University of Gloucestershire

Overview

The MSc Advanced Professional Practice at the University of Gloucestershire is tailored for experienced healthcare practitioners seeking to enhance their advanced practice skills through critical inquiry and evidence-based decision-making. This program emphasizes the influence of broader social, ethical, psychological, and legal contexts on professional practice, while allowing students to undertake an independent advanced practice project relevant to their workplace.

Designed for clinicians actively engaged in relevant roles, this course offers the potential to transfer credits from previous Level 7 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) experiences, facilitating a seamless pathway to the full Master’s qualification.

What you'll study

The MSc program focuses on advanced practice learning, research capabilities, and a workplace-based independent project. The structure includes both compulsory and optional modules, which can be tailored to meet individual professional goals and learning needs. Key areas of study include:

• Research, audit and service evaluation methods
• Personal impact and professional development for advanced practice
• Individual learning contract
• Advanced professional practice independent project
• Specialist clinical practice: Primary care (specialist pathway/module)

Independent project: Students will complete a project focused on their workplace, demonstrating advanced professional practice through appropriate research, audit, or evaluation methods.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

• Minimum academic standard: Lower Second Class honours (2:2) or equivalent, as evaluated by the university.
• Professional background: Candidates must be registered UK healthcare professionals from any discipline.

English requirements

• IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 6.0 (with minimum requirements applicable for each component).
• TOEFL iBT: Score of 80 (with minimum requirements applicable for each component).
• PTE Academic: Score of 64 (with minimum requirements applicable for each component).

Other requirements

• Demonstrated history of delivering high-quality healthcare with a positive impact on clinical practice.
• Employment and mentoring: Candidates must be employed in a relevant professional role with full employer support and agreement from a suitable UK workplace clinical mentor for the course duration.
• Clinical role: Ideally, candidates should be in a band 7 level clinical position; band 6 roles may be considered with sufficient experience and clinical impact.
• Evidence of robust, varied clinical practice experience is essential.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MSc Advanced Professional Practice program are well-equipped to take on advanced roles within healthcare settings. The skills and knowledge gained through this program enhance their ability to lead, innovate, and improve clinical practice, positioning them for leadership roles and opportunities in various healthcare domains.