Advancing Practice (Dissertation Project) HEA3161

Overview

This is the final module of all pathways of the BSc (Hon) Clinical & Professional Practice Programmes and it affords students the opportunity to develop the abilities to work independently on a sustained piece of work. This module will enable skills and knowledge previously developed within the programme to be further developed, analysed, evaluated and synthesised in practice through a major summative assessment. The student will suggest an area of practice from within their own clinical area that would benefit from in depth review from an evidence based practice, system redesign or staff/service user education perspective. As part of this process a brief outline of the proposed change in practice will be formalised by the student and academic supervisor. Following a literature search the student will conduct a review of the literature and discuss their approach to implementing the outcomes of the review in terms of leadership and change management. A fundamental aspect of the project is the dissemination of the change in practice and its implications for practice. The academic supervision will encourage reflection in and on practice as well as the integration of theory and practice.

Module code:	HEA3161
Level:	6
Module credits:	40
Cost for new students:	£2,000 for September 2025 to July 2026 (See notes below)

If you are an existing student who is undertaking this module as part of a programme, your fee will have been advised to you by email. You can also check your fees online. For any queries, please contact HealthCPDFees@edgehill.ac.uk.

If your tuition fee is being paid by a sponsor or you are a sponsor paying a student’s fee, you are required to send a copy of a purchase order to HealthCPDFees@edgehill.ac.uk.

For further guidance please visit: Sponsored students – Edge Hill University

CPD-Apply NW

The CPD Apply NW Application tool is available to NWAS (North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust) staff only. If you are employed by NWAS you may be able to secure funding for your module(s). Please see CPD-Apply (nwas.nhs.uk) for further details.

Who is this module for?

This is the final module for students on the following programmes :

BSc (Hons) Clinical & Professional Paramedic Practice
BSc (Hons) Clinical & Professional Perioperative Practice

It is not available to students wishing to study on a stand alone basis.

What are the key aims of the module?

This module seeks to enable the student to use their work base or work context as a focus in order to initiate a change or enhancement in practice. This module allows the student to draw upon the experience and skills developed during modules studied throughout their pathway.  It involves  the student taking responsibility for their own learning and emphasises the need for students to be able to work independently albeit with support of an academic supervisor. Students will be expected to engage in a reflective approach to learning and demonstrate self direction throughout.

How will I study?

This module normally requires attendance to four half-day sessions which are facilitated online. Additional sessions can be arranged with your Dissertation Supervisor. The module runs over two semesters.

What will I study?

• Leadership
• Change management
• Literature review
• Project implementation
• Support from academic supervisor.

The focus of the project will be determined by the student’s area of work.

How will I be assessed?

The assessment for this module is a 7,000 word assignment relating to an advancement in practice that the student will have initiated following negotiation with their line manager/mentor in practice and Module Leader.

The assignment will include:

• A literature review relating to the selected subject
• An analytical account of how the advancement was planned implemented and evaluated with critical analysis of concepts relating to change management and leadership;
• A critical reflection of the impact of the practice advancement with recommendations for practice.

On successful completion you will:

• Critically review and apply best available evidence relevant to the practice context/client group;
• Apply enhanced professional and specialist knowledge and skill relating to the planning, implementation and evaluation of the practice advancement, including leadership and change management strategies
• Critically reflect upon the impact of the practice advancement and propose recommendations for practice and their personal development.

Study dates and venues

How to apply

Module availability varies from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Due to the popularity of some modules it may be that the module is fully booked when your application is received. We will include your details on a waiting list and allocate you a place on the next available intake.

This module is not open to students wishing to study on a stand-alone basis

Students who are currently studying either the BSc (Hons) Clinical & Professional Paramedic Practice, or the BSc (Hons) Clinical & Professional Perioperative Practice should contact CPD Records to update their pathway.

Contact us

For further module information, please contact the Module Coordinator Faye Lowry via email lowryf@edgehill.ac.uk.

For any other queries, you can contact the School of Allied Health, Social Work and Wellbeing on AHSWWCPD@edgehill.ac.uk.

Pathways

This module is not available on a stand alone basis.

This is the final (core) module for the following degree programmes:

• BSc (Hons) Clinical and Professional Perioperative Practice
• BSc (Hons) Clinical and Professional Paramedic Practice