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
ARCHIVE 2010/11
ARCHIVE 2011/12
ARCHIVE 2012/13
ARCHIVE 2013/14
ARCHIVE 2014/15
Academic Unit Health Sciences
Final Award Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (pre-registration)
Programme(s) Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (pre-registration)with eligibility to Professional Registration on Part 1 of the Register of the Nursing and Midwifery Council – adult nursing

Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (pre-registration)with eligibility to Professional Registration on Part 1 of the Register of the Nursing and Midwifery Council – children’s nursing

Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (pre-registration)with eligibility to Professional Registration on Part 1 of the Register of the Nursing and Midwifery Council – mental health nursing
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 (2010) standards for admission to Pre-registration Nursing programmes. The Post Graduate Diploma in Nursing (pre-registration) is designed as a graduate entry award to enable those with the necessary pre-requisites of a relevant degree and practice experience to take advantage of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) opportunities and achieve a postgraduate qualification with eligibility for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Registered Nurse in; Adult, Child or Mental health fields.  Admission to the programme requires students to successfully demonstrate 1000 hours (40 ECTS) of relevant prior study through the RPL procedures.

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 NMC regulations.


2. Structure of Programme(s)
 
The award of Post Graduate Diploma in Nursing (pre-registration) is obtained upon completion of a minimum of 60 ECTS at the appropriate levels, including at least 45 ECTS credits at HE level 7 and 15 ECTS credits at HE level 6.

The programme comprises 6 theory and 6 practice modules at HE levels 4, 5 and 6.

It is undertaken at academic levels 4, 5, 6 (practice) and 6, 7 (theory). The programme is in three parts which are normally undertaken over 3 years (or a minimum of 2 years with a successful RPL claim).
Part 1 Demonstration of relevant prior learning through the RPL procedures and equivalent to 40 ECTS at level 4. A successful APL claim is an admissions requirement to the programme.
Part 2

Students will study 30 ECTS at Level 4 (practice), 15 ECTS at level 5 (practice), 5 ECTS at level 6 and 20 ECTS at level 7.
Part 3 Students will study 15 ECTS at level 5 (practice), 30 ECTS at Level 6 (practice) and 25 ECTS at level 7.

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

The outline of the content of each module shall be specified in the module profile and made available to students electronically via the university virtual learning environment.


3. Progression
 
Progression Regulations are as described in the University Calendar, Section IV : General Regulations: Progression, Determination and Classification of Results for Standalone Masters. For all programmes which lead to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council or the Health and Care Professions Council, statutory regulations apply. For this reason, all our pre-registration programmes are exempt from section 3.3 (regarding compensation) and section 4.1 (regarding referral of assessments) of the Regulations.

Where it is necessary, due to the requirements of the Department of Health, Regulatory, Professional and Statutory bodies, they may differ, this is described below.

The pass mark for theoretical level 6 module is 40%. The pass mark for all practice modules is 40% and satisfactory achievement of designated competencies, skills and criteria.

Standard University progression regulations apply, except for the following variations, to meet NMC professional requirements.

Sections 4.1 and 4.3

The criteria for module assessment referral are:
  • No restriction is placed on the number of modules on which students may be referred for a second attempt.

  • In exceptional circumstances students may conditionally progress to the next part. Outstanding outcomes must be met by week 12 of the following part.

  • Failure to declare good health and character at the beginning of the academic year may result in termination of the programme.

  • Compensation is not permitted on this programme and all modules are core.


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

  • Practice modules must be repeated internally as attendance on placement is required.

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

  • In order to meet NMC requirements in drug calculations, 100% must be achieved to pass this assessment.

  • When attending for an examination the student must produce either university ID card or a form of photographic ID in which theyare 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)
 
In order to qualify for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (pre-registration), 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 and passed all the required assessments (theory and practice);

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

  • have met the NMC requirements of a minimum of 2300 hours of academic study and a minimum of 2300 hours of practice experience.;

  • for Adult field students, to have met the NMC requirements of the EU77/453/EEC directive;

  • be judged as of good health and good character for entry to the NMC register.
Students who are successful in all assessments except practice modules and have achieved sufficient credit, shall be eligible for the Post Graduate Diploma in Health Studies. The Post Graduate Diploma in Health Studies recognises academic achievement but does not give entitlement to apply for 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 PGDip is in accordance with University policy

Any student who experiences grave or terminal illness/injury which prevents them from continuing on their programme of study and achieving qualification may be eligible for a posthumous or aegrotat qualification named Postgraduate Certificate in Health Studies.

Classification
The award of Post Graduate Diploma in Nursing (pre-registration) will provide students with eligibility to register with the NMC as a registered nurse within Adult, Mental Health or Children and Young People’s field of nursing (as appropriate).   The award is obtained upon completion of a minimum of 60 ECTS credits, 45 of which are level 7.

ECTS awarded to practice experience 6 will contribute to the award of the Post Graduate Diploma in Nursing however it is not used as part of the classification of the award.  Classification of Post Graduate Diploma will be awarded in line with University regulations.


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.  Opportunities may be available for study abroad (including practice placements) through the ERASMUS scheme for students fulfilling criteria set by the Faculty.

Students are permitted to continue in placement whilst progressing an academic appeal against a relevant body if deemed appropriate by the programme leader. However, if a student is undergoing an appeal made against a Fitness to Practice 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

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Last reviewed: 17-Jul-2015
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