Managing Acute Illness in Primary Care
Everything you need to know
- Start date: September 2026
- End date: January 2027
- Module leader: Alison Subramanian
- Level: 7
- Credits: 30
Introduction
It is expected that students will be working in a patient facing role that requires them to be involved in the assessment and management of acute illness within a primary care setting. The student should be working towards an advanced practice qualification.
Prior knowledge and experience of advanced clinical examination and assessment is recommended. Therefore, it is suggested that students complete the Advanced physical assessment and consultation module (APACS) prior to commencing the management of acute illness in primary care (MAI) module.
Who is this course/module for?
- This module is aimed at Qualified registered allied health professionals who are working towards an advanced level qualification at level 7.
- Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years post registration experience.
- For the duration of the module you will require a clinical supervisor such as a qualified ACP or GP who will support and verify the gathering of your required clinical hours and portfolio.
- Students need to have knowledge of advanced assessment skills prior to embarking on this module.
- Preferably students will have already completed the Advanced Physical Assessment & Consultation Skills (APACS) module prior to starting this module.
What you’ll learn
Learners will explore the complexities of acute illness across diverse patient populations, considering both physiological and psychosocial factors that influence presentation and outcomes. The module also addresses the challenges of uncertainty, risk management, and appropriate escalation of care, equipping practitioners to respond confidently and competently in fast-paced primary care environments.
Skills you’ll gain
By the end of this module, students will be able to critically evaluate assessment strategies, implement appropriate management plans, and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary care, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes in acute care scenarios.
How you’ll learn
This module is delivered face to face on campus. The sessions will include a variety of teaching methods including group work, formative assessment and online resources.
Students will be expected to attend all 12 study days.
The clinical study days occur every Wednesday.
The OSCE will be carried out on a Wednesday or Thursday depending on your preference.
Fees and Funding for 2026/27
| Indicative price for stand-alone module |
Home student: £1,825 EU / International students: £1,860 - 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
Qualified registered allied health professionals who are working towards an advanced level qualification at level 7, with a minimum of 3 years post registration experience. Professional registration
Must be a registered healthcare professional (e.g. nurse, paramedic, pharmacist, AHP) with a relevant regulatory body such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Current clinical role
Working in a primary care or community setting (e.g. GP practice, urgent care, out-of-hours services). Ideally applicants will have completed the Advanced Physical Assessment and Consultation Skills Module.
Must have regular patient contact and exposure to patients presenting with acute illness. Academic requirements
Evidence of Level 6 study in a health-related subject. Clinical supervision
Access to a clinical supervisor/assessor (e.g. GP, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Consultant). Scope of practice requirement
Must be working in a role that allows you to:
Undertake history taking and clinical assessment of acute presentations
Develop diagnostic reasoning and decision-making skills
Initiate or contribute to management plans.
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Attendance
Delivery Method:
Taught on Collegiate Campus. All teaching, learning activities and assessments take place on Collegiate Campus. Sessions are fully timetabled, and student attendance is expected for all scheduled teaching. We will require all non-British and non-Irish students to attend campus for an in-person verification check to comply with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements at the start of their first module.
View our statement on notional study hours »
Provisional timetable
Tutorials will be held on the following dates:
Semester one:
- 23 September 2026
- 30 September 2026
- 7 October 2026
- 14 October 2026
- 21 October 2026
- 28 October 2026
- 4 November 2026
- 18 November 2026
- 25 November 2026
- 2 December 2026
Semester two:
- 13 January 2027
- 20 January 2027
- 3 February 2027
- 10 February 2027
- 17 February 2027
- 24 February 2027
- 3 March 2027
- 10 March 2027
- 17 March 2027
- 24 March 2027
- 31 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:
- Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
- Practice Portfolio
- Coursework
Successful completion of this module will earn you 30 level 7 credits
Further details
For further information please contact the module leader Alison Subramanian - Alison.Subramanian@shu.ac.uk