Acute and Emergency Care BSc (Hons); Postgraduate Certificate in; Postgraduate Diploma in; MSc; Professional Certificate in
About this course
The Institute of Health and Allied Professions at NTU offers a comprehensive suite of continuous professional development (CPD) courses that have been designed and developed to meet the needs of the local health sector workforce.
This course has been designed to support practitioners working in acute care settings to develop critical specialist knowledge and skills in the field of acute and emergency care. You'll be enabled to effectively assess and manage patients within acute care settings to provide person centred care to individuals with complex conditions.
The course values are rooted in a commitment to practice excellence and in the delivery of acute nursing care. This will be underpinned by the development of critical thinking to enable you to implement evidence based practice and service improvement.
The course is designed as a professional development framework through which practitioners, and health service providers can meet and advance the standards of practice, develop research skills whilst also supporting staff to gain an relevant qualification and enhance career progression.
Why do this course?
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Tailor your learning experience to suit your professional development needs, with a range of qualifications available at different levels.
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Benefit from our collaborative course design with specialist colleagues from Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust.
What you’ll study
The Acute and Emergency Care course, regardless of level of study, includes modules that are part of the Institute of Health and Allied Professions collaborative programmes which means each course has elements that are co-designed, co-produced and co-delivered by Clinical experts at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust.
This course is available at the following levels:
- Level 6 Professional Certificate (ProfCert)
- Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
- Undergraduate degree BSc (Hons)
- Masters degree (MSc).
You can find out more about the modules associated with each qualification below.
Core modules (60 credits)
Fundamentals in Acute Medicine and Emergency Care (30 credits)
This module will focus on the contemporary fundamental concepts in Acute Medicine and Emergency Care. Learners will develop their core knowledge and critical thinking skills within these specialities. Through a symptom-based focus with constant consideration of application to practice, learners will enhance clinical practice by improving their ability to assess patients and plan, manage and critically evaluate their care. This will be achieved through pre-learning, classroom-based, patient scenario, simulation-based activities and completion of a work based portfolio.
Developing Acute and Emergency Care (30 credits)
After completing the Fundamentals in Emergency and Acute medicine, learners on this module will focus on Developing Acute and Emergency Care. Emphasis will be placed on gaining the critical knowledge and enhanced skills required for developing expertise and confidence in this area. There will be a symptom based approach to the learning and focus on the continuing care of patients.
Core modules (60 credits)
Fundamentals in Acute Medicine and Emergency Care (30 credits)
This module will focus on the contemporary fundamental concepts in Acute Medicine and Emergency Care. Learners will develop their core knowledge and critical thinking skills within these specialities. Through a symptom-based focus with constant consideration of application to practice, learners will enhance clinical practice by improving their ability to assess patients and plan, manage and critically evaluate their care. This will be achieved through pre-learning, classroom-based, patient scenario, simulation-based activities and completion of a work based portfolio.
Developing Acute and Emergency Care (30 credits)
After completing the Fundamentals in Emergency and Acute medicine, learners on this module will focus on Developing Acute and Emergency Care. Emphasis will be placed on gaining the critical knowledge and enhanced skills required for developing expertise and confidence in this area. There will be a symptom based approach to the learning and focus on the continuing care of patients.
Core modules (90 credits)
Fundamentals in Acute Medicine and Emergency Care (30 credits)
This module will focus on the contemporary fundamental concepts in Acute Medicine and Emergency Care. Learners will develop their core knowledge and critical thinking skills within these specialities. Through a symptom-based focus with constant consideration of application to practice, learners will enhance clinical practice by improving their ability to assess patients and plan, manage and critically evaluate their care. This will be achieved through pre-learning, classroom-based, patient scenario, simulation-based activities and completion of a work based portfolio.
Developing Acute and Emergency Care (30 credits)
After completing the Fundamentals in Emergency and Acute medicine, learners on this module will focus on Developing Acute and Emergency Care. Emphasis will be placed on gaining the critical knowledge and enhanced skills required for developing expertise and confidence in this area. There will be a symptom based approach to the learning and focus on the continuing care of patients.
Research in Nursing, Health and Social Care (30 credits)
This module explores contemporary issues and debates in health research. The module will prepare you with the knowledge and skills required to undertake research in your chosen field of professional practice.
Optional modules (30 credits)
Leadership in Nursing, Health & Social Care Practice (30 credits)
The module will consider contemporary leadership theory, policy and research and will engage learners in critical reflection on their leadership approach. It aims to support you to develop a critical awareness of different leadership theories and styles, critically analyse the challenges facing leaders working in healthcare and/or social care environment, construct strategies to lead change and innovation in their local area, and consider the role of the leader in addressing resilience of self and colleagues in the healthcare and/or social care environment.
