The Community Specialist Practice Qualification (SPQ) programme is designed to equip postgraduates with the skills required for community specialist practice and there are four pathways to choose from: District Nursing, General Practice Nursing, Adult Social Care Nursing and Community Childrens Nursing.

District Nursing services continue to deliver highly specialised person-centred care within the heart of local communities, offering the continuity and personalisation which is valued so highly by the people we care for, their careers and families (NHS England, 2019). Our aim is for this pathway to equip you with the skills and knowledge to take your community nursing practice to the next level, building on your previous experiences to confront the distinct challenges of providing increasingly complex care closer to home within diverse socioeconomic populations. You will develop advanced clinical assessment skills, supporting you to make evidence-based decisions and deliver exceptional standards of care. As an expert in your field, youll also consider your unique approach to leadership and your potential to positively influence those around you. Doing so will leave you well placed to make a lasting impact on the health and lives of the communities you care for.

Each pathway has a distinct approach to its delivery however, all share a more practice focused delivery, with a 60/40 split between clinical practice and protected learning time at Northumbria University respectively. This ensures that the specialist field of practice focuses on the specialist skills required for the pathway and is evident in the optional modules and as pathway-focused learning and teaching across all modules.

Students also benefit from integrated learning with fellow community specialist practitioner students. This programme has been innovatively designed and coproduced with a vast range of stakeholders from all pathway routes in both health and social care, to truly reflect contemporary specialist practice, need and service provision requirements.

Experiential learning is consistently integrated throughout your programme of study during practice learning, allowing real-world application of your skills and knowledge, developing cultural competence, promoting lifelong learning and will prepare you for your role as a specialist practitioner.

The programme is funded through your employer via sponsorship or can be self-funded by the student. Your employer will provide specific guidance around your contract of employment and your future role within their organisation.

The programme has been developed through collaboration with our coproducers, including employing partners, practice colleagues and current and previous students. As such, the content of the programme is designed to ensure that on completion, you are employable and meet the required NMC (2022) Standards for Specialist Practice.

The programme is designed to encourage you to take responsibility for your development and to proactively seek opportunities to advance your employability by building on transferable skills such as communication, leadership, time management, as well as showing creativity and enterprise through the completion of project work. Career development opportunities will be available and will include career guidance and continuing educational opportunities.