Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £10,940 for the course
International/EU: £11,150 for the course -
How long will I study?
3 Years
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
September 2026
January 2027
Course summary
- Develop expertise in clinical practice skills within a defined scope of practice.
- Establish critical skills, including problem-solving and critical decision-making.
- Progress from enhanced to advanced/consultant level practice.
- Apply critical appraisal skills to your clinical practice.
- Become an autonomous reflective practitioner, improving your ability to implement service developments.
This Masters can be used as evidence of your development within a defined scope of practice – completed in partnership with your employer. You'll develop as an advanced or consultant practitioner in radiotherapy, oncology or a combination of the two. You’ll develop your clinical, leadership, research and education skills – all linked with the multi-professional framework for Advanced Clinical Practice.
How you learn
The course is taught by lecturers and clinical academics who are active in their field, so your learning will reflect current practice. You’ll be encouraged to critically reflect on yourself and your role. You’ll develop into an autonomous practitioner – further expanding your knowledge, skills and behaviours within advanced/consultant level practice.
You’ll gain expertise in clinical practice, leadership and education – as well as ethical and legal elements within the field. You’ll also develop your research skills and drive service development within your area of practice. With elective modules, you’ll be able to personalise your studies to the needs of your scope of practice and service.
You learn through
- independent guided study
- student-directed learning
- formative tasks
- our virtual learning environment
- essays
- business cases or journal articles
- project and research work
- a poster and PowerPoint presentation
- case studies
- a service improvement proposal and plans
- critical evaluations
- profiles of evidence
- a planning portfolio
This is a distance learning programme where you’ll be supported by your course tutors, with regular e-activities and peer feedback. Throughout the programme you’ll learn alongside other professionals in radiotherapy and oncology. Peer learning is key as you’ll learn with, from and about each other's scope of practice.
Applied learning
Applied learning is the ethos at the heart of all Sheffield Hallam courses – meaning you’re given the opportunity to put your studies into practice. While placements aren’t allocated within the programme, you’ll gain employer support as part of the admissions process to allow you to apply your learning within clinical practice. This means you’ll be able to successfully complete the work-based learning elements of the programme – embedding your knowledge and skills into clinical practice.
Throughout the programme you’ll need access to an educational/workplace supervisor within clinical practice – they’ll be able to support your development in partnership with your course leader. Learners completing the programme should be in a supported training post at this level of practice.
Course leaders and tutors
Melanie Clarkson
Senior LecturerStaff profile for Melanie Clarkson, Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University
Modules studied may differ depending on when you start your course.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Modules studied may differ depending on when you start your course.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
The module aims to facilitate critical reflection on your learning and development within (or towards) a specialist / advanced practice role. It will encourage you to apply a problem based approach to develop informed evidence based knowledge and understanding of a specific area of practice in your scope of practice which could be enhanced and / or further developed.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The Specialist / Advanced Practitioner role
- The concept of expert clinical practice
- Problem based learning
- Professional leadership
- Education, training and development
- Practice development, R&D and evaluation
- Working across professional boundaries
- Personal and Professional Development Planning
- Evidencing continued professional development
- Legal, ethical and professional issues/requirements
- Emotional Intelligence
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.2 Assess own learning needs and engage in self-directed learning to maximise potential to lead and transform care and services |
2.2 Your role, responsibility and motivation to manage your own learning; the range of tools and techniques that can be used to direct own learning, set goals and evaluate learning |
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4.1 Engage in research activity; develop and apply evidence-based strategies that are evaluated to enhance the quality, safety, productivity and value for money of health and care |
4.1 National and international quality standards; the effect of policy on health and social care |
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4.3 Alert individuals and organisations to gaps in evidence; initiate and/or lead evidence-based activity that aims to enhance clinical practice and contribute to the evidence base; support others to develop their research capability |
4.3 The range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies relevant for use in health and social care; the roles and responsibilities of those involved in research; the range of legal, ethical, professional, financial and organisational policies and procedures that will apply to your research activities; the importance and impact of research on advancing clinical practices |
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4.4 Critically appraise and synthesise the outcomes of research, evaluation and audit; apply this within your own and others’ practice; act as a bridge between clinical and research practice; promote the use of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines |
4.4 Critical appraisal techniques and how to apply new knowledge effectively to own and others’ clinical practice; the importance of integrating research into clinical practice; the range of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines which apply to own and others’ practice |
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Skills |
1.7 Ensure safety of individuals and families through the appropriate management of risk |
1.7 Strategies to mitigate risk |
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Behaviour |
3.6 Establish and exercise your individual scope of practice within legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct to manage risk and enhance the care experience |
3.6 The range of legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct that apply to your practice |
This module aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge required within your extended role in developing as an expert practitioner evidencing your clinical competency as you work at an advanced clinical level.
The module will facilitate the development of practice knowledge that will reflect your scope of clinical practice, alongside developing autonomous clinical reasoning skills. The module encourages you to take an evidence based ownership of your professional practice and academic learning to support the development of your expert clinical practice.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Legal, ethical and professional issues
Expert and advanced practice
Confident competence and emotional intelligence
Clinical Decision making
Professional Judgement
Reflective Practice
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For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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Elective modules
The aim of this module is to provide learners with specialist knowledge relevant to the planning and delivery of radiotherapy for early stage breast cancer and to allow them to consider changes to service delivery and/or care within their work remit to enhance the radiotherapy pathway for patients with breast cancer.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Section 1 Pre-Treatment
Introduction to early breast cancer including a brief over view of epidemiology, aetiology, and treatment paradigms.
