Overview
Are you a nurse or allied health professional that cares for critically ill patients? Perhaps you work in a high dependency or critical care area and wish to learn more about the management of your patients? Or maybe you care for patients in step-down units (SDUs)?
If so, this advanced practice pathway in critical care, is designed to provide you with the solid academic foundation you’ll need to progress as an advanced clinician.
On this course, you’ll develop advanced assessment and clinical reasoning skills for the acute management and rehabilitation of critically ill patients from intensive care units through to their discharge. You’ll learn a comprehensive knowledge of critical care, which will enable you to work at an advanced level of practice.
By studying the latest practices, policy and research, you’ll be able to apply the theory you’ll learn in practice to help your patients and improve their quality of care and health outcomes.
The full master's course can be studied in 1 year from September.
For information on Vice Chancellor's Excellence Award which offers £5000 fee reduction for self-funded international students please click here
Course content
Compulsory
- PH5603 - Quantitative Methods and Design for Health Science Research
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.
- PH5604 - Qualitative Research in Health and Social Care
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
- PH5612 - Advanced Clinical Leadership
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.
Click here to watch the video about this module
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 12th, Feb 26th, March 12th
- PH5615 - Learning and Teaching in Advanced Clinical Practice
Click here to watch the video about this 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
- PH5611 - Dissertation
Term 1
Fridays 0900-1200 online
2024 - Sept 27th, Oct 18th, Nov 8th, Nov 29th
Term 2
Monday 0900-1200 dual delivery
2025 - Jan 27th, Feb 3rd, Feb 24th, March 3rd
Optional
- PH5616 - Anatomy and Physiology
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
- PH5617 - Acute Management of the Critically Ill Patient
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
- PH5618 - Rehabilitation after Critical Illness
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
- PH5619 - The Specialist Patient
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
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel
Careers and your future
Career Prospects for Advanced Professional Practice Graduates
Following successful completion of this advanced practice programme, you will be fully prepared for a leadership role as an advanced practitioner in your relevant clinical profession (e.g. nursing, occupational therapy or physiotherapy) and within your clinical specialism.
Our graduates typically go on to senior clinical leadership positions within a range of healthcare settings, with many gaining prominent positions to pioneer service development at regional, national or international levels.
With increasing global demand for advanced practitioners, our graduates enjoy excellent employability and opportunities for career advancement. This master's will give you the relevant knowledge and skills to step into these positions. Designed to meet the needs of global healthcare organisations and employers, our graduates have excellent prospects in the UK and internationally, making them sought-after professionals in their preferred countries.
This programme is ideal for senior clinicians and clinical leads who are looking to take their clinical career to the next level, or in a new direction into management and service innovation, or academic research and education.
Professional Registration
To register as a healthcare professional in the UK you will need to hold a relevant pre-registration qualification. Though the MSc APP is not considered a pre-registration programme and therefore does not provide direct eligibility to register as a healthcare professional in the UK, the programme may be used alongside your international pre-registration qualifications to support your application for registration.
If you are seeking to register as a healthcare professional in the UK we recommend that you contact the relevant regulator for your profession to explore the current requirements. For allied health professionals (AHPs) information on international applications to the Health and Care Professions Council can be found on the HCPC website.
For nurses and midwives, more information on international applications to the Nursing and Midwifery Council can be found on the NMC website.
Rights to Work in the UK for International Students
International students graduating from this programme who hold UK professional registration may be eligible to apply for a Health and Care Worker Visa that provides the right to work within the UK healthcare sector. This visa also provides the right for dependants to come to the UK and exemptions from UK health insurance surcharges.
Further information about the current benefits of the Health and Care Worker Visa and rules for applying can be found at the UKVI website.
Information on further visa options is available on our Post Study Work Options webpage.
UK entry requirements
2025/6 entry
- Hold a pre-registration degree in a relevant allied health profession, be currently employed in the clinical speciality you wish to apply for and have the following relevant experience as a minimum:
1. Students currently working in the UK - At least 1 year of post qualification clinical work experience in the specialism they have applied for.
2. Students currently working outside of the UK – At least 2 years post qualification clinical work experience, ideally including at least 1 year in the specialism you have applied for.
EU and International entry requirements
English language requirements
- IELTS: 7 (min 6.5 in all areas)
- Pearson: 64 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 68% (63% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 98 (min 23 in all areas)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2024/25 entry
UK
£11,550 full-time
International
£24,000 full-time
More information on any additional course-related costs.
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Scholarships and bursaries
Teaching and learning
This course is designed to incorporate a multidisciplinary perspective that follows the patient pathway from admission to hospital discharge, which is essential when entering leadership roles in today’s healthcare systems. You’ll learn a holistic approach to patient care alongside clinical leadership skills and how to use evidence-based practice and research to make informed decisions that grow your knowledge and expertise in critical care.
Your learning will be underpinned by the national Advanced Clinical Practice framework as set out by NHS England (formally HEE), encompassing the four pillars: clinical practice, leadership and management, education, and research.
As well as studying key modules in advanced clinical leadership, teaching and learning, evidence-based practice and research, you’ll select modules to define your specialist pathway in critical care. You will have the opportunity to explore anatomy and physiology at an advanced level, giving a strong foundation for the clinically-orientated modules. These explore acute care interventions, specialist patient populations, and rehabilitation for the critically unwell patient.
Assessment and feedback
The course uses a range of flexible and engaging approaches to assessment. You'll be assessed through exams, critical essays, portfolios, oral presentations, and your dissertation.
The choice of the specific type of assessment will be appropriate to the intended learning outcomes of the taught modules. The assessment strategies will balance the need to demonstrate knowledge and competencies with more in-depth and critical approaches to learning. Such assessment approaches will include examinations, presentations of relevant clinical case scenarios, and coursework, which will take the form of critical assessment of literature and research, critical essays, and the development of the selected portfolio of learning.
Finally, the dissertation provides demonstration of an ability to synthesise and critically evaluate current research underpinning clinical practice and to develop and undertake relevant research, as well as its dissemination.
