This course is subject to validation

The MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) supports registered healthcare practitioners in their continued professional development to Masters Level. At the beginning of the course, students will identify their own learning needs in collaboration with their clinical supervisor, manager and academic advisor to create an individualised route through the programme that builds on their existing knowledge, skills and experience, whilst enabling achievement of competence and capability at the level of an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP).

Additionally, students can choose to develop more specialist competencies (e.g. College of Emergency Medicine ACP competencies) through the Negotiated Learning Module; or can apply to transfer existing Level 7 credits from modules in their clinical specialism, through the Recognition of Prior Learning (APL) route in place of the Negotiated Learning module. Students completing this course will be able to lead and support advanced clinical practice.

All students will be required to be in clinical practice in an area that supports the development of the role. They will also have to identify an appropriate ACP or Medical Supervisor to oversee the acquisition of new clinical skills and for this supervisor to manage the clinical elements of the programme. All students will enrol on the Advanced Clinical Practice capability module and will not be able to complete the award unless this module has been satisfactorily signed off by the clinical supervisor. If students are unable to complete this module an award of Healthcare Studies will be made.

We offer dual delivery which combines traditional on campus face-to-face teaching and online teaching simultaneously, allowing you to interact as if you were there in person. You can move smoothly between online and on campus teaching subject to your individual timetable (and health requirements). Students can interact and collaborate in person and online in any of these live-streamed sessions. Live-streamed sessions will also be recorded, so you can login when you want, playback and watch from the comfort of your home and whilst on the go. Lab, rehearsal and practical on campus sessions are scheduled in blocks with online options.

We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7. We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research. Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning. Students are supported with any academic or subject related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, former and current UEL students.

If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, maths or IT, our Skillzone and English for Academic Purposes we offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential. You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.

Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need. UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).

Your overall workload consists of class and online tutor led sessions, individual learning, practical activities. The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the course, module and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture theatre setting, to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative work. You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic year dependent on your course.

Who teaches on this course 

The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.

As a university we place great emphasis on enabling students to develop the independent learning capabilities that will equip you for lifelong learning and future employment as an advanced clinical practitioner. The ACP course blends a mixture of independent study, teaching and academic support as well as supporting your clinical learning by supervising a learning contract with your employer.

All students will be required to be in clinical practice in an area that supports the development of the role. They will also have to identify an appropriate ACP or Medical Supervisor to oversee the acquisition of new clinical skills and for this supervisor to manage the clinical elements of the programme.

Students will be able to develop their advanced skills covering advanced multi-system diagnostic skills, advanced research methods commensurate with the advanced nature of the role students will move into. The independent and supplementary prescribing modules will enable learners to be NMC/HCPC independent and supplementary prescribers which will enhance practice in the clinical setting.

Postgraduate study will provide students with enhanced knowledge in their chosen clinical subject area, as well as highlighting ability to analyse, communicate and apply theory - all skills which are sought after by employers.

This programme is developed in partnership with local employers and as such is closely mapped to both the needs of the student and the needs of the employer. This ensures that students will complete the course with specific, focused skills that are desirable to local employers and the wider health and social care community in East London.

All students will join the programme from practice, develop their skills and understanding through the programme and return to practice with these developed qualities and attributes tailor made to the Advanced Clinical Practitioner role and role trajectory and specifically to roles that have been designed for them by their employer