Imaging of the breast for radiotherapy planning
Target volume definition including outlining the breast and Lymph nodes
Section 2 Radiotherapy Treatment Delivery
Radiotherapy techniques for primary and boost treatments
Methods for on-treatment verification
Role of new techniques and current trials
Section 3 Care of the Breast Cancer Patient Undergoing Radiotherapy
Preparation of the patient for treatment, and care while on treatment
Side effects of treatment
Follow up and long term care
Role of exercise in rehabilitation of the breast cancer patient
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.1 Recognise and respond to individuals’ motivation, development stage and capacity; work in partnership to empower individuals to participate in decisions about care designed to maximise their health and wellbeing |
2.1 Motivational theory and how to apply it to participation in health and social care; the value of empowerment and co-design |
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4.4 Critically appraise and synthesise the outcomes of research, evaluation and audit; apply this within your own and others’ practice; act as a bridge between clinical and research practice; promote the use of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines |
4.4 Critical appraisal techniques and how to apply new knowledge effectively to own and others’ clinical practice; the importance of integrating research into clinical practice; the range of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines which apply to own and others’ practice |
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Skills |
1.8 Seek out and apply contemporary, high-quality evidence-based resources and existing and emerging technology as appropriate. |
1.8 The importance of evidence-based practice and technology, such as genomics, to underpin and inform decisions made about care and treatment. |
This module aims to provide the theoretical and evidence base underpinning for contemporary practice within radiotherapy planning. Exploring strengths, limitations, and practical issues influencing the efficacy of radiotherapy planning techniques.
This module maybe useful to practitioners who wish to develop their understanding of contemporary RT planning practice and how this influences the RT management pathway.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
An opportunity to explore enquiry-based learning connected to the radiotherapy planning processes:
- Basis of IGRT in planning
- Organ motion and immobilisation
- Planning principles for a variety of sites
- Plan evaluation and clinical decision making
- Emerging techniques and approaches
This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of how prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated, at all stages of the disease. Care of the patient and the experience of those affected by prostate cancer, is a key component, and we aim to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the physical, psychosexual and social impact of prostate cancer and the treatment related side effects.
Current research and evidence based policy and guidance, that underpins contemporary practices and is influencing future directions, will be referred to; and you will be encouraged to further explore current research/evidence underpinning specific areas of your own personal and professional interest.
Through the delivery of core learning materials/resources, and your own self-directed research, the module aims to enable a critical assessment of current standards of excellence in prostate cancer treatment and care. You will be encouraged to explore this both in terms of the services provided within practice, but also you will be expected to critically reflect on your own role in prostate cancer care and how you may develop your own clinical excellence and behaviour/performance in practice, as a result of your learning on the module.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Introduction to the prostate (anatomy, physiology, benign disease)
- Diagnosis of prostate cancer and prostate cancer risk, to include debate around screening for prostate cancer in asymptomatic men
- Management of localised, locally advanced, advanced/metastatic and castrate resistant disease
- Role of active surveillance, watchful waiting, surgery, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, chemotherapy and androgen deprivation (hormone therapy), and the contemporary techniques/procedures applied.
- Novel therapies and new agents e.g. cryotherapy, HIFU
- Treatment related side effects
- Psychological, sexual and social impact of treatment related side effects
- The patient experience / information and support needs
- Role of healthcare professionals in prostate cancer care
- Specialist/advanced practice/key worker roles
- Self-appraisal and performance improvement planning
This module aims to enable health care practitioners understand the concepts and processes associated with gaining an informed consent from a patient. To facilitate you undertaking a critical evaluation of local consenting practices, and identify potential areas of service improvement. It aims to ensure you understand and work within the boundaries of your own professional practice; whilst remaining cognisant of current policies about patient information provision and legal and ethical frameworks. The module also aims to facilitate an insight and awareness into the patient's perspective and information needs in facilitating informed consent.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The role of Information in Informed consent
Provision and communication of information to facilitate decision making and informed consent
The patient experience
The law relating to consent, refusal and capacity in healthcare practice
Ethical issues related to consent.
Professional issues- code of conduct etc.
Documentation of the process
Critical evaluation of local policy in context of NHS or other international directives
Process mapping of consent pathways and service improvement models
This module aims to facilitate your reflection and critical appraisal of underpinning theories of learning, teaching and assessment of adults that enables the design, delivery and evaluation of education. The emphasis is on exploring how educational concepts and theories are implemented and how they impact on your professional practice and development in the health and social care setting.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
In the module, a framework is delivered by staff and is planned to promote discussion. The following is indicative of the content:
• Lesson planning and evaluation
• Theories of adult learning and teaching in higher education
• Teaching strategies
• Assessment and feedback
• Learner support
• M level academic writing
• Engagement with the HEA UKPSF and other professional body requirements as appropriate.
Additional aspects of education may be added depending on learning requirements.
