Each year a limited amount of post-registration academic study can be accessed through the Department of Health (DoH) Post-registration Nursing and Midwifery Education Commissioning Group (N&M ECG) for staff employed within HSC Trusts. It should be noted that these are commissioned based as part of strategic planning both to support workforce development and meet service needs. For further information on ECG programmes click here.
Additional courses and programmes are available for nurses and midwives from all organisations to self fund. Nurses and midwives may also be able to apply for grants to support further study. Examples of organisations are the RCN Foundation and Cavell Trust. There may be other organisations who provide grants and funding.
When considering what post registration education is appropriate to nurses and midwives, regardless of whether it is employer or self funded education, a number of resources are available to support and inform decisions. The first step in the process should involve discussion with a line manager so that a link can be made with a nurse or midwife’s personal development plan (PDP) and appraisal. In addition the Regional Learning Needs Analysis (LNA) Guide and Tool can support identification of current and future learning needs.
Each organisation should have a process in place, should nurses or midwives wish to apply. NIPEC has developed a Learning Agreement and Evaluation of Learning on Practice Framework for use. Discussion with a line manager and completion of the Learning Agreement is essential. It supports the nominated candidate to understand the essential academic criteria to undertake the programme, the programme commitment around academic study requirements and the expected clinical outcomes to be implemented in practice. Although the Learning Agreement was developed with a focus on those undertaking Department of Health commissioned programmes, the content is relevant to all organisations and could also be applied to non-commissioned programmes.
Types of Post-Registration Academic Study
What is Post-Registration Academic Study?
These are modules or programmes offered through universities which provide academic credit points and/or a qualification. Education is delivered at academic level 6 which is undergraduate/degree level or an academic level 7 which is postgraduate/masters level.
Nurses and midwives will be required to undertake formal assessment to successfully complete academic education. Assessment may include, assignments, exams or Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE’s). It is advisable that the course/programme co-ordinator is contacted prior to application if a nurse or midwife requires clarification regarding time commitment and formal assessment requirements etc.
There are a limited number of programmes/modules commissioned by the Department of Health for staff employed within HSC Trusts however, it is also possible for nurses or midwives to self-fund their own academic study.
There are a range of course types to suit to needs of the registered nurse/midwife some of which may have a practice based learning requirement. The types of courses are;
- Stand-alone modules/credit bearing modules
- Short Courses
- Post Graduate Diploma
- Post Graduate Diploma in Specialist Practice
- Specialist Community and Public Health Nursing (SCPHN)
- Masters (MSc)
- MSc in Advanced Practice
- PhD
Applicants may be subject to an Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check for particular professional modules or programmes.
Types of Post-Registration Academic Study
Who is Post Registration Academic Study for?
These courses are for nurses and midwives currently on the NMC register. Universities in Northern Ireland (NI) provide a large selection of post registration academic education however, where a course relating to a particular speciality is not available, it may be necessary to look outside of NI.
Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) working in NI make a vital contribution to the nursing and midwifery workforce. It is essential that IENs can access post registration academic study. Universities have a process to support IENs. The UK National Information Centre (UK ENIC, previously UK NARIC) is the official agency for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills providing services to both individuals and organisations. Further information can be accessed at Homepage | UK ENIC.
Where can information on Post Registration Academic Study be accessed?
The Universities in Northern Ireland providing post registration academic courses are Queens University Belfast and Ulster University, both have websites detailing the courses they deliver. If a course being sought is not available, the candidate should liaise with their line manager for advice.
Website Links
Queens University Belfast (QUB) – Continuing Professional Development | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Queen’s University Belfast
Ulster University (UU) – Courses at Ulster University
What is a Stand Alone Module/Credit Bearing Module?
It is a module usually delivered over 12 weeks (1 academic semester) and includes formal assessment e.g. assignments, OSCE. It may include a practice based learning element. Credit points are awarded on completion dependent on the University and the module.
Who is a Stand Alone Module/Credit Bearing Module for?
These modules are for nurses/midwives seeking to develop knowledge and skills in their current area of practice, in a new area of practice or who may be returning to study.
Where can a Stand Alone Module be accessed?
UU – Courses at Ulster University
QUB – Continuing Professional Development | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Queen’s University Belfast
What is a Short Course?
A Short Couse consists of 2 or 3 modules over 1 academic year, related to a specific area of practice and focused on continuing professional development. They may be offered at level 6 or level 7. Upon completion, depending on the level of study and the university, you may be (a) awarded credits that may be used towards further academic study (QUB & UU) (b) awarded an Advanced Certificate (UU) or (c) awarded a Post graduate Certificate (QUB & UU). They include formal assessment and may include a practice based learning element.
Entry requirements should be confirmed with the relevant University. Applicants may be subject to an Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check for particular professional modules.
Who is a Short Course for?
A short course is for nurses and midwives seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice.
Where can a Short Course be accessed?
