Programme Specification
A statement of the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin a
taught programme of study leading to an award from
The University of Sheffield
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Programme Title
Community and Public Health Practice with the option to proceed to
Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Community Public Health
Nursing Practice with registration
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Programme Code
COLU24
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JACS Code (if applicable)
NA
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Level of Study
Undergraduate/Postgraduate
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Final Qualification
Bachelor of Medical Science with Honours; Postgraduate Certificate
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Intermediate Qualification(s)
None
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Teaching Institution
Institute of Health Studies, Guernsey
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Moderating Department
School of Nursing and Midwifery
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Home Department
NA
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Other Department(s) involved in
teaching the programme
None
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Mode(s) of Attendance
Full-time or Part-time
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Duration of the Programme
45 weeks full-time or 90 weeks part-time (plus existing
diploma/diploma equivalent in higher education)
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Accrediting Professional or
Statutory Body (if applicable)
Nursing and Midwifery Council
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Date of production/revision
March 2005
15. Background to the programme and subject area
The States of Guernsey government policy requires that all health and social care professionals practising on the
island must be registered, and maintain their registration, with the appropriate United Kingdom (UK) professional
regulatory body. School nurses and health visitors are required to undertake further study following initial registration
as a nurse or midwife and to be registered on an additional part of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register
to practice under the title of specialist community public health nurse.
This programme is designed to enable experienced registered nurses or midwives living in Guernsey and other
Channel Islands, to develop their practice through further study to meet the requirements for registering the
qualification of specialist community public health nurse with the NMC. The programme focuses on public health
nursing in two settings - health visiting and school nursing.
In addition to equipping practitioners to meet the delivery needs of contemporary health care in Guernsey, or their
local community, the programme also affords students the opportunity for personal development and equips them
with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for lifelong learning. By the end of the programme successful
candidates will also demonstrate transferable skills and attributes enabling them to deal with complex issues both
systematically and creatively, make sound judgements and communicate their conclusions clearly as well as
demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems
The programme comprises six units of study at Level III leading to the degree of Bachelor of Medical Science in
Community and Public Health Practice with the option to undertake two units of study at M Level leading to a
Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing Practice which allows the candidate to apply
for registration on Part III of the NMC register. Only candidates successfully completing all L III and M-level units
may apply for NMC registration. The course builds on the existing knowledge and skills of candidates and previous
specific Level I and II credit accrued through pre- and post-registration nursing/midwifery education. The programme
comprises 50% theoretical and 50% practice-based learning, which are overseen by appropriately qualified
academic and clinical staff. To meet professional requirements candidates must be registered nurses or midwives
and employed in/able to undertake 22.5 weeks of work experience in a specialist community public health nursing
setting and arrangements must be in place for the supervision and assessment of their clinical practice. The clinical
setting drawn on must meet a standard specified by the NMC and be subject to regular audit for educational
purposes.
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Nurses successfully completing this programme will possess a qualification which will allow them to seek
employment as a registered specialist community public health nurse in Guernsey or anywhere else in the UK, a
capacity in which they will be eligible to lead a team of other nurses working in the same area and progress along a
career ladder from that point. For those intending to work in health visiting this will also include the community nurse
prescribing recordable qualification.
16. Programme aims
The aims of the programme are those of the Institute of Health Studies in general, which are to enable health care
practitioners in Guernsey to develop existing knowledge and skills and further their education on island through
access to high quality continuing education opportunities which increase clinical expertise, foster a positive attitude
towards life-long learning and nurture the development of transferable personal, interpersonal and management
skills. Specifically, the aim of this programme is to prepare nurses or midwives for, and to enable them to register, a
professional qualification which requires them to demonstrate the graduate and postgraduate level knowledge, skills
and attitudes to enable them to demonstrate proficiency in specialist community public health nursing practice in the
domains of the search for health needs, stimulation of awareness of health needs, influence on policies affecting
health and facilitation of health enhancing activities.