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.2 Assess own learning needs and engage in self-directed learning to maximise potential to lead and transform care and services |
2.2 Your role, responsibility and motivation to manage your own learning; the range of tools and techniques that can be used to direct own learning, set goals and evaluate learning |
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2.3 Work collaboratively to identify and meet the learning and development needs of health or care professionals; support practice education; act as a role model and mentor |
2.3 The application of teaching and learning theories and models in health and care; how to identify learning needs; organisational and professional roles and responsibilities in relation to life-long learning |
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4.1 Engage in research activity; develop and apply evidence-based strategies that are evaluated to enhance the quality, safety, productivity and value for money of health and care |
4.1 National and international quality standards; the effect of policy on health and social care |
This module aims to prepare practitioners as Independent and/or Supplementary Prescribers in accordance with appropriate Professional Regulatory Body (General Pharmaceutical Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, and Health Professions Council) and Department of Health guidance
From the point of diagnosis onwards, including palliative and end of life care; this module aims to explore the needs of cancer patients, and the ways in which they might be supported, to experience as good a quality of life as possible, as they live with or beyond their cancer and it’s treatment. Personalised care, and the importance of being able to address individual needs, in a multi-disciplinary and collaborative context, is promoted.
It is a module relevant to all those practitioners working with, and supporting, cancer patients and their families/carers.
Indicative content:
An overview and insight into the below aspects will be provided on this module, in terms of the learning resources provided; coupled with opportunities for group discussion/collaboration and application to specific issues in practice.
Principles of personalised care
The Cancer Team; their role in personalised cancer care
Managing patient expectations regarding their treatment and it’s outcome; Facilitating shared and informed, patient centred decisions
Preparing patients for treatment
The physical, psychological and social impact of cancer and it’s treatment
Pre-habilitation; Preparing patients for post-treatment phase
Supporting self-management; healthy interventions
Holistic needs assessment and assessment tools (PROMS, PREMS, HNA, toxicity scoring tools) etc...
Advanced communication and counselling in assessing and supporting patients; psychological interventions
Social support and vocational rehabilitation
Management of late effects; clinical interventions/ complex symptom management and specialist referrals
Setting up and coordinating services e.g. late effects services; including the role of the charity sector (national and community level)
Specialist roles and multi-disciplinary collaboration and referral pathways
Supporting patients with a non-curative cancer and in the palliative/EOLC setting
Cancer site specific examples
Year 2
Compulsory modules
The module aims to provide you with an introduction to research design and methods relevant to an applied area of investigation. It will enable you to consider factors that will impact on future planning and management of their investigation.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Identifying a research question
- Research methods to support quantitative and qualitative research
- Research ethics
- Literature based studies
- Service evaluation - design and methods
- Project planning and management
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.2 Assess own learning needs and engage in self-directed learning to maximise potential to lead and transform care and services |
2.2 Your role, responsibility and motivation to manage your own learning; the range of tools and techniques that can be used to direct own learning, set goals and evaluate learning |
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4.2 Evaluate and audit your own and others’ clinical practice and act on the findings |
4.2 The range of valid and reliable evaluation and audit methods used in clinical practice |
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4.3 Alert individuals and organisations to gaps in evidence; initiate and/or lead evidence-based activity that aims to enhance clinical practice and contribute to the evidence base; support others to develop their research capability |
4.3 The range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies relevant for use in health and social care; the roles and responsibilities of those involved in research; the range of legal, ethical, professional, financial and organisational policies and procedures that will apply to your research activities; the importance and impact of research on advancing clinical practices |
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4.4 Critically appraise and synthesise the outcomes of research, evaluation and audit; apply this within your own and others’ practice; act as a bridge between clinical and research practice; promote the use of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines |
4.4 Critical appraisal techniques and how to apply new knowledge effectively to own and others’ clinical practice; the importance of integrating research into clinical practice; the range of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines which apply to own and others’ practice |
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4.5 Develop and implement robust governance systems and systematic documentation processes |
4.5 The importance of effective governance systems and methods that can be used to ensure systematic documentation is in place |
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4.6 Disseminate your work through appropriate media to further advance clinical practices. |
4.6 The value of disseminating research to advance clinical practice, enhancing the quality, safety, productivity and value for money of health and care; how to select and use media appropriately to optimise research impact. |
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Skills |
1.1 Practise with a high level of autonomy and be accountable for your decisions and omissions; work in line with your code of professional conduct, professional standards and scope of practice |
1.1 Local, national policies and procedures within your scope of practice, the professional and regulatory codes of conduct relevant to your advanced clinical practice; the importance of working within boundaries of practice; the range of physical, psychological, pharmacological, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions within your scope of practice |
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Behaviour |
3.6 Establish and exercise your individual scope of practice within legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct to manage risk and enhance the care experience |
3.6 The range of legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct that apply to your practice |
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3.7 Identify and manage risk in own and others’ clinical practice; be receptive to challenge and demonstrate the ability to challenge others. |
3.7 The range of evidence-based strategies to manage risk in clinical practice. |
Elective modules
To provide practitioners working in health and social care settings, with a structured programme of study that will facilitate critical reflection on the application of advanced communication skills and develop insight into present and future practice.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Self awareness
Support for professional carers
Advanced communication skills
Theories of communication
Client assessment
Structure for assessment interview
Levels of psychological interaction
Responding to challenging situations
Sharing significant information
Boundaries and ethics of therapeutic relationships
Clinical Supervision
Continuing professional development
This module will provide you with the skills to use autonomous clinical reasoning when applying evidence based, holistic and systematic approaches to history taking and physical examination to achieve diagnostic accuracy and devise appropriate care plans.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
A holistic assessment and patient centred approach to clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis and safety netting.
