Rebecca is studying Advanced Clinical Practice at the University of Cumbria, a journey shaped by compassion, experience, and a deep commitment to patient care. After witnessing the impact that skilled specialist nurses had on her own family during a palliative care journey, Rebecca knew she wanted to offer that same level of expertise, reassurance, and humanity to others – and studying to become an Advanced Nurse Practitioner felt like the natural next step.
What motivated you to pursue postgraduate study, and why did you choose your specific course?
My motivation for studying at postgraduate level was to continue my higher education and to broaden and deepen my knowledge within clinical practice. Gaining a postgraduate qualification enables me to expand my knowledge and skill set, as well as prepare for my specialist role. I chose the Advanced Clinical Practice course at the University of Cumbria because of its breadth, depth and expert teaching, along with the clear support offered to each student.
Was there a particular experience, professional goal, or person who influenced your decision to continue your studies at postgraduate level?
My experience in wanting to achieve my goal within my professional practice came from being a relative of a family member receiving palliative care. I remember the day I said to myself, as an undergraduate student nurse, that the way specialist nurses made me feel was exactly how I wanted to make other patients and relatives feel. I felt listened to, shown compassion, and reassured by the expert clinical skill set they had, which meant my relative was receiving the highest level of care.
My motivation to continue my studies at postgraduate level and train as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner also stems from my desire to develop my clinical knowledge, strengthen my decision-making, and enhance my ability to deliver high-quality patient care. Throughout my nursing career, I have been driven to expand my scope of practice and contribute more directly to patient assessment, diagnosis, and management.
Working in clinical practice has exposed me to the complexity of patient needs and the importance of strong clinical leadership. Observing experienced clinical nurse specialists, our nurse consultant, and senior clinicians demonstrated how advanced practice roles can improve patient outcomes, support multidisciplinary teams, and enhance service delivery. Their autonomous, holistic approach, and ability to lead complex clinical decisions were particularly inspiring.
Additionally, my role as a practice development nurse reinforced my interest in education, evidence-based practice, and continuous professional development. Pursuing postgraduate study felt like a natural progression to deepen my knowledge, develop advanced clinical skills, and provide a higher standard of care for patients while supporting colleagues within the clinical environment.
On the Isle of Man, the University of Cumbria is highly spoken about and frequently recommended. There is a well‑established network of Advanced Clinical Practitioners who have completed, or are currently undertaking, the course, and this has provided an additional level of support and reassurance for me while studying.
What factors led you to choose the University of Cumbria for your postgraduate studies?
I chose the University of Cumbria for my postgraduate studies because the course offered 100% distance learning, which was a major factor for me. I live on the Isle of Man, and being on a small, remote island means that distance learning is the most practical option. Despite studying remotely, I still feel fully immersed in the university life and very well supported by all my tutors. We also have a WhatsApp group with other students on the course, who are based across the UK, which has helped build a strong sense of camaraderie.
On the Isle of Man, the University of Cumbria is highly spoken about and frequently recommended. There is a well‑established network of Advanced Clinical Practitioners who have completed, or are currently undertaking, the course, and this has provided an additional level of support and reassurance for me while studying. The online platform used for classes and course content is of a very high quality, with live sessions and regular check‑ins from my academic assessor. My tutors are highly skilled Advanced Nurse Practitioners themselves, bringing both professional experience and a wealth of knowledge from their own practice.
This course also stood out to me because of its accreditation with the Centre for Advancing Practice and the very reasonable cost of the programme. I also have a diagnosis of dyslexia and dyspraxia, and the university has accommodated this to the highest standard. My tutors have been extremely supportive, offering a wide range of adjustments, support options, and additional tutorials whenever needed.
Are there particular modules, projects, or research opportunities that have stood out?
I have currently undertaken two modules, and both have been extremely beneficial in allowing me to expand and deepen my understanding of different areas, including both primary and secondary care. The Management of a Complex Patient module has particularly stood out, as it aligns closely with my practice and supports the work I do with complex palliative patients.
How has postgraduate study pushed you academically, professionally, or personally?
Postgraduate study has pushed me academically, professionally, and personally. There is a significant ownership on self‑directed study and reading, which requires discipline, especially when balancing this alongside a full‑time job. Some weeks it can feel as though you are really pushing yourself, but the support from the university makes managing work, study, and life far more achievable.
Because my course is weighted between academic work and practical clinical time, it has provided another opportunity to challenge myself and grow not only academically but also within my clinical practice. I have also found that my critical thinking has been pushed at this level, which has had a positive impact on my practical work as well.
How has your course helped you build new skills, networks, or career pathways?
The course has created a clear pathway for me to become a qualified Advanced Clinical Practitioner. On the Isle of Man, there is currently no local option to complete this level of training, so without the University of Cumbria my career pathway would not have been as accessible or as clearly defined.
What advice would you give to someone considering postgraduate study at the University of Cumbria?
Apply, because it is one of the best decisions you will make. The support, teaching and sense of community are exceptional, and the quality of the learning materials and course content is second to none.
You will not regret it!
What are your plans after completing your postgraduate degree, and how is the University of Cumbria helping you work towards those goals?
My plan is to work as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in palliative care at my local hospice, where the role will combine all four pillars of advanced practice. I will be providing inpatient, community, and hospital support to patients living with a palliative diagnosis.
The University of Cumbria is helping me work towards this goal by equipping me the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for advanced clinical practice. This will equip me in my future career and will help me to provide excellent care of the Isle of Man’s palliative patients.