Entry requirements

Degree:

2:2 in a relevant subject

Further entry requirements may apply

Key facts

Study mode:

Part-time

Start dates:

September, January (40 weeks over 2 semester part-time)

Fees:

This programme is currently supported by the Local Education Training Board and Health Education East Midlands.

See all the key facts and full entry requirements

Overview

The Practice Nursing programme is a 60 credit at level 7 (postgraduate) programme which means that on successful completion of the programme you will be awarded with a Post Graduate Certificate (PG Cert) in Practice Nursing. The teaching provided on the programme is shared with level 6 (postgraduate) students.

The aim of the programme is to prepare registered nurses who have not worked in general practice before to have a baseline competence in the General Practice Nursing (GPN) role. The programme incorporates academic learning and work-based learning.

Within the programme the key clinical skills required for the role of GPN are included. The programme delivers venepuncture, ear care, wound management, cervical cytology and immunisation and vaccination training, as well as providing the foundations for chronic condition management. The programme is designed to develop both clinical and academic skills to prepare for a career in General Practice Nursing.

Throughout the programme competencies will be demonstrated within the work place and documented in a portfolio of evidence. This will be supported with supervised practice with a GPN mentor.

Please note that the closing date for September applications is Friday 21 August 2026.

The closing date for January applications is Friday 18 December 2026.

For additional information, please visit Health Education’s General Practice Nursing Programme webpage.

Key features

  • Flexible study options allow you to study at a level to suit your professional needs; with progression opportunities from undergraduate level to PG Cert.
  • The programme is subsidised by Health Education East Midlands with a contribution from General Practice of £600 for each eligible student.
  • The course will prepare you with the competency in a number of key clinical skills in a short space of time, including venepuncture, ear care, wound management, immunisations and vaccinations and cervical cytology.
  • Module content is also aligned to the Royal College of General Practitioners’ (RCGP) competencies.
  • Our team of experienced academics are all specialist practice and community nurses, ensuring your learning is relevant to current practice and a wide range of issues and contemporary debates in the field.
  • Benefit from direct input and visiting lecturers from experienced practitioners in the field, broadening your perspective of practice nursing regionally and nationally.
  • Inter-professional learning develops your ability to work as part of a multi-professional team.

What you will study

Taught days will be delivered on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 30 September 2026
  • Thursday 1 October 2026
  • Thursday 8 October 2026
  • Thursday 15 October 2026
  • Thursday 22 October 2026
  • Thursday 29 October 2026
  • Thursday 5 November 2026
  • Thursday 12 November 2026
  • Thursday  19 November 2026
  • Thursday 26 November 2026
  • Thursday 3 December 2026
  • Thursday 10 December 2026 
  • Thursday 17 December 2026
  • Thursday 14 January 2027
  • Thursday 21 January 2027
  • Thursday 28 January 2027
  • Thursday 4 February 2027  

Taught days will be delivered on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 27 January 2027
  • Thursday 28 January 2027
  • Thursday 4 February 2027
  • Thursday 11 February 2027
  • Thursday 18 February 2027
  • Thursday 25 February 2027
  • Thursday 4 March 2027
  • Thursday 11 March 2027
  • Thursday 18 March 2027
  • Thursday 15 April 2027
  • Thursday 22 April 2027 
  • Thursday 29 April 2027
  • Thursday 6 May 2027
  • Thursday 13 May 2027
  • Thursday 20 May 2027
  • Thursday 27 May 2027
  • Thursday 6 June 2027

Introduction to Practice Nursing: (60 credits, level seven).

The Introduction to Practice Nursing is a 60 credit module that runs over two semesters. The aim of this module is to prepare registered nurses who have been recently appointed in general practice to have a baseline competence in the General Practice Nursing (GPN) role through both theoretical preparation and work based learning. This will allow employers in the future to expect a safe, competent practice nurse and a certain level of consistency in terms of knowledge, skills and competence from the GPN.

The course adopts a range of teaching and learning strategies designed to facilitate the learning of a professional group; aiming to be efficient and motivating in the transfer of theoretical and practical knowledge, and to engage positively in actively negotiating, constructing and evaluating learning.

Strategies include:

  • Teacher-led sessions.
  • Discussions and tutorials.
  • Independent study.
  • Focused reflection.
  • A range of experiential teaching methods.

Assessment:

You will be assessed in a variety of ways including written assignments, and a reflective portfolio.

