Flexible work-based learning

We recognise that learning takes place wherever you may be working. Work-based learning, in association with the university, is becoming an increasingly popular way for practitioners to gain credit for their development within the workplace. If your employer currently delivers in-house courses, we can work with them to develop materials that meet university standards for accreditation.

This means you can earn credits at work which count towards university qualifications, such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Whether you are involved in the corporate, public or voluntary sector, we can support your professional development in a range of subjects.

The British Society of Clinical and Academic Hypnosis

Modules offered:

  •        Introduction to Clinical Hypnosis – level 6
  •        Clinical Hypnosis: Effective Communication Strategies in Healthcare – level 6
  •        Clinical Hypnosis: Application to Practice – level 6
  •        Introduction to Clinical Hypnosis – level 7
  •        Clinical Hypnosis: Effective Communication Strategies in Healthcare - Level 7
  •        Clinical Hypnosis: Application to Practice - Level 7

GradCert/AdvDip/BSc/PgCert in Clinical Hypnosis, Language and Communication Techniques in Healthcare.

BSCAH is a national organisation for registered healthcare professionals trained in hypnosis as an adjunct to clinical practice, managing pain, anxiety and stress, and psychotherapeutic approaches.   

The principal aims of the course are, to support and enable you to explore and analyse theories and concepts that underpin clinical hypnosis, and to help develop your confidence with, and understanding of, enhanced consultation and communication skills. This will equip you to embrace the provision of clinical hypnosis within your role, enhancing the delivery of effective, innovative, and evidence-based care.  

This course will build upon your existing educational and clinical experience, supporting you as a life-long learner, and is designed to help you gain a greater understanding of the range of clinical hypnosis and communication techniques and how best to apply these to your individual specialty.

You will develop a wide range of skills and meet with colleagues from differing clinical disciplines whilst gaining a critical understanding in clinical hypnosis. You will acquire knowledge to develop and improve clinical practice in the care of people where the use of hypnosis can improve experiences and outcomes.  

Visit www.bscah.co.uk for further information or contact Hilary Walker at hilary.walker@bcu.ac.uk.

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust - Acute Stroke

Modules offered:

  • Acute Stroke Advancing Practice – level 6

  • Acute Stroke Advancing Practice – level 7

The Acute Stroke Advancing Practice (ASAP) (level 6) and Acute Stroke Advanced Practice (level 7) module is aimed at nurses who work in an acute stroke setting and have at least six months experience of working in the specialty. The aim of the module is to provide a solid theoretical foundation to underpin the experiential learning you have acquired already throughout your practice.

The module also aims to empower you as a stroke nurse by developing your clinical examination and critical appraisal skills enabling you to provide confident, proficient and evidence-based care. As an empowered stroke nurse you will be able to lead your patients through the stroke pathway, recognise change in your patient’s condition, and manage complications as they arise whilst working alongside the multi-disciplinary team.

For further information please contact Laura Standing at Laura.Standing@uhb.nhs.uk

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust - Minor Illness and Minor Injury

Modules offered:

  • The Principles and Practices of Minor Illness – level 6

  • The Minor Illness Practitioner – level 7

This 40 credit module is a stand-alone module that will sit within the Flexible and Work Based Learning (FWBL) Framework. The Framework supports your personal and professional development by providing you with a diverse range of learning opportunities. This module would be useful for you as a registered healthcare professional ideally working within Emergency Care settings such as Emergency Departments, Walk in Centres or Urgent Care Centres. The module is delivered by University Hospital Birmingham (UHB) NHS Trust and, on successful completion of all elements required, will lead to credits awarded by Birmingham City University.

The aim of the module is to enable you to gain and enhance your minor injury skills within the assessment, management, and discharge of patients in relevant clinical settings. The module will support this process by providing you with the opportunities to enhance your skills to communicate effectively whilst ensuring you use a safe and constructive approach to your clinical examinations using the most up to date evidence-based practice available.

For further information please contact Katie Tipple at katie.tipple@uhb.nhs.uk.

St. Mark’s Hospital - Gastroenterology

Modules offered:

  • Gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology module – level 6

  • Gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology module  level 7

  • Abdominal care  level 6

  • Abdominal care  level 7

  • Independent study  level 6

  • Independent study  level 7

LBR6610 – Gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology module (level 6)

The gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology (GI A&P) module is available at degree level (and Master's level). The module is run in conjunction with St Mark’s Hospital and Birmingham City University. The module is taught at St Mark’s Hospital near London. The GI A&P module is suitable for registered healthcare professionals who have an interest in gastrointestinal or colorectal care such as nurses. The module runs as a stand-alone 20 credit module or as part of a 60 credit gastrointestinal care pathway, such as a BSc if you already have a diploma. If you want to learn more about the GI tract and its function this is the module for you.

LBR7600 – Gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology module (level 7)

The gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology (GI A&P) module is available at Master's level (and degree level). The module is run in conjunction with St Mark’s Hospital and Birmingham City University. The module is taught at St Mark’s Hospital near London. The GI A&P module is suitable for registered healthcare professionals who have an interest in gastrointestinal or colorectal care such as nurses.

The module runs as a stand-alone 20 credit module or as part of a 60 credit Post Graduate Certificate in gastrointestinal care. This module is suitable if you already have a degree and want to learn at a higher level. If you want to learn more about the GI tract and its function this is the module for you.

LBR6611 – Abdominal care (level 6)

The abdominal care module is available at degree level (and masters level). The module is run in conjunction with St Mark’s Hospital and Birmingham City University. The module is taught at St Mark’s Hospital near London. The abdominal care module is suitable for registered healthcare professionals who have an interest in gastrointestinal, colorectal care, urological, gynaecological or pelvic such as nurses.

The module runs as a stand-alone 20 credit module or as part of a 60 credit gastrointestinal care pathway, such as a BSc if you already have a diploma. If you want to learn more about abdominal care this is the module for you.

LBR7602 – Abdominal care (level 7)

The abdominal care module is available at Master's level (and degree level). The module is run in conjunction with St Mark’s Hospital and Birmingham City University. The module is taught at St Mark’s Hospital near London. The abdominal care module is suitable for registered healthcare professionals who have an interest in gastrointestinal, colorectal care, urological, gynaecological or pelvic such as nurses.

The module runs as a stand-alone 20 credit module or as part of a 60 credit Post Graduate Certificate in gastrointestinal care. This module is suitable if you already have a degree and want to learn at a higher level. If you want to learn more about abdominal care this is the module for you.

LBR6612 – Independent study (level 6)

The independent study module is available at degree level (and masters level). The module is run in conjunction with St Mark’s Hospital and Birmingham City University. The module is taught at St Mark’s Hospital near London.

The independent study module is suitable for registered healthcare professionals who have an interest in gastrointestinal or colorectal conditions and want to have guided, self-directed study into an area of GI care.

The module runs as a stand-alone 20 credit module or as part of a 60 credit gastrointestinal care pathway, such as a BSc if you already have a diploma. If you want to learn more about gastrointestinal care this is the module for you.

LBR7601 – Independent study (level 7)

The independent study module is available at masters level (and degree level). The module is run in conjunction with St Mark’s Hospital and Birmingham City University. The module is taught at St Mark’s Hospital near London.

The independent study module is suitable for registered healthcare professionals who have an interest in gastrointestinal or colorectal conditions and want to have guided, self-directed study into an area of GI care. The module runs as a stand-alone 20 credit module or as part of a 60 credit Post Graduate Certificate in gastrointestinal care.

This module is suitable if you already have a degree and want to learn at a higher level. If you want to learn more about gastrointestinal care this is the module for you.

Find further information at www.stmarksacademicinstitute.org.uk or contact Jennie Birch at jburch1@nhs.net.

Sciensus - Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapies

Modules offered:

  • Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapies – level 6

  • Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapies – level 7

This module provides nurses with the theory that underpins the delivery of holistic care to patients receiving systemic anti-cancer therapies. This is considered within the context of the multi-professional healthcare team.

Through evidence-based practice, the module addresses current research into effectiveness of treatment and care, the patho-physiology of systemic anti-cancer therapy as a treatment modality and safety issues inherent in its use. The module will help students to develop the skills to identify and manage the common side effects, taking into account the impact of this treatment on the patient’s physical, psychological and psychosocial wellbeing.

Applicants should be registered nurses who are experienced in the administration of intravenous drugs and wish to specialise/develop their career within this field.

This module is offered in collaboration with Birmingham City University at both Degree and Masters Level and will provide the learner with 20 CAT points on completion of the course. The module aims to equip nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assess and manage patients requiring systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT) within the context of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team. It is offered to all registered nurses within Healthcare at Home. 

A combination of theoretical and work-based learning strategies will be used to promote an analytical and evaluative approach to patient care allowing practitioners to develop the skills necessary to administer chemotherapy and to critically assess, plan and implement holistic and individualised care.

Nurses will develop a critical understanding of systemic anti-cancer therapies and delivery methods as well as an insight into the relevant legal, ethical and safety issues surrounding the administration. Knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage common side-effects of SACT will be developed using evidence-based practice and the synthesis of current research findings.

Using a blended approach, taught components include a five-day classroom attendance (4 days in Burton and 1 day in Birmingham City University) followed by five months of clinical supervision supported by our Practice Development Team. Assessment will be in the form a Defended Viva Presentation. In order to successfully complete the course, module participants must achieve pass grade at assessment and demonstrate acquisition of core skills relating to the administration of SACT as evidenced in a practice assessment document.

For further information please contact Susan Harrold at Susan.Harrold@hah.co.uk.

Studio 3 - Autism, Stress and Wellbeing

Modules offered:

  • Autism, Stress and Wellbeing - level 5

The Atlass programme delivers a comprehensive set of tools including both teaching skills and practical information, and is the next step on from our Managing Challenging Behaviour (MCB) Course. This programme is based upon a proven, well-established and internationally respected model of positive psychology. Atlass is succeeding today in a wide variety of care environments, and is for practitioners, family members, siblings, teachers, carers and a wide range of support workers.

Coping with stress: Learn how to organise sensory information, managing it in relationships and the environment with stress transactions.

Improve your practitioner skills: Turn theory into practice by using Low Arousal skills to become better at spotting meltdowns and improve your behaviour support skills.

Help with dealing with children and adults with challenging behaviour: Development within the context of inter-subjective experience and how this should be applied.

Visit www.studio3.org/atlass for further information or contact the team at Admin@studio3.org.  

Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust - Neonatal Care

Modules offered:

  • Introduction to Neonatal Care – level 6

This module is aimed at nurses and midwives who are new to working in Neonatal / Transitional care and provides a strong grounding of the specialism, in line with the Neonatal Toolkit (DOH, 2009).

The module is specialised in nature and is delivered by current, practising neonatal experts from the clinical and wider areas of Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and AHPs within the network. It is the beginning of an educational journey where you will gain an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of your current subject knowledge in relation to evidence-based practice. It will provide you with a sound ‘foundation’ of neonatal learning and will prepare you for further study such as the ‘Professional Practice – Neonatal Critical Care module’.

For further information please contact Annlouise Partoon at annlouise.partoon@nhs.net.

Birmingham Children's Hospital - Paediatric Diabetes

Modules offered:

  • Advanced and Ongoing Care of Paediatric Diabetes – level 6

  • Diagnosis and Early Management of Childhood Diabetes – level 6

This is a flexible work-based learning course led by a core team of leading diabetes educators and practitioners from Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Paediatric Diabetes Team. The course combines theory with clinical expertise to provide a unique experience that improves working skills and confidence. You will share best practice with other students on the course and create strong bonds that last a working lifetime.

