Health & Social Care

• 2 years
• Enrolment date: September
• Admission enquiries: 01642 384176
• E: sohscadmissions@tees.ac.uk

In response to contemporary developments in health and social care and the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) this programme has been constructed to enable qualified nurses to build upon previous knowledge and experience and develop those attributes demanded by the NMC for the Specialist Community Nursing pathway – Nursing in the Home/District Nursing.

What you study

This practice-centred course is delivered on a 50% taught theory and 50% taught practice basis. Practice-based learning is central to the programme and you are allocated a practice teacher/mentor who facilitates learning in practice and is also responsible for assessment of your competence in practice.

The aim of the course is to develop specialist district nurses who are able to respond effectively to the current health and social care agenda whilst maintaining responsibility for effective care and programme management, clinical practice leadership and clinical practice development. In order to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for district nursing practice you engage in a variety of taught modules and a final practice project which includes a literature review and action plan for service improvement.

The course can be accessed on a part-time basis (104 weeks). Please contact the programme leader for further details.

How you learn

You spend the equivalent of two full days per week in University; the programme encourages the development of independent learning. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars and workshops, and a practice placement. You work with your practice teacher/mentor for two days per week throughout the programme and for a final ten-week period of full-time supervised practice. One day per week is allocated for self-directed study.

How you are assessed

A variety of assessment methods include Observed Clinical Skills Examinations, community formulary prescribing examination, written assignments and a practice progress file. During the programme you have tutorial sessions in practice with both your academic mentor and practice teacher/mentor. These sessions allow you to engage in debate which links theoretical concepts to practice situations and also forms the basis of your assessment of practice.

Professional accreditation/placement

On successful completion you’ll gain a NMC recordable professional qualification which will include Community Practitioner Prescribing.

All students commencing this course must have an agreement with a Health Trust to provide a clinical placement and a community practice teacher/mentor for the duration of the programme. Difficulties in negotiating this arrangement may result in you being unable to access the programme. Those who are fully sponsored by the trusts will have a clinical placement provided in negotiation with the community managers. To facilitate your development and compilation of the practice portfolio, you’ll engage in a tripartite relationship with your community practice teacher/mentor and an academic mentor to facilitate development of theory and practice. You’ll all meet in each term in order to facilitate achievement of outcomes through contract learning.

Career opportunities

Future employment opportunities may include a specialist district nursing role with the primary care setting.

Entry requirements

You're expected to have 120 credits at certificate level and 120 credits at diploma level (or equivalent).

You must also

• have an effective registration on the Nursing and Midwifery Council professional register


• have at least 12 months post-registration experience


• be seconded from an employing authority to ensure you have access, support and leadership within a community setting


• spend two days per week in supervised practice to consolidate theory to practice.

The University can award academic credits for both certificated courses and/or professional practice via the AP(E)L process. If you want to proceed with an AP(E)L claim, you can get the appropriate form from the Admissions department.

For additional information please see the undergraduate and postgraduate entry requirements in our admissions section

More information

• School of Health & Social Care facilities The School of Health & Social Care has amazing purpose-built facilities simulating practice environments such as hospital wards, dental clinics and social care settings. See how students benefit and prepare for practice. (5 mins)
• Health & Social Care
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