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MSc First Contact Practitioner for Long Term Conditions

  • Study Mode: Part Time
  • Location: Uxbridge
  • Duration: Three Years
  • Start Date: September 2022
This programme has been developed for practicing healthcare professionals who want to develop in-depth knowledge and learn key skills in effectively managing a range of long-term conditions.
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Application guide

For information on how you can boost your career-prospects and apply for our postgraduate courses, follow our application guide.

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Postgraduate Open Days

Join us for a Postgraduate Open Day where you can discuss your options and chosen course with our course leaders.

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Fees and Funding

There’s a range of ways you can secure funding for your course, including sponsorship, scholarships and loans. And if you recently graduated from BNU, you may be eligible for a fee discount.

Why study this subject?  

If you are a nurse, physiotherapist, paramedic, pharmacist, occupational therapist or similar and have a role in the assessment and management of clients with long term health conditions, then this course will equip you to lead and implement informed change in the practice of long-term conditions management. It is also targeted at those moving into this field of clinical practice.

    Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

    Choosing to study with us means getting access to the opportunities, experiences and encouragement you need to move forward in your existing career, or to move towards new job opportunities within a wide range of services that relate to this field of clinical practice.

    You’ll have access to an experienced and supportive team of lecturers who have a background in working in practice. You’ll also benefit from our strong links with organisations and professionals who provide plenty of opportunities to build your network and meet people working in your clinical field.

    What facilities can I use? 

    We have invested in state-of-the-art, simulated clinical skills areas at our Uxbridge campus. Students regularly spend time in these areas, to practise their technical skills, and use the newest technologies, in a safe and supportive environment.

    What will I study?

    The course invites you to explore the complexities of assessing and managing long term conditions from multiple perspectives. It takes into account patient-centered care, psychological, social and physical demands and the potential impact on family, carers and wider society.

    We tailor our academic and pastoral support to your individual needs and aspirations, and your personal tutor will be on hand to support you on your learning journey.

    On completion of the programme you will be able to:

    • critically explore and interpret the theories and concepts underpinning the care and management of patients with long term conditions.
    • evaluate political and organisational drivers that influence developments in the management of long term conditions.
    • demonstrate a deep understanding of physical, social and mental health needs of individuals, applying effective consultation and assessment skills.
    • identify the roles and responsibilities of the multi-disciplinary team in the care of patients with long term conditions.

    How will I be taught and assessed?

    Flexibility is a key feature of this course as it is designed around a number of core and optional modules, which in some cases may also be accessed on a stand-alone basis. You’ll be taught in a variety of ways including:

    • lectures
    • seminars
    • simulation
    • case studies
    • group work
    • reflection
    • student-led activities
    • work-based learning.

    The variety of teaching methods encourages you to explore the application of new knowledge to a given situation, and the development of problem-solving skills both of which are charismatic of being a responsive practitioner. This programme also encourages inter-disciplinary discussions, debate and networking.

    Paramount to the teaching and learning strategy will be the value placed on your own personal experience of practice and theoretical underpinnings of practice. This includes individualised care planning, demonstrated via reflection, case studies and simulated learning within the programme and individual modules.

    Useful Information

    MSC First Contact Practitioner for Long Term Conditions Programme Specification

    What are the course entry requirements?

    Entry to taught postgraduate programmes normally require a first degree, but relevant experience, in some cases, can substitute for this requirement.

    Applicants who do not meet our published entry requirements are encouraged to contact our admissions team for further advice and guidance.

    Modules

    This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

    Year 1 Modules

    Assessment and Management of Long Term Conditions

    Cancer Care (optional)

    Cardiac Care (optional)

    Dementia Management and Care (optional)

    Diabetes Management (optional)

    End of Life Care and Symptom Management (optional)

    Frailty (optional)

    Respiratory Care (optional)

    Stroke Management and Care (optional)

    Clinical Decision – Making for Non-Medical Prescribing (optional)

    Clinical Decision – Making for Non-Medical Prescribing (Pharmacist) (optional)

    Applied Pharmacology for Non-Medical Prescribing (optional)

    Generating Knowledge for Practice

    Dissertation

    What are the tuition fees

    Home

    Home, Academic Year 2022 - 2023

    £2,800 per year

    The University is unable to accept any new applications from students who require sponsorship for a student visa to start in September 2022. This is due to the overwhelming popularity of our courses and visa processing timeframes.  Applications are still being taken from students who are already in the UK and hold the right to study.

    From September 2022, those students living in the UK or Republic of Ireland, and EU nationals with settled status in the UK, will be considered Home students.

    Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.

    You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

    Questions about fees?

    Contact our Enquiries Team:

    0330 123 2023

    advice@bucks.ac.uk

    What are my career prospects?

    This programme will appeal to existing practitioners who wish to consider enhancing an existing career in this field of clinical practice or simply those hoping to move into this field.

    The enhanced skills of analysis that students will gain through this programme of study may lead to promotional opportunities either in the clinical area, or in the fields of education, management or research.

    Students may wish to progress to doctoral studies, and the generic, transferable skills acquired throughout the programme may also open up employment opportunities outside these areas.