17. Programme learning outcomes
Level III (H)
Knowledge and understanding: professional and graduate requirements
Successful candidates will:
PGK1
Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data from the biological,
behavioural, social and environmental sciences relevant to their area of public health nursing practice
and frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution or identify a range of solutions to a problem in
public health nursing.
PGK2
Evaluate the ethical and professional aspects of their practice
PGK3
Evaluate current strategies and processes used to identify, assess and plan for the health and well
being of individuals, groups or populations within their area of practice.
PGK4
Formulate plans and strategies to meet health needs for a given population, group or individuals
PGK5
Critically appraise the political and economic influences on health and health policy.
PGK6
Critically examine the concepts of social diversity and social exclusion
PGK7
Evaluate theories of organisations and organisational leadership and management as applied to health
care
PGK8
Evaluate educational strategies which may be used with patients/clients and peers
PGK9
Critically appraise a range of research methodologies applicable to public health practice.
PGK10
Describe and evaluate aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in their area of
public health nursing.
Skills and other attributes: professional and graduate requirements:
Successful candidates will:
PGS1
Competently assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions for individuals, groups and
populations at a specialist level based on a systematic understanding of practice at the forefront of
public health nursing practice
PGS2
Demonstrate the ability to investigate the impact of inequality and discrimination when working with
individuals, families and communities and to contribute to the formulation and implementation of
appropriate interventions
PGS3
Demonstrate high levels of interpersonal and professional skills within the multi-disciplinary team and
multi-agency contexts
PGS4
Demonstrate the ability to both lead and work in partnership with others in meeting the health needs of
an identified population, group or individual.
PGS5
Demonstrate an ability to deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within
public health nursing
PGS6
Communicate information, ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist
audiences
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PGS7
Apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply
their knowledge and understanding; and to initiate and carry out projects
Knowledge and understanding: transferable
Successful candidates will:
TK1
Understand theories of communication and interpersonal relationships taken from social psychology
TK2
Evaluate theories of leadership and management
TK3
Critically appraise methods of data collection, analysis and presentation.
TK4
Evaluate theories and models of reflection in and on practice.
Skills and other attributes: transferable:
Successful candidates will:
TS1
Demonstrate competency in word processing and the presentation of data
TS2
Demonstrate competency in use of libraries, databases and the internet as sources of information as a
basis for life-long learning.
TS3
Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
TS4
Demonstrate competent teaching and presentational skills.
TS5
Work effectively within or at the head of a team
TS6
Exercise initiative and personal responsibility (process outcome)
TS7
Make decisions in complex and unpredictable contexts
TS8
Demonstrate self motivation (process outcome)
M Level
Skills and other attributes: professional and postgraduate requirements:
Successful candidates will:
PPS1
Demonstrate the ability to reach judgements in practice by utilising the outcomes of experience, critical
review and reflection.
PPS2
Is developing a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems
and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of public health nursing practice.
PPS3
Demonstrate the ability to assess and analyse human situations, taking into account the views of
stakeholders, theoretical concepts, research evidence, legislation and organisational policies and
procedures
PPS4
Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how
established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the
discipline of public health nursing.
Skills and other attributes: postgraduate transferable:
Successful candidates will:
PTS1
Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of
complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly.
PTS2
Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in
planning and implementing tasks.
PTS3
Continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level
(process outcome)
18. Teaching, learning and assessment
Development of the programme learning outcomes is promoted through the following teaching and learning
methods:
To meet professional requirements, this programme is designed with 50% theoretical and 50% practice based
teaching and learning
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Outcomes expressed are both process (as indicated) and product outcomes. As the programme is at Level III (Level
H) and M Level, product outcomes have been developed to reflect the knowledge, skills and attributes necessary for
specialist level professional practice and initial postgraduate level study. They also reflect a number of transferable
skills as indicated. Achievement of the process outcomes is fostered through the experience of the programme and
study at this level.