Comprehensive health history taking and Problem focused history taking
Oral case presentation technique.
Physical examination and interpretation of findings of the following systems :
Head and neck including lymphatics and thyroid , Eye examination and Examination of the ears.
Neurological system: including cranial nerve and neuromotor/sensory examination
Cardiovascular and peripheral vascular systems
Respiratory system
Examination of the Abdomen
Examination of the musculoskeletal system
Examination of the skin
Mental health assessment
The History taking skills and physical assessment skills will be brought together to enable the formation of differential diagnosis of patient problems.
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
4.4 Critically appraise and synthesise the outcomes of research, evaluation and audit; apply this within your own and others’ practice; act as a bridge between clinical and research practice; promote the use of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines |
4.4 Critical appraisal techniques and how to apply new knowledge effectively to own and others’ clinical practice; the importance of integrating research into clinical practice; the range of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines which apply to own and others’ practice |
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Skills |
1.1 Practise with a high level of autonomy and be accountable for your decisions and omissions; work in line with your code of professional conduct, professional standards and scope of practice |
1.1 Local, national policies and procedures within your scope of practice, the professional and regulatory codes of conduct relevant to your advanced clinical practice; the importance of working within boundaries of practice; the range of physical, psychological, pharmacological, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions within your scope of practice |
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1.2 Assess individuals and families using person-centred approaches and a range of assessment methods, for example including history taking, holistic examination, requesting and interpreting diagnostic tests or conducting health and care needs assessments |
1.2 The range of physical, psychological and population based assessment methods used within your area of practice and the application of pathophysiology to underpin assessment and diagnosis |
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1.3 Use multi-agency and inter-professional resources, critical thinking, independent decision-making skills, problem solving skills and professional judgement to formulate and act on potential diagnoses |
1.3 The causes, signs, symptoms and impact of physical and mental health conditions within your scope of practice; how to draw on a diverse range of knowledge and critical thinking in your decision-making to determine evidence- based therapeutic interventions |
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1.5 Use expertise in clinical reasoning to plan and manage day to day, complex and unpredictable episodes of care; evaluate events to improve future care and service delivery; discharge or refer appropriately to other services |
1.5 How to plan and manage a defined episode of care within your area of clinical practice, which may include admission, referral or discharge, to other services; methods and techniques to evaluate interventions and how to use the outcomes to instigate service development |
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Behaviour |
3.6 Establish and exercise your individual scope of practice within legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct to manage risk and enhance the care experience |
3.6 The range of legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct that apply to your practice |
On successful completion of the module a student will have demonstrated a critical and evaluative insight into health and social care professionals who are leading and delivering autonomous advanced or advancing practice roles.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
● Legal and ethical principles and frameworks
● Complex decision making and clinical reasoning
● Socio-political elements of advancing practice
● Positive risk-taking
● Leadership
● CPD
● Resilience
● Community of practice and learning
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.2 Assess own learning needs and engage in self-directed learning to maximise potential to lead and transform care and services |
2.2 Your role, responsibility and motivation to manage your own learning; the range of tools and techniques that can be used to direct own learning, set goals and evaluate learning |
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2.4 Advocate and contribute to the development of an organisational culture that supports life-long learning and development, evidence-based practice and succession planning. |
2.4 The importance and impact of organisational culture in learning and development; techniques to influence organisational culture. |
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Skills |
1.4 Assess individuals for risk factors and their impact on health and wellbeing; facilitate and encourage individuals to manage their own health and make informed choices; support individuals with an ongoing plan for preventative and rehabilitative measures |
1.4 How to assess risk in relation to health and wellbeing; the principles of health promotion and prevention; strategies to engage and influence people; the range of health promotion tools available including the importance of therapeutic communication and behavioural change |
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1.7 Ensure safety of individuals and families through the appropriate management of risk |
1.7 Strategies to mitigate risk |
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Behaviour |
3.2 Use your advanced clinical expertise to provide consultancy across professional and service boundaries; drive service development and influence clinical practices to enhance quality productivity and value |
3.2 The implications and applications of epidemiological, demographic, social, political and professional trends and developments appropriate to your clinical practice |
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3.7 Identify and manage risk in own and others’ clinical practice; be receptive to challenge and demonstrate the ability to challenge others. |
3.7 The range of evidence-based strategies to manage risk in clinical practice. |
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This module aims to provide the theoretical and evidence base underpinning for contemporary practice within radiotherapy planning. Exploring strengths, limitations, and practical issues influencing the efficacy of radiotherapy planning techniques.
