PGDip Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (DoH)
This course is for qualified nurses and midwives who wish to work as specialist community public health nurses (health visiting or school nursing).
The Specialist Community Public Health Nurse course (SCPHN) is designed for nurses and midwives who wish to pursue a career in health visiting or school nursing. The course leads to a UK wide recognised qualification and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (health visitor or school nurse).
The course aims to integrate the study of health, policy, research, and evidence-based practice within the context of SCPHN practice. You will have the opportunity to review and critically analyse many of the issues that impact on service delivery and outcome from a theoretical and practice perspective.
You will develop evidence-based knowledge and skills in order to respond and contribute to local and national contemporary health policy and practice.
The course comprises a total of 52 weeks which is a combination of theory and practice.
School
Location
Duration
1 years full-time
Start month
January
Home fees 2025/26
TBC
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
You will be taught by an experienced team of experts, which includes senior academics, technical officers, and practitioners with industry experience. Trained postgraduate researchers may also contribute to seminar teaching with the module leader. Teaching is informed by our research and consultancy work, and 97 per cent of our lecturers hold a teaching qualification.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
To meet present NMC requirements, you must:
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For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Available to overseas students?
No
Can I use Prior Learning?
If you hold a diploma in nursing, you could be eligible to make an RPEL claim for entry to level 7. Students must be in possession of a relevant Diploma in Higher Education (consisting of at least 120 credits at level 5) and 15 credits at level 6 and be able to produce evidence of this when requested.
How you will learn
Teaching
Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.
Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor one to one.
Class sizes
Class sizes vary by module. Lectures are normally attended by larger groups, and seminars/tutorials by smaller groups. All students will have opportunities for one-to-one time with their tutors.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you are also expected to dedicate around 30 hours a week to self-study. This may involve further reading and research, preparing coursework and presentations, and preparing for tests and exams. Our facilities are designed to support you in these activities.
Overall workload
In a typical week learning takes place through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Assessment
On this course, you will be assessed by essays, Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), presentations, exams, and a practice assessment document.
Feedback summary
We aim to provide feedback on assignments and to release examination results within 17 working days.
Dates and timetables
The course is a January start course.
Fees and funding
University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.
(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | TBC | N/A | N/A |
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.
The Greenwich Bursary
This bursary is worth £700 for new undergraduate students with a low household income, entering Year 0 or 1 who meet the eligibility criteria.
Financial support
We want your time at university to be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress, so planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
Further costs may include (but are not limited to):
- Resources: you can access books in the library and online, but you may wish to purchase your own copies.
- Registration: there will be an additional registration cost with your professional body when you successfully complete the programme. There may also be an additional cost to record the prescribing qualification. Visit the NMC website.
- Travel: you will face the cost of travel to your practice placement areas and university. (Your employer will advise you where you will be based.) Once you undertake independent visits within your organisation, you usually receive expenses for work-related travel, but you'll need to confirm this with your employer.
- Insurance: you are bound by your employment contract to ensure, where required, that you have car insurance to cover work activity.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
The course is 50% practise and 50% theory, you will be with the same Trust for the duration of the course.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Qualified Health visitors and School Nurses will be leading on the healthy child programme and managing their own caseload. Previous students have been successful in obtaining Specialist roles within the community and have progressed to team leaders and management roles. Some students have also been successful in securing lecture roles at universities.
Do you provide employability services?
Our services are designed to help you achieve your potential and support your transition towards a rewarding graduate career.
The Employability and Careers Service provides support when you are preparing to apply for graduate roles.
Accommodation
Avery Hill
Our Avery Hill halls of residence are a home away from home to over 1,200 students. For those studying in Greenwich, our free shuttle bus service takes you to Greenwich campus in only 25 minutes. Excellent transport links also mean you can be in central London in under 30 minutes, and you're a short walk away from the historic Eltham Palace.
The Avery Hill student village has many useful facilities including a convenience store, launderette and two cafes. The halls are an ideal option for those wanting access to the hustle and bustle of London while living in a safe and relaxing parkland environment.
With our seven different halls, you have a variety of options depending on your preferences and budget. Rooms start at £133.98/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills, access to our on-site gym, 24/7 security and 24-hour residential support.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre.
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