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Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visitor) at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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Course summary

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information. Course summary

  • Specialise in early intervention and the prevention of ill health.
  • Work with diverse communities affected by health inequalities.
  • Lead specialist public health practice with collaboration and targeted interventions.
  • Maximise partner relationships and deliver care in homes and communities.
  • Use therapeutic communication and child development knowledge to empower family wellbeing.
This course equips you to make a real difference in public health practice. You’ll work closely with children, young people and families – tackling health challenges through innovative interventions and preventative strategies. You’ll graduate as a reflective, skilled and employable professional, eligible to apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for the Community Public Health Nursing register. How you learn This course combines 50% theoretical knowledge and 50% hands-on practical experience, preparing you for professional practice. You’ll benefit from an entirely practice-based course. All assessments are based in practice and include an audio commentary, teaching resources and OSCEs. You’ll learn from expert lecturers and experienced practitioners who deliver engaging seminars, workshops and practical sessions. You learn through:
  • lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials
  • practical sessions and evaluations
  • poster presentations
  • independent learning and group work
  • simulated role plays
  • case studies and client stories
  • conducting real consultations under exam conditions
  • written assignments
Key themes This course offers a comprehensive exploration of essential areas in public health and nursing practice. You’ll begin with attachment and parenting, examining the significance of secure attachment and strategies to support positive parenting practices. Building on this, you’ll delve into child and adolescent development, gaining a thorough understanding of developmental milestones and their impact on health and wellbeing. Key therapeutic approaches are also covered – including motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – where you’ll learn evidence-based communication techniques to promote meaningful behaviour change. The course places a strong emphasis on health promotion and prevention, focusing on strategies to tackle health inequalities and improve outcomes within communities. Your leadership abilities will be developed through modules in leadership and specialist practice, which address the complexities of modern public health nursing. You’ll also acquire advanced physical assessment and consultation skills, alongside expertise in non-medical prescribing – all preparing you to deliver holistic, person-centred care. You’ll then progress your learning with leadership and management training, preparing you for senior roles in your field. Finally, through applied research projects, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of practice and the evolution of public health nursing. Applied learning Work Placements You’ll be supervised in practice by experienced practice assessors and supervisors. Placements will be in your employing trusts, while alternative learning experiences enable you to observe a variety of placements in different settings. Live Projects You’ll complete a community development project addressing the specific environmental health needs of a population. This project will integrate public health theory with practical application, enhancing your ability to drive change in community health. Networking Opportunities Through strong links with healthcare organisations, you’ll connect with professionals in public health nursing and attend guest lectures from leading experts.

Modules

Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page. Compulsory modules Interventions To Reduce Health Inequalities | Coursework (50%), Practical (50%) Practice Assessment Promoting Environmental Health | Coursework (100%) Supporting Parenting, Child And Adolescent Development | Coursework (50%) , Practical(50%) Therapeutic Communication And Specialist Practice | Exam (100%)

Assessment method

Coursework | Exam | Practical

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Nursing and Midwifery Council

Entry requirements

The PgDip is open to current Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registered first level nurses or midwives. Current NMC registration is part of the essential criteria for application and will be confirmed at interview, and as part of the onboarding process. Applicants will hold a first degree (honours) recognised in the UK. The University will consider applications on an individual basis if applicants hold an Ordinary degree in Nursing / Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies. Applicants will be required to demonstrate their capability to study at level seven through written application and interview. Students will RPL their previous experience and study and submit an extended CV to support application to the programme. Applicants must also hold three GCSEs or equivalents at grade 4 / C or above, in mathematics, English language or literature, and a science subject. Evidence of recent study (within the last 10 years). International Students: For applicants who were educated overseas and subsequently achieved registration with the NMC – we will accept the qualification (i.e. Degree or Diploma) that qualified the applicant to practice as a nurse in their country of origin. Any international student who is an NMC registrant does not need to take an additional IELTS test - registrant status will be accepted. In addition, all applicants must have completed at least 12 years of general school education in order to be compliant with Article 40(2) of Directive 2005/36/EC.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)7An IELTS of 7.0 with a minimum score of at least 6.5 in all areas.

Or OET Minimum B with B in all areas. Or a combination of the 2 test each section to score at least 7/B. Full details: https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/english-language-requirements If your level of English language is currently below IELTS 7.0 we recommend you consider an appropriate Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course, which will enable you to achieve the required level of English. Any international student who is an NMC registrant does not need to take an additional IELTS test - registrant status will be accepted.

Please click the following link to find out more about English language requirements for this course

https://www.shu.ac.uk/courses/nursing-and-midwifery/pgdip-specialist-community-public-health-nursing-health-visitor/full-time/

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Our postgraduate fees vary depending on course, level and mode of study. Each postgraduate course page tells you how much the tuition fees are, and what additional costs you might have to budget for during your studies. Please refer to our website for up-to-date information on costs and fees for both full-time and part-time postgraduate study options.

Sponsorship information

Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.

Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visitor) at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS