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Perioperative Practice (Professional Practice)

  • Level: Top-Up Pathways
  • Starting: January 2020
  • Study mode: Part Time
  • Location: City South
How to apply
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If you are a perioperative - or prospective perioperative - practitioner, this course will help to enhance your skills in all areas of the clinical environment. It is a contemporary programme that develops your practice and it delivered by experts in the field. Students come from a variety of clinical and professional backgrounds which also enhances your learning experience.

What's covered in the course?

This course has been recently redesigned to ensure its currency and its continued application to practice. In addition to clinical skills emphasis is put upon leadership, management and communication to develop the leaders for tomorrow today. A wide variety of learning and teaching methods are used including group work which develops the ‘curiosity’ required for today’s professional practitioners.

Why Choose Us?

  • Excellence of support for all students
  • Redesigned contemporary programme that meets the needs of the perioperative practitioner
  • Delivered by experts in the field of perioperative practice.

New £10,609 postgraduate loans

If you are completing the MSc Professional Practice, you may be able to take advantage of the government’s plans to make loans of up to £10,609 available for postgraduate study.

More about postgraduate loans

This course is open to International students

Midwifery and social work

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Visit the School website

Course Accreditations

Post Registration Education Provider of the Year Winner

SNTA winner

UK or EU students

Award Start Mode Duration Fees
Jan 2020 PT
TBC
TBC

International Students

Award Start Mode Duration Fees
Jan 2020 PT
TBC
TBC

If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead. 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.

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 Perioperative Practice 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. 

Financial sponsorship

If you will be receiving financial sponsorship, to settle the tuition fees for this course please download and complete the financial support form. Once completed please upload it to your applicant portal.

Professional Practice Routes

Have a look at all of our Professional Practice Healthcare routes available

Professional Practice Routes

Degree (Level 6)

In order to complete this route a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):

Year 1 Pathway Award – Exit Award: Grad Cert / BSc Professional Practice (Perioperative Practice)
Principles of Anaesthetic Care
20 credits

This module is aimed at post-registration healthcare professionals that wish to build upon prior knowledge, skills and experience that have been acquired in practice previously and develop your knowledge of anaesthetic care. It will enable you as a health care practitioner to develop your role, skills and management of anaesthetic care to a level capable of delivering care to patients with complex needs that may be undergoing elective, non-scheduled or emergency procedures.

This module will relate to all other level 6 modules within the perioperative pathway programme in order gain transferable knowledge. This will enable you to identify and justify how your role impacts upon the safe and effective care of patients within all aspects of the perioperative environment.

This module is can also be taken as a standalone credit bearing course

Managing Intraoperative Surgical Care
20 credits

The initiatives in health policy and the expansion of consumer choice demand that practitioners are suitably qualified to deliver care. This module will enable perioperative practitioners to continue to advance their skills in line with role redesign and will contribute to their continued professional development (HCPC 2014; NMC 2015). Contemporary issues in intraoperative practice will be explored together with their potential impact on clinical practice, enabling the practitioner to continue to deliver effective, safe care which meets patient’s expectations (DH 2010, DoH 2015).This module also embraces interprofessional learning, which reflects the delivery of care in the perioperative environment.

This module is can also be taken as a standalone credit bearing course

Management and Care of the Patient in the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit
20 credits

This module is aimed at post registration theatre practitioners who wish to develop their knowledge and ability to provide safe and effective care to patients in the post anaesthetic care setting. By undertaking this module, you will be introduced to the principles of safe and effective post-anaesthetic care supported by a contemporary evidence base. Following completion of both the theoretical and practice components, you will be able to effectively assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care in the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) environment.

This module is can also be taken as a standalone credit bearing course

Year 2 Pathway Award (BSc Only) – Exit Award: BSc (Hons) Professional Practice (Perioperative Practice)
Using Research Evidence in Practice
20 credits

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.

Good reasons to study Evidence-Based Practice: Clinical practice does not remain static but changes frequently. As a healthcare practitioner you must be able to justify and rationalise your practice to ensure quality care is provide and maintained. To ensure best practice is sustained you, as a practitioner, need to understand the concepts of evidence based practice and how to apply these concepts to your area of practice.

This module is can also be taken as a standalone credit bearing course

Negotiated Study
20 credits

This module is aimed at healthcare practitioners who wish to negotiate learning of a bespoke topic. Under the guidance of facilitators, you will be able to direct your learning and identify relevant learning opportunities that you feel enable you to learn more about a specific field of study.

The subject area within this module is student led with guidance and facilitation from designated academic and practice support. You will identify an area of study that you would like to critically review and evaluate and which promotes your clinical development. A significant proportion of the module is based around negotiation with academic and clinical facilitators to identify extended areas of study and opportunities that are possible to enhance your progression towards completion of the study.

