PGCert Advanced Critical Care at Edge Hill University

Programme overview

The PGCert in Advanced Critical Care is designed to enhance the skills of practitioners such as registered nurses and operating department practitioners. It will enable you to become a clinical expert who is able to work safely and effectively in critical care practice, meeting the Step Two and Step Three competencies of the National Competency Framework for adult critical care nurses. A systems-based approach is used throughout the course to reflect the national standards for adult critical care education.

What you will study

You will begin by focusing on the assessment and management of patients following emergency events which have led to admission to a critical care environment. You will then concentrate specifically upon the development of effective leadership within a critical care environment. The intention is to develop as a practitioner who provides clinical nursing leadership, supervision and support to teams, while optimising safe standards of patient care. Compulsory modules include Step Two Advanced Critical Care; Step Three Advanced Critical Care.

Career pathways

Successful completion of this programme will enhance your ability to provide expert care, clinical nursing leadership and effective supervision. It is designed to support practitioners in working towards the role of advanced practitioner to address patient needs in the clinical contexts of critical care.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Example offer: 2:2 or above (or equivalent) in a professional healthcare related subject and must be registered with a UK Professional Body and hold a health-related professional qualification. To join this course, you should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) in a professional healthcare related subject and must be registered with a UK Professional Body and hold a health-related professional qualification. You must have successfully completed the adult critical care competencies at step one of the national framework and be able to demonstrate that you are an experienced practitioner, typically with at least two years in practice (or equivalent). You will require access to appropriate supervised practice in a suitable clinical area and will need to provide a reference from your line manager to confirm support arrangements and your suitability for the course. If you don’t have an honours degree, you may still be considered for the programme if you can demonstrate extensive practice experience through your professional portfolio.

Domestic applicants: GBP 3,180 for the whole programme (2026/27). UK Part-Time tuition fee for the whole course Source

Intake: September 2026; September 2027

Duration: 1 year part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/course/advanced-critical-care/

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