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
- Awarding Institution / Body
- Teaching Institution and Location of Delivery
- University School/Centre
- External Accreditation
- Title of Final Award
- Modes of Attendance offered
- UCAS Code
- Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)
- Other external influences
- Stroke Specific Education Framework
- Competence Frameworks for Dysphagia and Thrombolysis.
- Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (HEFCE, 2001)
- National Workforce Competence Framework for Falls and Stroke (Skills for Health, 2007)
- NMC (2004) Proposed Standards for Post Registration Nursing
- High Quality Care for All (the Darzi Report) (2008)
- Date of production/revision of this form
- Aims of the Programme
The aim of the Certificate is to prepare and develop health and social care practitioners, to enable them to deliver evidence based stroke practice. The programme is designed to facilitate students in:
- Acquiring a broad and in-depth knowledge of stroke and its management in the context of modern health care
- Critically appraise research and understand the link between research methodology and strength of evidence
- Demonstrating their capacity for critical enquiry, analysis and application of knowledge in stroke practice and research
- Promoting collaborative, inter-disciplinary and inter-agency working in practice and research
- Understanding the guidelines for stroke practice and the research that underpins them
- Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A.Knowledge and Understanding
At the end of the course the student will be able to:
A1. Demonstrate systematic understanding of knowledge at the forefront of professional practice within stroke care.
A2. Critically evaluate the evidence that underpins the recommendations made in the National Clinical Guideline for Stroke.
A3. Integrate clinical, professional, theoretical and political imperatives as the basis for the critical deconstruction of individual cases and service delivery.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The demands and requirements of postgraduate study place an emphasis upon informal approaches to learning. Students will be required to independently plan and organise their learning throughout the course. Such methods will include formal lectures providing a focus and stimulus for other forms of learning e.g. seminars, individual and group work exercises, directed and independent study, individual tutorials and supervision, and the use of e-learn. The emphasis of the teaching and learning strategy is student-centred and aimed at utilising and maximising their personal experiences to assist the learning process.
Assessment methods
The course is assessed through the production of a 3,000 word assignment that reconstructs the evidence-base for an aspect of stroke care relevant to the student’s field of work, within the context of a specific, anonymous case.
B.Subject-specific skills
At the end of the course the student will be able to:
B1. Critically evaluate the organisation and delivery of current models of stroke practice.
B2. Critically evaluate the evidence that underpins the recommendations made in the National Clinical Guidelines for Stroke in all aspects of stroke practice and service design
Teaching and Learning Methods
Teaching and learning will be underpinned by the National Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Care and will follow pathways of stroke care throughout the whole illness. The expertise of a wide range of expert clinicians and researchers will ensure that students have access to up to date information in stroke care developments.
Assessment methods
The course is assessed through the production of a 3,000 word assignment that reconstructs the evidence-base for an aspect of stroke care relevant to the student’s field of work. This is undertaken within the context of a specific anonymised case.
C.Thinking Skills
At the end of the course the student will be able to:
C1. Reflect on and evaluate their own academic and professional progression.
C2. Reflect upon current practice and how this is influenced by empirical evidence.
C3. Be curious and questioning about contemporary stroke knowledge and practice.
C4. Be insightful learners who use analytical skills to evaluate contemporary evidence for their practice underpinning inter-professional approaches to stroke care.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The emphasis of the teaching and learning strategy is student centred and aimed at utilising student’s own experiences to assist the learning process. Critical appraisal of the current evidence and theoretical basis for stroke practice will be integral to teaching and learning.
Assessment methods
Students will receive informal and constructive feedback on their work including participation in small groups,and student presentations.
D.Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
We anticipate that successful completion of this course will enable students to:
D1. Facilitate innovative and best practice in stroke care.
D2. Demonstrate emerging expertise in stroke care.
D3. Enhance their team-working skills.
D4. Promote inter-agency working, acting as a resource within the care team and with other stakeholders.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The strong focus on best practice in stroke care in the curriculum will ensure that students have an emerging knowledge on which you will be able to build both in practice and future studies. Following pathways of stroke care rather than the actual and potential contribution of different professional groups will ensure that a multi-professional perspective is maintained throughout the course. Some learning and teaching strategies, including seminars and group work, will ensure that learning is inter-professional.
Assessment methods
Students will receive informal and constructive feedback on their work (including participation in small group work) on a regular basis.
13.Programme Structures* / 14.Awards and Credits*
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
6 / NU3135 (6) / Principles of Stroke Practice / 20 / Certificate
Requires minimum of 20 credits at level 6
15.Personal Development Planning
QAA (2004) state that “The ultimate responsibility for deriving benefit from PDP should rest with each student”. Underpinning each student’s PDP is the development and enhancement of reflective practice enabling each student to deconstruct their own and other’s practice. Both the taught component of the course and opportunities for tutorial support will provide a coherent structure for students to develop and refine their critical reflection skills.
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.
- Have a first degree (2:2 class or above) or equivalent, in a relevant subject (i.e. health related, pure science or social science) from an approved institution of higher education. Potential students who do not meet these criteria are advised to contact the course leader for advice. Transfer of credits in accordance with University regulations may be possible
- Have a current professional registration with a relevant professional/statutory body, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Health Professions Council, Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain or attached to an organisation that provides services or support to those affected by stroke
- Have, normally, at least two years post registration clinical experience in practice OR proof of equivalent experience in practice
- Be working in, or able to access a practice environment that will enable them to meet and achieve the course learning outcomes
- Be able to provide two references (one practice / work and one academic)
- Be able to satisfy the Course Leader that they are competent to pursue the programme
If potential students do not meet the above criteria they may still be considered for admission to the course; they will be required to provide evidence of suitable experience and supportive qualifications.
17.Key sources of information about the programme
- Course information web site
- School of Health CPD brochure
- School of Health NHS Contracts Unit
18.Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C), Compulsory (COMP) or Option (O) / Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4
LEVEL 6 / NU3135 / Principles of Stroke Practice / Core / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / x / X / X / X / X