Diploma
Postgraduate Certificate
(Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 7)
Programme title:
Gastroenterology for Practitioners with a Special
Interest
Programme accredited by:
Seeking accreditation from British
Gastroenterology Society
Duration:
18 months part-time
UCAS code:
N/A
Date produced:
August 2010
Last updated :
January 2014
Introduction
This part-time programme has been designed for General Practitioners (GPs) and
other registered health professionals, in particular primary and secondary care
specialist nurses, to gain a formally recognised award in the area of gastroenterology
as a special interest. It combines formal teaching sessions with competency based
learning in the student’s own workplace. The programme is run from within the NHS,
in collaboration with the University of Bradford’s School of Health Studies.
The programme structure is specifically designed to promote the development of a
specialist practitioner role, with the view to establishing or enhancing local, community
based care through collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team for the benefit of local
patients. The programme addresses the emerging picture of integrated care with
clinicians working with a range of services and agencies to manage patients
holistically. With the aim of establishing or enhancing integrated care through
collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team, you will undertake clinical work-based
training with a consultant mentor of your choice and his or her team in your locality,
thus establishing networks of care. The Applied Methodologies module binds the
clinical modules together, and critically examines patient pathways, techniques for
patient involvement and principles of audit, which are all relevant to the development
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of good local care services. The clinical skills and examination for gastroenterology
module will equip you with the skills to perform a competent clinical examination of the
alimentary system and take a comprehensive history. During the programme the
emphasis will lie on critical thinking, reflective learning and practising of evidence
based-medicine.
The programme is taught mainly from within the NHS, by specialist consultants and
Practitioners with a Special Interest in Gastroenterology, and by Service
Improvement Managers.
Programme Aims
Postgraduate Certificate Aims
The programme is intended to:
A1
develop through formal teaching and hands on practical learning, the
specialist knowledge and skills to enable you to work independently to
treat patients with either Hepatobiliary Disease or Lower
Gastrointestinal Disorders or Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders at a
higher level and to deal with complex clinical situations systematically;
A2
position you at the forefront of Hepatobiliary, Lower Gastrointestinal
Disorders or Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders care;
A3
provide you with transferable nationally recognised training in the
management of Hepatobiliary Disease or Lower Gastrointestinal
Disorders or Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders.
A4
engage you in life-long learning through the enhancement of key skills
and reflective practice.
Postgraduate Diploma Aims
A1
develop through formal teaching and hands on practical learning, the
specialist knowledge and skills to enable you to work independently to
treat patients with Hepatobiliary Disease, Lower Gastrointestinal
Disorders and Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders at a higher level and to
deal with complex clinical situations systematically;
A2
position you at the forefront of Hepatobiliary, Lower Gastrointestinal
Disorders and Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders care;
A3
provide you with transferable nationally recognised training in the
management of Hepatobiliary Disease, Lower Gastrointestinal
Disorders and Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders.
A4
engage you in life-long learning through the enhancement of key skills,
critical appraisal and reflective practice;
A5
provide you with the knowledge and skills to develop and establish the
most appropriate integrated care pathways between primary and
secondary care for the patient within current NHS guidelines;
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Programme Learning Outcomes
Postgraduate Certificate Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
LO1Critically review and apply current and emerging knowledge of the
pathophysiology, epidemiology and pharmacology of either Hepatobiliary
Disease or Lower Gastrointestinal Disorders or Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders
and their complications, with the input of specialist consultants and others at the
forefront of the discipline.
LO2 Undertake appropriate investigations for patients presenting with symptoms of
Hepatobiliary Disease or Lower Gastrointestinal Disorders or Upper
Gastrointestinal Disorders and their complications and interpret the results
accurately.
LO3 Examine (including taking a detailed patient history), diagnose, appropriately
manage or refer patients who present with Hepatobiliary Disease or Lower
Gastrointestinal Disorders or Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders and their
complications.
LO4 Evaluate and manage patients by means of appropriate investigations, clinical
interventions and /or lifestyle advice.
LO5 Work autonomously and collaboratively, in a multidisciplinary context, and
communicate in a variety of ways, including the use of IT.
LO6 Critically appraise and update clinical knowledge.
LO7 Critically reflect on own practice and make relevant changes where useful or
necessary.
Postgraduate Diploma Learning Outcomes
LO1Critically review and apply current and emerging knowledge of the
pathophysiology, epidemiology and pharmacology of Hepatobiliary Disease and
Lower Gastrointestinal Disorders and Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders and their
complications, with the input of specialist consultants and others at the forefront
of the discipline.
