Advanced Clinical Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship | Advanced Clinical Practitioner MSc
3 years part-time

The practice focussed, clinical nature of this programme enables contextualisation of theoretical underpinnings of the 4 pillars of advanced practice; Clinical Practice, Leadership and Management, Education, and Research, thus developing capability in an advanced role whilst also preparing apprentices to contribute to the future healthcare agenda.

The programme aims to enable innovative solutions and develop new ways of working to improve, transform and streamline service delivery and equip apprentices with new, specialist practitioner knowledge to develop in the new role.

The philosophy of the programme is derived from work-based learning guidelines and will:

• Develop confidence and competence as research informed and research led learners.
• Enable engagement with and utilise critical reflection as a tool to explore and demonstrate applied learning
• Focus learning on diverse professional and personal development needs by using the workplace as the context for the learning
• Facilitate the updating of knowledge, skills and capabilities.

The programme comprises core study modules in year one with optional routes in year two, ensuring that studies are tailored to the needs of the apprentice. The options for year two include the NMC/HCPC approved Prescribing for Non-Medical Health Professionals module or continued development in line with the 4 pillars of advanced practice. In year three, the dissertation module offers a choice of Practice Project, Empirical Project, or Systematic Appraisal.

During the programme apprentices will complete academic essays, short examinations, oral presentations of practice, a viva-voce, practical demonstrations and develop a portfolio of evidence for summative assessment. Apprentices will also be required to successfully complete a university based multi-station objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to demonstrate clinical skills early in the programme. The varied and authentic nature of these assessments will prepare apprentices for and continue to be useful throughout a career as an advanced practitioner.

In addition to the MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner award, the following specialist awards are available:

• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Primary Care)
• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Emergency Care)
• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Sexual Health)
• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Advanced Critical Care Practitioner)

To achieve a specialist award, apprentices must meet the requirements of the appropriate nationally recognised standard or curriculum over the course of the programme. This will be facilitated collaboratively between Northumbria University and the Employer. 

End Point Assessment

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (2020) state that - Rigorous, robust and independent End Point Assessment (EPA) gives employers confidence that apprentices can actually perform in the occupation they have been trained in and can demonstrate the duties, and knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the occupational standard. For details of the current EPA for your standard please consult the IFATE Apprenticeship standards / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education webpage here.

This apprenticeship normally takes 3 years part-time, followed by the endpoint assessment which will typically be completed within 3-12 months. Full details are available on the IFATE website.

The EPA for this apprenticeship is the final 20 credits of the MSc programme and starts once the apprentice has met the gateway requirements after the dissertation module.

The teaching team on this course consists of clinicians and academics who boast extensive experience, research and knowledge in a variety of healthcare specialisms, bringing their expertise to the classroom to enhance the learning experience.

With many years’ experience supporting advanced practice students and apprentices, our expert team will be there as a support through every step of the apprenticeship, ensuring apprentices leave with confidence and a full understanding of all aspects of this dynamic clinical practice role. This course is apprentice-centred and uses active learning approaches to engage.

During the programme, apprentices will draw on academic research and experiences of participants, facilitation, case-studies, group discussions, self-study, peer learning, simulations and networking. Assessment techniques will be varied and include 360-degree evaluations and reflections.

The course also uses a problem-centred approach in contextualising and applying best practice, allowing apprentices to apply practical lessons to their own context in the workplace. 

Apprentices will reap the benefits of workplace learning and to add to this will have access to our Clinical Skills Centre, based at Coach Lane campus that includes some of the most advanced healthcare facilities in the country. Facilities that ensures learning will progress in parallel with the latest developments in the healthcare industry.

University study will contribute to 20% off the job training and timely face-to-face contact will be essential.  Attendance at tutor-led sessions is very important, however as employees, we appreciate apprentices may unavoidably miss an occasional taught class. This apprenticeship is taught as a blended delivery with all learning and teaching materials available via a virtual classroom and accessible to students remotely when not being taught on campus. Apprentices will also be allocated a personal tutor who will provide support in respect of academic development.

