Neonatal Critical Care (Professional Practice) - BSc (Hons) / PgCert / PgDip / MSc
Currently viewing course to start in 2024/25 Entry.
The Professional Practice Course is flexible, practice-led, responsive and aims to foster excellence. This course will develop knowledgeable, critical thinking, proactive, professional practitioners who are fit to meet the changing demands of modern healthcare provision in the global arena....
- Level Top-Up Pathways
- Study mode Part Time
- Location City South
- Award BSc (Hons) / PgCert / PgDip / MSc
- Start date November 2024
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
This course is:
Overview
The Professional Practice Course is flexible, practice-led, responsive and aims to foster excellence. This course will develop knowledgeable, critical thinking, proactive, professional practitioners who are fit to meet the changing demands of modern healthcare provision in the global arena.
The Professional Practice Course consists of a selection of modules that can be studied on their own or as part of an BSc/BSc (Hons) undergraduate or PG Cert/PG dip/ MSc postgraduate award. For help in deciding which modules to study or your outcome award please contact our Professional Navigators on navigator@bcu.ac.uk or potential Route Lead.
What's covered in this course?
This Neonatal Pathway will support your professional development in neonatal nursing. All aspects will be covered from the fundamentals to high dependency and intensive care. The course aims to develop your knowledge in clinical practice and underpinning physiology. This will enable confidence to work as a competent practitioner within the speciality and is key to ensuring the best outcome for neonates and their families.
During the programme you are given the clinical-based knowledge which will be reinforced by some sessions being delivered by experts within the area. The broader issues associated with such an emotional area of work are often overlooked. The course will attempt to introduce you to key aspects of this to enable you to consider how you will manage these issues in the future. This will also enable you to assist others who need your support.
This clinical-based knowledge will be underpinned by supporting physiology that will be delivered by an experienced physiologist and expert in the field. This depth of expertise will reinforce the appreciation of the families’ situation and increase your satisfaction.
Learning and assessing is carried out with the overview of delivering skills that you will benefit from being able to use throughout your career; such as being able to make a poster to display at a conference.
We anticipate that a blended approach to learning will be used with some face-to-face sessions but the majority of the course will be delivered online. Face-to-face sessions will be delivered at Birmingham City University’s City South Campus to encourage the use of the facilities available. Support for all types of learning is provided on campus and online to enable you to maximise the experience of being a student on this course.
Why Choose Us?
- The programme is devised to give you the 360 degree experience and as such is a course to complement the beginning of your career in neonatal nursing.
- Neonatal programmes are used to map career progression with the clinical area. By offering the course at level six and level seven, we can also aid with your academic progression, as you feel is appropriate for your planned career pathway.
- The wide range of clinical experts that provide their breadth of know-how enable you to be really aware of how this knowledge can impact on your clinical practice. This ultimately helps develop your relationships with the families and improves their experience too.
- The detailed physiology that is taught on the course enables you to be able to truly understand what is happening and gives you the confidence to deal with each situation confidently and with a high level of competence.
- As the role of the neonatal practitioner develops, completing this programme will enable you realise where you are most comfortable within the clinical area and facilitate the best outcome for the neonate and their family.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
Award: BSc (Hons) / PgCert / PgDip / MSc
Starting: Nov 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Part Time
- 30 Weeks
- £820 per 20 credit module
International students
Sorry, this course is not available to International students.
The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
Entry requirements
Level 6 study
For entry onto the BSc/ BSc (Hons) students must have a relevant DIP or 240 credits of which at least 120 credits are at level 5.
Students who have a Dip HE or equivalent but do not have any previous BCU credits will need to complete.
- Five 20 credit modules at Level 6 Or
- Complete three modules at Level 6 plus a 40 credit Level 5 portfolio module.
For entry into the Graduate Certificate award students must have a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent or a 60 credit Level 6 award in an appropriate subject area
Level 7 study
For entry into the Post Graduate Certificate/Post Graduate Diploma/MSc award students must have a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent or a 60 credit Level 6 award in an appropriate subject area. Applicants with evidence of successfully completed Level 6 study within the preceding 2 years.
Where appropriate and on an induvial basis students may be required to undertake a pre-course assessment to enable the course team to support students study skills. We will use this to navigate your appropriate pathway assessment.
To prevent duplication of study, a student that has previously completed a Level 6 module or pathway award within the last 5 years cannot access the equivalent pathway award at Level 7.
