A lecturer is sat on a chair, speaking to a nursing student sat on a sofa.
Postgraduate PgDip

Nursing Specialist Practitioner (District, Learning Disabilities, General Practice, Children's Community, Adult Social Care)

Attendance

Full-time

Course

One year

Next enrolment

September 2026

Introduction

In a nutshell

The Community Nurse Specialist Practitioner programme has been developed to support you as a registered nurse to develop advanced level skills and knowledge in specialist community practice in one of the following areas:

  • Adult Social Care Nursing
  • Children’s Community Nursing
  • District Nursing
  • General Practice Nursing
  • Learning Disability Nursing

This course will support you to develop specialist skills, knowledge and behaviours in the implementation of whole-person, place-based and integrated care enabling you to support children, families and adults in community settings. As a graduate you will be leaders in your area of specialism with skills and knowledge in quality improvement, caseload management, team leadership, and working as part of a complex health and social care system. 

You will:

  • Gain an NMC registered qualification in your field of practice
  • Gain specialist and advanced leadership knowledge and skills, preparing you to lead in the contemporary health and social care system
  • Have the choice to opt for a route that will enable you to complete and register with the NMC as a Non-Medical prescriber (V300)
  • Tailor your learning through the selection of optional modules
  • Learn in a supportive interdisciplinary environment with a range of other community nurses

This is for you if...

1.

You want to join the growing workforce focusing on delivering health care that is inclusive, preventative, and delivered locally in homes, schools, nurseries and other community locations

2.

You would like to enhance your professional role, developing your skills in leadership, service and quality improvement

3.

You want to work and learn alongside other health and care professionals, benefitting from a diverse range of experiences and developing an advanced knowledge of integrated care

4.

You want to learn on the job, with a balance of theory and practice placement, this programme enables you to immediately put in to practice the things you are learning at university.

5.

You want to make an ambitious career choice to study and become a Community Nurse Specialist Practitioner Nurse

Course details

All about the course

The course is a 1-year, full-time programme where you will spend half of your time in a practice team and half of the time on campus, studying theory. You will have the opportunity to undertake spoke days across wider community services to enrich your learning. You will also have the opportunity to complete a 1-week alternative practice placement in a location or service outside of your usual practice that complements your role and broadens your experiences. Previous students have used this week as an opportunity to explore international approaches to community nursing.  

On completion of the programme, you will gain 120 level 7 credits and a PgDip in Specialist Community Nurse in your chosen field of practice
 

Semester 1: Core Modules

Evidence Based Community Practice and Research

Throughout this module, you will focus on advancing your skills in research and evidence-based practice within the context of community nursing and change management. Building upon the foundation of Module one, you will gain critical reading, analysis, and writing skills that will enable you to critically reflect on contemporary policies, evidence-based research, and their practical application. By the end of this module, you will have the proficiency to critically reflect on contemporary policy; rigorously evaluate and utilise evidence-based research in your practice; and recognise the significance of evidence in informing decision-making. Finally, you will be able to apply these skills to change management and leadership activities, focusing on delivery of safe, effective and compassionate community health and social care.

Integrated and Inclusive Community Practice

This module explores the impact of inequalities, stigma, poverty and social privilege on health outcomes of populations and individuals. The module fosters deep critical understanding of these complex issues including the policy context in which they sit on a local, national and global scale. The module focuses on the theories and practice that enables individuals and populations to maintain health and wellbeing.

You will engage in interprofessional, collaborative learning, gaining critical appraisal skills to examine complex healthcare scenarios. You will consider the challenges around interprofessional working and the opportunities to improve the health of under-served people. You will develop specialised knowledge tailored to community and public health practice, which will support you to practice in an integrated and inclusive way.

You will gain experience in interpreting and analysing public health data, enabling you to make informed decisions that directly impact the health and wellbeing of individuals and populations. Upon completion of this module, you will have cultivated a specialist knowledge of population health dynamics, enabling you to identify meaningful insights into the lived experiences of others that you can then critically apply to your practice setting.

Semester 2: Core Modules

Essentials of Assessment and Management

This module will prepare you to undertake health assessments, diagnose and manage commonly presenting complaints/conditions within your scope of practice. You will learn how to take a structured history, physical examination and apply this to inform care planning and support. You will develop a deeper understanding of the wider context of people's lives and how this impacts on individual health and wellbeing.

