Skip to main content
Brunel University London

Visit to apply

Advanced Clinical Practice CPD

Key Information

Course code

PGACASSMOD

Start date

September, January

Subject area

Advanced Clinical Practice

Credits

15

Fees

2024/5
UK £960
International £1,965

Scroll to #professionalFees

Entry requirements

Pre-registration degree in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or nursing

Scroll to #professionalEntryRequirements

Overview

Brunel offer a range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) modules for allied health practitioners delivered by experienced professionals and academics.

These modules are designed for the allied health professional, primarily working as a specialist physiotherapist or occupational therapist, who has at least one year of post-qualification work experience. They will prepare you for a leadership role in developing and improving the care and experience of service users, along with improving service provision across a range of health and care settings.

They are designed to provide you with an opportunity to develop your clinical reasoning in the chosen specialist area, as well as apply current guidelines for practice. You will also have an opportunity to consider patient care approaches which are multidisciplinary.

Teaching takes places across 2 terms, in line with the University calendar. The timetable of scheduled sessions for each module utilises designated days of the week for either 4 x full days, or 4-6 x half days during working hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), dependent on the module.

As an associate student, you may take one 15-credit module per term. 

You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.

Choose your modules

In this module we aim to develop your critical understanding of quantitative clinical research methodology and the principles of how to use clinical evidence to constructively inform your practice. This means developing skills and knowledge of quantitative research methods and design, understanding data and how to analyse and interpret it and learning how to critically appraise published research.

Indicative content includes consideration of research ethics, governance and integrity alongside theoretical underpinnings of scientific method. Different research designs will be examined alongside common sampling and approaches to statistics.

  • Study mode: Part-time.
  • 0900-1200 online. 1300-1600 face-to-face
  • Wednesdays (2024) - 9th October, 23rd October, 6th and 20th November and 4th December.
  • Assessment MCQ Jan 2025 
  • Credits: 15

Fees 2023/24
UK: £875
International: £1,785

 

  • Module code: PH5603

This module aims to critically explore, reflect upon and develop qualitative research skills and knowledge in health, and to explore qualitative approaches in research in the context of their philosophical, societal, and cultural underpinnings and use in clinical settings.

In additional to theoretical perspectives, through online lectures and interactive workshops you will be introduced to and practice different methods of collecting data and data analysis.

You will learn how to evaluate the quality of qualitative research and consider aspects such as ethics, power, reflexivity and the role of co-construction. This is made relevant to research projects but also service evaluations, quality improvement projects and practice.

  • Study mode: Part-time.
  • 0900-1200 face-to-face. 1300-1600 online
  • Wednesdays (2024) - 25th September, 9th October, 23rd October, 6th November and 20th November.
  • MCQ Jan 2025 

This module aims to develop advanced knowledge, skills, qualities and behaviours of leadership for clinical healthcare professionals working in a range of roles in healthcare settings in the NHS. This knowledge and skills literacy will nurture and enhance existing team-working skills and clinical leadership requirements in order to evidence advanced level skills.

Indicative content includes principles of clinical leadership, leadership theories and change management. Effective team working, partnership working and communication will be explored alongside service development tools including service co-design.

Process analysis will support your understanding of how to audit and measure systems and identify and track change.

Weds 0900-1200 face to face, 1300 - 1600 online

2025 Jan 29th, Feb 4th, Feb 26th, March 5th

Learning and Teaching Video for Module

This module aims to provide practitioners with advanced knowledge and skills for the planning, organisation, delivering, teaching and evaluation of effective programmes for clinical training in specialist practice.

Current research and theory underpinning the educational process which support a challenging and supportive teaching and learning environment for clinical practice will be explored aiming to enhance practitioners’ individual ability to critically appraise and augment their skills, knowledge and actively contribute to the education awareness for members of their healthcare team, patients, service users and carers.

Note: Students must currently be in practice and have formally identified and entered an agreement with a mentor and/or supervisor for the learning-in-practice elements of this module, prior to commencing the module.

