PGCert First Contact Practice at Health Sciences University

Programme overview

The PGCert First Contact Practice is the taught route to recognition as a First Contact Practitioner (FCP) in primary care, aligned to the NHS England roadmaps. It covers advanced knowledge and skills, evidence-based, autonomous and person-centred practice, collaborative working and CPD. Applications start with a Learning Needs Analysis form for the relevant roadmap.

Department: First Contact Practice | Duration: 1 year | Study mode: part-time | Intake: September 2026; March 2027 | Location: Bournemouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Unit 1: Clinical Assessment and Reasoning for First Contact Practice (40 credits, six months, five on-site days plus online teaching and an OSCE/viva). Unit 2: First Contact Practice Stage 2 (20 credits, six months), a supervised professional portfolio.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Roadmap criteria: HCPC-registered physiotherapists or GOsC-registered osteopaths with at least 5 years' post-qualifying experience (3+ years MSK); HCPC-registered paramedics with 3-5 years' experience; HCPC-registered dietitians, occupational therapists or podiatrists with typically 5 years' experience. Line manager support and a clinical mentor before Unit 2.

GBP 2,775 for the whole programme (2026/27). Self-funded full PGCert (60 credits); NHS England funding may be available to eligible clinicians Source

Intake: September 2026; March 2027

Duration: 1 year

Explore more study programmes

Health Sciences