Advanced Clinical Reasoning and Evidence-Based Practice in Non-Surgical Oncology
Everything you need to know
- Start date: January 2027
- End date: August 2027
- Module leader: Melanie Clarkson
- Level: 7
- Credits: 15
Introduction
This module develops advanced clinical reasoning and professional judgement in non-surgical oncology, supporting evidence-based decision-making in varied scenarios.
It explores decision-making models, cognitive bias, and legal, ethical, and professional considerations, enabling learners to take ownership of their clinical practice and academic development within advanced practice roles.
Who is this course/module for?
A trainee/advanced practitioner in non-surgical oncology may be a registered healthcare professional from a nursing, pharmacy, or allied health professional background. As a trainee/advanced practitioner, you will have at least three years of Post-Registration experience in a relevant clinical area before the start of training.
What you’ll learn
Learners will develop understanding of clinical decision-making models, professional judgement, and cognitive bias. They will explore legal, ethical, and professional issues, apply evidence-based practice to oncology scenarios, and manage complex cases such as multi-morbidity and frailty, building capability and progressing towards mastery in advanced clinical practice.
Skills you’ll gain
Apply clinical decision-making models
Use professional judgement in practice
Recognise and minimise cognitive bias
Apply evidence to clinical scenarios
Manage complex patient cases
Integrate legal, ethical, and professional principles
Critically evaluate evidence
Make safe, effective clinical decisions
Demonstrate advanced practice capability
How you’ll learn
Learners will understand clinical decision-making models, professional judgement, and cognitive bias in practice. They will explore legal, ethical, and professional issues, apply evidence-based practice to oncology care, and manage complex scenarios such as multi-morbidity and frailty, supporting the development of advanced clinical capability and effective decision-making in practice.
Fees and Funding for 2026/27
| Indicative price for stand-alone module |
Home student: £915 EU / International students: £930 - The University cannot sponsor a Student Visa for CPD modules. However, if you already have permission to study in the UK, you can apply. If you’re unsure whether your visa allows this, please contact the International Experience Team at hallamhelp@shu.ac.uk to discuss your options. |
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| How to apply |
You can apply for this module using our online admissions form. After you have registered or logged in, select the module title under "Please choose your first module". |
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Entry requirements
A trainee/advanced practitioner in non-surgical oncology may be a registered healthcare professional from a nursing, pharmacy, or allied health professional background. As a trainee/advanced practitioner, you will have at least three years of Post-Registration experience in a relevant clinical area before the start of training. This allows you to develop a broad range of professional capabilities specific to your practice, which can serve as the foundation for your training:
- Professional qualification such as a first degree at a minimum of 2:2 or equivalent.
- Current registration as required for the practice of your base profession.
- At least three years of Post-Registration experience in non-surgical oncology.
- Currently working in a relevant clinical area with employer support for education and training, and access to a suitable coordinating and associate educational supervisor.
- If English is not your first language or you are an international learner, you must have an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each skill area.
- You must be prepared to embrace the challenges of education and training, motivated and able to engage in a variety of learning environments, including self-directed learning and remote learning.
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Attendance
Delivery Method:
Distance learning (fully online, independent study). Delivered entirely online through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), with no live sessions. Students study independently using guided materials and activities, with online academic support available to help them stay on track.
View our statement on notional study hours »
Provisional timetable
This module does not have a specific timetable of study days and times, that you are expected to attend. Your tutor will direct you through a series of learning resources and activities, including non-live discussions and live webinars. The latter will be recorded for people who cannot join the live sessions. If you would like to know the times for the live sessions in advance, you can request this from the module leader anytime from 17th August 2026.
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Assessment
Module assessment is made up of one or more assessment tasks. The assessment task(s) for this module are:
- Coursework
- Viva: typically, a combination of a presentation/demonstration to one or more academics, with discussion, questioning and oral feedback
Successful completion of this module will earn you 15 level 7 credits
Further details
For further information please contact the module leader Melanie Clarkson - m.clarkson@shu.ac.uk or contact the student experience team: