Key features

Are you a registered healthcare professional with at least 12 months' clinical experience with children and young people requiring critical care? Do you want to challenge and develop your existing knowledge and skills? This innovative module offers:
  • an opportunity to advance practice in paediatric critical care, developing enhanced competence and knowledge
  • networking opportunities with other health care professionals working within critical care setting
  • tuition by experienced child health lecturers and experts in clinical practice
  • an evidence-based approach, allowing development of synthesis and critical thinking in clinical practice
  • high fidelity, immersive simulation surrounding complex critical care paediatric scenarios.
This module can be studied at degree or masters level, as a standalone or counted towards some of our professional development qualifications.
Module code

HEAD390/APP751

Credits

20

FHEQ level

Level 6 – bachelors degree

Level 7 – masters degree

Location

Plymouth

The University of Plymouth is the only Higher Education institution to offer this course in the South West, making it a unique module which forms part of the advancing practice pathway in child health.
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HEAD390 (degree level)

At the end of this module you will be able to:
  • recognise and respond to the critically ill child/young person and identify and prioritise their nursing care needs
  • critically analyse and evaluate appropriate evidence of relevant pathophysiology and apply this to the assessment and care of the critically ill child/young person
  • analyse the role of the multi-professional team in the care of the critically ill child/young person.
Assessment
Assignment based coursework.

APP751 (masters level)

At the end of this module you will be able to:
  • demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in recognising and effectively responding to the critically ill child/young person enabling prioritisation of nursing care needs
  • use critical thinking and analysis to synthesise relevant pathophysiology and demonstrate application to the care of the critically ill child/young person
  • critically analyse the roles of the multidisciplinary team in the care of the critically ill child/young person.
Assessment
Assignment based coursework

Module dates

23, 30 April, 7, 14, 15, 21, 28 May and 4 June 2025
These dates may be subject to change; please check with the module lead or the Professional Development Unit.

Admissions information

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.
  • Application forms.
  • Change of name forms.
  • Pre-course information.
  • Downloadable guides.
  • Student card.
Admissions information Additional information and documentation required for the application process.Access to application forms, download guides and confirmation information. Visit our admissions homepage.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for these modules you should have a registered nursing qualification and at least 12 months' clinical experience with children/young people who require critical care. Applications will also be considered from health care professionals who are working in predominantly adult clinical settings but who have contact with paediatric patients. Please note that in order to gain academic credits you must be able to meet the learning outcomes of the module.
To gain academic credits towards a degree you must have previously studied at level 5 (i.e. foundation degree or equivalent).
To gain academic credits towards a masters you must have previously studied at level 6 (i.e. degree level).
Each student will be considered and advised individually (where required) by the programme team and Professional Development Unit (PDU). Please contact the programme lead or PDU if you have any queries regarding your situation.
Faculty of Health and Human Sciences

You can contact the Professional Development Unit with any queries

Prospective student enquiries

+44 1752 586951

Current student enquiries

Professional Development Unit, Level 4 Rolle Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom.

8:30–17:00 (Friday 16:30)