Overview

    Advanced practice is built upon four pillars of practice: clinical practice, facilitating learning, leadership, and evidence, research and development. This course will develop your professional practice in your workplace and the practice of others you work with to provide high quality care.

    Responding to changes required in response to the ten year NHS plan and the future needs of the population requires a workforce well prepared to provide practice and services that enhance the experience of service users.

    The generic nature of the course supports all students from a wide variety of professions and roles to apply learning to their individual circumstances and develop advanced professional practice.

    Why study Neonatal Intensive Care?

    The University Diploma in Neonatal Intensive Care is open to applicants who have at least 12 months experience on a neonatal unit and are working a minimum of 23 hours per week clinically throughout the programme.

    Through critical analysis of theory, research, policy and legislation you will be supported to advance scholarship and practice. A culture of interprofessional collaboration will be fostered through the provision of opportunities to learn with, from and about others including service-users. Knowledge and skills gained could enhance your continuing development, improve your performance at work and benefit the organisations that you work for now and in the future.

    The neonatal pathway is open for experienced nurses, who are employed by a neonatal unit with at least 12 months experience.

    All about the course

    The neonatal programme consists of three modules designed to develop the practitioner’s depth of knowledge and skills to care for neonatal intensive care babies and families with complex needs. Split over one academic year (three trimesters), it equips students with the knowledge and skills to become effective neonatal practitioners with varied and comprehensive study areas.

    At the end of the course, students will be awarded a University Diploma in Neonatal Intensive Care.

    Please note that all three modules must be completed to gain the University Diploma.

    Entry requirements

    Entry requirements for this programme are in line with University policies on widening participation and equality of opportunity. Applicants should normally possess:

    • A professional registration to practice in health and/or social care or equivalent.
    • Applicants should have at least 12 months experience on a neonatal unit and be working a minimum of 23 hours per week clinically throughout the programme.

    Find out more information about entry requirements.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements for this course, please contact our Course Enquiry Team.

    International students

    Find more information on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) requirements on our website.

    Depending which country you're from, there may be specific entry requirements. Check your country to see if this is applicable to you.

    Module information

    Please note that modules require a minimum number of students in order to run. 

    Core/optional modules

    *Modules subject to approval

    How you’ll learn

    Learning and teaching strategies will involve you as an active participant; you will be encouraged to use self-evaluation and reflection on your own experience to deepen and consolidate your understanding as well as plan for your future learning.

    This programme recognises that you are the experts in your field of health and care practice but will facilitate you to enhance your learning to seek innovative solutions for your own practice and as a leader to transform health and care delivery. Your own emotional wellbeing and connection to Health and Care Progressive Practice will be nurtured.

    Modules are organised using a range of teaching and learning methods to facilitate your academic and professional development. These methods include a blend of classroom based, online and work-based learning activities. Teaching and learning methods are supported by technologies e.g. our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). A strong emphasis on building of transformational networks for learning communities and wider local and national networks is advocated.

    How you’ll be assessed

    There is a variety of assessments from case studies to examinations. Throughout the course your knowledge and skills will be informally assessed through a variety of learning activities. You will be encouraged to engage in self-assessment and may be actively involved in peer assessment. Formative assessment (during the module but not part of the final assessment) opportunities will be offered within each module as a part of your on-going learning.

    Your future career

    After completion of the University Diploma in Neonatal Intensive Care students can choose to apply to continue onto the full BSc Healthcare Practice.

    Fees

    Fees for 2025/26 will be confirmed shortly. 

    2024/25 tuition fees for this course were:

      UK Overseas
    Full-time £1,015 per 20 credit module  £1,015 per 20 credit module
    Part-time £1,015 per 20 credit module  £1,015 per 20 credit module 

    Professional accreditation

    Applicants to the course would be expected to have professional accreditation within their area of practice and also to be working in an employed or voluntary capacity within that field. The course does not carry any professional accreditation although some modules are required study within certain fields of practice.

    Specialist facilities

    Most teaching on the course is by seminar and small lectures supported by our virtual learning environment although some modules do also make use of the facilities in our simulation suites to develop clinical skills.

    Industry links

    The course has been developed in consultation with local NHS and private sector healthcare providers to meet the needs of local workforce development. Several modules link directly with specific practice areas and may use the expertise of practitioners to support module teaching and learning.

    Regulated by the Office for Students

    The Office for Students (OfS) regulates Canterbury Christ Church University. The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. It aims to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. Further details about its work are available on the OfS website.

    Apply now

    I would like to start
    I would like to study

    Duration:

    1 year

    Location(s):

    Canterbury