Mondays 0900-1200 face to face, 1300-1600 online

2025. Jan 20th, Feb 3rd, Feb 17th, March 3rd, March 17th

This module will allow students to develop advanced theoretical knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology underpinning critical illness, in order to profile the critical care patient.

The module aims to develop students’ critical awareness of clinical evidence related to the critically ill patient through consideration of multiple systems including respiratory, cardiovascular, renal and brain failure and delirium.

  • Optional face-to-face sessions (for full time students) 16.00-17.00: Tuesdays - October 8th, October 22nd, November 5th and November 19th
  • Optional online sessions (for remote students) 17.30-18.30: Tuesdays - September 24th, October 1st, October 15th, October 29th and November 12th.
  • Assessment MCQ Jan 2025

This module will allow students to develop skills in the advanced clinical assessment of the critically ill patient, as well as a critical understanding of the acute management of critically ill patients, advanced clinical reasoning skills, human factors and non-technical skills. The module aims to develop students’ critical awareness of clinical evidence related to the acute management of the critically ill patient.

Indicative content includes clinical assessment skills, respiratory and renal failure and support, pharmacology and measurement systems and consideration of ethics, end of life care and organ donation.

Tuesdays 0900-1700 online

2025 - Jan 28th, Feb 11th, Feb 25th, March 11th

Assessment viva April 2025

This module will allow students to develop theoretical knowledge and critical understanding of the physiological processes underpinning critical illness, including the neuromuscular effects of critical illness, the effect on the respiratory system and consequent impact on weaning, and the psychological consequences of critical illness. 

In addition, students will develop a critical understanding of early mobilisation strategies, rehabilitation interventions, and outcome measurement in critical care; as well as the importance of inter-disciplinary working and long term follow up.

Tuesdays 0900-1600. Online but 1st session dual taught (ideally face to face)

Oct 1st, Oct 15th, Oct 29th, Nov 12th

This module will allow students to develop theoretical knowledge of specialist critical care populations.

They will gain knowledge and understanding of the specific pathophysiological processes and management of trauma, burns, neuromuscular disease, spinal cord injury , traumatic brain injury, liver disease and transplant, cardiothoracic surgery and the renal patient.

Tuesdays 0900 - 1700 online

2025 - Jan 21st, Feb 4th, Feb 18th, March 4th

In this module, students will engage with contemporary pain science and up-to-date principles of management for the person in pain. The module is designed for clinicians working with people with pain in any clinical setting.

It aims to improve students understanding of pain science and management and help to better embed this knowledge into everyday practice. Students will look at the issue of pain from multiple perspectives, including knowledge from neurobiology, psychology and epidemiology and other disciplines.

Throughout, there will be a focus on developing clinical skills that can be embedded into practice.

Thursdays 0900 - 1600 online

2025 - January 30th, February 13th and 27th, March 13th

Assessment essay April 2025

This module aims to develop advanced critical understanding of the current theory and science of current lower quadrant musculoskeletal practice, and to develop advanced examination and intervention skills for the management of patients with lower limb, and lumbo-pelvic (lower quadrant) musculoskeletal conditions.

Indicative content includes epidemiology, aetiology, pathology and pathophysiology of lower quadrant conditions. Complex clinical reasoning skills will be developed through consideration of advanced diagnostics and evidence based rehabilitation and health promotion approaches.

Thursdays 1400- 1700 online

2025 - Feb 6th, Feb 20th, March 6th, March 20th

This module aims to develop advanced critical understanding of the current theory and science of current upper quadrant musculoskeletal practice, and to develop advanced examination and intervention skills for the management of patients with upper limb, cervical and thoracic (upper quadrant) musculoskeletal conditions.

Indicative content includes epidemiology, aetiology, pathology and pathophysiology of upper quadrant conditions. Complex clinical reasoning skills will be developed through consideration of advanced diagnostics and evidence based rehabilitation and health promotion approaches.

