If you’re a health professional looking after critically or acutely ill patients in a hospital or care setting, our course will enable you to upgrade your degree to a PgCert and directly enhance your professional practice and patient care – boosting your CV and your nursing career.
You will follow either an acute or critical care pathway and complete a period of assessed practice in your workplace on our course.
There is a mandatory requirement that a minimum of 40 credits per academic year is studied unless a formal break from study or programme leader agreement exists.
This programme is designed for those working with clients in an acute and critical care setting who wish to enhance and develop their clinical and academic skills at level 6. Enhance your professional prospects by playing an active role in practice development with Cumbria's flexible course that fits around your lifestyle and commitments.
Throughout the programme, you will develop a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of the current
problems and/or new insights which are at the forefront of your professional practice. You will use this time to analyse complex concepts and professional situations through work place reflection and data drawn from scholarship and research in the field.
This course will enhance your decision making skills as you explore the holistic nature of practice within acute and critical care.
There are two pathways you may chose from: Acute Care Route and Critical Care Route
The benefits of this programme are that the majority of your study will be asynchronous and accessible in a time and place convenient to you. Your module descriptor for the modules available to study will reflect the specific hours around each learning and teaching activity, as well as the expectations for guided independent study. These hours may differ between modules.
A range of assessment methods appropriate to the specific module of study are used including;
These assessments will be relevant to the needs of the workplace, allowing for authentic assessment and effective formative feedback to facilitate your success. You will be encouraged you to critically reflect on your knowledge and skills development, in order to develop your ability to make sound professional judgements.
Applicants must be a registered healthcare professional with at least 6 months experience of working within either an acute care environment or a critical care environment (or equivalent level 2 facility as per Intensive Care Society Guidance).
Applicants from critical care must be working a minimum of 18 clinical hours a week in the appropriate clinical area for the duration of the course and have completed Step 1 competencies prior to commencing the programme as per National Standards for Adult Critical Care nurse education. Critical Care Network-National Nurse Leads (CC3N, 2016).
Applications will be reviewed on an individual basis. Potential students will be offered advice by an academic tutor on the suitability of the award and their module choices, this will be dependent on factors such as currency of prior learning, and their personal and professional development needs. Students should be able to show the potential benefits of studying for the award and a commitment to attempting the assessment items.
The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.
Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.
We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000..
Student Finance
There will be some additional costs associated with the course including stationery, textbooks, field trips and membership fees although some of these features are optional.
Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.
Approximately £30 to £40 per year
Required · Per year · Stationery
You should budget for stationery and consumables for personal use. These may include notebooks, pens and pencils, digital storage devices, printing and photocopying. The amount you spend will depend on your study preferences.
£69.50 (2026/27 fee)
Required · One-off · Checks, clearances and health requirements
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required before you start placements. The Entry requirements section for your course shows which barred lists the check covers.
Approximately £50 to £300 over the course of your studies
Optional · Throughout the course · Books and journals
Most core textbooks and journals are available through the University library. You may choose to purchase personal copies of books or other resources used to support your studies.
Some courses recommend particular books or provide an estimated annual budget for purchasing personal copies. Search for your course below for details.
Cost depends on the equipment and internet service you choose
Required · Throughout the course · Digital learning and IT
You will need regular access to a laptop or computer capable of accessing the internet and running software such as a word processor and Microsoft Teams. Microsoft 365 is provided as part of your studies. You will also need a reliable internet connection. The amount you spend will depend on the equipment and internet service you choose.
Required · Per placement · Placements
You will need to pay for travel to and from your placements. Placement locations vary, and a placement arranged by the University may require additional travelling time. The amount you spend will depend on the placement location and your chosen method of transport.
You may be eligible for financial assistance towards some placement travel or subsistence costs. Any assistance available will depend on the scheme and eligibility criteria in place at the time of your placement.
Cost varies depending on the placement location and your chosen method of transport
Required · Per placement · Travel and accommodation
Approximately £30 to £50
Required · Throughout the course · Travel and accommodation
Costs can be several hundred pounds and may occasionally exceed £1,000 per year
Required · Per year · Travel and accommodation
Cost varies depending on where you live and how often you need to attend
Required · Throughout the course · Travel and accommodation
Part-time students are usually employed by their sponsoring placement. You will need to pay for travel to and from the University and, if required, accommodation for academic blocks and required campus attendance.
Costs vary and may be up to approximately £300
Required · Per placement · Travel and accommodation
You need to complete at least 400 hours of vocational placement for BASRaT accreditation. Where possible, term-time placements are local and within reach by public transport, but some may be further away, not reachable by public transport, or need overnight accommodation. Your Placement Coordinator will discuss these with you.
Cost depends on what you already own
Required · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
You'll spend a lot of time in the field, so you'll need weatherproof clothing, including a waterproof coat and trousers, sturdy walking boots, a rucksack (ideally with a waterproof cover) and plenty of warm outdoor layers. You may also want a flask and lunchbox for days out in the field.
Cost depends on what you already own
Required · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
Essential kit includes a waterproof jacket and trousers, walking boots, well-fitted wellington boots, a warm hat and gloves, a day rucksack (ideally with a waterproof cover) and other outdoor clothing such as thermals, fleeces, walking trousers and socks. You may also want a flask, water bottle, lunchbox and your own binoculars for field trips. Many outdoor shops in Ambleside offer student discounts, so you may prefer to buy some items after you arrive.
Cost depends on what you already own
Required · One-off · Clothing and uniform
You'll need clothing and footwear suitable for walking in an upland environment in Cumbria, whatever the weather.
