Developing Clinical Skills Level 6 and 7
Part-time
One semester
January 2025
In a nutshell
About the Modules
We offer two different modules:
Developing Clinical Skills – Injury please note this module runs September to January
Developing Clinical Skills – Illness please note this module runs January to June
These part time modules will build on your current skills and knowledge, enabling you to create and implement innovative approaches to care delivery that meet the needs of your client group.
You will:
- competently perform specific skills at an advanced level
- develop your critical thinking skills
- enhance your own professional practice
All about the course
This is for you if?
1. You have a keen interest in developing your critical thinking skills
2. You are interested in developing skills to enhance patient care and increase timely access to treatment
3. You want to competently perform specific skills to increase both autonomy and responsibility in your clinical role
SPECIALIST CLINICAL SKILL UNITS OF LEARNING:
Both branches of the modules use the same agreed format of:
- Performance criteria and competencies clearly stated for each skill unit.
- Achievement record.
- Verification process – demonstration in practice to work based supervisor.
- Records of skill acquisition and how the student has applied the skill in practice.
Injury (4 set skills)
- Examination skills for diagnosis with related anatomy: upper limbs
- Examination skills for diagnosis with related anatomy: lower limbs
- Examination skills for minor head injuries
- Request & primary reporting of appendicular skeleton radiographs
Illness (a total of 4 skill sets chosen)
- Physical assessment – auscultation & Palpation techniques
- Respiratory assessment
Optional
- Abdominal presentations
- Cardiac presentations
- Ear, nose & throat presentations
- Neurological presentations
- Skin presentations
How is the module assessed?
The assessment process will culminate in the submission of a portfolio of evidence, divided into Part A and Part B:
Part A: Academic portfolio (50% of final mark) - submission due at the end of the taught semester and consists of:
- Problem based learning scenarios that will be a means of measuring the student’s understanding and scope of practice along with their knowledge and application of current evidence.
Part B: Clinical portfolio (50% of final mark) - submission date 6 weeks after Part A to allow time to consolidate theory into practice and consists of:
- A range of completed practice developmental logs for each skill, signed by the practice-based supervisor / and or clinical assessor.
- Completed competencies, each skill has outcome criteria and clearly stated goals that must be achieved and signed by the clinical assessor.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real world impact.
Our courses are informed by the latest research and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice.
What about after uni?
You can take this course as a single module for continuing professional development or as part of the MSc Nursing.
Career Links
We work with over 100 health and social care organisations so our links with industry are very strong. These relationships will be of direct benefit to you because our academic team work in practice in some of these organisations at a senior level so are able to keep you at the forefront of developments in the sector, which in turn help you provide a better service.
What you need to know
This module is relevant for qualified nurses who wish to develop their practice further and enhance their career opportunities.
Previous study and experience
You are a recognised health professional and hold current registration with one of the statutory regulators of health and care professions (NMC or HCPC)
You will normally have been working in the appropriate clinical context for a minimum of two (2) years and have between 3-5 years post qualification experience.
There are further workplace requirements for you to:
- access relevant and sufficient clinical patient / client case load, within your own workplace, for the duration of the module.
- Completed learning agreement, signed by your Clinical Manager / Line Manager, that supports the required clinical supervision hours per week for the duration of the module to ensure development of skills.
- identify a named practice-based supervisor /assessor who will provide practical training, supervision, and ongoing assessment of your developing skills. The clinical assessor must be an expert in their field and willing to accept responsibility for deeming the student competent.
Accreditation for prior learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 2025/26 | £1,530 per 30 credit module |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
All set? Let's apply
How to apply for these single modules:
Both modules are offered at two academic levels so think carefully about which you want to apply for.
20 CREDITS LEVEL 6
Apply using Undergraduate application form and you must also complete the references form
30 CREDITS LEVEL 7
Apply using Postgraduate application form and you must also complete the references form
If you want to discuss any aspects of the module please contact Pat Cook Module Lead: p.d.cook1@salford.ac.uk
Further study opportunities:
If you are interested in combining Developing Clinical Skills – Illness module and Non-Medical Prescribing (both must be studied at Level 7) to complete a PG Cert in Non-Medical Prescribing and Enhanced Clinical Skills then follow the link for more details here