LO2 Undertake appropriate investigations for patients presenting with symptoms of
Hepatobiliary Disease and Lower Gastrointestinal Disorders and Upper
Gastrointestinal Disorders and their complications and interpret the results
accurately.
LO3 Examine (including taking a detailed patient history), diagnose, appropriately
manage or refer patients who present with Hepatobiliary Disease and Lower
Gastrointestinal Disorders and Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders and their
complications.
LO4 Evaluate and manage patients by means of appropriate investigations, clinical
interventions and /or lifestyle advice.
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LO5 Reflect on the overall patient experience, and appropriately apply service
improvement methods to make improvements where necessary to the delivery of
integrated local care.
LO6 Work autonomously and collaboratively, in a multidisciplinary context, and
communicate in a variety of ways, including the use of IT.
LO7 Critically appraise and update clinical knowledge.
LO8 Critically reflect on own practice and make relevant changes where useful or
necessary.
Curriculum
Postgraduate Certificate
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
HH-8000T
HH-8027T
Applied Methodologies OR
Clinical Skills and Examination
for Gastroenterology
Core
30
7
Up to
18
months
HH-8010T
Assessment, Diagnosis and
Management of Upper
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Option
30
7
6
months
HH-8011T
Assessment, Diagnosis and
Management of Lower
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Option
30
7
6
months
HH-8012T
Assessment, Diagnosis and
Management of Hepatobiliary
Disorders
Option
30
6
6
months
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
Postgraduate Diploma
Module
Code
Module Title
HH-8000T
Applied Methodologies
Core
30
7
18
months
HH-8010T
Assessment, Diagnosis and
Management of Upper
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Core
30
7
6
months
HH-8011T
Assessment, Diagnosis and
Management of Lower
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Core
30
7
6
months
HH-8012T
Assessment, Diagnosis and
Management of Hepatobiliary
Disorders
Core
30
7
6
months
The Applied Methodologies module is the core module for the Diploma. It is taken
concurrently with the clinical modules, over a period of 18 months. The Clinical Skills
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and Examination for Gastroenterology module or the Applied Methodology module is
core for the Certificate. Each of the three clinical modules concentrates on a specific
area of gastroenterology, and lasts six months. It consists of a teaching day at the
start of the module, a clinical attachment of 6 months and an assessment day at the
end.
Each module is worth 30 credits, amounting to a total of 120 credits. For the
Postgraduate Diploma, all modules are core. To be awarded the Postgraduate
Certificate, you must successfully complete either the Applied Methodologies (AM)
module OR the Clinical Skills and Examination for Gastroenterology Module and one
other module. Students who successfully complete the Diploma will have a greater
breadth of knowledge of Gastroenterology than those who complete the Certificate.
Any 30-credit module can be studied independently, outside of the Postgraduate
Award. Students who gain a Certificate through the Clinical Skills and Examination for
Gastroenterology pathway and who wish to progress to a Diploma will have to take
the Applied Methodology module in addition to 2 further clinical modules. This
additional option opens up the opportunity for specialist nurses to achieve the Diploma
where none existed before. Students who successfully complete the Diploma will be
able to progress to the MSc in Gastroenterology for Practitioners with a Special
Interest. This programme is delivered through the School of Health Studies at the
University of Bradford.
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval,
monitoring and review procedures.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
The teaching and learning methods used in this programme include lectures,
seminars and tutorials. A key feature of the programme is the development of
clinical competence in work environment.
Each of the clinical modules is preceded by two teaching days which will take place
in Bradford. On day one in the morning new students receive an introduction to the
programme delivered by the programme team. This will include how the clinical
modules are structured. Students who are completing a clinical module will have
their presentations assessed by the tutors. In the afternoon of day one all students
who are going on to the next clinical module will have the opportunity for a tutorial
with a clinical tutor. Students will be expected to discuss cases from their learning
diaries, as well as any problems they have encountered. New students will meet
with their Personal Academic Tutor for the first time. On day two all students will
attend the clinical teaching for the next module. Resources to support the teaching
of the clinical modules will be available to students on the VLE.
