Independent Learning Studies (Level 6, 20 credits)
Part-time
One semester
September 2025
In a nutshell
This module will give you the opportunity to negotiate a topic area for independent study, utilising resources and experience in a practice setting.
You will:
- enhance your independent learning skills
- explore strategies for learning and goal setting
- benefit from personal and professional development
All about the course
This module will give you the opportunity to negotiate a topic area in:
- Clinical governance
- Nurse prescribing
- Child protection
- School health
- Social exclusion
- Inter-professional working
- Intermediate care
You will also benefit from personal and professional development through independent learning:
- Motivation with independent learning
- Structured reflection
- Interpersonal skills
- Independent learning need defined
- Goal and action planning
- Personal, professional and organisational goals
- Managing self and independent learning
- Strategies for independent learning
- Evaluation strategies for independent learning
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.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real world impact.
Our courses are informed by the latest research and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice.
What about after uni?
This module can be taken as stand-alone for the purposes of continuing professional development. On completion of this module you will be able to critically evaluate your own personal and professional learning needs, and your learning style.
Career Links
We work with over 100 health and social care organisations so our links with industry are very strong. These relationships will be of direct benefit to you because our academic team work in practice in some of these organisations at a senior level so are able to keep you at the forefront of developments in the sector which in turn help you provide a better service.
What you need to know
You will need to be employed in an appropriate clinical setting and have the written consent of your manager to use the clinical area as a learning environment.
Previous study and experience
Academic requirements equivalent to: 120 credits at Level 1 and 120 credits at Level 2, preferably with a minimum of three months post-registration experience.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 2025/26 | £965 per 20 credit module |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.