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Frailty BSc (Hons) / Postgraduate Certificate; MSc; Professional Certificate

Start date

  • Level(s) of Study: Professional
  • Start Date(s): Certificate – March each year. BSc and MSc – Sept/Oct each year
  • Duration: Certificate: 1 year part-time; BSc: 2 years part-time; MSc: 2 to 5 years part-time
  • Study Mode(s): Part-time
  • Campus: Clifton Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
Information for 2024

Introduction:

This Frailty course provides post-registration continuing professional development for registered health professionals. This course contributes to developing practice excellence and the delivery of professional caring for people living with frailty. It aims to develop practitioners with a breadth of knowledge across all areas of the frailty speciality, who will be able to deliver evidence-based care to people living with frailty and their carers.  This course has been developed in collaboration with Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

The Frailty courses have been developed with Special Clinical Leads and NTU School of Social Sciences staff. The principle aims for these courses is to provide post-qualification continuing professional development pertinent to the students’ area of work and enhance the knowledge skills and values of staff within critical care. These are core attributes required to develop and deliver a workforce, with the capabilities to deliver a safe and world-class service to people living with frailty.

What you’ll study

The course offers a unique blend of evidence and contemporary clinical practice to support the development of knowledgeable frailty practitioners. Content includes critical appraisal of anatomy and pathophysiology to inform frailty care and therapeutic interventions, collaborative working and contemporary approaches to leadership. The course will encourage students to critically reflect on current practice, discuss underpinning research and professional guidance and debate case-studies to develop clinical expertise and inform clinical decision making.

The learning environment and level of teaching will be the same for each level of study (post registration certificate, (level 6) or postgraduate (level 7). The level of study and therefore attainment will be differentiated at assessment only, students will be assessed at either Level 6 or 7.

Core modules

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.

Maintaining Function and Quality of Life in the Frail Person (30 credits)

This module aims to develop a critical understanding of reablement, person centred care and the wider determinants of health. The module also considers contemporary approaches to leadership to facilitate effective collaboration and effective performance of the multidisciplinary team.

Core modules

Evidence in Clinical Practice (30 credits)

This module recognises the importance of clinical expertise as key to interpreting and applying research and professional evidence into practice. During this module students will learn how to find evidence and critically analyse theoretical, scientific and ethical aspects of their chosen sources. Students will consider how evidence can inform practice and make credible recommendations for change.

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.

Maintaining Function and Quality of Life in the frail Person (30 credits)

This module aims to develop a critical understanding of reablement, person centred care and the wider determinants of health. The module also considers contemporary approaches to leadership to facilitate effective collaboration and effective performance of the multidisciplinary team.

Independent Study (30 credits)

This module provides you with the opportunity for originality and intellectual independence into a specific area of your 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 practice.

Core modules

Research in Nursing, Health and Social Care (30 credits)

This module explores contemporary issues and debates in health research. The module will prepare students with the knowledge and skills required to undertake research in their chosen field of professional practice.

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.

Maintaining Function and Quality of Life in the Frail Person (30 credits)

This module aims to develop a critical understanding of reablement, person centred care and the wider determinants of health. The module also considers contemporary approaches to leadership to facilitate effective collaboration and effective performance of the multidisciplinary team.

Independent Study (60 credits)

This module provides you with the opportunity for originality and intellectual independence into a specific area of your 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 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.

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.

Clinical Assessment and Management in Emergency and Urgent Care Practice (30 credits)

This module aims to Produce practitioners who promote optimal outcomes and demonstrate effective and competent practice in clinical assessment and management in both face to face and via remote methodologies, for patients presenting with undiagnosed and undifferentiated urgent or emergent injury or illness

Contemporary Development in Emergency and Urgent Care Practice (30 credits)

This module is designed to support registered health care practitioners working in the Emergency and Urgent Care who want to develop their knowledge and skills in the management of patients presenting with undifferentiated and undiagnosed injury and illness.

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.

Fundamentals in Emergency and Acute Medicine (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.

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.

How you’re taught

Teaching will be delivered using a variety of approaches, which include, lectures, problem-based learning, collaborative learning and reflection on clinical practice. The course is delivered through a blended delivery of on campus and online learning. This course is co-delivered by experienced academics and specialist staff embedded in current frailty clinical practice. This offers a synergistic approach to course delivery to ensure that the course remains current and responsive to changes in current practice. Students have the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills across a range of frailty contexts and apply learning to practice through critical reflection and discussion of practice.

Clinical area

Students should work within an appropriate health or social care 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

Professional / Postgraduate Certificate in Frailty

  • OSCE
  • Presentation
  • Written assignment

BSc Frailty

  • Critical review of literature
  • Presentation
  • Written assessment
  • OSCE
  • Project report

MSc Frailty

  • Research proposal
  • Presentation
  • Written assessment
  • OSCE
  • Project report

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).

As a student you will have easy access to the fantastic facilities in the newly refurbished clinical skills centre in the Lionel Robbins building and other facilities at Clifton campus, including:

  • clinical skills areas
  • lecturer theatres and teaching classrooms
  • open access PC's and secure wireless points
  • study areas and social spaces
  • Pavilion cafe
  • The Point Student Union

IT resources

Our IT resource rooms, Laptop loan stations and PC clusters are distributed across the Clifton Campus, with PCs providing access to:

  • Microsoft Office
  • email
  • web browsing
  • networked file storage
  • high-speed online printing services

Book and Library resources

In our library you will have access to an extensive and diverse range of books and periodicals. The library's OneSearch system provides access to all our:

  • electronic resources
  • journals
  • books

We have learner support coordinators and librarians who are available to support your studies, assist you in searching for print and electronic resources. They can also help you with academic writing and skills such as Harvard referencing.

Entry requirements

Professional / Postgraduate Certificate in Frailty

  • Applicants will be registered nurses currently working in an area of practice which is pertinent to the course
  • Applicants for the Professional certificate must have a level 5 qualification, applicants for the Post graduate certificate must have a level 6 qualification or evidence of the ability to study at Level 6

BSc Frailty

  • Applicants will be registered health practitioners currently working in health or social care.

MSc Frailty

  • Applicants will be registered health practitioners currently working in health or social care.
  • Level 6 qualification or evidence of the ability to study at level 7

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 studyCourse cost
ProfCert and PGCert£2,650
BSc£4,900
MSc£7,950

*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. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page to complete your application. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Keeping up to date

After you have applied, we will 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!

Open days

The School of Social Sciences holds open events throughout the year. Come along and learn more about our courses, speak to programme leaders and find out about studying with the School. To find out more about these events visit the School of Social Sciences website.

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