This module maybe useful to practitioners who wish to develop their understanding of contemporary RT planning practice and how this influences the RT management pathway.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
An opportunity to explore enquiry-based learning connected to the radiotherapy planning processes:
- Basis of IGRT in planning
- Organ motion and immobilisation
- Planning principles for a variety of sites
- Plan evaluation and clinical decision making
- Emerging techniques and approaches
The module is designed to help students build upon prior learning they have undertaken through non-accredited means. It provides the opportunity to enhance personal and professional development through planning & justifying a package of evidence to demonstrate achievement of 15 level 7 academic credits.
Application to and reflection upon learning and practice are a key focus of the module alongside academic writing skills and targeting dissemination of outcomes to a relevant audience.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The module content will be unique and individually determined, negotiated and justified by each student, however, it is anticipated that the following aspects will provide a core foundation for achievement of the learning outcomes:
- Forming personal and professional goals & learning outcomes, driving your CPD.
- Evidencing learning and development
- M-Level academic writing
- Reflecting on learning & development and models of reflection
- Considering impact of learning & development on practice
- Targeting dissemination of learning & practice/writing for publication
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.2 Assess own learning needs and engage in self-directed learning to maximise potential to lead and transform care and services |
2.2 Your role, responsibility and motivation to manage your own learning; the range of tools and techniques that can be used to direct own learning, set goals and evaluate learning |
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2.4 Advocate and contribute to the development of an organisational culture that supports life-long learning and development, evidence-based practice and succession planning. |
2.4 The importance and impact of organisational culture in learning and development; techniques to influence organisational culture. |
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4.3 Alert individuals and organisations to gaps in evidence; initiate and/or lead evidence-based activity that aims to enhance clinical practice and contribute to the evidence base; support others to develop their research capability |
4.3 The range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies relevant for use in health and social care; the roles and responsibilities of those involved in research; the range of legal, ethical, professional, financial and organisational policies and procedures that will apply to your research activities; the importance and impact of research on advancing clinical practices |
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4.6 Disseminate your work through appropriate media to further advance clinical practices. |
4.6 The value of disseminating research to advance clinical practice, enhancing the quality, safety, productivity and value for money of health and care; how to select and use media appropriately to optimise research impact. |
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Skills |
1.8 Seek out and apply contemporary, high-quality evidence-based resources and existing and emerging technology as appropriate. |
1.8 The importance of evidence-based practice and technology, such as genomics, to underpin and inform decisions made about care and treatment. |
To provide an in depth insight into the current knowledge and evidence based findings on head and neck cancer and its management. With specific reference to the patient journey and both the physical and psychological impact of the disease, contemporary issues and approaches to disease and patient management will be discussed. Critical reflection and evaluation of your own and others clinical practice will be encouraged.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Introduction to head and neck cancer
- Relevant anatomy and physiology
- Diagnosis
- Pathology
Management of head and neck cancer (to include information on both current and future approaches in the following indicative areas):
- Surgery
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Other approaches e.g. immunotherapy
Patient management
- Physical impact of the disease and its treatment (acute and chronic effects)
- Symptom management; medical control and use of other ‘complementary’ therapies
- Holistic care and links to service improvement
- Psycho-social impact of the disease and its treatment
- Links to patient journey, during and after treatment (including long term care and links to cancer survivorship)
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.2 Assess own learning needs and engage in self-directed learning to maximise potential to lead and transform care and services |
2.2 Your role, responsibility and motivation to manage your own learning; the range of tools and techniques that can be used to direct own learning, set goals and evaluate learning |
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4.4 Critically appraise and synthesise the outcomes of research, evaluation and audit; apply this within your own and others’ practice; act as a bridge between clinical and research practice; promote the use of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines |
4.4 Critical appraisal techniques and how to apply new knowledge effectively to own and others’ clinical practice; the importance of integrating research into clinical practice; the range of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines which apply to own and others’ practice |
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4.6 Disseminate your work through appropriate media to further advance clinical practices. |
4.6 The value of disseminating research to advance clinical practice, enhancing the quality, safety, productivity and value for money of health and care; how to select and use media appropriately to optimise research impact. |
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Skills |
1.8 Seek out and apply contemporary, high-quality evidence-based resources and existing and emerging technology as appropriate. |
1.8 The importance of evidence-based practice and technology, such as genomics, to underpin and inform decisions made about care and treatment. |
This module explores the concept of health promotion and lifestyle management. During the module you will develop an understanding of how models of health promotion can potentially impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. It also explores the potential of preventive approaches to improved health and wellbeing. The module will allow you to apply your understanding to individuals and/ or groups of individuals that you may be working alongside.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Policy context related to public health and health promotion
- Social determinants of health
- Models of health promotion or social marketing
- Approaches to behaviour change
- Practical skills development including the techniques of self-management, motivational interviewing and goal setting.
- Evaluation of health promotion and lifestyle management interventions
To enable you to develop a critical understanding of the role and importance of imaging throughout the radiotherapy process and to evaluate the impact of a range of imaging modalities on this process.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Principles of IGRT in the radiotherapy process
- Rationale for image guidance
- Role of anatomical and functional imaging
- Policies
- Sources of error
- Service implications
- Adaptive radiotherapy
Consideration of imaging modalities in the radiotherapy process
- To include CT, MR, PET/SPECT, EPIDs, Ultrasound, Tomotherapy, real time tracking and gating, planar and volumetric imaging, 3D and 4D imaging
Consideration for each will include: principles of operation; image formation; image interpretation and evaluation; role in both pre-treatment and on-set image guidance (with site specific case studies to illustrate); equipment options (hardware and software); relative merits and limitations; practical issues/implications for working practices; image manipulation; image registration and image matching; correction protocols; use of contrast; integration with other modalities/applications (including image fusion); role in both geometric and dosimetric verification.