UU – Courses at Ulster University
QUB – Continuing Professional Development | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Queen’s University Belfast
What is a Post Graduate Diploma?
This Post Graduate Diploma aims to provide students with the knowledge, critical understanding, skills, values and resilience to manage clinical complexity and risk, be autonomous practitioners and work across organisational boundaries. Some Post Graduate Diplomas can be built upon to achieve a Masters (MSc).
It can be completed on a full time (1 academic year) or part time (2 academic years) basis. Further details of entry requirements should be confirmed with the relevant University. Applicants may be subject to an Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check for particular professional modules.
Who is a Post Graduate Diploma for?
A Post Graduate Diploma is for nurses/midwives seeking to develop more expert knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice.
Where can a Post Graduate Diploma be accessed?
UU – Courses at Ulster University
QUB – Continuing Professional Development | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Queen’s University Belfast
What is a Post Graduate Diploma in Specialist Practice?
This Post Graduate Diploma aims to provide students with the knowledge, critical understanding, skills, values and resilience to manage clinical complexity and risk, be autonomous practitioners and work across organisational boundaries. It may include the integration of Independent and Supplementary prescribing to enable nurses and midwives not only to prescribe, but also assess and use a wide variety of higher-level skills. It includes formal assessment and a practice based learning element.
It can be completed on a full time (1 academic year) or part time (2 academic years) basis. Further details of entry requirements should be confirmed with the relevant University. Applicants may be subject to an Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check for particular professional modules.
Who is a Post Graduate Diploma in Specialist Practice for?
This programme is for those who wish to become specialist nurses and midwives who have been registered with the NMC for a minimum of one year.
Where can a Post Graduate Diploma in Specialist Practice be accessed?
UU – Courses at Ulster University
QUB – Continuing Professional Development | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Queen’s University Belfast
What is a Post Graduate Diploma in Specialist Community & Public Health Nursing (SCPHN)?
Completion of the Post Graduate Diploma leads to a professional qualification as a Health Visitor, School Nurse or Occupational Health Nurse*, and registration on Part 3 of the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) Register. It includes formal assessment and a practice based learning element. Entry requirements should be confirmed with the relevant University. It is 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.
Applicants will be subject to an Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check for particular professional modules.
Who is a Post Graduate Diploma SCPHN for?
This programme is for nurses and midwives wishing to develop a higher level of knowledge, autonomy, skills, values and resilience to lead and manage the delivery of specialist public health nursing services, working as a Health Visitor, School Nurse or Occupational Health Nurse.
Where can SCPHN be accessed?
Ulster University is the sole provider in Northern Ireland of the Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN) programme.
*SCPHN in Occupational Health, is not currently available within NI. This will be provided elsewhere within the UK.
What is a Masters Degree (MSc)?
The programme enables students from different fields of nursing and midwifery practice to benefit from shared learning and then contribute to improving the quality and effectiveness of health and social care provision. It includes formal assessment including dissertation. Entry requirements should be confirmed with the relevant University. Applicants may be subject to an Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check for particular professional modules.
Who is a MSc for?
This programme is for nurses and midwives holding a degree, with the ambition to move into senior practice roles, management and leadership positions, or progress onto a career in research or education.
Where can a MSc be accessed?
UU – Courses at Ulster University
QUB – Continuing Professional Development | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Queen’s University Belfast
What is a MSc in Advanced Practice?
Students on this programme will be appointed to full-time Advanced Practice (AP) trainee posts.
The programme enables students from different fields of nursing and midwifery practice to benefit from shared learning and then contribute to improving the quality and effectiveness of health and social care provision. The MSc in Advanced Practice enables students to develop their practice, working in an advanced way to provide a more holistic care experience to benefit both the service and patient. It involves formal assessment including dissertation, along with a practice based learning element and a portfolio. Entry requirements should be confirmed with the relevant University.
Applicants will be subject to an Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check for particular professional modules.
Who is a MSc in Advanced Practice for?
This programme is for nurses and midwives holding a degree and planning to practise as Advanced Practitioners.
Where can a MSc in Advanced Practice be accessed?
UU – Courses at Ulster University
QUB – Continuing Professional Development | School of Nursing and Midwifery | Queen’s University Belfast
What is a PhD?
A PhD otherwise known as a Dr of Philosophy can be undertaken at any of the three NI universities. It is the highest academic qualification that can be achieved and comprises of a core research component which demonstrates significant and original contribution to an existing body of knowledge. It can be conducted over 3-4 years (full-time) or 6-8 years (part-time). Students can apply for research projects via an application and interview process. Funded and self-funded opportunities are available.
Who is a PhD for?
A PhD is for any student who wishes to develop their research, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. It is appropriate for those who have an intellectual curiosity, strong analytical skills and are self-motivated and disciplined.
Where can a PhD be accessed?
UU – Nursing and Health Research Programmes
QUB – Nursing & Midwifery (NAM-PHD) | Courses | Queen’s University Belfast