About the course

The aim of the Critical Care course is to develop a systematic understanding of knowledge and critical awareness of current problems and new insights in your area of specialist practice. In addition, you will develop analytical skills in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of critical care practice for patients and their families.

You will be provided with the appropriate underpinning knowledge and understanding to inform your practice to align with 'Step 2 & 3' of the National Competency Framework for Adult Critical Care Nurses (CC3N, 2015) which will enable you to demonstrate competent performance in all the course content activities.

Critical Care can also be studied at Level 6.

Course structure

How the course is taught

This course is delivered on a modular basis, normally completed within 1 year. The course comprises three modules totalling 60 Credits; 45 of these credits are at Level 7 (Masters level) and 15 credits are at Level 6 (Degree level). The first two modules run concurrently: NUR-40045 Critical Care Practice and NUR-30163 Clinical Practice, concluding with NUR-40039 An Introduction to Clinical Effectiveness or another appropriate research module. 

Assessment

Each module on the programme is formally assessed. A range of assessment techniques [summative and formative] will be used in the programme including essays, poster presentations, simulated clinical scenarios and a portfolio. Each method of assessment is supported by clear criteria for marking. The pass mark for the Level 7 modules is 50% for all elements of assessment and the pass mark for the Level 6 module is 40%.

Taught Modules

The list of modules below are indicative. We expect to offer the same modules in the future but this may change. If the modules change we will inform you during the admissions process.

Entry Requirements

Academic entry requirements

Normally hold a professional registration with an appropriate body and with a minimum of 12 months current clinical experience in an appropriate Critical Care location. 

Evidence of Level 6 study.

English Language Entry Requirement for International Students

This programme is available to international students working in the UK.  As an international student, you should have appropriate professional registration and meet the following NMC IELTS criteria.

Funding

Charged on a modular basis (1 year) and prices can be found here.

Scholarships and Funding

We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our bursaries and scholarships webpage for more information.

Planning your funding

It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in this case, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.

Our expertise

This course is led by Nicky Witton.

The course is hosted by the Keele University School of Nursing and Midwifery, which is one of the top ranked universities in the UK. Students have access to university libraries’ (online facilities for distance learning) facilities and enjoy the support of the wider university. Teaching Faculty include specialist clinical educators along with educationally qualified clinicians working in both Primary and Secondary care who ensure the course is relevant to the clinical environment.

Facilities

The School of Nursing and Midwifery utilises modern teaching facilities, including skills labs and the anatomy suite where appropriate, to enhance and support the student learning experience. All facilities are equipped with computers, internet access and projection equipment. Rooms are designed to be flexible and can be used for larger groups, also more informally for small groups working together.

The learning resources available to students on the programme include: 

• An extensive collection of materials relevant to postgraduate study held in both the main University Library on Keele campus, and in the Health Library on the campus of the University Hospital of North Staffordshire. A number of relevant journals are also accessible online to all registered students, and are accessible from anywhere in the world with a University username and password.

• The Keele Learning Environment (KLE) provides easy access to a wide range of learning resources including lecture notes and presentations, discussion boards and blogs enabling students and tutors to discuss topics, all information about the programme and all modules, and other materials designed specifically for particular modules.

• Computers for student use are situated in both the Main Library, also in the Health Library.