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
2.2 Assess own learning needs and engage in self-directed learning to maximise potential to lead and transform care and services |
2.2 Your role, responsibility and motivation to manage your own learning; the range of tools and techniques that can be used to direct own learning, set goals and evaluate learning |
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4.1 Engage in research activity; develop and apply evidence-based strategies that are evaluated to enhance the quality, safety, productivity and value for money of health and care |
4.1 National and international quality standards; the effect of policy on health and social care |
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4.4 Critically appraise and synthesise the outcomes of research, evaluation and audit; apply this within your own and others’ practice; act as a bridge between clinical and research practice; promote the use of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines |
4.4 Critical appraisal techniques and how to apply new knowledge effectively to own and others’ clinical practice; the importance of integrating research into clinical practice; the range of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines which apply to own and others’ practice |
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4.5 Develop and implement robust governance systems and systematic documentation processes |
4.5 The importance of effective governance systems and methods that can be used to ensure systematic documentation is in place |
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4.6 Disseminate your work through appropriate media to further advance clinical practices. |
4.6 The value of disseminating research to advance clinical practice, enhancing the quality, safety, productivity and value for money of health and care; how to select and use media appropriately to optimise research impact. |
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Skills |
1.1 Practise with a high level of autonomy and be accountable for your decisions and omissions; work in line with your code of professional conduct, professional standards and scope of practice |
1.1 Local, national policies and procedures within your scope of practice, the professional and regulatory codes of conduct relevant to your advanced clinical practice; the importance of working within boundaries of practice; the range of physical, psychological, pharmacological, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions within your scope of practice |
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1.2 Assess individuals and families using person-centred approaches and a range of assessment methods, for example including history taking, holistic examination, requesting and interpreting diagnostic tests or conducting health and care needs assessments |
1.2 The range of physical, psychological and population based assessment methods used within your area of practice and the application of pathophysiology to underpin assessment and diagnosis |
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1.3 Use multi-agency and inter-professional resources, critical thinking, independent decision-making skills, problem solving skills and professional judgement to formulate and act on potential diagnoses |
1.3 The causes, signs, symptoms and impact of physical and mental health conditions within your scope of practice; how to draw on a diverse range of knowledge and critical thinking in your decision-making to determine evidence- based therapeutic interventions |
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1.5 Use expertise in clinical reasoning to plan and manage day to day, complex and unpredictable episodes of care; evaluate events to improve future care and service delivery; discharge or refer appropriately to other services |
1.5 How to plan and manage a defined episode of care within your area of clinical practice, which may include admission, referral or discharge, to other services; methods and techniques to evaluate interventions and how to use the outcomes to instigate service development |
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1.6 Initiate and evaluate a range of interventions which may include prescribing of medicines, therapies and care |
1.6 Local and national policies, regulatory frameworks and guidelines for prescribing where appropriate; knowledge of pharmacotherapeutics relative to your scope of practice |
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1.8 Seek out and apply contemporary, high-quality evidence-based resources and existing and emerging technology as appropriate. |
1.8 The importance of evidence-based practice and technology, such as genomics, to underpin and inform decisions made about care and treatment. |
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Behaviour |
3.6 Establish and exercise your individual scope of practice within legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct to manage risk and enhance the care experience |
3.6 The range of legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct that apply to your practice |
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3.7 Identify and manage risk in own and others’ clinical practice; be receptive to challenge and demonstrate the ability to challenge others. |
3.7 The range of evidence-based strategies to manage risk in clinical practice. |
This module aims to enable health care practitioners understand the concepts and processes associated with gaining an informed consent from a patient. To facilitate you undertaking a critical evaluation of local consenting practices, and identify potential areas of service improvement. It aims to ensure you understand and work within the boundaries of your own professional practice; whilst remaining cognisant of current policies about patient information provision and legal and ethical frameworks. The module also aims to facilitate an insight and awareness into the patient's perspective and information needs in facilitating informed consent.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The role of Information in Informed consent
Provision and communication of information to facilitate decision making and informed consent
The patient experience
The law relating to consent, refusal and capacity in healthcare practice
Ethical issues related to consent.
Professional issues- code of conduct etc.
Documentation of the process
Critical evaluation of local policy in context of NHS or other international directives
Process mapping of consent pathways and service improvement models
The aim of this module is to develop your role as interprofessional educators and facilitators. This will enable you to enhance the personal and professional development of the learners in your work place allowing them to make a positive contribution to the delivery of high quality care.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
IPE theory, educational theories, sociological theories concerning professional boundaries and identities.
