Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences>Courses>Advanced Practice - MSc/PgD/PgC

Advanced Practice - MSc/PgD/PgC

The aim of the programme is to develop autonomous reflective practitioners who are engaged in advanced practice within a range of organisational and professional settings. The programme promotes critical appraisal of the theory and application of the relevant professional practice and develops a purposeful and self-directed approach to learning which will result in enhanced professional practice. It aims to promote critical appraisal of the theory and application of the relevant professional practice and provides participants with an opportunity to develop their critical skills and scientific understanding to enable them to develop into effective and reflective practitioners.

The MSc Advanced Practice is a generic programme with eight specific pathways and can lead to the award of the specifically named degree:

  • MSc Advanced Practice (Audiology)
  • MSc Advanced Practice (Musculoskeletal Studies)
  • MSc Advanced Practice (Dietetics)
  • MSc Advanced Practice (Speech and Language Therapy)

Further information on each pathway can be found in the Pathway Specific Modules tab below.

It is intended that the programme provides for flexible, variable progression that is responsive to student and employer continuous professional learning needs and the constantly changing practice environment.

Any modules at Level 7 (Masters level) studied elsewhere, that meet the learning needs of the student, can be incorporated into the module mix via the Recognising Prior Learning (RPL) procedure. In addition, it is recognised that many professions engage with CPD activities which are not credit rated. The Reflection on Prior Learning module is a 20 credit level 7 generic option module where students can use relevant CPD activities to critically reflect on those experiences and produce a reflective statement and portfolio.

The programme has been designed to meet the four pillars of Advanced Practice.

The modules will be delivered in a blended learning pattern (blocks of teaching with on-line resources) as far as possible.

Please Note:
Applicants must normally be able to demonstrate a minimum of 2 years recent and relevant experience in an appropriate setting. Applicants for the Dietetics pathway should be registered Dieticians with the Health and Care Professions Council and applicants for the Speech and Language Therapy pathway should be registered Speech and Language Therapists with the Health and Care Professions Council.


This degree will undergo a periodic review in 2023/4 to ensure the course content is and remains current. Should any changes to course content be made as a result of the review, all applicants will be informed once changes are confirmed.

​Course Content​ (All Pathways)

The course will have three defined exit points:

​Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) – provides students with the foundation of knowledge and skills required to begin to develop practice as an Advanced Practitioner.

Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) – provides students with the appropriate knowledge and skills to function as an Advanced Practitioner.

Master of Science (MSc) – this aimed at those students who wish to continue their academic study and undertake an extended applied research project which must be relevant to practice.

The structure of the programme is designed, where appropriate, to be flexible and meet the needs of the individual learner. Students can opt to study individual modules for their continuous professional development (CPD); there is a separate fees basis for this type of study.

Modules:

Compulsory Modules for PgD:

  • Evidence Based Practice (20 credits)
  • Applied Research Methods & Design (20 credits)


Compulsory Modules for MSc:

  • Dissertation (60 credits)


Optional Generic Modules:(All worth 20 credits):

  • Work Based Learning 1
  • Work Based Learning 2
  • Changing Health Behaviour
  • Clinical Decision Making
  • Strategic Leadership and Management

Pathway Specific Modules

Pathway Information and Specific Modules:

Audiology

(All modules are optional)
The audiology modules focus on diagnosis and assessment in several specific areas of clinical audiology by providing advanced theoretical knowledge and training. The modules are intended to provide post-registration education and will be included in the accredited CPD training list of the professional body.

  • Balance Disorders and Rehabilitation
  • Industrial and Environmental Audiology
  • Paediatric Hearing Impairment
  • Advanced Diagnostic Audiology and Rehabilitation
  • Work Based Learning 1(for students on part-time route only)
  • Work Based Learning 2 (for students on part-time route only)


Dietetics

(All modules are optional)
The Dietetics pathway is intended to support and promote continuing professional development of dieticians and their practice.  As such, it will help meet the needs of those wishing to progress and evidence their ability to work at Advanced Practitioner level in the NHS.

  • Work Based Learning 1
  • Work Based Learning 2
  • Advanced Clinical Educators Course (20)
  • Nutrition and the Older Adult (Contact Pathway Lead to check the availability)


Musculoskeletal Studies

The Musculoskeletal Studies pathway is aimed at HCPC registered practitioners – or equivalent – who are involved in the management of lower limb musculoskeletal conditions across a range of patient groups. This has typically included Podiatrists and Physiotherapists. A key feature is the emphasis on developing an evidence-based approach to practice, and students are challenged to critically analyse a range of issues related to multiple facets of musculoskeletal practice.

  • Work Based Learning 1: Musculoskeletal Examination and Diagnosis
  • Pathological basis of musculoskeletal disorders
  • Sports Biomechanics and Injury Management
  • Work Based Learning 2: Musculoskeletal Therapeutics
  • Science of Footwear


Speech and Language Therapy

(All modules are optional)
The Speech and Language pathway is intended to support and promote continuing professional development of Speech and Language Therapists and their practice. As such, it will help meet the needs of those wishing to progress and evidence their ability to work at Advanced Practitioner level in the NHS.

