Overview
Are you an experienced allied health professional? Do you predominantly have an interest in rehabilitation where your remit crosses boundaries of usual clinical specialities? Do you want to develop your expertise as a clinician but also as an educator, researcher and leader?
If so this ACP pathway may be for you. This part-time programme will enhance your clinical knowledge and develop your research skills to enable you to critically reflect on your practice in various areas of rehabilitation, thereby optimising your clinical practice and enhancing service delivery.
Additionally, through exploration of links between research, theory, policy and practice, you will become an effective leader, educator and advanced practitioner.
At Brunel, we understand the challenges of fitting study around work and family life. For this reason, we have designed this course to be flexible, so that it can fit around your current commitments. The full master's course can be studied 3 years part-time starting in September.
If you don’t want to commit to part-time study of the entire master's, you can develop your educational portfolio over a longer period of time by undertaking staged study that leads to the award of Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) after one year of study, Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) after two years of study and full Masters (MSc) after three years of study.
Please note that it is important you apply for the stage you will be studying in that year, i.e. to study for the PgDip you must have already completed the PgCert and you only apply for the staged MSc once you have completed the PgDip.
Each stage can be studied 1 year part-time starting in September. You could even just take one or more CPPD modules for your professional development and return to complete your course at a later date.
Induction 18th and 19th September 2024 online.
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
You will benefit from a course designed to incorporate a multidisciplinary perspective, necessary for leading in today’s global health care systems. You will study key modules in clinical leadership, learning and teaching, evidence-based practice and research.
Clinical oriented modules will include a bespoke mix selected from our Advanced Clinical Practice named specialist pathways in Cardiovascular Health, Critical Care, Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Neurological Rehabilitation, and Pelvic Health.
This will give you the opportunity to select modules that directly relate to your area of current and future practice.
Year 1 example module selection below is for someone who works in neuro ICU (note this will be discussed with you in advance.
Compulsory
- 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
- 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.
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 2024/25
UK: £960
International: £1,965
Optional
- PH5629 - Functional Neuroscience for Rehabilitation
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
- 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
Compulsory
- 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
- 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
Optional
- PH5631 - Clinical Applications in Neurorehabilitation
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
- 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
Compulsory
- 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
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
Following successful completion of this course, you’ll be fully prepared for a leadership role as an advanced practitioner in your relevant clinical profession (e.g. nursing, occupational therapy or physiotherapy) or can move into a variety of senior positions within a range of healthcare settings.
There are an increasing number of advance clinical practice roles and this master's will give you the relevant knowledge and skills to step into these positions. Potential roles you could assume include Advance Clinical Practitioner or Case Manager.
This programme is ideal for senior clinicians, clinical leads, managers, and research academics who are looking to develop and improve the care and experience of patients and their families, along with service provision.
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. Typically this should be work experience from a ‘Band 6’ level role.
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.
You must have met the minimum work experience requirement at the point you apply for the programme. For example, if you submit your application in February 2025, you must have 2 years experience by February 2025 (depending on whether you are working in or outside the UK). This is to make sure that you will definitely have enough experience when you join the course. This does not include internships as they are supervised and therefore technically still part of your training. You should aim to provide documented evidence of your clinical work experience. All applicants should include a detailed CV as part of their application. Applicants who are working outside of the UK should could include letters of recommendations and/or confirmation of employment (we appreciate that what you can provide will vary from one person to another and be dependent on your specific background and employer, so please aim to provide as much documentary evidence when you apply).
EU and International entry requirements
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
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
2025/26 entry
UK
£6,060 part-time
International
£12,395 part-time
UK Staged Master £4,040 per stage.
International Staged Master £8,265 per stage.
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
The course will be delivered using a variety of methods that have been chosen to optimise your learning of clinical theories and skills. They have been designed to maximise the level of interaction and engagement with your tutors and fellow students.
The following modules will be delivered through in-person on-campus teaching that requires mandatory attendance:
- PH5641 Working as an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner in Musculoskeletal Medicine: Advanced Assessment and Management Skills
- PH5642 Fundamentals of Pelvic Health
- PH5643 Management of the Pelvic Health Patient
- PH5652 Working as an Advanced Postnatal Practitioner (APP) in Pelvic Health
For all other modules you may choose whether to study through live, online interactive teaching that doesn't require attendance on campus, or you may choose to study through in-person campus-based teaching that'll require your attendance on campus.
Support
You'll have a personal tutor throughout your time at university. They'll be a source of support and will help you to make the most of your studies and time at University. You'll have scheduled tutor meetings and be able to access your tutor, as required, either online or via face-to-face meetings on campus.
Assessments
Coursework, such as portfolios and critical essays, will be submitted online via WISEflow and exams will be a mix of on-campus in-person OSCE exams and online open-book style assessments.
The schedule of teaching and assessment has been developed to make the programme as accessible and flexible as possible. Through the provision of both campus-based and online teaching, we'll provide an engaging and stimulating programme that helps you to maximise your learning and professional development in preparation for advanced clinical practice.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
You’ll benefit from the expertise of academics across our well-established clinical sciences department, giving you a truly interdisciplinary perspective on important topics. Many of our academics currently work in hospitals and other clinical settings, so they'll be teaching you up-to-date scientific knowledge and patient-assessment skills.
Our lecturers are active in research and often contribute to the development of professional guidelines, so you know you’re being taught by practicing healthcare professionals with a high profile in the sector. You’ll also be able to benefit from studying alongside other healthcare professionals in similar fields, giving you the opportunity to network and share ideas.
Our teaching approach is diverse and you’ll benefit from lectures, tutorials, seminars, and workshops.
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.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.
