Managing Clinical Complexities in Primary Care
Everything you need to know
- Start date: October 2026, January 2027
- End date: January 2027, April 2027
- Module leader: Alison Subramanian, Soumya Eldhose
- Level: 7
- Credits: 15
- This module compliments our Managing Acute Illness in Primary Care | Sheffield Hallam University module.
Suggested route
- This module can be done as standalone or part of the MSc Professional Practice in Health and Social Care primary care route. Please note if doing both primary care modules managing acute illness should be done first before clinical complexities.
Introduction
This Level 7 Master’s module develops advanced skills in managing clinical complexity within primary care.
It emphasises critical thinking, holistic assessment, and evidence-based decision-making across diverse patient presentations. Learners will explore risk management, uncertainty, and multidisciplinary collaboration to enhance patient-centred care and improve outcomes in increasingly complex community healthcare environments.
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.
- Preferably students will have already completed the Managing acute illness in primary care module prior to starting this module.
- It is expected that students will be working in a patient facing role and working towards/in an advanced clinical practitioner role within a primary care setting.
Background
The new primary care modules are written to support the employer and their supervisors to map the student to the Core Capabilities Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice (Nurses) Working in General Practice / Primary Care in England ensuring that the training is robust and supports safe practice.
The applicant will be following appropriate course content which should equip them to manage their work in primary care safely and fulfil the role in view of today’s changing health landscape.
What you’ll learn
This Level 7 Master’s module develops advanced skills in managing clinical complexity in primary care. It enhances clinical assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and evidence-based decision-making, while addressing risk, uncertainty, and service delivery. The module also promotes reflective practice, leadership, and critical appraisal to support high-quality, patient-centred outcomes
Skills you’ll gain
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
- critically evaluate assessment strategies
- implement effective management plans for patients with complex needs in primary care.
- contribute confidently to multidisciplinary care
- navigate uncertainty and risk to enhance patient outcomes in diverse and often challenging clinical scenarios.
How you’ll learn
This is a distance learning module which comprises synchronous and asynchronous delivery.
The study days are every Thursday for 6 consecutive weeks.
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
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 Managing Acute Illness in Primary Care Module.
Must have regular patient contact and exposure to patients presenting with acute illness. Academic requirements
Evidence of Level 7 study in a health-related subject.
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:
Synchronous online learning (distance learning). Take part in live, timetabled online sessions using tools like video calls and virtual classrooms. You’ll learn in real time with tutors and other students, with no need to attend campus for teaching or assessments.
View our statement on notional study hours »
Provisional timetable
Tutorials will be held on the following dates:
Trimester 1:
- 15 October 2026
- 22 October 2026
- 29 October 2026
- 5 November 2026
- 12 November 2026
- 19 November 2026
Trimester 2:
- 21 January 2027
- 28 January 2027
- 4 February 2027
- 11 February 2027
- 18 February 2027
- 25 February 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:
Module assessment is a 15-minute audio visual presentation (AVP) on a clinical encounter with a patient, where you have found that encounter to be complex and challenging.
Successful completion of this module will earn you 15 level 7 credits
Further details
For further information please contact the module leader Alison Subramanian or Soumya Eldhose - Alison.Subramanian@shu.ac.uk or S.Eldhose@shu.ac.uk