An adult learning approach determines the teaching and learning methods used. In keeping with the androgogical
philosophy behind the course, even sessions that are teacher-led will provide the opportunity for reflection and
discussion by the candidates.
A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used in the classroom – lectures and individual and group tutorials
to convey core knowledge and stimulate reflection and discussion (PGK1 to 10; TK1 to 4), problem-solving sessions
(PGK2, PGK3, PGS1, PGS2, PGS3, PPS1, PPS2, PTS2, PTS3), role-play (PGK8, PGS6, TK4, TS3) and other
experiential strategies such as a group project (PGK4, PGK5, PGS6, PGS7, TS1, TS3, and TS7), and workshops
(PGK9, PGK10, PGS7, TS1, TS2, TS6). The individual project which spans the graduate and postgraduate levels of
the programme is designed to enable the development of professional, academic and transferable skills (PGS1 to
PGS7, PPS1 to PPS4, TS1 to TS8 and PTS1 to PTS3) as well as advance the candidate’s knowledge of their
professional practice in the areas indicated in PGK1 through PGK10.
Teaching and learning in practice is directed by learning contracts negotiated between the candidate and the
practice educator and is candidate-led within the parameters of the course outcomes. In the practice setting, learning
is largely experiential with the candidate prepared to use experience as a source of knowledge and self-knowledge
through critical reflection.
Learning in the practice setting is based in clinical areas approved for the purpose by the Institute of Health Studies
and reviewed by the NMC, through the NMC Visitor during the validation event. Clinical areas must meet specified
criteria relating to the quality of the learning environment. Following approval, placements are monitored by the
Institute and External Examiners. Practice learning is overseen by an appropriately qualified and prepared named
practice educator. Academic staff support both the candidate and the practice educator and meet with them each
semester in relation to practice learning.
Practice learning addresses the skills and attributes outcomes specified in PGS1 through PGS7, PPS1 through
PPS4 while reinforcing those specified for knowledge and understanding indicated in PGK1 to 10. Transferable
knowledge and understanding outcomes which are integral to practice are TK1 and TK4. Transferable skills learned
in the practice setting include TS3, TS5, TS6, TS7, TS8 and PTS1, PTS2 and PTS3.
Opportunities to demonstrate achievement of the programme learning outcomes are provided through the
following assessment methods:
A variety of assessment methods are used to assess professional, graduate, postgraduate and transferable
knowledge, skills and attributes. Theory and practice assessments are integrated - outcomes and professional
proficiency may be assessed in theory, practice or in both theory and practice. Assessment of theory involves
written assignments and presentations. These include a family-centred case study presented to colleagues (PGK1,
PGK 2, PGK3 [and possibly PGK5, PGK6 depending on the nature of the study], PGS1, PGS2, PGS6, TS1, TS2,
TS3, TS4 [formatively] and TS7), a policy paper recommending a policy change with an analytical account of a
change undertaken (PGK5, PGK6, PGK7, TK2, TS1, TS3 TS4 [summatively]); a health promotion project with
presentation (PGK 4, PGK8, PGS4, PGS6, TS1, TS2, TS3), a critique of published research (PGK9, PGK10, PGS7,
TK3, TS1, TS2), a case study or profile identifying and assessing a risk to health and wellbeing and identifying
evidence-based strategies for intervention (PGK4, PGK5, PGK6. PGK10, PPS1, PPS2, TS1, TS2, TS3, PTS1, and
PTS2), a seen examination (PGK1, PGK5, PGK6, TS2) and an extended project (PGK1, PGK3, PGK9, PGK10,
PGS4, PGS6, PGS7, PPS1, PPS2, PPS3, PPS4, TK3, TS1, TS2, TS3, TS4, PTS1 and PTS2). Practice is assessed
through portfolio evidence which comprises direct observations of the candidate’s practice by the practice educator
as well as learning diaries, critical incident/reflective accounts, projects or case studies written by the candidate and
supplemented by the testimony of others or other supportive evidence (PGK1 to 10, PGS 1 through 7, TK1, TK4,
TS1, TS2, TS3, TS4, TS5, TS7, PPS1 through 4, PTS1 and PTS2). All methods of assessment for each unit are
identified directly with the unit outcomes and professional competencies.
