Contemporary Issues in Nursing (Short Course)
Validated by University of Essex Online
Duration
13 weeksStudy Mode
OnlineTotal Tuition
£1,543Monthly Payment
One-time paymentQualification
Micro-Credentials / Short CoursesStart Date
October JanuaryProgramme Overview
University of Essex Online | 13-Week Postgraduate-Level Professional Course | 20 Credits | CPD Certified
Programme Overview
Contemporary Issues in Nursing is a 13-week, part-time online professional course from the University of Essex, designed to help nursing and healthcare professionals critically examine the contemporary challenges affecting nursing practice and the delivery of holistic, patient-centred care. The course develops critical judgement and evidence-appraisal skills, with particular attention to national policy, long-term conditions management, individualised care planning, safeguarding, care coordination and multidisciplinary working. It is delivered entirely online, making it suitable for working professionals seeking focused postgraduate-level professional development without taking a career break.
The course carries 20 academic credits at postgraduate level and is awarded by the University of Essex. Importantly for professional development purposes, University of Essex Online's online professional courses are accredited by The CPD Certification Service, which is recognised in more than 100 countries and allows completed learning to be formally recorded as CPD. Successful students receive a University of Essex digital certificate confirming the course studied and the 20 postgraduate-level credits achieved, together with a transcript. The credits may also be transferable into further study, subject to meeting the entry requirements of the subsequent programme.
The course is particularly relevant to registered nurses, nursing professionals, healthcare practitioners, clinical supervisors, nurse educators, care coordinators and healthcare professionals involved in the management of patients with long-term conditions. However, the entry requirement is unusually accessible: no formal academic qualification or previous professional experience is required. Students must have a high level of English; where English is not their first language, the expected level is equivalent to IELTS Academic 6.5, although applicants without IELTS can use the University's free online English assessment.
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
No formal academic qualification or previous work experience is required for admission to this online professional course. This makes it particularly attractive as an accessible postgraduate-level professional development opportunity.
English Requirement
Applicants require a high level of English. Where English is not the applicant's first language, the expected standard is equivalent to IELTS Academic 6.5. Applicants who do not have IELTS or an equivalent qualification may complete the University's free online English assessment.
Typical Application Documents
Applicants should be prepared to provide information/documents required during the application process, which may include:
Completed online application
Proof of identity
Contact and personal information
Evidence of English proficiency where required
Academic documentation where applicable
Any additional information requested by University of Essex Online Admissions
Who is this course for?
The programme can be marketed through UpCaria to a broad international healthcare audience, particularly:
Registered Nurses
Staff Nurses
Senior Nurses
Nurse Managers
Nursing Officers
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nurse Educators
Nurse Supervisors
Care Coordinators
Community Health Professionals
Healthcare Managers
Healthcare Professionals working with long-term conditions
Professionals seeking postgraduate-level CPD in nursing
Career Opportunities
Nurse Manager
Senior Staff Nurse
Nursing Officer
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Community Nurse
Care Coordinator
Case Manager
Clinical Supervisor
Nurse Educator/Clinical Educator
Long-Term Conditions Care Practitioner
Programme Highlights
Students examine the policy and political environment influencing long-term care and nursing practice. The topic helps learners understand how national policies and wider healthcare priorities influence patient care, service delivery and professional nursing responsibilities.
This area develops the ability to use evidence and data to inform clinical decision-making. Students consider how evidence can be evaluated and applied to improve nursing practice and patient outcomes.
Students explore assessment and clinical judgement in determining appropriate individualised care. The emphasis is on using assessment findings to develop care approaches that respond to the needs of individual patients.
This topic focuses on assessing whether care plans are achieving their intended outcomes. Students develop an understanding of how nursing professionals can monitor, review and adapt care in response to changing patient needs.
Students explore principles of case management and how coordinated approaches can support patients with complex or long-term healthcare needs. The topic is particularly relevant to nurses involved in continuity of care and patient pathways.
Effective healthcare increasingly depends on collaboration among nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, social care providers and other stakeholders. This area examines coordinated and multidisciplinary approaches to delivering effective patient care.
Students consider strategies for empowering patients to participate actively in their own care. The focus includes self-management, health promotion and supporting individuals to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
The course examines contemporary approaches to managing long-term health conditions and the implications for patients, families and healthcare professionals. It develops understanding of the complexity of providing sustainable, patient-centred care over extended periods.
Students consider the specific challenges associated with major long-term conditions, including dementia. The topic supports a more holistic understanding of the clinical, social and care-planning considerations associated with complex patient populations.
This area addresses the principles and challenges involved in providing compassionate, appropriate and holistic care toward the end of life. It reinforces the importance of patient dignity, individual needs and coordinated care.
Students explore safeguarding considerations within healthcare and the responsibilities of professionals in identifying and responding to potential risks to vulnerable individuals.
The course considers issues surrounding mental capacity and the implications for patients, carers and healthcare professionals. This supports more informed approaches to decision-making, autonomy and person-centred care.
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