Policy and strategic imperatives driving modern health care education
Theories of coaching, mentoring and facilitation
Conflict resolution theories
This module aims to help you develop an in-depth understanding of the fields of management and leadership in the contemporary health and social care context, whilst considering your role and future development.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Overarching concepts of leadership and management
- Leadership overview
- Mapping the field of leadership
- Leadership and learning diagnostic tools
- Leadership learning and development
This module will address the following issues, pertinent to prescribing as a non-medical practitioner, meeting regulatory requirement that typically include:
- Consultation, Assessment and decision making skills
- Models and frameworks used in prescribing
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
- Prescribing governance
- Ethical and legal issues of prescribing
- Current issues in prescribing
- Evidence based practice
- Professional accountability and responsibility
- Consent & Adherence
- Prescribing In the public health context
- Toxicology
- Leadership in prescribing
- Human factors
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
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Knowledge |
4.4 Critically appraise and synthesise the outcomes of research, evaluation and audit; apply this within your own and others’ practice; act as a bridge between clinical and research practice; promote the use of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines |
4.4 Critical appraisal techniques and how to apply new knowledge effectively to own and others’ clinical practice; the importance of integrating research into clinical practice; the range of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines which apply to own and others’ practice |
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Skills |
1.1 Practise with a high level of autonomy and be accountable for your decisions and omissions; work in line with your code of professional conduct, professional standards and scope of practice |
1.1 Local, national policies and procedures within your scope of practice, the professional and regulatory codes of conduct relevant to your advanced clinical practice; the importance of working within boundaries of practice; the range of physical, psychological, pharmacological, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions within your scope of practice |
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1.2 Assess individuals and families using person-centred approaches and a range of assessment methods, for example including history taking, holistic examination, requesting and interpreting diagnostic tests or conducting health and care needs assessments |
1.2 The range of physical, psychological and population based assessment methods used within your area of practice and the application of pathophysiology to underpin assessment and diagnosis |
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|
1.3 Use multi-agency and inter-professional resources, critical thinking, independent decision-making skills, problem solving skills and professional judgement to formulate and act on potential diagnoses |
1.3 The causes, signs, symptoms and impact of physical and mental health conditions within your scope of practice; how to draw on a diverse range of knowledge and critical thinking in your decision-making to determine evidence- based therapeutic interventions |
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1.6 Initiate and evaluate a range of interventions which may include prescribing of medicines, therapies and care |
1.6 Local and national policies, regulatory frameworks and guidelines for prescribing where appropriate; knowledge of pharmacotherapeutics relative to your scope of practice |
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1.7 Ensure safety of individuals and families through the appropriate management of risk |
1.7 Strategies to mitigate risk |
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1.8 Seek out and apply contemporary, high-quality evidence-based resources and existing and emerging technology as appropriate. |
1.8 The importance of evidence-based practice and technology, such as genomics, to underpin and inform decisions made about care and treatment. |
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Behaviour |
3.6 Establish and exercise your individual scope of practice within legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct to manage risk and enhance the care experience |
3.6 The range of legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct that apply to your practice |
To identify and successfully plan a negotiated and critically justified work based service improvement project. The service improvement project will consider benefits for the organisation and will develop your understanding of service improvement methodologies whilst enhancing your personal and professional skills.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The content of the module will be driven by personal and organisational goals negotiated at the start of the module. Key areas will be:
- Organisational structures
- Project management and evaluation
- Change management
- Selecting and using evidence
- Reflective practice
- Action planning
- Work based learning and organisational goals
- Action learning set methodology to support learning and progression through the module.
This module aims to explore the ‘cancer journey’ and utilise current professional guidelines and health policy to assess levels of support appropriate to the individual patient / carer. The overall aim of the module is to examine the psychological impact of cancer and to equip practitioners with the specialist knowledge to develop their practice in providing psychological support to patients / carers affected by cancer, whilst recognising the boundaries of their expertise and utilising appropriate referral systems.
This module is designed for experienced professionals working within radiotherapy, oncology and associated services who wish to further develop their knowledge of psychological services available to those who are affected by cancer.