Thursdays 1400- 1700 online

2024 - October 3rd, 17th, 31st and November 14th

This module aims to develop and update student’s knowledge of functional neuroscience underpinning neurorehabilitation and to explore recent and emerging neuroscientific techniques with particular reference to differential diagnosis and prognosis in neurological disorders.

It will also extend knowledge of neuroplastic adaptation and debate how rehabilitation interventions can harness learning in the presence of neurological dysfunction with the overall aim to explore how advances in basic and clinical neuroscience research impact on the personalisation and prescription of professional practice in neurorehabilitation.

Tuesdays 0900-1200 dual teaching online and FTF combined

Oct 1st, Oct 15th, Oct 29th, Nov 12th, Nov 26th

On this module, students will develop their knowledge of clinical neurophysiology and motor control and motor learning, relevant to rehabilitation of movement in neurology.

This will be achieved by critical examination of recent and emerging neuroscientific methods for assessment and management to inform clinical reasoning and decision making.

Tuesdays 0900 -1200 dual teaching

2025 - Jan 21st, February 4th and 18th, March 4th and 18th

By exploring the links between theory and practice, employing a person centred approach and through critical evaluation of current evidence for the effectiveness of selected rehabilitation interventions, measurement and approaches, this module aims to enhance the students’ ability to critically reflect upon their professional scope of practice.

Students will be expected to objectively rationalise and justify their clinical decision making, make evidence-based judgements including appropriate risk assessment and critically evaluate their effect when working with people with neurological disorders, their families and carers within the inter-professional environs.

Tuesdays 1300-1600 dual teaching online and FTF combined

Oct 1st, Oct 15th, Oct 29th, Nov 12th, Nov 26th

Assessment presentation Dec 2024

The aim of this module is to broaden knowledge of evidence based frameworks and interventions underpinning practice in cognitive rehabilitation across the key neurocognitive domains, as a consequence of acquired or progressive neurological conditions ( e.g., acquired brain injury, stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease and so on).

In this module, students will draw from their own clinical experience and practice in cognitive neurorehabilitation to explore evidence-based frameworks and interventions for cognitive, behavioural, emotional and social impairments.

They will engage in critical appraisal of emerging and technology assisted diagnosis and treatment and consider the impact of biopsychosocial perspective for holistic approaches to cognitive rehabilitation, reflecting the inter-professional team contribution to personalised rehabilitation interventions.

Tuesdays 1300-1600 dual teaching

2025 - January 21st, February 2nd and 18th, March 4th and18th

The NHS, public health and social care system and the delivery of prevention, treatment and care will continue to change over the coming years. An increased focus on managing complex co-morbidities will place a greater emphasis on the skills of the generalist as will the move towards increased care provision outside of dedicated care settings and professional boundaries.

An increase in the demand for Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner roles is occurring to address complex MSK patients, both within secondary and primary are settings. This module has been developed to address the learning needs of these clinicians who otherwise struggle to get the training they need to fulfil their roles.

Content is guided by contemporary professional standards for the Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner.

Pre-requisites

- CV for review

- HCPC registered

- 4 years working as a qualified physiotherapist

- Minimum of 2 years specialising in MSK

- Have formally identified and entered an agreement with a mentor and/or supervisor for the learning-in-practice elements of a programme, prior to commencing the programme.

Thursdays 0900-1600 online

Oct 10th, Oct 24th, Nov 7th, Nov 27th.

This module will provide the students with knowledge of common pelvic health pathologies focusing on enhancing assessment and diagnostic skills within pelvic floor dysfunction. An emphasis is placed on the critical appraisal of the current literature within pelvic floor dysfunction and supporting the student to work towards and individual view of clinical best practice.

