NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
1.
Programme or Pathway Title, and Award
Advanced Diploma Higher Education in Neonatal Nursing
2.
UCAS or Other Admissions Code
N/A
3.
Northumbria Programme Code
20PCID-N NNP4
4.
Mode of Delivery
On Site
x
5.
Mode of Attendance
Full Time

6.
Location of Delivery
Northumbria
x

Distance Learning
Distance Delivery
Sandwich
Part Time
Other UK please specify
Overseas please specify
7.
Collaborative Provision if applicable
Franchised
Validated
Joint
Dual
Partner Institution
8.
Date(s) of Approval/ Review
Oct 2003
9.
QAA Subject Benchmark Group
Nursing and Midwifery
10.
PSRB accreditation if applicable
11.
Educational Aims of the Programme Specified in terms of the general intentions of the programme and its distinctive characteristics; these should be consistent
with any relevant benchmark and with the Mission of the University.
The main aim of the programme is to equip students with the necessary advanced skills and practice based knowledge to fulfil the unique role of the
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner in a variety of contexts. The programme has a strong emphasis on clinical practice, and in keeping with a student centred
learning philosophy, utilises past experiences practitioners will bring to the classroom setting. Reflection in and on practice will be actively encouraged
both in the educational and clinical environment in order to optimise personal and professional development. Students will develop new skills and build
upon existing strengths by examining and debating practice issues, and a range theories and knowledge from nursing and contributing disciplines.
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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
12.
How Students are Supported in their Learning/Employability/Career Development eg curriculum design, personal development plans, placements,
fieldwork, practical projects.
All students will be given detailed information about the programme structure and content prior to commencement. An introductory talk by the library
subject specialist followed by self-directed study time in the library is offered to all students. As the majority of students are from outside the Newcastle
area, emphasis is placed on ensuring that they can access the library facilities via the Web site. Ways of contacting the academic staff are explained.
Previous students have utilised telephone, E-mail, and Fax as means of communication. Each student is offered a personal guidance tutor and
students are made aware of the specialised services provided by the University. The role of the personal guidance tutor is to support the student and
to assist the student in monitoring their progress across their learning pathway. Each student will be encouraged to maintain a personal progress file,
which the personal guidance tutor will assist with.
In addition to the above, each student will have a Clinical Supervisor in their place of work to support them in achieving their clinical learning outcomes.
Prior to commencement of the programme, all Clinical Supervisors will receive a resource pack advising them of their roles and responsibilities to the
students. Module teachers' liase closely with the Clinical Supervisors to ensure that students are achieving the required clinical learning outcomes.
13.
Learning Outcomes of Programme
a)
Knowledge and Understanding
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Analyse the normal and abnormal physiological changes which occur as the foetus adapts to extra-uterine life
Analyse the use of medication in neonatal care
Question ethical issues surrounding neonatal resuscitation
Appraise assessment and screening methods for the newborn infant
Critically examine parameters of health and normality in newborn infants
Compare and contrast the differing methods of assessing the baby's condition at birth
b)
Intellectual Skills
1.
2.
3.
4.
Critically analyse a range of theories and frameworks that may support the practitioner with the challenges of advancing neonatal practice
Debate the role of the neonatal nurse practitioner
Critically examine 'self' in the transition of role to neonatal nurse practitioner
Reflect in and on practice
c)
Practical Skills
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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
Apply advanced resuscitation skills when necessary
Undertake a complete examination of the newborn infant
Execute clinical decisions based on sound theoretical frameworks
Diagnose deviations from normal and initiate appropriate action
d)
Transferable/Key Skills
Students will be able to:
1. Manage self, manage time effectively, set priorities and work independently
2. Communicate effectively with colleagues and families
3. Work well within a team.
4. Build, maintain and improve relationships with colleagues
5. Use information technology for learning
6. Apply numeracy skills and mathematical reasoning to practice
14.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy
A range of learning and teaching strategies will be utilised including: lectures, seminars, tutorials, simulations, case study analysis and reflection on
critical incidents. Methods are designed to utilise the students existing knowledge and skills and Student learning focuses on critical analysis and the
application of theory to practice
Each module will have its own summative assessment. Assessment methods vary in all three modules to provide diversity in the assessment strategy.
Methods utilised are as follows: Essay, case study analysis, portfolio development, objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and viva voce.
Two of the modules have clinical outcomes that must be achieved on completion of the Programme. Achievement of academic level is demonstrated in
the OSCE and theoretical assignment only and not in the achievement of clinical competencies
15.
Programme Structure
Programme Structure
Level 6
16.
Resuscitation and Stabilisation of the Newborn (20 credits)
Assessment and Care of the Newborn
(20 credits)
Advancing Neonatal Nursing Practice
(20 credits)
Progression for Honours Programme
MC230
MW137
MW117
Advanced Diploma Awarded for 60 level 6
credits
Interim Awards Credit Structure and Programme Learning Outcomes for Interim Awards. Please delete or add rows as appropriate, with reference to section 8 of the
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Assessment Regulations for Northumbria Awards and specify learning outcomes for each of the interim awards.
N/A
17.
Variation From Assessment Regulations
ARNA regulations apply, as the awards are 60 credits all modules are designated non-compensatable.
18.
Mapping of Learning Outcomes
This section shows how the individual modules (with module learning outcomes as written in the module descriptor) together contribute to programme learning
outcomes. Where a module contributes to a programme learning outcome it should be flagged. Standard practice will be for a single symbol to indicate a learning
outcome is addressed in the module. The matrix below is for a programme structure with 6 learning outcomes in each of the categories of section 13, with 6 modules in
each of levels 4 and 5, and 9 modules including some options in level 6. The matrix will show how some learning outcomes are developed at particular stages in the
programme, while others may be developed through the three levels.
MODULE
Core/
option
a) Knowledge &
Understanding
1
2
3
x
x
x
b) Intellectual Skills
4
5
6
1
2
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
3
4
x
x
x
c) Practical Skills
5
6
1
2
3
4
x
x
x
x
x
x
d) Transferable Key Skills
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Level 6
MW0137
MC0230
MW0117
19.
C
C
C
x
x
Admission Requirements
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NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
The ability to benefit from Northumbria University programmes is assessed on a combination of academic and personal qualities which can be
demonstrated in a number of ways. Successful completion of a GCE or VCE Advanced level course of study (or some other equivalent qualification) is
just one way. Students who can in other ways demonstrate their ability to benefit from a Northumbria University programme, in particular mature
students without formal qualifications, will always be considered and are invited to contact the admissions tutor to discuss their application.
It is University policy to recognise a wide variety of evidence, and potential applicants may wish to discuss this aspect of their application with the
admissions tutor.
Standard entry Requirements
At both academic levels the courses are designed to offer flexible pathways of study enabling the recognition of both previous experiential and workbased learning.
All applicants must be a Registered Nurse/Midwife, and work in the appropriate clinical environment
Students should also:

Demonstrate the ability to study at the appropriate level via the University approved access mechanisms
Interviews
Interviews will be held where:



The suitability of a candidate is in doubt and further evidence is sought
Candidates present an unusual set of qualifications taken or pending, and an appropriate conditional offer needs to be determined
Candidates may need advice on the appropriateness of a course, or on the appropriateness of a proposed preparatory course of study
Applicants invited for an interview will always be told its purpose.
20.
Application Procedure
Applications are via the standard School CPD Framework process which includes evidence of support for study from the students employer/manager
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