Maintaining Function and Quality of Life in the Frail Person (30 credits)
On this module you will consolidate your understanding of person centred care, re-enablement and the wider determinants of health, and critically evaluate your working practice with emphasis on families and carers as partners in care; and collaborative practice across care settings. You will critically reflect on your clinical practice and identify your strengths and limitations, with particular reference to Advanced Care Planning and shared decisions for End of Life Care. Our aim is to produce Health Care of Frail People practitioners who demonstrate that they have developed effective and competent practice, informed by appropriate theory, research and skills to promote optimal outcomes for people living with frailty and comorbidity You will be able to demonstrate effective leadership and communication through observed practice and assignment work.
Understanding, Identifying, Assessing and Managing Frailty (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of the pathophysiology of aging, concepts of frailty and the comprehensive geriatric assessment. The module considers contemporary approaches to the assessment and management of people living with frailty including management of frailty syndromes, along with strategies to promote patient engagement and participation in self-management.
Independent and Supplementary Prescribing for Non-Medical Practitioners (40 credits)
This module will provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to meet the NMC and HCPC standards for Independent and Supplementary Prescribing for Non-medical prescribers. You will develop your skills to be able to assess, diagnose and prescribe for a range of conditions, be introduced to the knowledge and skills to work in partnership with other professionals to deliver evidence-based care in diverse health and social care settings, and be equipped with professional values and behaviours to demonstrate self-awareness, leadership and resilience.
Innovation in Nursing, Health and Social Care Practice (30 credits)
In this module you will explore creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in nursing, health and social care. You'll critically analyse approaches to creative problem solving, and you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to innovate in response to an ever-changing environment and associated challenges.
Fundamentals of Neonatal Care (30 credits)
In this module you will gain a critical understanding of anatomy and pathophysiology, which informs neonatal care and therapeutic interventions in the low dependency and special care settings. You will critically analyse research, evidence and professional guidance to inform family-centred care, and analyse leadership strategies which facilitate collaboration and the efficient use of resources for the effective performance of the team. You will critically appraise the psychosocial and cultural needs of the family unit in the neonatal setting, communicate knowledge & associated clinical reasoning to peers drawing on complex situations to synthesise decision making, develop therapeutic relationships between the family unit and the MDT, and develop critical reflective skills to enhance personal & professional development.
Fundamentals of Renal Care (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. The module considers contemporary approaches to the assessment and management of renal conditions, along with strategies to promote patient engagement and participation in self-management.
Contemporary Approaches in Renal Disease (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of active therapeutic interventions which are used in the management of renal pathology. The module also considers contemporary approaches to leadership to facilitate effective collaboration and effective performance of the multidisciplinary team.
Lifecycle of Clinical Research (30 credits)
This module aims to develop understanding of the practical and regulatory issues associated with carrying out health and social care related research. You’ll explore different types of research studies and their challenges, discuss research design and delivery including the importance of patient and public involvement, and learn how to identify funding and resource requirements.
Leading Health and Social Care Research (30 credits)
This module aims to help you understand the principles of planning, patient recruitment, piloting and feasibility assessments. You will explore how collaboration can enhance study feasibility and quality, appraise the attributes of an inclusive researcher, and develop a critical and reflective approach to leading and delivering health and social care research.
Trial Management (30 credits)
This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to manage a research study, including project planning, resource management and risk management. Your skills and confidence to manage a clinical trial will be enhanced, and you will explore strategies that can be implemented to ensure strategies are completed on-time and within budget.
Research Governance (15 credits)
In this module you will review Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles for conducting and reporting clinical trials. You will discuss quality assurance and quality control systems used for monitoring and audit, and learn to effectively prepare for an inspection.
Research Ethics (15 credits)
In this module you will develop an awareness of the key ethical issues in research, the role of ethics committees, and research governance. You will discuss how research ethics and research integrity protect the safety of research participants, and explore how to identify ethical issues across the design, delivery and management of research.
Core modules (120 credits)
Evidence in Clinical Practice (30 credits)
This module is about developing an understanding of evidence-based practice (EBP) and will explore key factors and barriers influencing the adoption of EBP in healthcare. The module will look at different types of evidence underpinning clinical practice and begin to determine the quality of evidence and its relative value to patient care and outcomes.
Fundamentals in Acute Medicine and Emergency Care (30 credits)
This module will focus on the contemporary fundamental concepts in Acute Medicine and Emergency Care. Learners will develop their core knowledge and critical thinking skills within these specialities. Through a symptom-based focus with constant consideration of application to practice, learners will enhance clinical practice by improving their ability to assess patients and plan, manage and critically evaluate their care. This will be achieved through pre-learning, classroom-based, patient scenario, simulation-based activities and completion of a work based portfolio.