Indicative content:

  • Obstetric, gynaecology, urology and colorectal anatomy and physiology.
  • Common pelvic health pathology including, urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic girdle pain and chronic pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction.
  • Research evidence underpinning varying assessments for the pelvic health patient. Including pelvic floor muscle assessment, speculum examination, urinalysis, and urology investigations and colorectal investigations
  • Evaluation of other specialist tests for pelvic health patients.

Mondays. Various delivery as below

Sept 30th 0900-1600 online, Oct 14th 0900-1600 face to face, Nov11th 0900-1600 online, Nov 25th 0900-1800 face to face

This module will develop the practical skills for the treatment and management of the pelvic health patient. This module is ideal to follow PH5642 Assessment and diagnosis of pelvic health. Students will learn practical skills such as catheterisation, vaginal pessary application, exercise, manual therapy, biofeedback and electrotherapy skills.

Rehabilitation will be the core of this module and the focus will be on conservative patient management of pelvic floor dysfunction. Critique of the literature will be completed with in-depth evaluation on clinical effectiveness.

Fridays and various as below. 0900 - 1600

2025 - Jan 25th online, Feb 6th/7th face to face, March 7th online

This is a post-registration module is aimed at physiotherapists working at an advanced level who wish to practice injection therapy. This course combines clinical and academic learning with an emphasis on the development of technical skills, clinical reasoning and critical evaluation of current research for injection therapy.

The module provides the relevant continuing professional development training of skills for physiotherapists that are necessary to meet the expectations of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy educational training for injection therapy. This module is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Pre-requisites include:

· CV to be reviewed by module lead

· Be HCPC registered

· Have four years experience working as a qualified physiotherapist

· Minimum of two years specialising in musculoskeletal practice

· Provide evidence of current appropriate indemnity insurance to practise

· Have formally identified and entered an agreement with a supervisor for the learning elements of a module prior to commencing the module.

Be able to access the relevant medicines through a setting-appropriate lawful medicines framework in order to offer injection-therapy. Be currently practicing in or working towards attaining a role in which injection therapy is considered to be within the scope of practice

Co-requisites

-valid CPR / Basic Life Support certification

- valid anaphylaxis management training ( this may be covered as part of a programme in injection therapy)

- evidence of appropriate Hepatitis B immunisation

Various dates as below

2025 - Jan 23rd 0900 -1700 (online), Jan 24-25th and March 7th 0900 - 1700 face to face Brunel campus

This module examines the science underpinning effective rehabilitation and exercise prescription relevant to advanced clinical practice. There will be a focus on the science of strength and conditioning, physiological adaptation to exercise in multiple systems and motor learning.

This will include principles of exercise dosing and the evidence underpinning the effectiveness of approaches to exercise prescription in both prevention and rehabilitation of cardiovascular diseases and health more broadly. Students will be introduced to the tools used to measure various aspects of movement and performance.

The module will consider the full spectrum of activity from the inactive to the higher functioning individual.

Fridays 0900-1600 dual teaching

Oct 4th, Oct 18th, Nov 1st, Nov 15th

This module examines the fundamentals of prevention and rehabilitation in cardiovascular health. There will be a strong focus on the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD), risk factor and the genetic determinants of CVD, medical risk factor management, CVD prevention and rehabilitation core components, motivational interviewing and behaviour change.

In addition, students will be introduced to the tools used to measure CVD risk in both primary and secondary prevention and both personalisation of care and self-management.

Fridays 0900-1600 dual teaching

Oct 11th, Oct 25th, Nov 8th, Nov 22nd.

This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to apply multi-factorial lifestyle approaches to the management of cardiovascular disease. Students will obtain a critical understanding of behaviour change techniques, approaches to smoking cessation, and approaches to weight management.

This module will promote the use of the current evidence base, current national and international guidelines, and underlying principles to develop advanced knowledge of multi-factorial management of cardiovascular disease risk factors.

This module has a strong practical focus aiming to equip students with skills to translate theory to practice. Students will develop skills to apply advanced behaviour change interventions, incorporating motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy, to individuals in health and cardiovascular disease. They will also develop skills needed for safe and effective professional practice of dietary and physical activity management in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.

