Learning and assessment
Taught route
The content is completed by distance learning, and you will be encouraged to use the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to share practice, case scenarios and literature.
Assessments will allow you to demonstrate an in-depth subject knowledge and develop your verbal and written communication skills.
Formal and informal feedback will be given during sessions.
During the second module, you will undertake 75 hours of supervised work-based learning placement. This will be in a primary care setting, supported by a suitably qualified supervisor nominated by you, who agrees to support you and adhere to our supervision structure.
Supported Portfolio route
You will have access to our library and academic support facilities and our virtual learning environment, which allows you to engage with materials designed to support the development of your portfolio.
You will also be assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) who will also act as your educational supervisor. They will support you from an academic and pastoral perspective during your course of study.
Routes
Taught route
You will integrate the theory and evidence base of musculoskeletal practice through a series of interactive synchronous (live) lectures.
The taught route content is delivered entirely online. You will only be required to attend Bradford once during your programme of study, for the OSCE examination as part of the first module’s assessment strategy.
Further learning and teaching will take place in a work-based learning environment in a primary care clinical setting under the guidance of a clinical supervisor. You will need access to an appropriate musculoskeletal (MSK) clinical caseload in order to undertake the modules.
The taught modules at Bradford have been developed in collaboration with clinicians, stakeholders and primary care providers working within the region, thus ensuring the continued clinical relevance of the programme whilst also recognising the requirements of the NHS England educational framework.
A further strength of the taught programme is the use of external lecturers who are specialists within their field of primary care and continue to have a clinical caseload.
Both routes are recognised by The Centre for Advancing Practice as meeting the requirements of the First Contact Practitioners & Advanced Clinical Practitioners in Primary Care: (Musculoskeletal) A Roadmap to Practice.
Supported Portfolio route
On this route, you will develop your skills and capabilities in a primary care setting under the supervision of a suitably qualified supervisor - further details can be found in the programme specification.
Your supervisor must be identified at the point of application.
You will also be supported by a nominated educational supervisor from the University of Bradford who will meet with you periodically to support your development in the academic components of the ePortfolio.
There will be drop-in sessions and workshops designed to facilitate the development of academic skills and the opportunity to network with your peers.
Once complete, your ePortfolio will be assessed and verified by a member of the academic team. On verification of your portfolio, you will be eligible for a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits at Level 7). These credits can be used towards a substantive Master's-level award.