Course overview

In order to benefit from this course you will wish to develop your own knowledge of acute clinical healthcare to a specialist level. Both employers and professional bodies will expect you to be able to show your independence and autonomy in learning so that you meet their standards for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and demonstrate your ability to contribute to delivering the highest quality healthcare possible. We will help you build a portfolio demonstrating your achievements.

Why study at Portsmouth?

Our course has been developed incorporating advice from a range of healthcare service providers (NHS/Ambulance Service etc) and previous student groups. Our course has also been informed by recent changes in the delivery of acute and emergency healthcare and following extensive consultation with senior clinical managers. In light of the current agenda to modernise medical careers, this course also provides an opportunity for existing healthcare practitioners to enhance themselves personally and professionally.

Is this the right course for me?

This course is appropriate for you if you currently work in one of the new and emerging health fields; for example, operating department practice or paramedic science. Alternatively, you may be working as a medical technician/assistant practitioner in an acute healthcare setting (for example, intensive care and critical care) or in a health centre or minor injuries unit. This course is also suitable for other health professionals (for example, nurses) who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in acute clinical healthcare whilst enhancing their career prospects and employability.

You may have completed an undergraduate course recently (Foundation degree or Diploma of Higher Education) and are seeking to top up to an honour's degree.

Course content

Throughout the course both practical and academic knowledge will be developed specific to your specialist area, interest or experience. This will allow us to tailor specific areas of study to ensure that they are applicable to your individual learning needs.

Core units of study

• Contemporary Issues in Acute Healthcare
• Recognition and Treatment of At Risk Patients
• Care of the Critically Ill
• Care of the Older Adult in the Acute Setting
• Project Proposal
• Project

Optional units of study

• Difficult Airway Management
• Supporting Learners in Practice

Teaching and assessment

The course will be offered via a combination of traditional (short intensive periods of face-to-face teaching), online and flexible teaching methods, thus achieving a blended approach. High on our agenda is individual student support and the recognition that logistically it can be difficult for some students to fit in with a University timetable. In addition to the campus-based lecture approach, content will be available online and you will be able to enhance your study via electronic means.

A variety of assessment methods will be used to assess your knowledge and abilities. Tests (academic or practical/skills based), coursework, assignments and a project all feature. During the course you will build a portfolio of evidence of your knowledge and competence that you will be able to use to showcase your abilities to future employers. Some units will require academic written work/portfolios to be prepared and these will be aligned to your individual background, experience and learning needs. Other aspects of the course will be assessed through Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), tests and presentations.

Career prospects

Successful completion of this degree will entitle you to the award of BSc (Hons) Acute Clinical Healthcare. This will provide you with a current CPD profile and enhanced skills and knowledge in your chosen area, which will improve your confidence and credibility with healthcare employers. You will have the opportunity to continue studies through our postgraduate route by studying for an MSc in Advanced Professional Practice in Healthcare.

Facilities and features

In order to facilitate your learning, you will have access to the facilities in the Centre for Simulation in Healthcare, which enhances students' learning and experiences through the use of innovative learning technologies such as hi-fidelity human patient simulators, simulated ward and theatre, mobile simulators, electronic voting systems and the eye-tracker device. This approach allows a safe and effective teaching and learning experience within which your practical competence can be assessed and developed. We also have a well resourced library with extensive IT facilities for all students to use.

Entry requirements

View all the entry requirements for BSc (Hons) Acute Clinical Healthcare for the academic year 2012/13 (opens in new window).