The course will develop you as a creative, confident and forward-thinking practitioner who is competent, well-informed and takes an evidenced-based approach to practice. It will prepare you for the rapidly evolving world of modern health care practice. The teaching team are experts in their fields and passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience.

See further information or contact the team at bwc.mcdc-mailbox@nhs.net

MS Nurse PRO - MS Care

Modules offered:

  • Theory into Practice in MS Care – level 6

  • Enhancing Theory into Practice in MS Care – level 7

This 20-credit module is a standalone module that will sit within the Flexible and Work Based Learning (FWBL) Framework. This module would be useful for you as a registered nurse or therapist with a minimum of two years post registration experience wishing to develop a more in-depth knowledge of care for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The module is delivered by the European MS Platform (EMSP) will lead to credits awarded by Birmingham City University. 

The subject area within this distance learning module is student led with guidance and facilitation from designated academic and practice support. The module does not include any classroom attendance and can be closely aligned to learning within the workplace. 

Using an independent approach to study, the module will further enhance your knowledge and understanding of multiple sclerosis, including diagnosis and treatments; the impact on people living with it and the care they need. You will further enhance your specialist knowledge through critical appraisal and evaluation of an area relevant to your clinical practice in MS whilst demonstrating critical application and dissemination of your specialist knowledge. 

Through development of skills of critical appraisal and through evaluation and application of enquiry and reflection, the module will facilitate building upon and enhancing your existing knowledge and skills with an added emphasis on how to improve the care and support of those living with the effects of MS.

You will be supported to explore and critique a particular aspect of the service you provide to people with MS, including how this service can be improved and any implications this might have. 

See further information 

Multiple Sclerosis Trust

Modules offered:

  • Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Module for Specialist Healthcare Professionals - Level 6
  • Multiple Sclerosis Module for Specialist Healthcare Professionals - Level 7

The Development of Multiple Sclerosis Care and Management for Specialists module is a week-long residential course for new in post MS specialist nurses, therapists and other health professionals who specialise in supporting people with MS. The course is aimed at those who are working at Band 6 and above. We recommend that you have been in post between three-six months before coming on the course. The module provides a strong foundation of MS knowledge upon which additional specialist knowledge can develop and covers a host of clinical and professional issues relevant to HCPs undertaking a specialist role. The MS Trust works closely with The Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences at Birmingham City University to deliver this module and you can earn 20 credits at Level 6 or Level 7.

 See further information or contact education@mstrust.org.uk

    Nottingham Breast Institute

    Modules offered:

    • Breast Image Interpretation and Reporting
    • Breast Imaging Practice
    • X-ray Guided Breast Interventional Biopsy

    Breast Imaging Practice

    This module is for radiographers who are choosing to work within breast care services and specialise in breast imaging.  The module will enable you to develop the skills required to work within breast care services.  Being successful in this module enables you to gain the College of Radiographers named award of mammographer.

     Breast Image Interpretation and Reporting

    This module is for those mammographers, breast clinicians and appropriate others who seek to extend their role to undertake breast imaging interpretation and reporting. The module will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to analyse and interpret mammographic images in the screening, new referral and post operative follow-up situations in line with national guidelines, protocols and scope of practice.

     X-ray guided breast interventional biopsy advanced practice module

    This module is for mammographers, breast clinicians and appropriate others who seek to extend their role to undertake breast interventional procedures under X-ray guidance. The module will provide you with the necessary skills to undertake X-ray guided breast interventional procedures and develop your leadership qualities to enable you to work towards advanced clinical practice

    See further information here. View the course calendar here or contact the team at nibecadministratoinoffice@nuh.nhs.uk

    View our current partners