PgDip Community Nursing Specialist (District Nursing) at University of Plymouth

Programme overview

A work-integrated Postgraduate Diploma in Community Nursing Specialist Practice (District Nursing) delivered as an apprenticeship, so students study while remaining in salaried employment. It is aimed at registered adult nurses with at least a year of post-registration experience and includes the Independent and Supplementary Prescribing module.

Department: School of Nursing and Midwifery | Duration: 2 years (with placements), full-time | Study mode: full-time | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules include The Principles of Advanced Community Nursing Specialist Practice, District Nursing Developing Specialist Practice, Advanced Assessment for Clinical Practice, The Fundamentals of Health Assessment and Common Illnesses, Community Nursing Specialist Practice Leadership, Management and Innovation, and Independent and Supplementary Prescribing.

Career pathways

Specialist Practitioner District Nurse role (NMC award), working in patients' homes and residential care settings, delivering complex medical care and supporting families.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must be NMC-registered nurses (Level 1) with at least one year of post-registration experience, in salaried employment (normally at least 30 hours a week) in a community nursing role requiring advanced specialist practice skills, with full employer agreement. A relevant first degree, normally BSc (Hons) at 2:1 or above, is expected; applicants without a 2:2 or above may be eligible with relevant practice experience and a written critical evaluation marked against Level 6 criteria. Interview is required. Applicants must hold at least a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths. Applicants whose first language is not English need an overall score of 7.0 (NMC criteria) with at least 6.5 in writing and at least 7 in reading, listening and speaking. Applicants need access to wi-fi and electronic devices for blended delivery.

Domestic applicants: GBP 7,000 a year (2026/27). Home fee, per annum; apprenticeship programme Source

Duration: 2 years

Health Sciences