Fridays 0930-16.30 dual teaching

2025 Jan 24th, Feb 7th, Feb 21st, March 7th

This module aims to develop the student’s advanced clinical practitioner skills both in the application of their learning to their own patient care and through observations of current preventive and rehabilitation practice in the context of cardiovascular health.

This module requires students to visit a range of relevant areas delivering prevention and rehabilitation services in cardiovascular disease. The student culminates these visits in the form of a reflective practice portfolio.

Development of skills to critique and evaluate different clinical interventions and hence identify recommendations for improving or changing practice is core to this module.

Fridays 1300 -1600 dual teaching

2025 - Jan 31st, Feb 14th, Feb 28th, March 14th

The aim of this module is to give students an overview into the change of clinical practice when moving into an advanced practice position within perinatal care. Content will include identification of high risk patients post birth, management of pelvic floor dysfunction, wound management and abdominal recovery post birth as well as bladder care following dysfunction.

There will also be a focus on legal aspects of practice as well as complex decision making. This module is suitable for healthcare workers who support patients within the perinatal journey , such as midwives, physiotherapists, health visitors and nurses.

Pre-requisites: An identified mentor and / or supervisor within postnatal care for the learning-in-practice elements of a programme, prior to commencing the programme.

Various as indicated below

Oct 4th 0900 - 1600 online, Oct 15th 0900 - 1600 face to face, Nov 15th 0900 - 1600 online, Nov 26th 0900-1800 face to face

Assessment OSCE Nov 2024, portfolio Jan 2025

How to apply

Click the 'Apply now' button on this page. You’ll be prompted to tell us the module you’d like to apply for in your application form. Make sure you tell us about your module choice so we can make a decision on your application more quickly. You’ll be able to find the details of the different modules you can apply for on this webpage. Once we have received your completed application we will assess it and contact you by email with the outcome.

If you have enrolled on a CPPD course previously and would like to join another module, there is no need to submit another application. Instead, you should contact the Taught Programmes Office for the department you want to join and provide them with the details of the module you want to study. They will be able to provide you with more information on what you need to do.

Fees

A fee will be charged for each module of study.

The cost of the fee will depend on the size of the module (10 credits, 15 credits, 20 credits or 30 credits).

Please refer to the Fees for Associate module students for the latest fees.

If you choose to apply we will confirm the fee to you when we make you an offer and you will be invoiced for the fee once you enrol.

Entry requirements

These modules are intended for practitioners in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or nursing. As such, persons interested in doing one of these modules should hold a pre-registration degree in either one of these allied health professions.

English language requirements: Whilst there are no formal English language entry criteria, because these modules are taught and assessed in English applicants should be able to communicate fully in English to the standard of GCSE grade C (IELTS 6.5 with 6 in all skills).

Associated full courses

This CPD can lead to the following associated degree courses with further study, depending on your module selection.

Advanced Clinical Practice PgCert, PgDip and MSc

Advanced Clinical Practice PgCert, PgDip and MSc

Advanced Clinical Practice (Cardiovascular Health) PgCert, PgDip and MSc

Advanced Clinical Practice (Cardiovascular Health) PgCert, PgDip and MSc

Advanced Clinical Practice (Critical Care) PgCert, PgDip and MSc

Advanced Clinical Practice (Critical Care) PgCert, PgDip and MSc

Advanced Clinical Practice (Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation) PgCert, PgDip and MSc

Advanced Clinical Practice (Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation) PgCert, PgDip and MSc

Advanced Clinical Practice (Neurological Rehabilitation) PgCert, PgDip and MSc

Advanced Clinical Practice (Neurological Rehabilitation) PgCert, PgDip and MSc

Advanced Clinical Practice (Pelvic Health) PgCert, PgDip and MSc

Advanced Clinical Practice (Pelvic Health) PgCert, PgDip and MSc