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Structure and exit awards

This course is studied at SCQF level 11. On completion, you will gain a PgCert.  

Teaching, learning and assessment

You will be part of supportive, inclusive and collaborative learning environment where students and teaching staff engage in shared learning and reflection and you will feel valued, connected, and confident to contribute their knowledge and experience. 

Much of your learning will take place within your own professional setting, allowing you to apply theory, evidence, and new approaches directly to your practice. The academic elements of the course will be delivered fully online, providing opportunities to engage regularly with the teaching team and other students from a range of professional backgrounds. 

You will be supported by a Clinical Guide - a person you identify from practice to provide encouragement, guidance and constructive feedback as you develop your knowledge, skills and confidence in practice. They will encourage you to reflect, explore new perspectives, and develop your practice, while also providing constructive challenge to help you critically evaluate your thinking and extend your professional capabilities, as well as supporting your reflection, encouraging professional growth, and helping you make meaningful connections between your learning, evidence and your role within community health practice. 

Work-based learning

You will complete the course in your substantive clinical post. You must remain in clinical practice to complete this programme of study.

Teaching hours and attendance

A notional 480 hours (equivalent to 7.5 hours per week) of protected learning time, alongside additional time for self-directed study, has been proposed for this course to support completion of the portfolio and associated learning activities. 

These hours can be used flexibly in a way that best suits each student’s individual circumstances and professional context. Some of this time may be used for synchronous (live) online sessions, engaging with colleagues within your community health team, self-directed study, reflection, and viewing recorded learning sessions. 

As this is an academic programme of study, you will be expected to engage in self-directed learning in addition to these notional hours to support your development and successful completion of the course.

The recommended study hours are intended to provide guidance to help you plan and manage your learning alongside your professional role. However, QMU cannot mandate employers to provide protected learning time or specific levels of support. You are encouraged to discuss the course requirements, study expectations, and available support with your employer before commencing the course and throughout your learning journey.  

Teaching staff

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

Context of Community Practice (20 credits): exploring the wider context of community health, including the factors that influence health and wellbeing, models of care, and approaches to supporting individuals and communities. 

Elective Module (20 credits): Here you will tailor your learning by selecting from a range of modules available within the School of Health Sciences, supporting your individual interests, professional role, and future development goals. 

Public Health Practice for Health Professionals (20 credits): This module will develop your understanding of public health principles and how these can be applied within professional practice to improve health outcomes and address population needs. 

The course supports your professional development by enhancing your knowledge, skills, and confidence in community health practice. It provides a foundation for career progression, leadership and specialist roles, and future postgraduate study, including potential progression through Master’s-level education. 

Through the course, you will develop skills to enhance your practice, contribute to service improvement, and support the delivery of high-quality community health approaches. 

Entry requirements 

Standard Entry: 

All applicants must be Registered Nurses (Part 1- adult, mental health or learning disabilities) with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) or Paramedics or Allied Health Professionals registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).   

Applicants will normally hold a degree and be able to demonstrate recent academic study (within the last five years). 

Be employed as a healthcare nurse, paramedic or AHP, working within a community or primary care context. 

Have access to a clinical guide to support your learning and development. 

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Non-standard entry: 

In line with the University's commitment to widening participation and providing opportunities regardless of educational background, we welcome applications from candidates with a range of qualifications and experience. 

Applicants who do not hold a degree or cannot demonstrate recent study at a relevant level may still be considered if they can demonstrate substantial relevant professional experience, together with appropriate continuing professional development (CPD) and evidence of their ability to study successfully at postgraduate level. 

Applications for non-standard entry for candidates will be assessed by the academic team and will be based on the following criteria: 

Evidence of appropriate work experience and supporting CPD activity which maps against the SCQF level descriptors for level 10. 

A statement of what the applicant has learnt from the above activity, showing how the learning has been at the equivalent of SCQF level 10. 

Supporting statement from your employer. 

Fees

Please refer to the PG 2026 fees. Please refer to the PG 2026 fees.  A finite number of places are funded by PSD Scotland. There is also the opportunity to undertake this course through self-funding. Please contact Jenny Garner (Programme Lead) for further details.

Other information

International students cannot be sponsored for a student visa to study this course.

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at QMU. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Applying for this course

For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of this page.

Application deadline

Applications for September 2026 are open. PSD Scotland will share the deadline for applications for the September intake with successful candidates. If you are interested in applying for this course, please contact your line manager or service lead in the first instance to discuss PSD Scotland funding. If you are a self-funded student please contact Admissions.

Contact Jenny Garner (Programme Leader) 

• The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2026/27 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).
• The information on this page is correct at the time of posting (August 2026) but is subject to change. In the event that modules change, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students. Please keep an eye on this page for updates.