Evidence-based Decision Making in Practice
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
The Evidence-Based Decision Making in Practice online professional course from the University of Essex Online is a 20-credit, postgraduate-level professional course designed to strengthen the ability of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, to find, interpret, critique and apply evidence in clinical practice. The course focuses on evidence-based nursing, sources of knowledge, research appraisal, identifying opportunities for improvement, implementing evidence-based change, clinical decision-making and applying evidence within the workplace. It is delivered 100% online and part-time over 13 weeks, making it suitable for working professionals who want to develop their skills without leaving employment.
The course is awarded by the University of Essex and its online professional courses are accredited by The CPD Certification Service, providing a formal CPD record and accreditation recognised in more than 100 countries. On successful completion, students receive 20 academic credits at postgraduate level, together with a digital certificate and transcript. The course does not require formal academic qualifications or previous professional experience. However, because it is delivered in English, applicants normally need a high level of English proficiency, equivalent to IELTS Academic 6.5 where applicable. Applicants who are nationals of, or who have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, specified English-speaking countries may not need to provide separate English-language evidence.
For the 2026–27 academic year, the tuition fee is £1,468 for UK students and £1,543 for international students. The fee includes teaching materials and required reading. Importantly for worldwide marketing, the international fee is clearly stated by Essex Online, although any applicable local sales tax may be added according to the student's country of residence. A monthly payment plan is not available for Online Professional Courses, so this particular course should be marketed as a single-fee professional course rather than with monthly instalments. The current listed start dates are October 2026 and January 2027. There is also a 14-day money-back guarantee, subject to the university's terms and conditions.
This University of Essex Online professional course is accredited by The CPD Certification Service, which provides independent CPD accreditation and is recognised in more than 100 countries. This is a University of Essex postgraduate-level professional course with CPD accreditation, awarded by the University of Essex.
Entry Requirements
Academic requirements
No formal qualifications or previous professional experience are required for this online professional course.
English-language requirement
Where applicable, applicants should have English proficiency equivalent to IELTS Academic 6.5. Essex Online also provides a free online English test for applicants who do not hold IELTS or an equivalent qualification. Certain nationals and graduates from specified English-speaking countries are exempt from proving English proficiency.
Recommended application documents
Because the university states that no formal qualifications or experience are required, applicants should not be presented with the same documentation burden as applicants to a full degree. For marketing purposes, applicants should be prepared to provide:
Completed online application
Personal/contact information
Proof of identity
Evidence of English proficiency where applicable
Details of previous education, where applicable
Any supporting information requested by the Admissions team
Who is this course for?
This course can be marketed internationally to:
Registered nurses
Staff nurses
Clinical nurses
Nurse educators
Nurse supervisors
Nurse managers
Nursing officers
Healthcare practitioners
Clinical leaders
Healthcare quality-improvement professionals
Healthcare professionals involved in clinical governance
Professionals seeking postgraduate-level CPD in evidence-based practice
It can also be attractive to healthcare professionals who want to progress toward postgraduate nursing or public-health study. Essex Online specifically identifies potential progression to its PG Cert Nursing, PG Dip Nursing, MSc Nursing, PG Cert Public Health, PG Dip Public Health and Master of Public Health (MPH), subject to meeting the entry requirements of the chosen programme.
Career Opportunities
Clinical Nurse
Senior Staff Nurse
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Nurse Educator
Clinical Practice Educator
Nurse Manager
Quality Improvement Specialist
Clinical Governance Professional
Evidence-Based Practice / Research Support Professional
Healthcare Quality & Patient Safety Professional
Programme Highlights
Students are introduced to the principles of evidence-based nursing and how evidence can support better clinical decisions and patient-centred care. The topic establishes the foundation for understanding how professional judgement, research evidence and clinical circumstances can be brought together in practice.
This section examines the different sources healthcare professionals use when making decisions. Students develop an understanding of how different forms of knowledge can contribute to evidence-based care and how to distinguish useful evidence from less reliable information.
Students develop the ability to critically examine research rather than simply accepting published findings. The focus is on asking appropriate questions about research quality, relevance and usefulness when considering evidence for clinical practice.
Students explore approaches for systematically evaluating research evidence. This develops analytical and critical-thinking skills that can be applied when determining whether research findings are sufficiently robust and relevant to inform professional decisions.
This topic moves from evaluating evidence to identifying where improvements may be needed in clinical practice. Students consider how evidence can reveal opportunities for change and contribute to improved healthcare delivery.
Students examine tools and approaches that can support the implementation of evidence-based change. This is particularly relevant to professionals involved in quality improvement, clinical governance and the introduction of improved practices within healthcare organisations.
Evidence-based practice is not limited to quantitative research. This topic considers subjective experience and how professional and patient perspectives can contribute to understanding healthcare decisions and outcomes.
Effective evidence-based practice requires collaboration. Students consider how healthcare professionals can work with colleagues and other stakeholders to translate evidence into better patient care and organisational practice.
This topic brings evidence and clinical decision-making together. Students explore how nurses can use research, professional knowledge and clinical circumstances to make informed decisions that support patient care.
Students consider how evidence can be transferred from academic and research settings into everyday professional practice. The emphasis is on making evidence useful within real healthcare environments and organisations.
This topic examines the relationship between evidence-based practice, professional values and clinical decision-making. It encourages students to consider how evidence interacts with professional judgement and the realities of healthcare practice.
The course concludes by encouraging reflection and consideration of how evidence-based approaches can be evaluated and incorporated into professional practice. This supports continuous professional development and ongoing improvement.
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