This module is can also be taken as a standalone credit bearing course

In order to complete this route a student must successfully complete at least 20 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.
Optional Module
20 credits

Postgraduate (Level 7)

In order to complete this route a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):

Year 1 Pathway Award – Exit Award: PG Cert Professional Practice (Perioperative Practice)
Principles of Anaesthetic Care
20 credits

This module is aimed at predominately graduate, post-registration healthcare professionals that wish to build upon prior knowledge, skills and experience that have been acquired in practice previously and develop your knowledge of enhancing anaesthetic care. It will enable you as a health care practitioner to develop your role and clinical skills as well as your ability to prioritise anaesthetic care to a level capable of delivering care to the complex deteriorating patient that may be undergoing elective, non-scheduled or emergency procedures.

This module is can also be taken as a standalone credit bearing course

Managing Intraoperative Surgical Care
20 credits

The initiatives in health policy and the expansion of consumer choice demand that practitioners are suitably qualified to deliver care. This module will enable predominantly graduate perioperative practitioners to continue to advance their skills in line with role redesign and will contribute to their continued professional development (HCPC 2014; NMC 2015). Contemporary issues in intraoperative practice will be explored together with their potential impact on clinical practice, enabling the practitioner to continue to deliver effective, safe care which meets patient’s expectations (DH 2010, DoH 2015).This module also embraces interprofessional learning, which reflects the delivery of care in the perioperative environment.

This module is can also be taken as a standalone credit bearing course

Management and Care of the Patient in the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit
20 credits

This module is aimed at predominately graduate post registration theatre practitioners who wish to develop their knowledge and ability to provide safe and effective care to patients in the post anaesthetic care setting. By undertaking this module, you will be introduced to the principles of safe and effective post-anaesthetic care supported by a contemporary evidence base. Following successful completion of the module, you will be able to effectively assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care in the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) environment.

During the module you will be enabled to utilise your previous academic experience and develop your ability to engage in Level 7 study, with the aim of developing a deep and detailed knowledge of postanaesthetic care and use this to promote safe, effective and evidence based care. You are expected to continue to advance your decision making skills allowing you to plan and manage appropriate interventions for diverse patient groups with complex needs. Interdisciplinary team work and human factor considerations are considered throughout to advance your clinical awareness and enhance your clinical leadership skills. There is a consistent focus on professional and ethical responsibilities and the standards stipulated by our professional bodies throughout.

This module is can also be taken as a standalone credit bearing course

Year 2 Pathway Award - Exit Award: PG Dip Professional Practice (Perioperative Practice)
Research: Methods of Enquiry
20 credits

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 is can also be taken as a standalone credit bearing course

Leadership Skills and Project Management for Health and Healthcare
20 credits

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.

This module is can also be taken as a standalone credit bearing course

In order to complete this route a student must successfully complete at least 20 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.
Optional Module
20 credits

MSc

Year 3 Pathway Award – Exit Award: MSc Professional Practice (Perioperative Practice)

Option 1

In order to complete this route a student must successfully complete the following CORE module (totalling 60 credits):
Research Dissertation
60 credits

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

In order to complete this route a student must successfully complete the following CORE module (totalling 40 credits):
Research Dissertation
40 credits

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.

In order to complete this route a student must also successfully complete at least 20 credits from ‘this list of additional optional modules* for Year 1 and Year 2.

*Any appropriate module (relevant to Pathway / Speciality) from University / Faculty portfolio as agreed with the Pathway Leader.
Optional Module
20 credits

Degree (Level 6)

Pathway Level
Level 6 - Year 1
Modules completed 
Principles of Anaesthetic Care (LBR6557)
Managing Intraoperative Care (LBR6559)
Management and Care of the Patient in the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (LBR6561)
Exit Awards
Grad Cert/BSc Professional Practice (Perioperative Practice)
Level 6 - Year 2 (BSc (Hons only)
Using Research Evidence in Practice (LBR6553)
Negotiated Study (LBR6547)
Optional Module
BSc (Hons) Professional Practice (Perioperative Practice)

Postgraduate (Level 7)

Pathway Level
Level 7 - Year 1
Modules completed 
Principles of Anaesthetic Care (LBR7507)
Managing Intraoperative Care (LBR7509)
Management and Care of the Patient in the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (LBR7511)
Exit Awards
PG Cert Professional Practice (Perioperative Practice)
Level 7 - Year 2
Research: Methods of Enquiry (LBR7339)
Leadership Skills and Project Management for Health (LBR7399)
Optional Module
PG Dip Professional Practice (Perioperative Practice)
Level 7 - Year 3
Research Dissertation
MSc Professional Practice (Perioperative Practice)
SNTA winner
Student Nursing Times Award Winner

Post Registration Education Provider of the Year

Download the course specification

Course dates

Please check the course dates to see when your chosen modules are available throughout the year.