The three process outcomes (TS6, TS8 and PTS3) are not formally assessed. Not everything that is valuable can
be separately tested, measured or quantified. It is widely recognised, for example, that one of the distinctive benefits
of a university education is the development of qualities of personal organisation and time management which follow
on from the attribution to candidates of considerable responsibility in directing their own learning. Independence and
self-motivation can be fostered but not taught in academic departments. The depth or extent of such personal
qualities cannot be directly examined, though successful acquisition of them is expected to show through in the
application of other skills which are explicitly assessed. In this programme achievement of outcomes TS6, TS8 and
PTS3 is indicated by successful completion of the programme.
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19. Reference points
The learning outcomes have been developed to reflect the following points of reference:
This programme has been developed in consultation with Nursing and Midwifery Council representatives and reflects
the current requirement for entry on to Part III of the professional register. The programme is validated conjointly by
the NMC and the University.
The requirements of the Standards of proficiency for specialist community public health nurses (NMC, 2004) and the
Benchmark statement: health care programmes – health visiting (QAAHE, 2001) have provided the framework for
the overall aim of the programme and course and unit outcomes. While meeting this standard, which governs the
practice of specialist community public health nurses in the United Kingdom, conscious effort has been made to
adapt the programme to reflect the local health care context at unit level with candidates examining Guernsey
society, policy and practice alongside that of the UK. For candidates from outside Guernsey joining the course,
similar adjustments to the content will be made to accommodate their needs.
As a final year undergraduate programme and postgraduate certificate, the course has been designed to reflect The
framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (QAAHE, 2001) descriptors
for candidates achieving Level III (Level H) outcomes and some of those required for candidates studying at M Level.
The Institute values the existing knowledge and skills of candidates. This philosophy underpins its Teaching and
Learning Strategy and is reflected in the use of adult learning/student centred teaching and learning methodologies
The programme has been developed in close consultation with representatives of health care providers in Guernsey
who sat on the curriculum development group and participated in the course approval process. User representatives
were also involved.
20. Programme structure and regulations
To meet professional body requirements, the programme must comprise study at a minimum of Level III (Level H).
As the length of the programme (see below) exceeds the time required for 120 credits, the extension of the
programme to include the postgraduate certificate allows for recognition of the length of study needed to meet the
professional requirements as well as the level of knowledge, skills and attributes necessary to demonstrate
proficiency in practice. Candidates must be registered nurses or midwives and are admitted to the programme
holding 240 specific credits gained through pre or post registration nursing programmes. The programme consists of
50% theoretical and 50% practice-based learning comprising a common preparation in specialist community public
health nursing and specific study related to health visiting or school nursing.
This programme is 52 weeks in length (104 week part-time), 45 weeks (90 weeks part-time) of which are
‘programmed’ weeks during which students must be supernumerary. A period of practice equivalent to at least 10
weeks at the end of the programme is required to enable students to consolidate the knowledge, skills and attitudes,
which the course aims to promote and the proficiency gained in the practice field. During the required 22.5 weeks of
practice, candidates will have short placements in practice settings other than where they will eventually work.
The programme is normally delivered on a part-time basis over a period of two calendar years although the option is
available for full time study should this be required. Candidates undertake study blocks at the beginning and end of
each semester and are supported in work-based and self-directed learning in the intervening periods by Institute
lecturers and practice educators. To meet professional requirement of 45 programmed weeks, units are scheduled to
run over the period between semester II of year one and semester I of year two.
