Overview

This module explores how healthcare systems work and the policies that shape them, focusing on health system models, reforms, and funding. It examines how national and local policies impact community nursing and integrated care networks. Students will develop skills in research and evidence-based practice, learning how to critically appraise studies, apply research to clinical care, and follow best-practice guidelines to improve patient outcomes.

A strong emphasis is placed on cultural competency, including addressing health disparities, working with diverse and vulnerable populations, and using the Welsh language in healthcare interactions. Ethical and legal considerations in community nursing are covered, including ethical decision-making, professionalism, accountability, and patient advocacy.

Finally, the module highlights the importance of collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches, preparing nurses to work effectively with social care, mental health teams, and other professionals to provide high-quality, integrated patient care.

Digital Health & Technology Mental Health in the Community Specialist Populations Older Adults Children and Young People Health Promotion & Nutrition Cultural Competence & Inclusive Practice Health Policy & Economics Environmental & Global Health Climate & Community Health Global Perspectives Integrated Care Systems

Assessment Strategy

Assessment Grading Criteria The following grading thresholds outline the expectations for academic performance and professional capability in relation to the role of the Specialist Practitioner. These criteria are aligned with the module learning outcomes, the standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and the academic regulations of the University, which expect students to demonstrate progression in critical thinking, academic integrity, and reflective, evidence-informed practice. Assessment outcomes are benchmarked against university-wide marking criteria to ensure consistency, fairness, and academic rigour.

Excellent Pass (A-) An excellent pass is awarded for work that achieves an average grade of A- or above. This level of achievement demonstrates: Outstanding academic quality, including clarity, coherence, and depth of analysis. A comprehensive and critical understanding of the specialist practitioner role. Strong alignment with all module learning outcomes, supported by reflective, evidence-based practice. Work that is well-structured, logically reasoned, and underpinned by independent thought and scholarship.

Good Pass (B-) To achieve a good pass, students must attain an average grade of B-, indicating: A consistent and competent level of academic performance. A sound understanding of core concepts, frameworks, and practices relevant to specialist practice. Evidence of critical analysis and the ability to integrate theory with practical experience. Logical structure, academic clarity, and effective use of evidence to support argumentation. At this level, students demonstrate the university’s expectations for critical engagement, reflective capacity, and academic presentation in postgraduate work.

Threshold (Pass – C-) To achieve a pass, students must attain a minimum grade of C-. This grade demonstrates that the student has: Met the essential module requirements. Shown a basic understanding of the specialist practitioner role. Engaged with the learning outcomes at a foundational level, with limited but appropriate application of relevant knowledge to practice. This level of work is expected to meet university expectations for Level 7 study in terms of academic integrity, presentation, and adherence to academic conventions (e.g., referencing, structure).

This reflects the university’s highest expectations for postgraduate academic achievement, including intellectual originality, advanced critical thinking, and clear synthesis of knowledge into professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically reflect on personal and professional development as a community nurse, demonstrating self-awareness, cultural humility, and a commitment to inclusive practice, continuous learning, and advocacy for social justice and language appropriate practice in healthcare.

• Develop and justify innovative strategies for leading and managing change in community nursing, informed by critical appraisal of health policies, research evidence, and organisational priorities, with a focus on fostering interprofessional teamwork to improve population health outcomes.

• Evaluate the role of digital health and emerging technologies in transforming community nursing practice, assessing their effectiveness in enhancing patient care and service delivery promoting equitable access, and supporting culturally responsive services in diverse communities.

• Synthesise knowledge of long-term condition management to develop patient-centred care plans that integrate preventative, curative, and palliative approaches, demonstrating leadership in collaborative, interprofessional care and contributing to the development of integrated care networks across community settings.