This innovative postgraduate certificate is the first course of its kind in England. It is taught by a pioneering team of academics in the world-leading Centre for Applied Dementia Studies at the University of Bradford who are making great developments in dementia research and care.
It is designed for practitioners from a variety of clinical backgrounds working in health care settings where diagnostic services and post-diagnostic support for people with dementia are provided. The programme aims to support learners to develop high-level skills in assessment, diagnosis, clinical management and ongoing support for people with dementia and their carers.
Study is through a blended learning approach and is delivered fully online. Assessment of the programme includes theoretical as well as clinical competence assessment undertaken by a clinical mentor. The programme aligns to tiers 2 and 3 of the Dementia Training Standards Framework.
This programme is suitable for practitioners in a range of roles including GP’s, social (non-medical) prescribers, practice nurses, community matrons and advanced nurse practitioners/clinical nurse specialists. Applicants must be able to engage in assessment and diagnostic activities, as well as offer post-diagnostic support in order to be able to pass the competencies for the programme.
Entry requirements
We take into consideration a number of factors when assessing applications. It’s not just about grades; we take the time to understand the applicant’s personal circumstances and make decisions based on their potential to thrive at university and beyond. Applications are welcome from mature students returning to study (aged 25 or over upon entry) or students with non-standard qualifications.
Please note: The information below relates to the contemporary recruitment cycle at time of publication and therefore may now be out of date.
Skills and qualification requirements
The standard requirements are:
- A good first degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area.
- Current registration with a professional body.
- Computing skills commensurate with the demands of distance learning study at postgraduate level, access to a computer with a broadband connection and ability to access the University’s online learning platform and online resources. Please note that the mobile app for the platform does not allow students to submit assignments, and so laptop or desktop access using a modern web browser such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari is essential.
Work requirements
Additionally, applicants are required:
- To be currently working within a service that provides diagnostic and ongoing support services for people living with dementia, to ensure requirements for module assignments and practice experience can be achieved. If the service where the applicant works undertakes only assessment or only post-diagnostic support, the applicant will need access to a service or team that provides the other function also, so that they can gain relevant experience to support their learning. This needs to be organised before starting the course.
- To be currently working in or have support from an employer to move into a role where diagnosis and ongoing support for people with dementia is involved for the duration of the programme.
- To have the support of their employer to undertake this programme of study.
- To locate an appropriately qualified and experienced, local Clinical Mentor/Assessor for each module who will provide clinical supervision and undertake clinical-based assessments of competence. This needs to be in place before starting the programme.
International and language requirements
This programme welcomes applicants classed as international students who can meet the other requirements for work and registration. We cannot accept overseas prescribing qualifications or registrations only with professional bodies located outside the UK. For comparing international undergraduate degrees to the UK scale, use our country-specific entry requirements information.
Course Website
( https://www.bradford.ac.uk/courses/pg/practitioners-advanced-extended-roles-dementia/ )
