PgCert Enhanced Practice - January 2025 (subject to approval)

This innovative and flexible programme supports postgraduate development of health and social care professionals
Business meeting leadership management
Are you looking to train in Enhanced Practice across the four pillars of practice in a programme that is innovative, flexible and customisable to your area of expertise? This exciting programme assists postgraduate development of qualified health and social care professionals, supporting you in your career progression.
For any queries regarding admissions or enrolments, please contact the Professional Development Unit Admissions team
Telephone: +44 1752 586951
Visit: Professional Development Unit, Level 4 Rolle Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom.
Opening hours:
Monday–Thursday 8:30–17:00
Friday 8:30–16:30

About

This programme has been designed to support the non-medical, allied health, social care, healthcare science and social science workforces to upskill and develop to a standardised and nationally recognised level.
To ensure that the student has a top-quality learning and development experience, which meets the needs and expectations of the student our experienced academic team will support and enable the student through the pre-programme onboarding and enrolment, on-programme and post-programme stages of the student journey.
Credits – 60
FHEQ level – 7 (masters)
Patient after traumatic events.
Clinical Skills Resources Centre lab

Why choose us?

  • We are a preferred provider of this programme through the NHS procurement services and one of only several universities to offer this award.
  • Our optional module allows for this programme to be bespoke to the learner. With many to choose from, each has been developed and is taught by leading experts in their fields.
  • This enhanced practice award offers a learning pipeline to our 180-credit level 7 MSc Advanced Clinical Practice award, providing those with longer term ambitions of advanced practice with efficiencies of time out of practice and funding. 
  • Blended learning, with all face-to-face study taking place in our brand new Intercity Place building in central Plymouth, featuring a bespoke interprofessional postgraduate teaching space.

The programme

The programme offers 60 credits of a learning pipeline to our 180-credit level 7 MSc Advanced Clinical Practice award. This provides those with longer term ambitions of advanced practice with efficiencies of time out of practice and funding.
The learner has the opportunity to study for a PgCert whilst remaining in salaried employment owing to the flexible nature of the programme incorporating online delivery. The work-based learning and professional development linked to a portfolio assessment will require a named and appropriately trained educator in practice and protected time working with this educator to be agreed with an employer before enrolment. The University provides expert tuition in three modules and the expertise to support the learner to gain the evidenced based knowledge and skills to bridge the theory-practice gap.
group discussion

Overview of modules 

The programme comprises of 60 Higher Education Institution (HEI) credits at Level 7. The programme will be delivered via a blended learning approach (80% distance learning and 20% face to face.
The programme will include the following core modules (totalling 40 credits):
In addition to the core modules, students can select one optional clinical module (20 credits), creating a bespoke course based on the learner’s area of interest. This programme has been designed to allow the learner to RPL into future multi-professional Advanced Practice masters, should the learner wish to continue their postgraduate education. 

Entry requirements 

  • Registered practitioner working in an area of practice that will facilitate the successful completion of module learning outcomes. The learner must be registered with either one of the statutory healthcare regulators, Social Work England or with one of the following accredited voluntary registers: The Academy for Healthcare Science, Register of Clinical Technologists or Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists. 
  • Normally a relevant first degree, BSc (Hons) at 2:1 or above; or a European first cycle equivalent. 
  • Applicants without a first degree, BSc (Hons) 2:1 or above may be eligible to apply, if combined with appropriate practice experience relevant to the programme and following submission of a written critical evaluation of advanced practice marked against the Level 7 criteria.  
  • Due to the blended learning delivery model of this programme, it is an expectation that applicants will have access to wi-fi and relevant electronic devices that allow them to engage fully with all aspects of module delivery, teaching, learning and assessment. 
  • In some cases, an interview may be required to assess individual ability to meet the requirements of this module. 
  • Level 2 maths and English students must be competent in their use of English and mathematics (GCSE grade 4/C or equivalent). 

Admissions procedure

  • Applications will be processed by the Professional Development Unit. 
  • The programme is currently subject to approval and will be accepting the first applicants in Autumn for a proposed start date in January 2025.
  • To register your interest please email PDUAdmissions@plymouth.ac.uk and we will email you when the course is open for applications.
  • Updates will be posted on this page, with more information expected in August.

Programme Lead

Green figure with heartbeat image

You can contact the Professional Development Unit with any queries

Prospective student enquiries:
Current student enquiries:
Professional Development Unit, Level 4 Rolle Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom.
Monday – Thursday 8:30–17:00 and Friday 8:30–16:30.