Recognition of Prior Learning – RPL
If students have gained Level 6 or 7 credits either at Birmingham City University or elsewhere in the last 5 years, it may be possible to use them towards an award. The amount of RPL is stipulated by the regulations that apply at the time of enrolment.
Access
Diploma HE in nursing or equivalent appropriate for level 6 study
EU/International students
IELTs of 6 with no element below 5.5.
Course structure
You can choose to study this programme as a complete pathway award (full or part-time) or as a standalone module, dependent on your individual need and the needs of your organisation. All programmes offer a convenient part-time format to fit around home and work commitments
Pathway awards in Neonatal Critical Care can lead to:
- Module only Professional Practice Level 6
- Module only Professional Practice Level 7
- BSc Professional Practice
- BSc (Hons) Professional Practice
- Grad Cert Professional Practice
- PG Cert Professional Practice
- PG Dip Professional Practice
- MSc Professional Practice
How to apply
Complete the online application form via the link above, including the name of the pathway or module you are enrolling onto.
If you have any queries please contact the pathway leader: ncp@bcu.ac.uk
Course in Depth
Degree (Level 6)
In order to complete this route a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Year 1 Pathway Award – Exit Award: Grad Cert / BSc Professional Practice (Neonatal Critical Care)
This module will support the development of knowledge and skills focusing on cardiac and respiratory conditions including the underpinning physiology and nursing skills required for practice. This module has been developed to prepare knowledgeable, critical thinking, proactive, professional practitioners who are fit to meet the challenging demands of modern Neonatal care in the global area. Neonatal practitioners provide care for an extremely vulnerable population. Working with these babies, nurses need to undertake accredited training appropriate to a Qualification in Speciality level (DH 2009) in a neonatal setting. These post registration education pathways, in collaboration with service providers, allow for registered nurses working in neonatal units to become equipped with the specific knowledge and skills required to practice safely and effectively in this critical care area (BAPM, 2012).
This module will focus on holistic approaches to neonatal care and the underpinning physiology for core neonatal conditions. The long-term impact of neonatal care will be explored. This module has been developed to prepare knowledgeable, critical thinking, proactive, professional practitioners who are fit to meet the challenging demands of modern Neonatal care. Neonatal practitioners provide care for an extremely vulnerable population. Working with these babies, nurses need to undertake accredited training appropriate to a Qualification in Speciality level (DH 2009) in a neonatal setting. These post registration education pathways, in collaboration with service providers, allow for registered nurses working in neonatal units to become equipped with the specific knowledge and skills required to practice safely and effectively in this critical care area (BAPM, 2012).
At least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules for Year 1:
Currently in the United Kingdom, multiple births make up approximately 3% of all births. Although the multiple maternity rate for England and Wales has decreased to 14.4 per 1000 births (ONS, 2022), the international picture demonstrates that the incidence of multiple births continues to rise with about 1.6 million sets of twins born each year (Monden et al, 2021). The increasing use of infertility treatments alongside advancements in the care and survival of premature infants, have been attributed to the visible and increasing representation of multiple births within society. As parents adjust to family life and caring for two or more babies, who may have also been born prematurely, they are faced with many social, emotional, practical and economic challenges. Pregnancy and the transition to parenthood are widely recognised as critical time periods that will influence longer term outcomes for infants and their families. Multiple birth families require health and social care practitioners who are both knowledgeable and able to effectively support them, in order to ensure that they receive the right level of care and support at the right time. To this end, this module will introduce you to the discrete and potentially complex bio-psycho-social needs of multiple birth families, from conception to 1 year of age.
This module will cover the fundamental aspects of neonatal care and will support the development of fundamental knowledge and skills for practice including the underpinning physiology. These post registration education pathways, in collaboration with service providers, allow for registered nurses working in neonatal units to become equipped with the specific knowledge and skills required to practice safely and effectively in this critical care area (BAPM, 2012). This module is also available to Registered Nurse Associates to develop their knowledge of fundamental neonatal care and conditions.
Year 2 Pathway Award (BSc (Hons) Only) – Exit Award: BSc (Hons) Professional Practice (Neonatal Critical Care)
This module is for all healthcare practitioners if you want to enhance your understanding of evidence based practice to help improve your patient/client/service-user care. The aims of the module are to develop both your understanding of the importance of best evidence in practice, and your ability to locate, evaluate, and use best evidence in developing aspects of practice.
