Contemporary Issues in Advancing Practice (distance learning)
Everything you need to know
- Start date: September 2026
- End date: January 2027
- Module leader: Anthony Walker
- Level: 7
- Credits: 15
Introduction
Using a macro/meso/micro approach to understanding health care, the module explores the socio-political context in which advanced practice takes place and helps you to critically examine the key external influences that impact upon policy and practice in advanced professional practice.
It also examines the theoretical basis for contemporary clinical decision-making, managing complex situations, and the management of risk.
Who is this course/module for?
All registered health care professionals working in primary, secondary, or tertiary care wishing to develop a wider understanding of the context in which advanced practice is developing.
What you’ll learn
Developing safe, effective, and productive relationships with your own and other professions.
Leading new practice and the need to develop service redesign solutions.
Influencing the future development of clinical practice to enhance quality, reduce variation and promote the sharing and adoption of ‘best practice’.
Demonstrating and enacting team leadership, resilience, managing situations.
The need to constructively challenge others and the escalation of concerns that may affect safety and well-being.
The legal, ethical, professional, and organisational policies, governance and regulatory procedures that affect advancing practice.
Skills you’ll gain
The module will challenge you to develop and enhance the following key skills for your own advanced practice:
Critical thinking and understanding complexity
Decision-making, innovation, and problem solving
Clinical risk management and risk stratification
Clinical leadership and career development
How you’ll learn
This will be done through the provision of a supportive and inclusive learning experience. This experience will be achieved through the use of peer discussion, critique, and classroom debate. The structure of the module is designed to support peer to peer learning, through engagement with the interactive module materials and the experienced academic team that facilitates learning.
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 |
To apply for a self-funded place, please complete and return the application form below: |
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Entry requirements
Must be a registered healthcare professional (e.g. nurse, midwife, AHP, pharmacist)
Usually registered with a relevant UK regulatory body (e.g. NMC, HCPC). An honours degree recognised in the UK, at 2:2 or evidence of level 6 study in a related health care subject.
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent. If your level of English language is currently below IELTS 6.5 we recommend you consider an appropriate Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course.
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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
Semester 1 tutorials will be held on Thursdays, 2pm – 4pm on the following dates:
- 1 October 2027
- 15 October 2027
- 29 October 2027
- 12 November 2027
- 19 November 2027
Semester 2 tutorials will be held on Thursdays, 2pm – 4pm on the following dates:
- 4 February 2027
- 18 February 2027
- 4 March 2027
- 18 March 2027
- 25 March 2027
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Assessment
Module assessment is made up of one or more assessment tasks. The assessment task(s) for this module are:
- Audio-Visual Online Presentation
Successful completion of this module will earn you 15 level 7 credits
Further details
For further information please contact the module leader Anthony Walker - A.Walker1@shu.ac.uk