PGDip Specialist Practitioner Qualification (District Nursing) at Buckinghamshire New University

Entry requirements

You must be an Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registered nurse (Level 1) with relevant professional registration, capable of safe and effective practice at the level of proficiency appropriate to the NMC approved community nursing specialist practice qualification programme. You must have the equivalent of one-year full-time hours working in a relevant community nursing role and be able to evidence appropriate post-registration experience to Buckinghamshire New University and Practice Learning Partners. As an NMC registered nurse, which could include NHS, non-NHS, self-employed and self-funding applicants, you will require access to a district nursing clinical practice setting, and to a Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor who meet the requirements of the NMC Standards of Student Supervision and Assessment and can facilitate successful completion of the programme learning outcomes. Governance structures to support learning must be in place, in addition to a commitment to student support and learning. Your application must be supported by two references, one of which must refer to your professional competence. Where appropriate, one referee must be from your current employer. You will have in place a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If you are self-employed, you must prove that indemnity insurance and DBS requirements are met. You must evidence the competence, experience and academic ability to study at the required level of the programme. The minimum academic criteria for admission to this programme is usually 120 credits at level 6 in Nursing. However, experienced nurses who have fewer than 120 credits at level 6 and relevant professional experience will be asked to undertake a written assessment to demonstrate to the programme team of their ability to study at level 7. Your previous study, professional and/or vocational experiences may be recognised as the equivalent learning experience and permit exemption from studying certain modules in accordance with our accreditation of prior learning (APL) process. A self-declaration of good health and character will be undertaken as part of the admission process and will be repeated at the end of the programme prior to your qualification being recorded with the NMC. A selection process for employed applicants in collaboration with practice-based learning partners is undertaken and will include a value-based interview. It may also include academic skills tests, group discussion and presentation. During the interview, we will provide advice and guidance to ensure you fully understand the entry requirements for the programme and what you need to do to succeed once you are enrolled. Interview questions from Experts by Experience (People who use services and carers) are also included and, where possible and practical for them, we endeavour to include them on the interview panel in person. Reasonable adjustments can be made during the interview process to accommodate individuals with specific needs, ensuring equal opportunities and a fair assessment of abilities. A selection process for self-employed applicants will follow the Application Process for Self-Funding Learners – PGDip Specialist Practice Qualification flow chart to ensure that all required practice learning support and governance structures are in place.