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BSc (Hons)
Professional Practice

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Key Information

Campus

Brayford Pool

Typical Offer

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Part-time

2 years

Academic Year

Course Overview

The BSc (Hons) Professional Practice programme is a professionally orientated programme of study, which has been developed as a 'top-up' option for non-graduate registered healthcare professionals.

The programme aims to provide a degree-level qualification from a structured and appropriate post-registration education portfolio consisting of practice focused and research modules. These are aligned with the NHS career framework, which supports the philosophy of lifelong learning and links to the NHS agenda for change initiative. A key focus of this programme will be to support learning in practice, while also developing knowledge and understanding of strategic service transformation and evidence-based practice.

The course has been designed to meet the needs of experienced practitioners from a range of healthcare backgrounds, and is suitable for registered and practicing professionals such as nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and radiographers. It will provide an opportunity to broaden knowledge and understanding of theoretical and policy issues, including research methods, and develop skills in order to contribute to the changing health and social care system.

For further information please contact Programme Leader, Chris Breen: chbreen@lincoln.ac.uk

How You Study

The programme consists of two core modules and further optional modules can be chosen from the existing continuous professional development portfolio. Most modules are delivered in a 5-10-week block, where students will be required to either study remotely or attend University on one day per week. This day will be fixed in advance for each module block, but the actual day of the week will vary from module to module.

Contact hours may vary for each individual module. The composition and delivery for the course breaks down differently for each module and may include lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, blended learning practical's, clinical placements, research and one-to-one learning.

University-level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour in class students are expected to spend two - three hours in independent study.

Modules

              † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

              Clinical Assessment and Care Planning 1 2024-25HEA1406MLevel 42024-25CoreContemporary Issues in Healthcare Policy and Practice 1 2024-25HEA1407MLevel 42024-25CoreHuman and Healthcare Sciences 1 2024-25HEA1408MLevel 42024-25CorePerson Centred Care 1 2024-25HEA1409MLevel 42024-25CoreClinical Assessment and Care Planning 2 2025-26HEA2426MLevel 52025-26CoreContemporary Issues in Healthcare Policy and Practice 2 2025-26HEA2427MLevel 52025-26CoreHuman and Healthcare Sciences 2 2025-26HEA2428MLevel 52025-26CorePerson Centred Care 2 2025-26HEA2429MLevel 52025-26CoreEnabling Service Transformation, Integration and Change 2026-27HEA3439MLevel 62026-27This module addresses the fundamentals of service delivery in health and social care in the context of local and national strategic policy and practice. The module aims to develop knowledge of the processes underlying evaluation and transformation of services, including leadership, change management, evidence-based service innovation, and delivery of high quality health care.CoreEvidence Informed Practice 2026-27HEA3440MLevel 62026-27This module aims to equip practitioners with the skills and knowledge required to ensure that they remain responsive to the ever-changing body of knowledge and scientific rational for clinical decisions in health and/or social care practice. The module will enable students to enhance their existing knowledge and understanding of the research principles that underpin clinical practice. Through this module you will be introduced to the concept of evidenced based practice, and you will learn how to interpret and communicate research evidence as applied to a variety of healthcare settings.CoreLeadership and Practice Education (15crd version) 2026-27HEP3002MLevel 62026-27This module explores aspects of leadership and management in healthcare, alongside practical skills for facilitating practice learning, preparing you to become a practice educator of the future. You will gain an understanding of management and leadership theory and how human factors can impact upon organisational culture, service delivery and clinical practice. You will learn how to function effectively as a member of a team, motivating and supporting your colleagues. We will collectively explore the skills required for critical and constructive reflection as a registered professional, preparing for lifelong personal and professional development. This will include practicing coaching and mentorship techniques, to support and facilitate the development of others on the programme; reflecting the culmination of your engagement in peer to peer education and buddying throughout the programme.CoreA Comprehensive Approach to History Taking and Physical Assessment 2026-27HEA3430Level 62026-27The aim of this module is to enable the experienced healthcare practitioner to develop their physical assessment skills and apply this to their own clinical context. As the independent practitioner, you will be equipped with the knowledge base, communication skills and safe clinical examination skills to make confident, effective and evidence based patient care decisions. You will also be able to undertake an independent assessment to start planning appropriate care or referral for your patients.OptionalAssessment and Management of Minor Injuries 2026-27HEA3442MLevel 62026-27The aim of this module is to enable the experienced health care practitioner to develop proficiency in the skills of assessment, treatment, and management of minor injuries and apply this to their clinical context. It aims to provide the autonomous practitioner with the advanced knowledge base, communication skills, and safe clinical examination skills, to equip them to make confident autonomous, effective, and evidence based patient care decisions.OptionalDelivering Contemporary Critical Care 2026-27NUR3006MLevel 62026-27This module looks to further expand the concept that the case study methodology enables the nurse to analyse information and develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. It encourages an depth consideration of contemporary issues related to the management of critical illness and to the nurse’s role in implementing care. The module seeks to further develop skills of investigation, assimilation and dissemination of evidence to promote best practice. The module aims to provide students with insight into effective mentorship and leadership skills and also encourages further consideration of ethical decision making in critical care.OptionalFoundations in Critical Care 2026-27HEA3431Level 62026-27This module utilises a case study methodology and aims to promote a holistic approach to patient assessment. Students are expected to build on existing knowledge and develop the skills to draw on available evidence to formulate a plan of care based on their findings. This will necessarily include consideration of the psychosocial aspects of care alongside the physical needs. Students are encouraged to consider local and national directives and initiatives and their impact on the critical care patient and their family. The module looks to introduce students to some principles of effective and sensitive management in relation to the legal, cultural and ethical dilemmas that they are frequently exposed to in the critical care environment. Within this module students are expected to work with an identified mentor and begin compiling a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate clinical competence and the ability to apply theory to practice.OptionalFundamentals in Tissue Viability (Level 6) 2026-27HEA3438MLevel 62026-27This module is designed to support health and social care practitioners to consolidate and develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of wound prevention, management and care. The module will explore the anatomy, physiology and classification of wounds; including the clinical aetiology of arterial and venous leg ulcers. Learning will take place through a series of core lectures and seminar activities, where students will be supported to use enquiry-based learning methods. The structure of seminars and workshops has been designed to enable the practitioners to draw upon their theoretical knowledge and apply this to their experiences in clinical practice. Students will be encouraged and supported to undertake an holistic assessment of individual user needs, including consideration of the bio-psycho-social factors, comorbidities, pain management and individual life-style choices that influence and impact upon healing and overall quality of life. The planning of this module and the assessment strategy have been designed in collaboration with users of health and social care services and will be assessed in a clinically relevant manner through the production of a justified and evidence-informed clinical management plan, in response to a given case study.OptionalInfection Control in Clinical Practice 2026-27NUR3054MLevel 62026-27OptionalLeadership and Education Support 2026-27PAR3008MLevel 62026-27This module explores aspects of leadership and management in healthcare, alongside practical skills for facilitating practice learning, preparing you to become a practice educator of the future. You will gain an understanding of management and leadership theory and how human factors can impact upon organisational culture, service delivery and clinical practice. You will learn how to function effectively as a member of a team, motivating and supporting your colleagues. We will collectively explore the skills required for critical and constructive reflection as a registered professional, preparing for lifelong personal and professional development. This will include practicing coaching and mentorship techniques, to support and facilitate the development of others on the programme; reflecting the culmination of your engagement in peer to peer education and buddying throughout the programme.OptionalOlder Adult Mental Health Level 6 2026-27NUR3043MLevel 62026-27This module aims to develop practitioners' knowledge and skills to work proactively and collaboratively with the service user to manage mental ill health in older adults, within their field of professional practice. The module will focus on enabling individuals to take greater control of their care and offering opportunities for better health, through personalised care planning, increased prevention strategies, and supported self-care.OptionalOngoing Professional Practice Development 2026-27HEA3445Level 62026-27Continuing Professional Development is a core activity for all working in health and care services. Development activities can take many forms outside of formal higher education programmes. Reflect on and re-evaluate developmental activities undertaken in your career in depth and apply personal development planning to work out the next steps in your progression with this individually focused module.OptionalUnderstanding Change Management and Leadership styles 2026-27HEA3444MLevel 62026-27The landscape of modern health and care delivery is continuously evolving and changing, resulting in the need for an adaptable and 'change-ready' workforce. The purpose of this module is to emphasise the role of effective leadership in facilitating organisational change, with focus on the healthcare setting. This will be achieved by linking various leadership perspectives to the diverse frameworks, concepts, and theories of change management.Optional