There are many psychosocial factors to consider in cancer care and through this module the practitioner will be introduced to some general concepts and also to more specific issues. Specialists within the field have contributed to the content to enhance the multi-disciplinary philosophy that is evident in cancer care.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
These are examples of the content of the module
The patient experience and policy frameworks
- Psychology of Cancer
- Living with cancer
- The impact of cancer on the individual
- The ‘cancer journey’
- The patient experience
- Policy guidelines
- Four tier model of supportive care
Specific psychosocial issues
- Coping with loss
- Model of adjustment to cancer
- Body image
- Sexuality
- Concept of hope / spirituality
- Palliative care / bereavement
- Survivorship
Levels of intervention and assessment
- Patient Assessment
- Principles
- Assessment models
- Quality of life measurements
- Support Systems
- The role of complementary therapies
- Counselling
- Clinical Psychology / Psychiatry
Caring for the carers
- Support groups
- Health Care Professionals
- Work related stress / burnout
- Clinical Supervision
- Ethical dilemmas
For those studying on the apprenticeship route, the following KSB’s will be met through study of this module
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|
You will be able to: |
You will know and understand: |
|
Knowledge |
2.2 Assess own learning needs and engage in self-directed learning to maximise potential to lead and transform care and services |
2.2 Your role, responsibility and motivation to manage your own learning; the range of tools and techniques that can be used to direct own learning, set goals and evaluate learning |
|
4.1 Engage in research activity; develop and apply evidence-based strategies that are evaluated to enhance the quality, safety, productivity and value for money of health and care |
4.1 National and international quality standards; the effect of policy on health and social care |
|
|
4.4 Critically appraise and synthesise the outcomes of research, evaluation and audit; apply this within your own and others’ practice; act as a bridge between clinical and research practice; promote the use of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines |
4.4 Critical appraisal techniques and how to apply new knowledge effectively to own and others’ clinical practice; the importance of integrating research into clinical practice; the range of evidence-based standards, policies and clinical guidelines which apply to own and others’ practice |
|
|
Skills |
1.1 Practise with a high level of autonomy and be accountable for your decisions and omissions; work in line with your code of professional conduct, professional standards and scope of practice |
1.1 Local, national policies and procedures within your scope of practice, the professional and regulatory codes of conduct relevant to your advanced clinical practice; the importance of working within boundaries of practice; the range of physical, psychological, pharmacological, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions within your scope of practice |
|
1.2 Assess individuals and families using person-centred approaches and a range of assessment methods, for example including history taking, holistic examination, requesting and interpreting diagnostic tests or conducting health and care needs assessments |
1.2 The range of physical, psychological and population based assessment methods used within your area of practice and the application of pathophysiology to underpin assessment and diagnosis |
|
|
1.3 Use multi-agency and inter-professional resources, critical thinking, independent decision-making skills, problem solving skills and professional judgement to formulate and act on potential diagnoses |
1.3 The causes, signs, symptoms and impact of physical and mental health conditions within your scope of practice; how to draw on a diverse range of knowledge and critical thinking in your decision-making to determine evidence- based therapeutic interventions |
|
|
1.5 Use expertise in clinical reasoning to plan and manage day to day, complex and unpredictable episodes of care; evaluate events to improve future care and service delivery; discharge or refer appropriately to other services |
1.5 How to plan and manage a defined episode of care within your area of clinical practice, which may include admission, referral or discharge, to other services; methods and techniques to evaluate interventions and how to use the outcomes to instigate service development |
|
|
1.8 Seek out and apply contemporary, high-quality evidence-based resources and existing and emerging technology as appropriate. |
1.8 The importance of evidence-based practice and technology, such as genomics, to underpin and inform decisions made about care and treatment. |
|
|
Behaviour |
3.6 Establish and exercise your individual scope of practice within legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct to manage risk and enhance the care experience |
3.6 The range of legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, procedures and codes of conduct that apply to your practice |
Final year
Compulsory modules
This module will enable you to develop a proposal and then plan and conduct an in-depth investigation of a topic that contributes to professional practice. It provides the opportunity to apply an understanding of research methods to the investigation and allows you to demonstrate your ability to work with relative autonomy in undertaking a sustained, in-depth piece of independent learning. It promotes the dissemination of findings to your professional community.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This module is essentially an individual, self-directed piece of work the contents of which will be specific to your professional area and interests. You will be expected to demonstrate a knowledge base relevant to the topic of interest as well as knowledge and understanding of appropriate research methods.
Students must submit a proposal for approval and this is a mandatory element of this module. You will be advised and supported through the proposal stage and necessary internal and external ethical and scientific approval processes. Approval from the reviewers on behalf of the Faculty Research Ethics Committee is essential before students can progress with their study.
You will be advised about the necessity of obtaining SHU ethical and scientific approval for your project. This and other ethical approvals outside of SHU e.g. NHS will be supported.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in
- advanced-level practice radiotherapy
- advanced-level practice oncology
Equipment and facilities
On this course you work with
- the Blackboard e-learning system
- PebblePad (e-portfolio platform)
- regular online support via webinars, discussion boards, virtual meetings and email
We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want – with support as a distance learning student via the specialist library services, including access to a wide range of journals and research databases. You’re also welcome to use on-site 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.
Where will I study?
You study this course online from any location
Entry requirements
All students
Academic Qualifications
You must hold a degree in a related health care subject, for example BSc (Hons) Radiotherapy and Oncology or Therapeutic Radiography or a Diploma of the College of Radiographers (T).
Other formally certified qualifications
Equivalent, international academic and/or professional qualifications will be considered on an individual basis
Level of English language capability
If English is not your first language or you are an international student studying with us you must have an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each skill area.
Relevant work or work-related experience
You will typically be working in an extended / advanced role or moving into one within the field of radiotherapy and / or oncology. You must have managerial / employer support and a nominated mentor in a suitable role to support your development during the course. This will normally be a Health Professional already working within an extended / advanced role, a Clinician or a Consultant / Advanced Clinical Practitioner. To satisfy these requirements a letter of support from your manager / employer will be required before you commence the course.
You will need to have access to a reliable internet connection to support engagement with the course and have sound IT skills.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting part-time study in 2026/27 is £10,940 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time. Our tuition fee for UK students starting part-time study in 2026/27 is £3,650 per year.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting part-time study in 2026/27 is £11,150 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
Scholarships and financial support
Find information on scholarships, bursaries and postgraduate student loans.
International scholarships up to £3000 ›
Alumni scholarships up to £2000 ›
Postgraduate loans for UK students ›
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Health and Social Care (PDF, 277.7KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