Download the 2019/20 course dates

Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.

The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC)

International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.

BCUIC

BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.

Learn more about BCUIC

Our Facilities

We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.

We boast up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that medical staff may come across.

These resources are essential in offering students a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice. Much of our teaching is carried out within our state-of-the-art, £30m Seacole Building, which houses cutting-edge facilities.

Take a virtual tour of our skills suites at Seacole

In a sector where new techniques are constantly being discovered, we work hard to ensure that students learn using the most up-to-date equipment available. These include the only mock operating theatre in an English university and a cutting-edge radiography virtual clinical training facility, virtual ward and virtual case creator.

Virtual Case Creator

For pre-registration midwives, Virtual Case Creator software contains a range of scenarios to let you experience birthing situations and decide on appropriate interventions in a safe environment.

Hospital Ward

Our mock wards enable you to get a feel of what a ward is really like before you head out for your first placement. They contain ‘Sim Men’, which are demonstration dummies that develop ailments, allowing you to treat them as you would a real patient and build your confidence in reacting to the changing needs of patients.

The Hospital Ward can be adapted from a low care to high dependency care environment with the necessary monitoring equipment.

Part of the package is our SIM baby, SIM man and Mega code kid. There are also nursing manikins for fundamental skills teaching and various equipment to support essential skills teaching, such as blood pressure monitoring venepuncture and cannulation equipment.

Skills Practice and Clinical Enhancement facility

The SPACE (Skills Practice And Clinical Enhancement) learning facility lets you further practice the skills taught in class, at your own pace and convenience.

It is fully stocked with the specialist items and equipment needed for procedures such as taking blood pressure, giving an injection, abdominal examination of a pregnant woman and caring for ill babies in an incubator.

Biomedical Laboratories

We have recently installed new laboratory facilities to help you explore understand the scientific principles underpinning many of our courses. The physiology laboratory is equipped to help you learn about the way the human body works by performing investigative experiments. The biomedical science laboratory is undergoing an upgrade over the summer and will allow you to learn about anatomy, cellular processes, immunology and enzymology in a hands-on way that links directly to day-to-day health care.

Simulation Mannequins

We have several Simulation men (SIM men) and Simulation babies (SIM babies) which are leading edge, anatomically correct mannequins 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 SIM men and SIM baby mannequins are complete with software, which is used to replicate real symptoms, and are enhanced by the manipulation of for example blood pressure, pulse and heart rate for extra realism. SIM Man can also “talk” to the students which adds another dimension to their use in teaching clinical skills and in simulation exercises.

Mary Seacole Library

The Seacole library, based at City South Campus, is one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries. The state-of-the art facility offers an extensive range of range of information and reference materials set out in a relaxing environment, conducive to studying. There are comfortable seating areas, group study areas, a silent study area and private study rooms.

The Seacole building houses a large open access IT Suite which comprises of 96 PCs, full colour printers, photocopiers and scanners. 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.

The IT Suite offers extended opening hours and is supported by a specialist Open Access Assistant during term time. In addition to the open access PCs within the IT Suite, there are 12 networked student PCs available within Seacole library.

Simon Nixon

Senior Lecturer ODP and LBR Coordinator

Simon has worked at the University for just over 10 years, prior to this he was in the British Army for nearly 30 years. During this time he served in many areas both in and out of the United Kingdom. His job roles during this time were varied including working as an Operating Department Practitioner, Theatre Manager, Staff Officer and Office Commanding of a small Hospital.

During his time at Birmingham City University he has been involved in the development of the current Operating Department Practitioner curriculum and has ran modules primarily in the second year of the program. He has many interests around the student academic experience and is currently undertaking a number of Master of Education Modules to further enhance his teaching and learning experience.

Simon is also a member of a number of committee’s within the Health Faculty and teaches on the Paramedic Science Program in addition to being the pathway manager of the Faculties’ Perioperative Practice Pathway which offers further study opportunities for qualified nurses and Operating Department Practitioners.

Course Enquiries

For any course enquiries please contact the Perioperative Practice Pathway Leader, Simon Nixon on:

International Enquiries

If you are an international student please contact the international office for more information on entry requirements:

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 

Professional Practice Routes

Have a look at all of our Professional Practice Healthcare routes available

Professional Practice Routes

Next: How to apply

UK prospective students:

UK enquiry form

+44 (0)121 331 6295

EU / International prospective students:

International enquiry form

+44 (0)121 331 5389

Already applied?

Contact the admissions team

+44 (0)121 331 6295

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