              What You Need to Know

              We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

              How you are assessed

              Assessment Feedback
              The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to you promptly - usually within 15 working days after the submission date.

              Methods of Assessment

              The way you will be assessed on this course may vary for each module. It could include coursework, such as a dissertation or essay, written and practical exams, portfolio development, group work or presentations to name some examples.

              Placements

              Some courses require you to undertake clinical hours in practice. These may take the form of supervised practice in your place of work, insight days, or a longer, formal placement. Such placements are organised by the students themselves or with their employer. You will be expected to cover the cost of transport, accommodation, and general living expenses, unless you are able to claim from your own employer. Tutors can provide support and advice on finding placements, should you require it.

              Specialist Facilities

              The University's Sarah Swift Building provides access to a range of clinical suites that simulate real hospital and home environments, and features the latest in-patient simulation technology. Students will also be able to gain practical experience with simulated patients that feature realistic anatomy and clinical functionality, as well as CPR mannequins to help develop clinical and decision-making skills during scenarios and clinical practice. The replicated ward environment is of an NHS standard and features realistic patient bays, as well as clinical equipment and consumables to provide a realistic workspace.

              Entry Requirements 2024-25

              Entry Requirements

              The entry criteria is to have 120 credits at Level One and Two relating to a health professional qualification; either a Level 5 Diploma or Foundation degree. It is a modular programme of study which incorporates the University's credit accumulation and transfer scheme.

              An Accredited Prior Experiential Learning option (APEL) is available for experienced practitioners who do not hold the above qualifications.

              To apply for this course please email cpd@lincoln.ac.uk

              Contextual Offers

              At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages. If you are applying to a course that has any subject specific requirements, these will still need to be achieved as part of the standard entry criteria.

              Fees and Scholarships

              Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

              Course Fees

              For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

              Course -Specific Additional Costs

              For each course you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required, depending on your course.

              With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.

              The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.