Advanced Physical Assessment and Consultation Skills (APACS)
Introduction
This module allows the student to safely and systematically approach the comprehensive assessment of adult patients, through development of physical examination techniques, history taking skills and clinical reasoning.
Who the module is aimed at
This module is suitable for registered healthcare practitioners aiming to deliver advanced level physical assessment and consultation to adults as part of an Advanced Clinical Practice training programme. The student will learn the core skills of structured history taking and physical examination, which can be applied to any healthcare setting.
Benefits of taking the module to the individual, the organisation and the patient
Undertaking this module the student will learn to perform a comprehensive, skilled clinical examination of the major body systems in relation to adults. Each session is focused on a different body system. Major topics covered include: Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Neurology, Musculoskeletal and Abdominal systems alongside which students will be introduced to ENT, Breast and Integumentary and Genitourinary assessment. Also included are sessions designed to help the non-specialist practitioner assess distress in Mental Health.
Patients will receive a safe, high standard of holistic and evidence based care from a practitioner who is skilled and competent to assess and treat patients or refer them on for further treatment and management of care.
Areas covered
History Taking Physical Examination Clinical Reasoning
On completion of the module, you should feel confident to undertake a comprehensive health history and clinically examine the major systems of the body.
Fees and Funding for 2025/26
| Indicative price for stand-alone module |
Home student: £1,770 EU / International students: £2,955 |
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| How to apply |
To apply for a self-funded place, please complete and return the application form below: To apply for a Workforce Development / Workforce Transformation funding WDF/WTF funded place, please complete and return the relevant application form below: Further information and Workforce Development Funding / CPD Funding online application form |
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Entry requirements
• Relevant professional qualification
• Relevant work experience
• A clinical mentor and suitable workplace supervision is recommendedThe above must be evidenced in the applicants application form.
International students must have reliable internet access and supply IELTS scores.
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Attendance
Delivery Method:
This module is delivered at our Collegiate Crescent Campus
View our statement on notional study hours »
Provisional timetable
September - w/c 22/09/25 to w/c 16/03/26
January - w/c 19/01/26 to w/c 22/06/26
September
22/09/25 - Intro session
29/09/25 - Respiratory
13/10/25 - CVS
27/10/25 - Neurology
10/11/25 - Cranial Nerves
24/11/25 - MSK 1
08/12/25 - MSK 2
05/01/26 - Abdominal
12/01/26 - MH 2
26/01/26 - Reading week self-directed.
16/02/26 - OSCE preparation
16/03/26 - OSCE
January
19/01/26 - Intro session
26/01/26 - Respiratory
09/02/26 - CVS
23/02/26 - Neurology
09/03/26 - Cranial Nerves
23/03/26 - MSK 1
13/04/26 - MSK 2
27/04/26 - Abdominal
11/05/26 - MH 2
04/05/26 - Reading week self-directed.
01/06/26 - OSCE preparation
22/06/26 - OSCEAPACS module runs groups on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday.
Please ensure that you specify on your application your preferred day of attendance. If you don't select a preferred delivery date as part of your application you will be allocated a day based on availability. Please note we may not be able to accommodate all requests.
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Assessment
Module assessment is made up of one or more assessment tasks. The assessment task(s) for this module are:
- Written Assignment
- Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
Successful completion of this module will earn you 30 level 7 credits