Whilst on campus, apprentices will have access to the University’s exceptional facilities including social spaces, IT facilities and lecture theatres and not forgetting 24/7 access to our award winner University Library.   

In partnership with Northumbria University, the employer will support the apprentice at work to achieve their apprenticeship. Whilst studying the apprentice will be required to work full-time, for at least 30 hours a week, and will be supported through learning at work to achieve the requirements of the apprenticeship standard.

In the workplace, apprentices will be supported by a clinical supervisor and colleagues. Both apprentice and their line manager will be supported by Northumbria University throughout the programme. Apprentices will also meet with their manager/mentor and a university representative, usually their personal tutor, at least three times each year.

During the programme, many assessments are work-based and aligned to the context and activity of the organisation, leading to increased organisational understanding and performance by the apprentice whilst ensuring they develop new skills and enhance productivity and performance.

To complete the programme, the apprentice will have to demonstrate that they have obtained the relevant skills, knowledge and behaviour required during their workplace training.

Whilst off-campus and in the workplace, apprentices will have access to our technology-enhanced learning (TEL) facilities provide access to module information, electronic reading lists and online learning resources such as podcasts, e-books and e-journals.

The employer covers all tuition fees for the apprentice, the total payment required depends on the organisation’s apprenticeship levy status.

Apprentices studying an apprenticeship do not pay any tuition fees, however, as they are in full-time employment they do not have student status and therefore are not entitled to apply for student finance.  

To discuss the fees for this apprenticeship in detail or to explore signing an agreement with the university, complete the enquiry form below and someone from our Business and Enterprise team will be in touch shortly.

Alternative Application Route

If your organisation is unable to support your studies via their levy pot, but you still want to apply for one of the Advanced Clinical Practitioner options, please find below alternative routes to apply. Please note you will still need to gain your trust or employers permission to be able to apply and full fees will be applicable.

• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner
• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Primary Care) 
• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Sexual Health)
• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Advanced Critical Care Practitioner)
• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Emergency Care) 

We guide both employer and apprentice through the application and funding process and will be on hand to assist you during the apprenticeship journey.

Before entry onto the programme, all Apprenticeship applicants must complete an Initial Skills Assessment which maps their prior knowledge against the apprenticeship standard. This is part of the University’s regulatory funding obligations. The purpose of an apprenticeship is to provide new learning and the skills assessment will be used to establish whether we need to tailor your programme in any way to account for your previous qualifications or experience. It also provides a benchmark against which to map your progress on the programme.

Information for Employers

To start the application process for either current employees or new recruits contact our Business and Enterprise team today by email or complete our online enquiry form. Alternatively, you can call 0191 215 6300.

Information for Apprentices

To study this Advanced Clinical Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship you are required to be in full-time employment and working in a role that is recognised as an advanced clinical practitioner or trainee advanced clinical practitioner in your organisation. You should speak with your employer about how your organisation can support you on this course, and in the role of an advanced practitioner. If you are interested in studying this apprenticeship and you are in current full-time employment complete our online enquiry form.

As an apprentice, you must meet the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) qualifications requirements. Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or Functional Skills English and Maths at level 2 and be able to provide evidence of these qualifications. Further information about these requirements can be found here. It is recommended that applicants have this qualification prior to entry, however if applicants are working towards this qualification, it is a condition that it is completed in advance of End Point Assessment. The University will facilitate provision of Maths and English qualifications where this is needed.

If you are not in full-time employment but would like to study this apprenticeship programme, keep checking our vacancies page for information regarding job opportunities.  

Alternative Application Route

If your organisation is unable to support your studies via their levy pot, but you still want to apply for one of the Advanced Clinical Practitioner options, please find below alternative routes to apply. Please note you will still need to gain your trust or employers permission to be able to apply and full fees will be applicable.

• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner
• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Primary Care) 
• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Sexual Health)
• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Advanced Critical Care Practitioner)
• MSc Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Emergency Care)