There are two ‘routes’ within the programme – health visiting and school nursing. Candidates on the both routes
share learning in all units but are expected to focus assignments on the area in which they are working. Sixteen point
three (16.3) weeks of practice, which are assessed through portfolio learning, must also be spent in the area in which
the individual will eventually practise. Shared learning takes place in the Health Promotion and Education
(Community and Public Health Practice), Evidence-based Community and Public Health Practice and Leadership
and Management in Public Health Practice with students on the BMedSci (Hons) Specialist Practice (Adult Nursing)
and the BMedSci (Hons) Community Specialist Nursing Practice programmes. Elements of the preparation for the
dissertation are also shared.
To complete the requirements for professional registration candidates must undertake 6 units at L III: Public Health
Policy and Practice; Practising Public Health 1; Health Promotion and Education (Community and Public Health
Practice); Evidence-based Specialist Community and Public Health Practice; Leadership and Management in Public
Health Practice; Extended Project Part 1 (Dissertation) and 2 units at M Level: Practising Public Health 2 and
Extended Project Part 2. Students leaving the programme after successfully completing all units at L III will be
awarded the Bachelor of Medical Science Degree with honours.
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Detailed information about the structure of programmes, regulations concerning assessment and progression and
descriptions of individual modules are published in the University Calendar available on-line at
http://www.shef.ac.uk/govern/calendar/regs.html.
21. Candidate development over the course of study in the subject
This programme builds on the candidate’s existing knowledge and skills gained through study at Level I (Level C)
and Level II (Level I) and professional and personal experience. At the beginning of the programme, candidates are
expected to have some skills of critical analysis and evaluation, be able to communicate ideas effectively and
engage in arguments and debates and to have a broad knowledge of nursing and its underpinning theories. They
should demonstrate proficiency in all areas of personal, interpersonal and professional skills.
By the end of the course, it is expected that candidates will have developed their evaluative and analytical skills and
be able to synthesize new ideas based on their examination of current theories and research. They should be able to
deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete
data, and communicate their conclusions clearly. They should demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling
and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks. They should be able to present
cogent arguments and discussions and debate effectively. Their knowledge of the underpinning theories and
concepts of school nursing or health visiting will have developed to the level of proficiency and they will use this
knowledge to problem solve and plan care at individual, group and population levels. Most personal and
interpersonal skills should have developed and be approaching the expert level. Although proficiency is required in
the professional skills of searching for health needs, stimulating awareness of health needs, influencing policies
affecting health and facilitating health-enhancing activities, candidates should be approaching the expert level in
some of these areas.
22. Criteria for admission to the programme
All candidates must be nurses registered on the Nursing Part of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Register
(equating to Parts 1, 3, 5, 8, 12, 13, 14 or 15 of the United Kingdom Central Council for Nurses, Midwives and Health
Visitors1 [UKCC] Register) or midwives registered on the Midwifery Part of the NMC Register (equating to Part 10 of
the UKCC Register) and normally have 2 years experience in nursing/midwifery practice. Candidates must also hold
a diploma in nursing from a UK university or equivalent credit determined through AP(E)L by the Institute of Health
Studies.
23. Additional information
As candidates are required to spend 50% of the time on this course in supervised and assessed clinical practice,
they must either be employed in the area in which they wish to obtain the qualification or have a written agreement
that they will be able to spend a minimum of 16.3 weeks working and being supervised and assessed in the field in
which they wish to qualify. For candidates already working in the field, support of managers should be sought before
applying because of the implications of supervision, assessment and the requirement for supernumerary status
This course may be accessed by candidates living in other Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and, NMC approval
permitting, Gibraltar providing they can travel to the island for study blocks and the Institute of Health Studies
approves the clinical placement and supervision arrangements for the practice element of the course. Supervision of
learning between study blocks by Institute staff will incur additional costs for the candidate or seconding employer.
Course costs and a detailed Course Handbook is available on request to the Course Administrator, Institute of
Health Studies, Le Vauquiedor, St Andrew’s, Guernsey, GY6 8TW
This specification represents a concise statement about the main features of the programme and should be
considered alongside other sources of information provided by the partner institution and the University.
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The predecessor of the NMC
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