This Advanced Practice master's develops and enhances specialist clinical skills in sexual and reproductive health assessment, screening, contraception, sexually transmitted infection management, communication and leadership, to provide a comprehensive and accessible service.
KEY BENEFITS
- Central location allows access to world leading clinical and academic resources.
- Access to extracurricular seminars and lectures given by leaders in healthcare from around the world.
- A multi-faculty environment drawing on clinical and academic expertise from a number of world leading schools and hospitals providing an unparalleled inter-professional learning experience.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Consultancy in women's healthcare; senior posts managing a service; practising in a women's health setting, particularly in sexual health or gynaecology; research.
Programme leader/s
Penny Charles
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
Typically students take one year to complete a certificate, two years for a diploma and three years for an MSc. Maximum of six years PT.
Location
Waterloo and Guy's campuses.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery
Closing date
End of July. Late applications may be considered, subject to availability.
Intake
10-15.
Fees
PT Home: £2633 (2013)
PT Overseas: £5180 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Postgraduate Admissions, tel 020 7848 3571.
Email
Website
PURPOSE
This pathway is designed to build upon the skills and knowledge of experienced nurses with some experience of sexual and reproductive health and will enable you to lead the development and delivery of innovative women's healthcare.
DESCRIPTION
This programme will increase your knowledge and critical understanding of the socio-political context of women's lives and health experiences; appraise your role as an advocate for women and gain in-depth knowledge of research methods and evidence-based healthcare to support the formulation, implementation and evaluation of policies.
Please see our frequently asked questions
here.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
Students study the following core modules:
- Social and Political Dimensions of Women's Health
- Measurement and Evaluation for Healthcare Practice
- Evidence Based Decision Making in Healthcare
- Dissertation.
For students wishing to undertake either an empirical study or a service development project as part of the dissertation module, additional modules must be taken and passed. These include:
- Issues in the Conduct of Healthcare Research (empirical study only)
- Professional Development and Organisational Change (service development project only)
Alternatively students may choose for their dissertation to undertake an indepth analysis of an area of policy or practice or to prepare three papers for publication.
Indicative non-core content
Students select optional courses from a wide range of available options including:
- Advanced assessment skills
- Clinical specialities
For full details of the programme structure please click
here.
Other options from our BSc programme may also be available. Students who have already studied modules at undergraduate or graduate level at King's may be able to incorporate this study into the programme, provided that the credits have not already contributed to an award. Modules studied elsewhere may be incorporated through accreditation of prior certificated learning (subject to a successful
accreditation claim).
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
The majority of assessment is by coursework; some modules are also assessed by examination.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7KNIP039
Credit level: 7
The aim of this module is to provide students undertaking the MClin Res in Health and Social Care Research with an opportunity to draw on previous research training to plan and carry out an empirical clinical research project under supervision. Students are also required to prepare a draft of a 3000 word article for publication.
A monthly tutorial programme between October and July which students can attend if they wish. Students will also be allocated a supervisor who they will see on an individual basis and who will guide them through the process.
Module code: 7KNIM110
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 30
Semester:
Full-year
Assessment:
coursework
This course aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to identify best evidence for your practice. It focuses on searching for, appraising and synthesising evidence from health care research. You are introduced to a range of electronic databases for accessing evidence and the principles of systematic review. Learning is facilitated through lectures, workshops and a student-directed search for evidence to address a question emerging from your own practice. Issues surrounding research implementation and evidence at the level of the individual practitioner and the health care organisation are addressed. Assessment is by means of a review of literature which answers a focussed question utilising explicit methods.