Specialist Practice (Adult Social Care Nursing)

This module is designed to give you the opportunity to explore in-depth, the contemporary issues in Adult Social care settings, policy, and research. It will provide you with the required knowledge and skills to work as a Specialist Practitioner nurse. 

The aim of this module is to: 


•    Support development of specialist knowledge and skills in Adult Social Care Nursing that will support you on your journey to meeting the NMC (2022) standards for your chosen area of Specialist Practice Nursing.  
•    Create opportunities to develop proficiency in synthesising both theoretical and practical knowledge related to contemporary issues in Adult Social Care nursing. This includes demonstrating leadership capabilities in addressing health disparities and enhancing community well-being. 
•    Support application of high level of critical awareness regarding the role of Adult Social Care Nursing in leading the identification, assessment, and care of adults living in community settings. Additionally, have the skills to collaborate effectively with others to promote health and ensure the safety of older adults in a community setting. 
•    Create an opportunity to learn skills to apply critical and analytical skills in assessing evidence-based theories, policies, and research, enabling the development of specialised knowledge and skills in Adult Social Care Nursing. 
 

Specialist Practice (Children Community Nursing)

In this module, you will acquire advanced specialist knowledge and skills that will empower you with the confidence and competence to assume leadership roles within a diverse range of community settings. You will be well-prepared to fulfil your professional responsibilities as a community nursing specialist practitioner in your chosen specialization.

Throughout this module, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a contemporary interprofessional learning environment. The module will facilitate peer-to-peer learning, complemented by seminars delivered by experts in the field of community nursing and industry leaders. You will be actively encouraged to employ critical analysis and synthesis skills to evaluate contemporary practices within your chosen specialist professional area.

This module is practice-oriented and application-focused. You will be guided to reflect upon practical examples, applying best practices and incorporating the latest research findings. This reflective approach will be underpinned by professional values of competence, compassion, and kindness, recognizing the crucial role these qualities play in providing effective healthcare within the community.

 

Specialist Practice (District Nursing)

In this module, you will acquire advanced specialist knowledge and skills that will empower you with the confidence and competence to assume leadership roles within a diverse range of community settings. You will be well-prepared to fulfil your professional responsibilities as a community nursing specialist practitioner in your chosen specialization.

Throughout this module, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a contemporary interprofessional learning environment. The module will facilitate peer-to-peer learning, complemented by seminars delivered by experts in the field of community nursing and industry leaders. You will be actively encouraged to employ critical analysis and synthesis skills to evaluate contemporary practices within your chosen specialist professional area.

This module is practice-oriented and application-focused. You will be guided to reflect upon practical examples, applying best practices and incorporating the latest research findings. This reflective approach will be underpinned by professional values of competence, compassion, and kindness, recognising the crucial role these qualities play in providing effective healthcare within the community.

Specialist Practice - (General Practice Nursing)

In this module, you will acquire advanced specialist knowledge and skills that will empower you with the confidence and competence to assume leadership roles within a primary care. You will be well-prepared to fulfil your professional responsibilities as a community nursing specialist practitioner in your chosen specialisation

Throughout this module, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a contemporary interprofessional learning environment. The module will facilitate peer-to-peer learning, complemented by seminars delivered by experts in the field of community and primary care nursing and industry leaders. You will be actively encouraged to employ critical analysis and synthesis skills to evaluate contemporary practices within your chosen specialist professional area.

This module is practice-oriented and application-focused. You will be guided to reflect upon practical examples, applying best practices and incorporating the latest research findings. This reflective approach will be underpinned by professional values of competence, compassion, and kindness, recognising the crucial role these qualities play in providing effective healthcare within the community.

Specialist Practice (Learning Disability)

In this module, you will acquire advanced specialist knowledge and skills that will empower you with the confidence and competence to assume leadership roles within a diverse range of community settings. You will be well-prepared to fulfil your professional responsibilities as a community nursing specialist practitioner in your chosen specialization.