Developing Acute and Emergency Care (30 credits)
After completing the Fundamentals in Emergency and Acute medicine, learners on this module will focus on Developing Acute and Emergency Care. Emphasis will be placed on gaining the critical knowledge and enhanced skills required for developing expertise and confidence in this area. There will be a symptom based approach to the learning and focus on the continuing care of patients.
Independent Study: Nursing and Health & Social Care Practice (30 credits)
This independent study module provides you with the opportunity for originality and intellectual independence into a specific area of your clinical practice. Students will be able to choose between an impact study (e.g. service evaluation or audit), a clinical change project, or critical review of clinical practice. The module aims to support you in developing a theoretical foundation for your chosen project by providing you with an opportunity to explore and evidence your learning in your chosen field. You will engage in analysis, interpretation and comparison of data, and integrate the knowledge, understanding and skills gained from your previous studies.
Core modules (150 credits)
Fundamentals in Acute Medicine and Emergency Care (30 credits)
This module will focus on the contemporary fundamental concepts in Acute Medicine and Emergency Care. Learners will develop their core knowledge and critical thinking skills within these specialities. Through a symptom-based focus with constant consideration of application to practice, learners will enhance clinical practice by improving their ability to assess patients and plan, manage and critically evaluate their care. This will be achieved through pre-learning, classroom-based, patient scenario, simulation-based activities and completion of a work based portfolio.
Developing Acute and Emergency Care (30 credits)
After completing the Fundamentals in Emergency and Acute medicine, learners on this module will focus on Developing Acute and Emergency Care. Emphasis will be placed on gaining the critical knowledge and enhanced skills required for developing expertise and confidence in this area. There will be a symptom based approach to the learning and focus on the continuing care of patients.
Research in Nursing, Health and Social Care (30 credits)
This module explores contemporary issues and debates in health research. The module will prepare you with the knowledge and skills required to undertake research in your chosen field of professional practice.
Independent Study (60 credits)
This module provides you with the opportunity for originality and intellectual independence into specific area of your practice. You will be able to choose between an impact study (e.g., service evaluation or audit), a clinical change project, or critical review of practice.
Optional modules (30 credits)
Leadership in Nursing, Health & Social Care Practice (30 credits)
The module will consider contemporary leadership theory, policy and research and will engage learners in critical reflection on their leadership approach. It aims to support you to develop a critical awareness of different leadership theories and styles, critically analyse the challenges facing leaders working in healthcare and/or social care environment, construct strategies to lead change and innovation in their local area, and consider the role of the leader in addressing resilience of self and colleagues in the healthcare and/or social care environment.
Maintaining Function and Quality of Life in the Frail Person (30 credits)
On this module you will consolidate your understanding of person centred care, re-enablement and the wider determinants of health, and critically evaluate your working practice with emphasis on families and carers as partners in care; and collaborative practice across care settings. You will critically reflect on your clinical practice and identify your strengths and limitations, with particular reference to Advanced Care Planning and shared decisions for End of Life Care. Our aim is to produce Health Care of Frail People practitioners who demonstrate that they have developed effective and competent practice, informed by appropriate theory, research and skills to promote optimal outcomes for people living with frailty and comorbidity You will be able to demonstrate effective leadership and communication through observed practice and assignment work.
Understanding, Identifying, Assessing and Managing Frailty (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of the pathophysiology of aging, concepts of frailty and the comprehensive geriatric assessment. The module considers contemporary approaches to the assessment and management of people living with frailty including management of frailty syndromes, along with strategies to promote patient engagement and participation in self-management.
Independent and Supplementary Prescribing for Non-Medical Practitioners (40 credits)
This module will provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to meet the NMC and HCPC standards for Independent and Supplementary Prescribing for Non-medical prescribers. You will develop your skills to be able to assess, diagnose and prescribe for a range of conditions, be introduced to the knowledge and skills to work in partnership with other professionals to deliver evidence-based care in diverse health and social care settings, and be equipped with professional values and behaviours to demonstrate self-awareness, leadership and resilience.
Innovation in Nursing, Health and Social Care Practice (30 credits)
In this module you will explore creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in nursing, health and social care. You'll critically analyse approaches to creative problem solving, and you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to innovate in response to an ever-changing environment and associated challenges.