For students on the Certificate Pathway with the Clinical Skills and Examination
module, the teaching of this module will take place three months before the
commencement of the student’s first clinical module. This will allow students to gain
a level of experience and skill to enable them to fully engage in the activities required
to achieve competence in the clinical module. A variety of teaching and learning
methods is employed in the clinical Skills and Examination module to enable
students to fulfil the carried modular learning outcomes. On the teaching day
students will receive an introduction to module delivered by the programme team.
This will be followed by the clinical skills and examination teaching.
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The Applied Methodologies module is the core module for the Diploma Pathway and
a core option in the Certificate Pathway.
Applied Methodologies is taken
concurrently with the clinical modules over a period of 18 months. The module is
supported by lectures and seminars which are delivered twice a year (one session
each semester) on a dedicated teaching day in Bradford. These teaching days are
attended by all students on all the Diploma programmes. Attendance on at least one
of the days during the 18 month period is mandatory. All elements of the Applied
Methodology module are taught on the teaching day, additionally students have the
opportunity to have individual tutorials.
For their directed study for each clinical module and the Clinical Skills and
Examination module, students will demonstrate a set of clinical competencies whilst
on clinical attachment in their local area under the mentorship of a Consultant
Gastroenterologist. (programme learning outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5).
Students will complete a training programme in collaboration with their mentor at the
start of each module and a set of evidence forms, signed off by their mentor, at the
end of the module. The training programme must include appropriate training
activities for each competence. They will be checked by programme tutors to ensure
they are robust and appropriate. There is flexibility within the framework for students
to spend more time working on the areas in which they require most development
and less on others. Students must attend at least 12 clinical sessions for each
module. Guided reading provided by the tutors and the student’s mentor, will
complement the clinical attachment and enables the student to fulfil the theoretical
background necessary for clinical attachment activities and prepares students for the
written assignments.
To ensure that students can demonstrate all the learning outcomes, a variety of
assessment methods will be used. For the Clinical Skills and Examination module,
students will be required to undertake an observed structured clinical examination
(OSCE) to test the practical patient examination and history taking skills learnt during
the clinical attachment period.
This will take place six months after the
commencement of the module. Students will also be required to deliver a
presentation on a selection of the cases they have seen during their clinical
attachment.
To demonstrate the learning outcomes for the Applied Methodologies module,
students will be required to submit a patient pathway diagram and a written
evaluation, in addition to two further assignments chosen from audit, critical
appraisal and patient involvement techniques. All the assignments are based on
actual development issues in which the student has been involved.
For each of the clinical modules, students will be required to write reflective case
studies based on cases they have recorded in their learning logs (programme
learning outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4). They will also do a presentation of a
published clinical paper relevant to that module (programme learning outcomes LO5,
LO6, LO7). No two students will be permitted to present the same paper. During the
clinical attachment, students will see and assess patients for a variety of conditions
as described in the module descriptors for each of the modules. Students may
specify additional personal objectives during their clinical attachment dependent on
their learning needs. The student’s clinical mentor will oversee their work during the
clinical attachment and sign off the individual clinical competencies as specified in
the clinical competency document during or at the end of the clinical attachment
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(programme learning outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, Lo5, LO6, LO7). Additionally,
students are required to record a minimum of 12 cases for each module in a learning
log. Students are encouraged to attend a variety of clinics and be supervised by the
practitioners there. However, all clinical competencies need to be signed off by the
clinical mentor. Due to the clinical mentors not being members of the University staff
and the need for academic rigor, there will be some overlap in assessing programme
learning outcomes.
Optionality is available to students studying for the certificate in their choice of core
modules, either Clinical Skills and Examination or Applied Methodologies, and the
choice of clinical module. It is available to students studying for the diploma in the
choice of cases for the written reflective case studies.
Assessment Regulations
Whilst this Programme conforms to the general principles set out in the standard
University Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes which are
available at the link below, there is an exception in that you must pass all elements
of assessment within each module at the standard university pass mark.
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 Gastroenterology for mentorship and the provision of a clinical
attachment;
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

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 masters level, 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 programme-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 on-material 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 programme 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 programme contents and delivery and other aspects
of the programme after the teaching days, the end of each clinical module and at the
end of the programme. However, students are encouraged to give informal
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feedback to the programme 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
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
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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 no 01274 237759, or
psi@bradford.nhs.uk.
or check the University prospectus or contact Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
School of Health Studies
Richmond Road
The University of Bradford
Bradford, BD7 1DP
Richmond Road
UK
Bradford, BD7 1DP
+44 (0)1274 233054
+44 (0)1274 236367
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/
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.
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