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            | Academic Unit | Faculty of Health Sciences |  
            | Final Award | Master of Science (MSc) |  
            | Programme(s) | Public Health Practice |  
            | Last modified | July 2010 |  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 |  
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        | Candidates must satisfy the Regulations for Admission to Degree Programmes as specified in the General Regulations. In addition, the normal requirement for entry to all programmes is a good first degree (first or second class) in a relevant subject of an approved University or institution of higher education and  
			An offer of a place will be conditional on meeting any outstanding academic requirements, health and criminal records checks.Be able to demonstrate financial and practical support for your studies.
 
The normal requirement for entry is a first degree in a related subject (2ii class or above), or equivalent qualification of an approved University.
 
Opportunity and employer support to access a Practice Teacher/Mentor in practice.
 
You should normally have at least two years relevant work experience some of which must be at a senior level.
 
You must be able to satisfy the Programme Leader that you are competent to pursue the programme.
			 
 The  right to refuse admission to the programme shall be reserved by the Programme  Leader approved by the Dean of Faculty. Formal notification of acceptance will  be made through the Faculty Registry.
 
 Specific Criteria for Admission - Specialist Community Public Health Nursing
 
 These are as follows:
  
			It  is important to note that, when assessing applications, your suitability to  undertake the programme is being evaluated not your suitability for eventual  registration on Part 3 of the NMC Register. The offer of a place is not a  guarantee or suggestion of likelihood of registration at the end of the  programme. On application for registration, the NMC considers each application  individually and a decision is made based on each individual's circumstances  particularly in relation to criminal records and health requirements. In  addition, registration with the NMC on Part 3 of the Register does not  guarantee employment. Employers will evaluate all applications for employment  on an individual basis in relation to organisational policies and procedures.You should fully comply with the Nursing and Midwifery Council's requirements for programmes designed to meet the proficiencies for Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visitor) or (School Nurse) [NMC 2004]. You must be registered on either Part 1 or Part 2 of the NMC Register.
 
You should have attended an interview by the selection panel. This normally consists of one lecturer in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing, a senior representative of the Health Visitor/School Nursing service, and a representative of the sponsoring/seconding employer.
 
The programme pathway for Specialist Community Public Health Nurses is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act [1960]. This means that you will be subject to an enhanced check by the Criminal Records Bureau and any Police cautions and civil or criminal convictions will be revealed. You must disclose any Police record and discuss it, in confidence, with your employer/programme sponsor. Having a record will not necessarily prevent you from entering the programme pathway for Specialist Community Public Health Nursing. 
			 
 Equality Statement
 The Faculty wishes to make places available to a wide range of people who will make a useful contribution to the study and practice of public health. The University and the Faculty are committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities in which students are recruited on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities and are given equal opportunities within the University. The aim of the policy is to ensure that no prospective or current students should receive less favourable treatment on any grounds that are not relevant to academic ability and attainment.
 
 The University's Disability Equality Scheme includes an Action Plan which identifies the steps that the University is taking to improve the opportunities available to disabled students.   Applications from candidates with disabilities are always considered and assessment of their abilities and needs undertaken sensitively.
 
 Decisions are based on whether or not the applicant meets the admission criteria, whether the programme can be delivered to the applicant in a way that meets their requirements, making reasonable adjustments if necessary.
 
 Accreditation of Prior  Learning (APL)
 APEL/APCL will be considered on a case by case basis in accordance with the University regulations for APL.
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    | 2. | Structure of Programme(s) |  
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        | The programme structure is as follows; 
			Pathway options : 
			This programme offers two pathways:Postgraduate certificate – three taught modules at 20 credits each
Postgraduate diploma – six taught modules at 20 credits each
MSc – six taught modules at 20 credits each plus the 60 credit dissertation
			 
			Generic – for all public health workers
 
Specialist community public health nursing – for registered nurses and midwives seeking a specialist community public health nursing (health visiting) or (school nursing) registration with the NMC. Both pathways are offered on a full-time or part-time basis and require you to be in practice.
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    | 3. | Progression |  
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        | Progression Regulations are as described in the University Calendar, Section IV : General Regulations; Progression, Determination and Classification of Results. 
 The  module pass mark and overall average programme pass marks for the award of MSc,  Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate is 50%.
 
 Specialist Community Public Health Nursing Pathway
 Assessment  of practice and theory is integrated. Within the Specialist Community Public  Health Nursing module you must achieve proficiencies in practice which are  verified in the workplace. You are required to pass all components of the  assessments to pass the module overall.
 
 On  successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma, you may choose to either  exit at this point or complete the 60 credit dissertation to achieve the MSc in  Public Health Practice (see University Regulations for Masters awards) (180 HE7  credits).
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    | 4. | Assessment |  
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        | Each  module will be assessed by an assignment or assignments based on the learning  outcomes. |  
 
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    | 5. | Award of Qualification(s) |  
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        | The MSc 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 and at least 70% for the dissertation. 
 The programme allows students to exit  at three different points.
 
 Postgraduate  Certificate: 60 HE7 credits (three core modules).
 
 You  may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Practice and a  professional qualification in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing by  successfully completing six core modules and the proficiency-based portfolio  (120 HE7 credits).
 
 Specialist Community Public Health Nursing Pathway
 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. You must also submit a proficiency-based portfolio passed in practice by the Practice Teacher.
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    | 6. | Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork |  
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    | 7. | Other |  
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        | These regulations may be revised during the student's period of registration in accordance with the procedures approved by Senate. |  |  |