Throughout this module, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a contemporary interprofessional learning environment. The module will facilitate peer-to-peer learning, complemented by seminars delivered by experts in the field of community nursing and industry leaders. You will be actively encouraged to employ critical analysis and synthesis skills to evaluate contemporary practices within your chosen specialist professional area.

This module is practice-oriented and application-focused. You will be guided to reflect upon practical examples, applying best practices and incorporating the latest research findings. This reflective approach will be underpinned by professional values of competence, compassion, and kindness, recognising the crucial role these qualities play in providing effective healthcare within the community.

If you are on a route with non-medical prescribing (V300) (level 7 30 credits in total)

Non-medical Prescribing Theory - Independent Prescribing Theory

This module will enable you to evaluate and challenge prescribing practice with reference to evidence based practice, equality and diversity and clinical governance.

This module is accredited by the NMC, HCPC and GPhC and upon successful completion, you will be able to add an annotation to your professional registration as an independent prescriber.

Non-medical Prescribing - Independent Prescribing Practice

This module will look at the practical elements of independent prescribing, accompanied by the theory module Non-medical Prescribing - Independent Prescribing Theory. 

This module is accredited by the NMC, HCPC and GPhC and upon successful completion of this module and the programme as a whole, you will be able to add an annotation to your professional registration as an independent prescriber.

Semester 3: Optional Modules

Compassionate Digital Care

The module will support you to take a critical look at the range of ethical, legal and policy concerns and how digital health can be applied within your specialist area.

The ever-increasing use of technology has become a vital factor in the delivery of health and social care, and its integration is particularly pertinent in the context of specialist community nursing practice and community public health nursing practice. This module delves into not only the various technologies in use but, more crucially, how they can be applied to enhance the delivery of care, with a strong emphasis on compassion, prevention, independent living, and self-care within the community nursing domain.

Education in Practice

This module will prepare community practitioners to promote, deliver, design, and assess education in practice settings across pre and post registration health and care programmes. The module includes content such as learning theories, development of teaching skills and has an emphasis on integrated care and interprofessional learning.

This module is mapped to Domain 4 of the QNI Voluntary Standards for Practice Teachers (QNI, 2023) and to the Associate Fellowship of HE (Advanced HE, 2023).

Mental Health in Non-Mental Health Settings

This module is designed to equip non-mental health practitioners with comprehensive knowledge and insights into delivering person-centred and personalised care for individuals requiring mental health support. The program aims to bridge the gap in understanding and competence among professionals who may not specialize in mental health but find themselves in roles where such knowledge is essential.

Participants will delve into the principles of person-centred care, emphasizing the importance of tailoring interventions to individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. The curriculum covers key aspects of mental health support, fostering a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional medical perspectives. By the end of the module, participants will have acquired a nuanced understanding of the diverse factors influencing mental health, enabling them to engage with individuals in a manner that respects their autonomy and values.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

This module is aimed at registered healthcare professionals who wish to develop their knowledge and competence in contraceptive and sexual health within a community setting.

Topics covered will included:

  • Anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system
  • History taking
  • STI’s-transmission, prevalence, and treatment
  • Contraceptive methods and rationale for use
  • Contraceptive and sexual health needs in specific client groups
  • Legal and ethical issues in practice

Specialist Safeguarding

On completion of this module the learner will be able to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of safeguarding issues across the life course. The learner will be able to reflect on their practice and the practice of the multi-disciplinary team, mapping this against national and local policies, identifying and critically appraising barriers and drivers to effective safeguarding. This module is designed to enable the learner to have the appropriate skills and knowledge to work at Level 4 of the Intercollegiate Frameworks for Safeguarding.

If you are on a NMP V300 route you will select one of the optional modules and all other routes will select three modules. 

We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.

Our postgraduate taught courses are normally made up of 30 credit modules which are equal to 300 hours of learning time, or 15 credit modules which are equal to 150 hours of learning time. A Master’s degree typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, and a PGCert 60 credits.

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

Assessment

The programme follows an authentic assessment process that focuses on practical application of theoretical knowledge and will include a range of different assessment types including: 

Case studies
Literature reviews
Oral assessment
Presentation
Written assignments

Teaching

During this programme, there will be a range of teaching and learning strategies in line with Level 7 study. Learning will be a mix of in person, online, and directed study activities, focusing on the acquisition of specialist knowledge and the development of creative and critical thinking.


