University Calendar 2015/16
Section X : Academic Regulations - Faculty of Health Sciences



PREFACE
CONTENTS
SEMESTERS
SECTION I
SECTION II
SECTION III
SECTION IV
SECTION V
SECTION VI
SECTION VII
SECTION VIII
SECTION IX
SECTION X
SECTION XI
SECTION XII
SECTION XIII
SECTION XIV
 
ARCHIVE 2009/10
Academic Unit Health Sciences
Final Award Postgraduate Diploma
Programme(s) Public Health Practice (Specialist Community Public Health Nursing)(SCPHN)
Last modified July 2015

Reference should be made to the University's General Regulations found in Section IV and Section V (Higher Degree Regulations) of the University Calendar.

Except where an opt-out has been granted by the University (see below) the following academic regulations apply in addition to the General Regulations.


1. Admissions
 
Candidates for admission must satisfy the Regulations for Admission to Degree Programmes as specified in the General Regulations (Standalone). Candidates must also satisfy the NMC (2004) standards for admission to Specialist Community Public Health Nursing programmes.

Admission to, and continuation on, the programme is subject to specific health requirements (consistent with the provisions of the Equality Act [2010]). Prospective students are required to inform the Faculty of any health problems relevant to their future employment as a health professional. All students will be subject to an occupational health check.

Admission to, and continuation on, the programme is subject to consideration of any criminal convictions. The programme is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act [1986]. Prospective students are required to inform the Faculty of all criminal convictions. All students will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL will be considered on a case by case basis and in accordance with the University regulations for RPL as well as the NMC regulations.


2. Structure of Programme(s)
 
The programme is divided into four pathways options: health visiting, school nursing, occupational health nursing or sexual health. The award of Postgraduate Diploma is obtained upon completion of 70 CATs at level 7 and 30 credits at level 6. The programme comprises:
  • three taught modules at 20 credits each at level 7
  • two pathway specific modules at 20 and 30 credits each at level 7
  • two practice modules at 20 and 10 credits each at level 6
All pathways are offered on a full-time or part-time basis and require the candidate to be working within the relevant 'defined SCPHN area' (NMC 2004).

Once selected all modules are core.

The maximum period of registration shall normally be five years. This period of registration will incorporate periods of suspension or interruption of studies. The award must be completed within five years of the commencement date.


3. Progression
 
Progression Regulations are as described in the University Calendar, Section IV : General Regulations; Progression, Determination and Classification of Results for Standalone Masters Programmes with the following exceptions.

In order to meet the NMC requirements of this Programme the Faculty of Health Sciences places no restriction on the number of modules for which students may be referred for a second attempt. The restriction on the number of referral assessments per module is as stated in Section IV: General Regulations: Progression, Determination and Classification of Results: Standalone Masters Programmes.

In exceptional circumstances, and in order to achieve the practice hours required by the NMC, students may conditionally progress to the next part of the Programme before all practice modules have been successfully completed. Any outstanding practice modules must be successfully competed by week 12 of the next part.

The pass mark for all practice modules is 40% as well as satisfactory achievement of designated competencies, skills and criteria.

During the course of the Programme, and following discussion and agreement between the Programme Leader and student concerned, and when it is thought to be in the student’s best interests, consideration will be given to transferring a student to the equivalent undergraduate programme.


4. Assessment
 
The performance of candidates shall be assessed by the Board of Examiners in accordance with NMC requirements and the Faculty's regulations governing examinations for the relevant programme(s) of study.
  • Assessments are set and undertaken throughout the academic year.

  • Students must meet the pass criteria in both academic and practice assessment to pass overall. Non-assessed work may also be a course requirement.

  • To meet NMC requirements for V100 (NMC 2006), the student must achieve a pass mark of 100% in the drug calculation assessment.

  • Students must also submit a proficiency-based portfolio passed in practice by a Practice Teacher.

  • When attending for an examination the student must produce either their university ID card or a form of photographic ID in which they are clearly identifiable. Students without photographic ID will not be permitted entry to the examination.
Students are advised to familiarise themselves with the policies regarding academic integrity and confidentiality.


5. Award of Qualification(s)
 
To qualify for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Practice (SCPHN) candidates must:
  • have satisfied the entry requirements as set out in the programme specifications;

  • have undertaken all the levels of the curriculum as appropriate to each award/pathway and passed all the required assessments (theory and practice);

  • have satisfactorily completed all practice assessment, practice experience and other coursework as required;

  • have met the NMC requirements of 22 weeks of practice experience;

  • be judged as of good health and good character for entry to part 3 of the NMC register.
Students, who are successful at all assessment except practice modules and have achieved sufficient credit, shall be eligible for the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Studies. The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Studies recognises academic achievement but does not give entitlement to apply for part 3 registration with the NMC.

The final award is awarded by Senate on the recommendation of the relevant Faculty Board to candidates who have satisfactorily completed an approved course of study and have satisfied the assessment requirements. Classification of the Postgraduate Diploma is in accordance with University policy.

Classification
The award of Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Practice (SCPHN) will provide students with eligibility to register with the NMC on Part 3 with the annotation of health visitor, school nurse or occupational health nurse.

ECTS awarded to practice modules will contribute to the award of the Postgraduate Diploma but are not used as part of the classification of the award.  Classification of Postgraduate Diploma will be awarded in line with University regulations. The Postgraduate Diploma may be awarded a Pass or Pass with Distinction. To qualify for a Distinction you must have achieved an overall mean mark of at least 70% in the taught modules.

You will complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Practice with a professional qualification in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing on successful completion of all modules.


6. Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork
 
Practice experience forms an integral part of the programme and students are required to pass all practice modules to successfully complete the programme.

Students are permitted to continue in placement whilst progressing an academic appeal against a relevant body if deemed appropriate by the Programme Leader i.e. if a student is undergoing an appeal made against Fitness to Practise panel, they may not be permitted to enter practice settings. Other sanctions may also apply.


7. Other
 
As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our programmes to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. As a result, these regulations may be revised during a student’s period of registration, however, any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Please read our Disclaimer to see why, when and how changes may be made to a student’s programme.

Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Faculty and University regulations and policies. In particular:

Fitness to Practise
Academic Integrity
Special Considerations
Fitness to Study
Academic Appeals

Compensation
Compensation is not permitted on this programme.


Submitted by Corporate Services
Last reviewed: 23-Jul-2015
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