Module code: 7KNIM700
Credit level: 7
This module aims to provide students with a broad knowledge of the key research approaches and techniques used in healthcare research. It intends to promote students’ understanding of published articles and enhance skills of critical analysis and enhance skills for critiquing research articles. Further it aims to promote the development of skills required to undertake a research-based project in the future. This module is a good stepping stone to Master's level work for those who have studied research methods at level 6 and those who would benefit from revision of this knowledge. It will consider philosophical bases for research, traditions and features of qualitative and quantitative research designs, data collection tools used in qualitative and quantitative research and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data. This module is a precursor for the second research methods module, ‘Issues in the Conduct of Healthcare Research’
Module code: 7KNIP011
Credit level: 7
This course will increase practitioners’ critical awareness of political, social and environmental factors influencing women’s health choices and self-determination. It will facilitate critical evaluation of health and social policies, medico-legal and ethical issues and the impact of nongovernmental organisations and consumer groups on women’s health experiences and service provision. Particular emphasis is placed on vulnerable, disadvantaged and ‘at risk’ women within society. The course will provide a basis for holistic health assessment and sensitive care delivery and practitioners will gain in-depth knowledge and skills to be effective promoters, and advocates for women’s health care. Learning is facilitated through student led seminars, or lectures, discussions, individual tutorials and group work. Summative assessment is by a 6,000 word essay. Further Information Standalone M level courses are only available to those with a first degree where level three courses are offered in the same or similar areas. Minimum requirement is previous successful study with good grades at level 6.
Module code: 7KNIM701
Credit level: 7
This course aims to raise awareness of issues that arise inthe conduct of research, from writing research proposals to the publication of findings. It will be useful for students embarking on a research or service development project, for new researchers wishing to develop their skills, and for healthcare professionals seeking to evaluate healthcare services. Issues covered in the course include gaining funding, managing research schedules, involving users in the research process, working with external agencies, addressing ethical and political issues in research, and managing aspects of the data collection process - for example overcoming poor response rates and managing group dynamics in focus group research. Learning is facilitated through lectures, recommended reading and seminars. The seminars provide a series of How to... sessions that facilitate application of concepts learnt during the Principal Methods for Healthcare Research course. For example: How to develop an interview schedule, or How to run a focus group. These seminars enable students to gain a practical understanding of the research process.
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
For specialist pathways, applicants must normally be working in a practice role, which involves regular patient/client contact. The College cannot arrange clinical placements. The entry requirement for graduate study is a good first degree (minimum 2:1 honours or equivalent). Applicants with other backgrounds or qualifications, including those without a first degree, can be considered. If you do not meet the normal entry requirements or have only the minimum academic standard you should pay particular attention in preparing your supporting statement and CV to ensure that you draw attention to evidence of potential success at graduate level. This might include publication, preparation of substantial reports or active participation in funded research. In addition to the entry criteria for the Advanced Practice programme, applicants wishing to enrol on this pathway must be working in a practice role, which involves regular patient/client contact in a women's healthcare setting. Background knowledge and experience in sexual and reproductive healthcare is desirable.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Apply using the College application form available online. In addition, please submit a CV detailing relevant professional and academic experience.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Indicate the pathway/options you are interested in studying. Give details of any King's College modules that you have already studied that you wish to incorporate into the programme (including module name and course code, date completed, grade and credits gained). Identify any modules that you wish to be considered through the Accredited Prior Learning process.
FUNDING
Staff from contracted Trusts are eligible to have their study funded, subject to agreement by their manager. Students not sponsored by their employer may wish to pursue other sources of funding. Some scholarships may be available. Prospective students may also wish to consult the Directory of Grant-making Trusts and Charities (available in local libraries). Self-funding students may wish to consider a Career Development Loan
http://www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/cdl/
Staff profiles
Advanced Practice (Women's Healthcare) MSc/PG Dip/PG CertI am delighted to be able to oversee a raft of exciting master’s programmes within the School of Nursing & Midwifery. I myself have studied at King’s and was attracted to do so because of the College’s reputation for research.
Today the number of programmes has increased to meet the complexity and diversity of healthcare provision, and research has been fully accepted as an essential element of healthcare practice. I am pleased to say that research and the appraisal of evidence remain core to all of our programmes whether concerned with advanced clinical practice and leadership roles or in the field of education for healthcare professionals.