In order to complete this route a student must successfully complete at least 60 credits from the List of Additional Optional Modules* for Year 2.
*Any appropriate module (relevant to Pathway / Speciality) from University / Faculty portfolio as agreed with the Pathway Leader.
Modules run subject to appropriate student numbers to ensure the best student experience. It may therefore be necessary to suspend a particular entry point for a module. If this happens, any applications will be transferred to the next start date for the course.
Postgraduate (Level 7)
In order to complete this route a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):
Year 1 Pathway Award – Exit Award: PG Cert Professional Practice (Neonatal Critical Care)
This module will support the development of knowledge and skills focusing on cardiac and respiratory conditions including the underpinning physiology and nursing skills required for practice. This module has been developed to prepare knowledgeable, critical thinking, proactive, professional practitioners who are fit to meet the challenging demands of modern Neonatal care in the global area. Neonatal practitioners provide care for an extremely vulnerable population. Working with these babies, nurses need to undertake accredited training appropriate to a Qualification in Speciality level (DH 2009) in a neonatal setting. These post registration education pathways, in collaboration with service providers, allow for registered nurses working in neonatal units to become equipped with the specific knowledge and skills required to practice safely and effectively in this critical care area (BAPM, 2012).
This module will focus on holistic approaches to neonatal care and the underpinning physiology for core neonatal conditions. The long-term impact of neonatal care will be explored. This module has been developed to prepare knowledgeable, critical thinking, proactive, professional practitioners who are fit to meet the challenging demands of modern Neonatal care in the global area. Neonatal practitioners provide care for an extremely vulnerable population. Working with these babies, nurses need to undertake accredited training appropriate to a Qualification in Speciality level (DH 2009) in a neonatal setting. These post registration education pathways, in collaboration with service providers, allow for registered nurses working in neonatal units to become equipped with the specific knowledge and skills required to practice safely and effectively in this critical care area (BAPM, 2012).
At least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules for Year 1:
Currently in the United Kingdom, multiple births make up approximately 3% of all births. Although the multiple maternity rate for England and Wales has decreased to 14.4 per 1000 births (ONS, 2022), the international picture demonstrates that the incidence of multiple births continues to rise with about 1.6 million sets of twins born each year (Monden et al, 2021). The increasing use of infertility treatments alongside advancements in the care and survival of premature infants, have been attributed to the visible and increasing representation of multiple births within society. As parents adjust to family life and caring for two or more babies, who may have also been born prematurely, they are faced with many social, emotional, practical and economic challenges.
Pregnancy and the transition to parenthood are widely recognised as critical time periods that will influence longer term outcomes for infants and their families. Multiple birth families require health and social care practitioners who are both knowledgeable and able to effectively support them, in order to ensure that they receive the right level of care and support at the right time. To this end, this module will introduce you to the discrete and potentially complex bio-psycho-social needs of multiple birth families, from conception to 1 year of age.
This module will cover the fundamental aspects of neonatal care and will support the development of fundamental knowledge and skills for practice including the underpinning physiology. These post registration education pathways, in collaboration with service providers, allow for registered nurses working in neonatal units to become equipped with the specific knowledge and skills required to practice safely and effectively in this critical care area (BAPM, 2012).
Year 2 Pathway Award - Exit Award: PG Dip Professional Practice (Neonatal Critical Care)
This module specifically addresses the broader programme aims related to “pursuing excellence” and “practice-led, knowledge applied” through a flexible provision that encourages students to develop their research ideas, enabling those on various Health MSc programmes to satisfy their individual learning needs, whilst contributing to their area of study.
This module explicitly addresses students’ personal and/or professional development with a view to enhancing competence for service improvement in a rapidly changing health and healthcare environment. Through a flexible provision, students are inspired to reflect critically upon their individual learning needs as well as their organisations’ practices, to appraise and apply concepts from the literature on leadership, to issues of relevance for their role, organisation and overall programme of study.
In order to complete this route a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the List of Additional Optional Modules* for Year 2.
*Any appropriate module (relevant to Pathway / Speciality) from University / Faculty portfolio as agreed with the Pathway Leader.
Modules run subject to appropriate student numbers to ensure the best student experience. It may therefore be necessary to suspend a particular entry point for a module. If this happens, any applications will be transferred to the next start date for the course.
