Early Years Practice Health Visiting

Entry requirements

To gain entry to the MSc/PGDip Early Years Practice (Health Visiting), you must meet the following requirements.

• Valid registration as a nurse or midwife on either parts 1 or 2 of the NMC professional register. We would welcome applications from nurses working in all fields of nursing (Adult, Child, Learning Disability and Mental Health) and midwives.
• The ability to study at degree level (minimum academic level SCQF Level 9) (NMC 2004; Standard 5).
• Demonstrate knowledge, skills and competence beyond your initial NMC registration, i.e. normally two years’ post registration experience as a registered nurse or midwife-however, other relevant professional experience can be considered. Each individual application is considered on their own merit.
• In order to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) practice requirements for the programme, you’ll need to be supported by an NHS Health Board/LA in an approved practice with a nominated practice assessor and practice supervisor. The placement will be negotiated between the University and NHS health boards and local authorities.

In order to be a registered Nurse or Midwife you will already have been required to prove your English language ability to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Months of entry

September

Course content

This course will provide you, as a registered nurse or midwife on Part 1 or Part 2 of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register, with the opportunity to influence the health and social care provision of children and families. The course will equip you with the higher level knowledge and skills to deliver safe and best practice in the role of Health Visitor as defined in the NMC Standards of Proficiency for Specialist Community Public Health Nurses (NMC, 2004).

The development and delivery of the course is supported by a multi-disciplinary collaboration with our NHS Health Board and Local Authority partners. This reflects the growing priorities that have been identified to provide an improved and more responsible level of care to support, protect and improve the health and wellbeing of children, young people and their families.

You'll be taught by a group of world-leading academics and your experience is enhanced by working in collaboration with other faculties and researchers. The course features an equal split of theory and practice to ensure you can put everything you learn straight to work in a professional setting. A unique feature of our course is the provision of master classes delivered by expert and key note speakers. You’ll also benefit from a varied approach to teaching that includes webinars, online guided study, group-work, podcasts and experiential learning. Support and guidance is on hand from your personal tutor, as well as your Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Indicator 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in speaking and listening
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 176 overall with a minimum of 169 in reading and writing and with 162 in speaking and listening
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 169 in reading and writing and 162 in speaking and listening
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with a minimum of 60 in reading and writing and 59 in speaking and listening
• IBT TOEFL 80 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 20 in speaking, 18 in reading and 23 in writing
• IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition Test 80 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 20 in speaking, 18 in reading and 23 in writing
• Trinity ISE II Pass overall with a minimum of Merit in all sub-skills, Trinity III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISEIV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
• Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
• Duolingo 105 overall with a minimum of 95 in reading and writing and 90 in speaking and listening
• LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator - Pass with minimum 33 in each sub-skill

If you are from India, Bangladesh, Ghana or Nigeria please also check your country/region specific page for any additional, or changes to, English language requirements.

For more information on ways that you can meet our English language requirements, including options to waive the requirement, please read our information on English language requirements.