Professional/Short course Critical Care in Practice
Page last updated 11 June 2025
20 credit level 6 or level 7 module
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.
The 20 credit Critical Care in Practice module is built around the 'National Competency Framework for Adult Critical Care Nurses' (Steps 2 and 3) and is therefore designed to relate practically to a nurse's role in Intensive Care.
On successful completion of the level 6 (UZWR1E-20-3) or level 7 (UZWR1F-20-M) module, you will be able to:
- Exercise a competent level of clinical judgement when caring for patients requiring level 2 and 3 care.
- Demonstrate competence in systematically assessing physiological systems.
- Demonstrate competence in a range of clinical conditions and critical care interventions.
- Demonstrate competence in identifying and addressing the psychosocial, cultural, ethical and spiritual needs of patients and their families in critical care areas.
- Demonstrate ability to critically examine own and others practice to reflect latest developments within critical care.
- Display knowledge and understanding of leadership, communication and wider organisational drivers relevant to a critical care setting.
Entry requirements
You must be a registered healthcare practitioner working in an Intensive Care (ICU) facility, or equivalent (ie. level 2 or 3 critical care dependency).
You must also have a minimum of six months ICU (or equivalent) experience and currently working in ICU (or equivalent).
Careers / Further study
The level 6 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 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) in line with the National Competency Framework for Adult Critical Care Nurses (2012) Steps 2 and 3.
- Respiratory System
- Cardiovascular System
- Renal system
- Gastrointestinal System
- Neurological System
- End of Life Care
- Inter & Intra Hospital Transfer
- Rehabilitation
- Professionalism
- Leadership.
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
The module is delivered through five on-campus days (consisting of 50% simulation). In addition, learning is provided by a blended format of:
- online pre-reading materials and activities for each on campus day
- learning undertaken in your own workplace through clinical supervision with a named mentor and sign off of STEPS 2 and 3 national competencies
- self-directed learning is in addition to these components.
Study time
A total of 40 hours in the form of webinars, simulation, and activities. Additional time is required for self-directed learning using provided online material, as well as peer review activities in the workplace.
Assessment
Assessment for this module comprises:
- the completion and submission of the competency framework.
- a 2,000 word assignment.
You will be expected to have a named designated mentor in your place of work before starting this module.
Formative assessment should be continuous with regular meetings to discuss progress in relation to learning outcomes within the competency document and adjust learning contracts accordingly
Features
Study facilities
There will be face-to-face days at the Glenside Campus Skills Simulation suite.
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.
Please note: Priority will be given to applications received through our funded educational contracts. Places on this module will be limited for applications received outside of this funding. Please check with your employer as a funded contract place may still be available to support your learning.
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.
Please note: Priority will be given to applications received through our funded educational contracts. Places on this module will be limited for applications received outside of this funding. Please check with your employer as a funded contract place may still be available to support your learning.
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