MSc
Year 3 Pathway Award – Exit Award: MSc Professional Practice (Neonatal Critical Care)
Option 1
This triple module forms the final bridge between the award of a Postgraduate Diploma and a Health MSc related to a named award. It provides the student with the opportunity to complete a piece of work around a chosen topic in order to demonstrate competence in the planning, execution, analysis and evaluation of a Research Project, a Systematic Review or Project Management. It involves 600 hours of study. The focus is on facilitating the student's independent, critical study in their academic discipline or area of professional practice. It will also serve those who wish to embark on Doctoral studies in the future.
Option 2
This double module provides the student with the opportunity to complete a piece of work around a chosen topic in order to demonstrate competence in the planning, execution, analysis and evaluation of a Research Project, a Systematic Review or Project Management. It involves 400 hours of study. The focus is on facilitating the student's independent, critical study in their academic discipline or area of professional practice. It will also serve those who wish to embark on Doctoral studies in the future.
This module seeks to support people new to academic publishing in developing an article for publication. Writing for Academic Publication is a cross between a module and a boot camp, providing the space, time, support and guidance to develop ideas and data into a draft article ready for submission. Taking a hands on and nurturing approach, the module will demystify the academic publication process, develop your confidence and hone your skills in writing for publication. The module is well-suited to those taking their first steps in academic publishing, whether academic staff, doctoral researchers, Master’s students or CPD students.
Modules run subject to appropriate student numbers to ensure the best student experience. It may therefore be necessary to suspend a particular entry point for a module. If this happens, any applications will be transferred to the next start date for the course.
Download course specification
Download nowFacilities & Staff
Our Facilities
Our School of Nursing and Midwifery is based at our City South campus in leafy Edgbaston.
We’ve spent £41million expanding our facilities at City South. These facilities offer hands-on practical experience, replicating the spaces you will come across in professional practice.
In a sector where new techniques are constantly being discovered, we work hard to ensure that you learn using the most up-to-date equipment available. Alongside physical spaces such as a mock operating theatre and wards, we also make use of online and virtual technology, such as our virtual ward and virtual case creator.
See more of our skills facilities at City South
Centre for Skills and Simulation
The Centre for Skills and Simulation offers a range of different spaces which replicate situations that you will encounter in practice. These include hospital wards, an operating theatre and a home environment room.
Our mock wards enable you to get a feel of what a ward is really like before you head out for your first placement. The hospital wards can be adapted from low care to high dependency care environment with the necessary monitoring equipment.
The home environment room is the perfect space for teaching communications skills and allows us to simulate a community setting for our students. It is particularly useful for mental health nurses, learning disability nurses and midwives.
Simulation Manikins
We have several Simulation men (SIM men) and simulation babies (SIM babies) which are anatomically correct manikins used for teaching specific techniques such as advanced adult and paediatric life support skills, acute and high dependency clinical skills, first aid and communication skills. The manikins contain software which replicates real symptoms, and can manipulate indicators such as blood pressure, pulse and heart rate for extra realism. SIM man can even ‘talk’ to the students as they are treating him, to add another dimension to learning.
Computer Facilities
The Seacole building has two open-access IT Suites which offer PCs, printers, photocopiers and scanners. There is also an IT Helpdesk for quick and easy help with your computing or internet issues.
Our PCs utilise the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:
- Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
- Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD
- Microsoft Office software
- Research and statistical software
- Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home
Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.
In addition to desktop PCs, we also offer a laptop loan facility, allowing students to borrow a laptop for up to six hours while on campus.
Our staff
Laura Maguire
Pathway Lead - Neonatal Critical Care
Laura qualified as a registered Children’s Nurse in 2009. She chose to specialise in neonatal nursing and worked as a Junior Sister in a busy Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. During this time, Laura’s particular interests were working as part of the bereavement team and in the provision of parental support. Laura has also worked in an...
More about LauraEnquiries
Enquiries
For all course enquiries please email the Neonatal Critical Care Pathway team on: ncp@bcu.ac.uk
Any applicant must be in a job that enables them to care for sick and premature newborn and must have a qualification that enables them to work within a neonatal unit setting as a qualified member of the team. A minimum of six months.
Professional Navigator
The Professional Practice Programme consists of a selection of modules that can be studied on their own or as part of an award. For help in deciding which modules to study or your outcome award please contact our Professional Navigators on navigator@bcu.ac.uk