Nursing - Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN)

Entry requirements

• Applicants must have current Part 1or 2 registration in either nursing or midwifery with the Nursing & Midwifery Council
• BSc Hons/BSc degree in Nursing or a health related area OR
• A Diploma of Higher Education in Nursing/midwifery which is equivalent to 240 academic credits OR
• Applicants without a Diploma Higher Education in nursing/midwifery must have successfully completed a portfolio of evidence for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) which demonstrates the achievement of all Level 4 and Level 5 learning outcomes. Please note this APL portfolio must be successfully completed and assessed by Ulster University before applicant can proceed to interview.
• Health Visiting students are required to apply through a Regional Recruitment and Selection process and pass the standard set at interview

• Occupational Health Nurses and School Nurses apply directly to the HSCT and must pass the standard set at interview

• Provide an Access NI Enhanced Disclosure certificate, which is current on application to Ulster.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The aim of this course is to prepare students to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to meet the Standards of Proficiency for Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (NMC 2004) Health Visitor or School Nurse. This will contribute to practice that is safe and effective in maintaining and improving the health of the public and communities, acknowledging the responsibilities and accountabilities necessary for public protection. To prepare proficient SCPHNs who can reflect systematically upon their practice. Through analysis, synthesis and evaluation the SCPHN will contribute to the development of practice.

The SCPHN programme embraces diversity on both a local and global level and is reflective of a changing society. The programme recognises the challenges of migrating populations and facilitates the student knowledge in recognising and responding to the needs of clients/families during resettlement periods.The SCPHN programme aims for teaching excellence. It is cognisant of a positive student experience and responds to student evaluation and feedback. The students are encouraged to engage with evidence informed practice.

Ulster is the sole provider in Northern Ireland of this course. The completion of this course allows students to progress their career and practice at a specialist level. The programme engenders a sense of pride amongst staff, students and alumni. The course has a national reputation for excellence in SCPHN practice which results in it being annually commissioned by the Department of Health.

Information for international students

International students must achieve a score of 7 overall and 7 on each sub-scale on the IELTS test of proficiency in English (NMC requirement). Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Fees and funding

The course is fully funded by the Health and Social Care Trusts but occupational health nurses can apply to self fund.