Contact hours:

The programme includes 17 taught days which will be  delivered face to face at the DMU campus. Taught days are 6 hours in length. There is also time available of three hours throughout the programme for students to access support for academic work from the programme team. This includes group tutorials and one-to-one sessions. Each student will be supported by a personal tutor from the teaching team throughout the programme.

Large group teaching: you will typically have 6 hours of lectures each week. 

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Why choose DMU?

Your future career

Due to an increasing clinical service load in primary care, with the trend to devolve clinical responsibility from secondary care, practice nurses are often first point of contact in terms of public health promotion and intervention, signposting and identifying onset of conditions.

The role of a practice nurse is now much more diverse in their management of health, including Quality Outcome Framework (QOF), with many having acquired specialist skills and knowledge. This course provides you with a relevant and recognised qualification in general practice nursing, enabling you to fulfil your role as practice nurse, and enhancing your current and future career opportunities.

Careers and employability

An award-winning Careers Team, the #1 UK university for careers support (TargetJobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards, 2024), we provide you with all the support you need.

Our careers commitment doesn’t end at graduation. With DMU for Life, you’ll have access to lifelong career support throughout your entire career.

How we support you

Unlimited one-to-one careers coaching

Get tailored advice and guidance from our expert careers advisors whenever you need it.

Professional development programme

Boost your employability with workshops, bootcamps, training sessions, and employer-led events.

Inside Edge Mentoring

Connect with professionals from dynamic industries to expand your career insight, network and knowledge of the world of work.

24/7 access to digital employability tools

Access LinkedIn Learning, personalised CV feedback, mock interviews and more – anytime, anywhere.

Entrepreneurship support

Bring your business ideas to life with events, networking opportunities, expert speakers, workshops and links to funding opportunities.

Job search assistance

Get support finding part-time work, placements, internships and graduate jobs.

Employability projects and placements

Gain real-world experience through academic business consultancy projects or work placements (course-dependent).

Industry-informed teaching

Learn from real-world experience and academics, guest lecturers and business leaders who share their industry expertise.

Discover postgraduate careers

Fees and funding

This programme is currently supported by the Local Education Training Board and Health Education East Midlands.

For students outside of the East Midlands please contact:

Nicola Else
E: nicola.else@dmu.ac.uk
T: 0116 257 7126

Dr Tania Hart

E: tania.hart@dmu.ac.uk
T: 0116 257 7481

If you wish to apply for a place on this programme please discuss your application first with your local contact:

Derbyshire contact: Georgia Hunt georgia.hunt1@nhs.net

Nottinghamshire: Gemma Bird gemma.bird5@nhs.net

Northamptonshire: Clare Rogers clare.rogers@nhft.nhs.uk

Leicestershire: Ruth Waddington ruth.waddington1@nhs.net

Lincolnshire: Lucy Merrill lucy.merrill1@nhs.net

Additional costs

The core textbooks for all modules are available in the Kimberlin Library, and journal articles in your reading lists are also mostly available electronically from your myDMU login. Some students like to purchase their own text books or print course documents and we suggest allowing approximately £200 per year for this.

All students are required to pay for their DBS check if required for your programme or placement.

In addition students will be required to pay for their travel costs to placements or project locations.

All students are provided the opportunity to participate in #DMUglobal trips. These trips are subsidised by the University, and the cost and subsidy varies by location.

Entry requirements

Degree:

2:2 in a relevant subject

  • A UK honours degree (2:2 or above in a relevant subject, or equivalent).
  • A minimum of 60 credits (inclusive of research) at level 6
  • Evidence of recent study (within the last 5 years).
  • Effective level 1 registration on the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) professional register.
  • Be employed as a general practice nurse by the start of the programme.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Key facts

Course title

Practice Nursing

Award

PG Cert

Programme code

B70099, Module code: PNUR5100

Study mode

Part-time

Study level

Postgraduate

Start dates

September, January

Duration

40 weeks over 2 semester part-time

How to apply

Home/UK students

Save these details for your application
Programme title:
Practice Nursing PG Cert
Programme code:
B70099, Module code: PNUR5100

You can apply using the DMU Application Portal. This method allows you to save, revisit and review your application before submitting it at any time of the day.

The following should be submitted with the application form:

  • Where required, one current reference on official headed paper or from a professional email address. This can be a work or academic reference and must be signed and recently dated
  • Copies of your academic transcripts
  • Copies of your degree or diploma certificates
  • Your personal statement
DMU Application Portal