Professional/Short course Principles of Critical Care

Entry year: 2025/26
Course code: UZWR1B203
Application: University
Level: Professional/Short Course
School: School of Health and Social Wellbeing
Duration: Four months
Delivery: Online
Course Director: Becky Marshall

Introduction

You may be able to study these modules at Level 6 (BSc level) or Level 7 (Masters level) depending on your academic circumstances. Please contact the CPD Team or the Module Leader for advice if you are unsure which level would be best for you.

This 20 credit Principles of Critical Care module is aimed at the healthcare worker working in critical care wishing to gain theoretical knowledge to bridge the theory/practice gap.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

At level 6 (UZWR1B-20-3)

Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of physiological and pathological processes within critical illness.
Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the Pharmacological management of critical illness.
Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the therapeutic principles of critical illness, and apply to the needs of level 2 or 3 critical care patients.
Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of psychosocial, cultural, ethical and spiritual needs of patients and their families in critical care areas.
Analyse the impact of evidence, beliefs and values that contribute to clinical ethical and organisational decision making processes in critical care practice.
Evaluate and apply current research findings, and challenge established critical care practice in order to promote care that is evidence based.
Analyse and evaluate the effects of local and national, political, legal and economic decisions on critical care practice.

At level 7 (UZWR1C-20-M)

Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of physiological and pathological processes within critical illness.
Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and comprehension of the Pharmacological management of critical illness.
Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the therapeutic principles of critical illness, and apply to the needs of level 2 or 3 critically ill patients.
Critically evaluate and analyse complex and conflicting evidence, beliefs and values that contribute to clinical, ethical and organisational decision making processes in critical care practice.
Synthesise current research information relevant to practice, demonstrating creativity and innovation, utilising knowledge or processes from the forefront of the relevant discipline/practice.
Critically analyse the psychosocial, cultural, spiritual and ethical issues associated in caring for the critically ill and their carers.
Critically review the wider policy implications and impact on practice arising from NHS reforms and professional bodies.

Careers / Further study

The level 6 (undergraduate level) module can contribute towards:

BSc(Hons) Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
BSc(Hons) Health and Social Care
MSc Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
MSc Advanced Practice
Professional Development Award

The level 7 (Masters level) module can contribute towards:

MSc Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
MSc Advanced Practice
Professional Development Awards

Structure

Content

The module syllabus typically includes:

Assessment, management and delivery of care for the following critical care patients (dependency level 2 or 3)

Patients with respiratory dysfunction
Patients with cardiovascular dysfunction
Patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction
Patients at risk of or in systemic inflammatory response syndrome/Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
Patients with neurological dysfunction
Patients with renal/fluid balance dysfunction
Patients with endocrine dysfunction

Evidence based practice

Tools for searching and selecting evidence from a range of sources

Organisational/political influences on care

Current initiatives which impact on practice
Ethical frameworks within critical care
Organisational changes and new ways of working

Learning and Teaching

A variety of approaches will be used which will include:

technology enhanced learning
workshops and masterclasses
lectures and seminars
enquiry based learning
case based learning.

This module is delivered completely online using a variety of learning methods, combining online face-to-face days and self-directed learning based on supplied online material.

Study time

A total of 34 hours online face-to-face sessions in the form of webinars, lectures and online discussion activities. Self-directed learning using provided online material is in addition to these sessions.

Assessment

Assessment of this module comprises a 3,000 word patchwork case study essay. You will be given opportunities to test your knowledge and understanding in several interactive quizzes and activities, with feedback throughout the module.

Features

Study facilities

The College of Health, Science and Society has an excellent reputation for the quality of its teaching and the facilities it provides.

Take a personalised virtual tour of the Health Professions facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.

Prices and dates

Supplementary fee information

Please visit full fee information to see the price brackets for our modules.

Funding may be available to support your learning. Please contact your Trust Education Lead. If you work in the Private, Independent and Voluntary Sector, please contact your employer who will advise you.

Dates

Please click on the Apply Now button to view dates.

How to apply

Please click on the Apply Now button to apply for your CPD module, which you can take as a stand-alone course or as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate (Masters level) programme.

Extra information

If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.

For further information

Email: pd@uwe.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 81158