PG Dip Specialist Practitioner: District Nursing

About this course

Study at LJMU to complete a Specialist Practice Qualification in District Nursing with Integrated Supplementary and Non-Medical Prescribing (V300). This programme leads to recordable NMC qualifications in Specialist Practice and Independent and Supplementary Non-Medical Prescribing.

The course will develop autonomous specialist practitioners who will be prepared to address the unique challenges of practice (beyond those of professional registration).

• Study for a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) recordable qualification in District Nursing
• Learn from expert nurses and specialists on this contemporary course
• Benefit from a curriculum praised by the NMC for its enhanced practice perspective and outstanding fitness for practice
• Have your professional competencies (NMC, 2022) assessed in theory and practice
• Experience practice placement
• Foster critical thinking, analytical skills and reflective practice to acquire lifelong learning skills.
• Develop the skills, expertise, and attributes to become inspirational role models and mentor for other practitioners seeking to achieve higher levels of competency in specialist community practice.

The key principles covered in the course include:

• Advanced communication and clinical skills
• Meeting the needs of culturally diverse communities
• Effective collaboration with stakeholders
• Advocating the rights and needs of vulnerable populations
• Recognising public health needs
• Addressing inequalities and compassionate leadership

These principles are underpinned by the seven platforms of specialist practice (NMC, 2022) and enable district nurses to make autonomous decisions, in situations that require them to manage greater clinical complexity and risk, both in terms of the people they care for, the caseloads they manage and the services they work within, which in turn may be integrated with other agencies, professionals and disciplines.

Career paths

Further your career prospects

LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.

The School of Public and Allied Health work with a wide range of health and social care organisations to design, deliver and evaluate a dynamic suite of postgraduate programmes.

The School's wide-ranging portfolio of cutting-edge postgraduate courses enables you to enhance your existing skills in the field of health and social care, develop specialised knowledge and expertise and improve your long-term job prospects.

All courses meet the needs of the current healthcare agenda and the growing demand from this ever-evolving sector for increasingly skilled healthcare professionals.

Each programme is informed by cutting edge research, ensuring you have the opportunity to study the latest developments alongside world class experts.

In a relevant nursing subject Consideration will be given to applicants who evidence of successful Level 6 or Level 7 (within the last 5 years). Confirm on entry that each applicant selected to undertake a SPQ programme has the academic capability to study at the level required for that programme (NMC 2023). GCSE/Equivalent Grade C or above in Maths and English.