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| Academic Unit |
Health Sciences |
| Final Award |
Master of Science (MSc) |
| Programme(s) |
Advanced Clinical Practice |
| 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 |
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Candidates must satisfy the Regulations for Admission to Degree Programmes as specified in Section IV of the University Calendar. In addition, the normal requirement for entry to all programmes is a good first degree (first or second class), or equivalent, in a relevant subject from an approved University or institution of higher education.
Candidates without a good first degree may be admitted to the programme but will be expected to provide evidence of suitable professional experience and supportive qualifications. The MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice award requires candidates to have gained an approved professional qualification before admission and they must hold a current professional registration in relation to this. They are also required to have a current PSRB registration or recent (must be current for some pathways) relevant contract of employment in a clinical area. They must also have at least two years relevant clinical experience. Additonally, two references must be provided. For some pathways one of the references must be from the applicant's current line manager. For some pathways assurance regarding appropriate mentor support is essential.
All candidates must satisfy the Programme Leader that they are competent to pursue the programme. Candidates must also be approved by the Faculty of Health Sciences. The right to refuse permission shall be reserved to the Programme Leader.
Candidates whose first language is not English are required either:
- to reach a satisfactory standard in an approved test in English. The Faculty of Health Sciences' International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requirement is 6.5 overall with each component at 6.0 or higher. Other Secure English Language Tests (SELT) are accepted as identified on the university website http://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissionspolicies/language/, or
- to offer a first degree from a UK university, or
- to have been instructed in English and come from a country which appears on the list of those exempt from testing.
If the candidate cannot provide any of the above requirements, they must otherwise demonstrate to the Faculty that they have an adequate command of both written and spoken English language to follow the proposed course. An original English language certificate is required as evidence in all cases except where online verification is available; ie: IELTS results.
Candidates may register for one of the following:
- MSc or Postgraduate Diploma
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be considered on a case by case basis in accordance with the University regulations for prior learning. Students may apply for RPL for any of the modules they select to study with the exception of Transition to Advanced Practice and the Dissertation modules for which no RPL applications will be accepted. |
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| 2. |
Structure of Programme(s) |
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The programme structure is as follows:
- 90 ECTS (180 CATS) at level HE7 (60 ECTS taught credits plus a dissertation of 30 ECTS)
- Individual modules: specified credits at level HE7.
Most modules are 10 ECTS (20 CATS)
All modules once selected are core. The programme may be of full-time or part-time study. The full-time period of study is normally one year, and a minimum of two years/maximum of five years for part-time study.
Candidates may apply to suspend from the programme temporarily for a specified period which will not normally exceed 12 months in accordance with the University regulations for suspension. Save in exceptional circumstances, permission to suspend will only be granted where the candidate can still complete the programme within the time limit defined by the regulations.
Candidates will select their modules in consultation with, and with the approval of, the Programme Leader or designated pathway leader.
Candidates will be required to undertake a dissertation that will normally be in the form of a paper for publication with supporting log book and critical reflection. This will be on a topic to be agreed with the academic supervisor. The dissertation must be submitted within the relevant timeframe specified by the Faculty. Part-time candidates may commence their dissertation before all taught modules are complete, but cannot submit it until all taught modules are successfully completed. |
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| 3. |
Progression |
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| 4. |
Assessment |
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Each module will be assessed according to the assessment guidelines within the module profile. Assessments may include written assignments, case studies, critical reports, practical or written examinations, reflective assignments, and a dissertation. In addition, candidates may be required to attend a viva voce examination.
When attending for an examination students 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. |
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| 5. |
Award of Qualification(s) |
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Candidates who have satisfied the examiners and who have accumulated the requisite number of credits shall be awarded the qualification for which they have registered in accordance with the University Regulations for Progression, Determination and Classification of Results for Standalone Masters Programmes.
Candidates who fail to achieve a pass mark in the dissertation (even after any permitted re-assessment) may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma.
Candidates who register on the MSc but who elect to exit the programme after achieving 30 ECTS (60 CATS) at HE7 level may normally be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences. For the award of Postgraduate Certificate (30 ECTS) students must complete the following:
- Research Methods for Evidence Based Practice (10 ECTS)
- 20 additional ECTS from any modules offered within the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Candidates who register on the MSc but elect to exit the programme having achieved 60 ECTS (120 CATS) at HE7 level may normally be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Practice. For the award of Postgraduate Diploma (60 ECTS) students must complete all the module requirements of their chosen pathway with the exception of the dissertation. |
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| 6. |
Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork |
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| 7. |
Other |
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Students who elect to leave the programme with a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma may normally re-join the programme up to two years after the date of their exit with the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma.
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
Students are guided to the Academic Appeals Regulations in the University Calendar. |
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