There is a pathway lead for Learning disability Nursing / District Nursing/ General Practice Nursing/ Children’s Community Nursing and Adult Social Care Nursing who will work closely with you to ensure that you develop a strong professional identity and knowledge in your chosen area. 


Teaching may include: 
•    Student and practitioner-led seminars
•    Learning scenarios and case study presentations
•    Reflection on practice
 •   Lectures


A student-centred experience is at the heart of this programme you will be guided and supported to achieve on the programme. The university offers a wide range of support to enable you to grow your skills and knowledge and succeed in your studies. 
 

 

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

On successful completion of this course, you will have the opportunity to apply for a role as a Specialist Community Practitioner – District Nurse/ Learning Disability Nurse/General Practice Nurse/Children’s Community Nurse/Adult Social Care Nursing.

People with SPQ qualifications often stay within those roles or can take development opportunities into safeguarding, education/teaching, management, or research.

Further Study

You can top-up your PgDip to an MSc Specialist Community Practice Nursing through the completion of the University of Salford dissertation module. You have 5 years after finishing the SPQ programme to complete this. 

The application process for funded places on the SPQ programme is usually managed through our practice partners, and most commonly advertised through NHS jobs. If you are interested in applying for the programme, please speak to your educational lead or service lead within your trust/organisation for more details on the application process. Joint interviews are usually held between the university and practice partners and usually include an element of presentation.

There is also the option of self-funded places, please email the Programme Team directly to discuss this - specialistcommunitynursing@salford.ac.uk.

Requirements

What you need to know

If you are employed

Speak with the Education lead in your organisation in the first instance as they will provide the funding and will make initial contact with the HEA. Your employer will need to confirm that they will fund and support your enrolment with the University.

The application process for these programmes are managed through the employer – if you are interested, please contact your educational lead. 
If you are applying as a self-funded applicant - please contact the University for more information.
 

Following course completion

Please note, you will need to register with the NMC within five years of successfully completing the programme and if you fail to do so, you will have to undertake additional education and training or gain such experience as specified in NMC standards for the award to be added as an annotation to professional registration.

Routes that include V300

If you are on a supplementary prescribing qualification route, the V300 award must be registered with NMC within five years of successfully completing the prescribing programme. If you fail to do so you will have to retake and successfully complete the programme to qualify as a prescriber.

Standard Entry Requirements

Employment

You must be employed in an appropriate nursing position with a relevant organisation that is an approved partner with the University of Salford. You must also be employed for more than 30hrs per week as the programme requires the ability to work a 37.5-hour week to ensure there is sufficient time to complete the NMC proficiency standards.

You will also need:

1. An active registration as a nurse (level 1) of the NMC register the Nursing and Midwifery Council register (NMC). Applicants must have registered as a nurse or midwife with the NMC before they can apply, students who have not yet got their pin won't be eligible to apply.

2. To demonstrate capability of safe and effective practice at the level of proficiency appropriate to the NMC approved Community Nursing Specialist Practice Qualification (SPQ). The University and practice partner will assess that you have the relevant professional experience and is capable of safe and effective practice within chosen pathway

3. For routes featuring the non-medical prescribing modules, applicants must have been registered with the NMC for least one year to comply with the Nursing and Midwifery Council requirements for V300 - non-medical prescribing qualification. You will also need to have appropriate experience in an environment where there is an identified need for the individual to regularly use independent supplementary prescribing (for example, a community team).

Undergraduate Degree

You will need to demonstrate one of the below:

  • A minimum of a bachelor degree in a related discipline area
  • An equivalent academic or professional qualification from the UK or elsewhere i.e. incorporating study at least comparable to 120 credits at honours level
  • Professional qualification of equivalent status and associated work experience or an equivalent qualification deemed suitable by the course team

GCSE

English and Maths GCSE Grade C or above or equivalent.

Residency

Be able to demonstrate the right to work in england and meet the residency criteria.

DBS

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and health checks will be completed prior to the commencement of the Programme. 

How much?

Additional costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Apply now

All set? Let's Apply

Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:

 

Enrolment dates

September 2026

Student information

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