  • Clinical Decision Making
  • Work Based Learning 1
  • Work Based Learning 2
  • Advanced Communication - Introduction to Neuro Linguistic Programming
  • Paediatric Hearing Impairment

Learning & Teaching

The teaching and learning opportunities on the programme are appropriate for students accessing the modules and have been designed to facilitate the development of the advanced practitioner.

Traditionally Masters level programmes are delivered on a day-a-week basis but increasing work pressures make this form of delivery unsustainable. To accommodate these changes to working practices, most modules will be delivered in a blended format; i.e. with blocks of teaching and online resources.

Module delivery will vary according to specific learning needs but will include lectures, tutorial and seminars, as well as extensive use of Moodle, the Virtual Learning Environment used at the University.

The work based learning modules are ideally suited to flexible learning as they delivered in the work place. Students undertaking these modules are allocated a supervisor from the teaching team and meetings are arranged to suit the student as well as email/telephone contact.

Students on this programme will have opportunities to work together innovatively and collaboratively across disciplines by sharing their knowledge and skills, which will be beneficial for the students in terms of their engagement and experience.

The dissertation also allows this flexibility as students are expected to undertake the research in their place of work. All students will be allocated a personal tutor who will offer academic and pastoral support and guidance on pathway specific and option modules to select to meet their individual learning needs.

Assessment

Each module is assessed by coursework; the type varies according to the modules and can include the completion of a portfolio, presentations, reflections, reports and case studies. All the modules are externally moderated. Wherever possible students will be offered formative assessments and feedback.

Employability & Careers​

The Professional working at Masters Level will be able to lead and contribute to developments in their profession through a more pro-active, critical and reflective approach. Additionally they will be an agent of change, a leader and act as an advocate of their profession. Employability will be enhanced by professions who undertake modules on a CPD basis and NHS professionals will be able to use the awards towards gaining recognition as an Advanced Practitioner. This programme will also provide the opportunity for graduates to go on to further research degree studies.

Entry Requirements​ & How to Apply

Applicants should hold an honours degree in a discipline relating to their proposed area of study. However, candidates with other relevant qualifications will be considered.​
​​
Applicants must normally be able to demonstrate a minimum of 2 years recent and relevant experience in an appropriate setting. The applied nature of the course and the emphasis on critical reflection and the development of advanced practice require candidates to have relevant experience on which they can reflect and develop their studies.

​Entry Requirements for specific pathways:​

  • Dietetics - candidates should be registered Dieticians with the Health and Care Professions Council.
  • Speech and Language Therapy - candidates should be registered Speech and Language Therapists with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Selection Procedure:
Candidates will be considered by the course director and at least one other member of the course team and may be invited to interview.  At this stage there will be discussion about the potential areas that the candidate wishes to study as well as consideration of developmental needs.

International Applicants
Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.5 standard or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the website.

How to Apply:
Applications for this course should be made direct to the university via our self-service system. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.

If you are interested in using credit from another institution, or have obtained qualifications and/or experience to study for a course at Cardiff Met, you can find further information on this as well as information on how to apply on the RPL page.

Additional Info

Tuition Fees and Financial Support:
For up to date information on tuition fees and the financial support that may be available. Please refer to www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/fees.

Part-time fees:
Charges are per Single Module unless specified:
Undergraduate = 10 Credits; Postgraduate = 20 Credits

For information on modules to be studied part time please contact the programme leader.

Contact Us

For general enquiries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email directapplications@cardiffmet.ac.uk

For course specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Director, Andy Kelly:
Email: akelly@cardiffmet.ac.uk

For pathway specific enquiries, please contact the Pathway Leaders:

Audiology:
Dr Fei Zhao
Email: fzhao@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Tel: 092 2041 7290

Dietetics:
Katherine Gallimore
Email: kgallimore@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Tel: 029 2020 5675

Musculoskeletal Studies:
Dr Sarah Curran
Email scurran@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Tel: 029 2041 7221

Speech and Language Therapy:
Hannah Amos
Email:  HAmos@cardiffmet.ac.uk 

We endeavour to deliver courses as described and will not normally make changes to courses, such as course title, content, delivery, and teaching provision. However, it may be necessary for the university to make changes in the course provision before or after enrolment. It reserves the right to make variations to content or delivery methods, including discontinuation or merging courses if such action is considered necessary. Please read our Terms and Conditions for the full information.

Key Course Information

Place of Study: 
Llandaff Campus

School:
Cardiff School of Sport & Health Sciences

Course Length:
Three years part-time for full MSc award or 18 months full time for international students studying audiology.  Students can access the modules on an individual basis for their Continuous Professional Development (CPD) (Fees may vary).   Attendance is flexible depending on module choices. Most modules are offered on a block and distance-learning basis.

Course Disclaimer
We endeavour to deliver courses as described and will not normally make changes to courses, such as course title, content, delivery, and teaching provision. However, it may be necessary for the university to make changes in the course provision before or after enrolment. It reserves the right to make variations to content or delivery methods, including discontinuation or merging courses if such action is considered necessary.

Please read our Terms and Conditions for the full information.

Further Information
Musculoskeletal Studies Pathway

A short video highlighting the practical elements of the Musculoskeletal Studies pathway.