Fundamentals of Neonatal Care (30 credits)
In this module you will gain a critical understanding of anatomy and pathophysiology, which informs neonatal care and therapeutic interventions in the low dependency and special care settings. You will critically analyse research, evidence and professional guidance to inform family-centred care, and analyse leadership strategies which facilitate collaboration and the efficient use of resources for the effective performance of the team. You will critically appraise the psychosocial and cultural needs of the family unit in the neonatal setting, communicate knowledge & associated clinical reasoning to peers drawing on complex situations to synthesise decision making, develop therapeutic relationships between the family unit and the MDT, and develop critical reflective skills to enhance personal & professional development.
Fundamentals of Renal Care (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. The module considers contemporary approaches to the assessment and management of renal conditions, along with strategies to promote patient engagement and participation in self-management.
Contemporary Approaches in Renal Disease (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of active therapeutic interventions which are used in the management of renal pathology. The module also considers contemporary approaches to leadership to facilitate effective collaboration and effective performance of the multidisciplinary team.
Lifecycle of Clinical Research (30 credits)
This module aims to develop understanding of the practical and regulatory issues associated with carrying out health and social care related research. You’ll explore different types of research studies and their challenges, discuss research design and delivery including the importance of patient and public involvement, and learn how to identify funding and resource requirements.
Leading Health and Social Care Research (30 credits)
This module aims to help you understand the principles of planning, patient recruitment, piloting and feasibility assessments. You will explore how collaboration can enhance study feasibility and quality, appraise the attributes of an inclusive researcher, and develop a critical and reflective approach to leading and delivering health and social care research.
Trial Management (30 credits)
This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to manage a research study, including project planning, resource management and risk management. Your skills and confidence to manage a clinical trial will be enhanced, and you will explore strategies that can be implemented to ensure strategies are completed on-time and within budget.
Research Governance (15 credits)
In this module you will review Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles for conducting and reporting clinical trials. You will discuss quality assurance and quality control systems used for monitoring and audit, and learn to effectively prepare for an inspection.
Research Ethics (15 credits)
In this module you will develop an awareness of the key ethical issues in research, the role of ethics committees, and research governance. You will discuss how research ethics and research integrity protect the safety of research participants, and explore how to identify ethical issues across the design, delivery and management of research.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
How you're taught
Delivery mode
The teaching strategy is multi-modal and adopts a blended approach, with a clear commitment to face-to-face teaching and learning supported by online learning materials, small group discussions, presentations and practical exercises. Lectures will develop students’ subject knowledge and understanding and will aim to build on previous learning.
Throughout the course, each module will encourage students to not only examine the knowledge and skills requirements for advanced and competent practice, it will also explore specific themes, based upon experiences in practice. In this way students will be able to integrate learning across the “theory and practice” divide and to emphasise the importance of the practice component. Where appropriate, learning on the course will be led and enhanced by the contributions of external professional staff with specialist expertise. This co-delivery of education will enable learners to benefit from both clinical and academic expertise to augment their learning and provides a symbiotic approach to professional development.
Clinical area
Students should work within an appropriate healthcare setting while studying this course. This will enable students to reflect on their current practice and apply the knowledge and skills that are learned throughout the course. The course will also use case studies relating to the specialty and workplace along with discussion of professional practice to facilitate the integration of theory and practice.
How you're assessed
Prof/PG Certificate
- Viva
- Observed structured clinical examination
- Written assignment
- Multiple choice questions
- Portfolio
BSc
- Critical review of the literature
- Viva
- Observed structured clinical examination
- Written assignment
- Multiple choice questions
- Project report
- Portfolio
MSc
- Research proposal
- Viva
- Observed structured clinical examination
- Written assignment
- Multiple choice questions
- Project report
- Portfolio
Campus and facilities
The purpose-built Health & Allied Professions (HAP) Centre is home to our world-class teaching, practice, research and scholarship in the Institute of Health and Allied Professions (IHAP).
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep our students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your coursemates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.
Entry requirements
MSc and PGCert qualification
- Applicants will be registered health professionals currently practicing in an appropriate acute care setting
- Candidates will be required to evidence previous study at Level 6, or the ability to study at Level 7
BSc and ProfCert qualification
- Applicants will be registered health professionals currently practicing in an appropriate acute care setting
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
Fees and funding
Fees for courses starting between September 2024 and July 2025
Level of study | Course cost |
---|---|
ProfCert and PGCert | £2,650 |
BSc | £4,900 |
MSc | £7,950 |
Fees for courses starting between September 2025 and July 2026
Level of study | Course cost |
---|---|
ProfCert and PGCert | £2,700 |
BSc | £5,000 |
MSc | £8,100 |
*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can.
Download and complete our application form and return it to SOC.cpd@ntu.ac.uk. Please make sure you have read through the above course entry requirements carefully before you do.
This course is not open to international students.
Keeping up to date
After you've applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder. You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide.
Good luck with your application!