Cost varies depending on your placement and attendance requirements
Conditional · Variable · Travel and accommodation
You may need to pay for travel to placement and to the University campus, including parking, and for accommodation at placement or on campus if required.
Cost of a new enhanced DBS check
Conditional · Variable · Checks, clearances and health requirements
You will need to pay for any additional DBS checks, for example if you lose your certificate, if you suspend your studies for a year or more, or if a placement provider asks for a new check because your certificate is more than a year old.
Approximately £35 to £90
Required · One-off · Clothing and uniform
You will do a lot of standing and walking on placement, so you will need a comfortable pair of black, sensible shoes and black socks.
Cost varies
Required · One-off · Clothing and uniform
You will need a blue or black thigh-length coat to cover your uniform when you are required to wear it, for example on community placements.
Approximately £10
Required · One-off · Equipment
If you buy a fob watch (nurse's watch), choose one with a silicone cover that is easy to keep clean. Some placements may require one.
Cost depends on what you already own
Conditional · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
Some placements expect you to wear smart casual clothing appropriate for a professional working environment rather than a uniform.
Approximately £120 to £300, depending on your course
Required · One-off · Clothing and uniform
You will need appropriate trainers and University sports kit for practical sessions and placement. Kit includes a polo shirt, Dri-FIT t-shirt, long-sleeve top, shorts and straight or slim-fit tracksuit bottoms. You will receive information about buying it before your course starts. On some courses this budget also covers equipment such as a model skeleton or portable massage plinth.
Cost depends on what you already own
Required · One-off · Clothing and uniform
You will practise clinical skills on each other in university sessions, so you will need loose, comfortable clothing that keeps you covered, such as tracksuit or jogging bottoms or shorts, a plain polo shirt, t-shirt or vest top, and trainers or shoes with non-slip soles.
Cost depends on the items needed
Conditional · Variable · Clothing and uniform
Your placement uniform is provided. If you need additional or replacement items, you may have to pay for them, depending on the reason they are needed.
Approximately £20 to £40 or more
Required · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
You need to buy your own placement footwear. Sensible, plain black, comfortable and supportive flat shoes are suggested, and your placement Trust's uniform policy will give further guidance. You may need to replace them during your course, and you may want separate footwear for the theatre environment.
Approximately £200 to £300
Required · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
Uniform tunics and trousers are provided by the University. You will need plain black socks, plain black cardigans or jackets, plain black flat shoes and a fob watch for clinical practice.
Approximately £15
Required · One-off · Clothing and uniform
A laboratory coat is required for practical activities.
Cost varies
Optional · Variable · Clothing and uniform
You may choose to purchase CSI-branded polo shirts or softshell jackets.
Cost varies by union, for example about £10 a year
Recommended · Per year · Professional membership and registration
Membership of a union, such as UNISON or the Royal College of Nursing, is strongly recommended.
Cost varies
Optional · Variable · Professional membership and registration
You may wish to subscribe to nursing journals such as Nursing Times or Nursing Standard. You will need to fund any monthly or annual subscription yourself.
£92 per year (2025/26 fee)
Required · Per year · Professional membership and registration
Student membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is needed for your course. The fee is subject to an annual increase.
£26
Optional · Per year · Professional membership and registration
You may choose to join the British Psychological Society (BPS) as a student member.
Currently £5
Recommended · Per year · Professional membership and registration
Membership of the Student Law Society is optional but recommended.
Around £25
Optional · Per year · Other
You can choose to attend the annual Law Ball.
Cost depends on what you already own
Required · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
Placements require sensible, professional clothing and footwear appropriate to the setting.
Cost depends on what you already own
Required · Throughout the course · Clothing and uniform
You will need suitable clothing for teaching and taking part in PE sessions.
Approximately £40 in total
Required · One-off · Equipment
You will need to buy an adult stethoscope, an 8-inch plastic goniometer and a tape measure.
Up to £60
Required · One-off · Equipment
You will need a stethoscope. The programme team recommends a dual-head model.
Cost depends on the equipment you already have
Required · Throughout the course · Digital learning and IT
Parts of this course are taught online, so as well as a laptop or computer you will need a webcam, microphone and speakers or headset, and an internet connection good enough for live video calls.
Approximately £250 to £750 per conference, including fees, travel and accommodation
Optional · Variable · Other
You may choose to attend conferences that are not part of your course. Costs depend on the length of the event, the venue and the accommodation you choose. Many conferences are free for students.
Approximately £50 to £150, including fees, travel and accommodation
Optional · Variable · Other
You may choose to attend conferences that are not part of your course. Costs depend on the length of the event, the venue and the accommodation you choose. Many conferences are free for students.
Approximately £50 to £150, including fees, travel and accommodation
Optional · Variable · Other
You may choose to attend a conference that is not part of your course. Costs depend on whether it is a one-day event or you stay overnight, the venue and the accommodation you choose.
Conditional · One-off · Placements · Year 2
In Year 2 you can arrange a four-week elective placement within the UK. You will need to fund this yourself, and the cost depends on the location.
Usually £30 to £60 per hour
Required · Variable · Other
While you are in supervised practice you need regular clinical supervision with an approved supervisor: at least 90 minutes each calendar month, with more if you exceed 12 hours of client sessions in a month. On the MA and PgD this runs from shortly before supervised practice begins (around March or April of Year 1) until it ends.
Usually £30 to £50 per hour
Required · Variable · Other
You must complete at least 10 hours of personal counselling or psychotherapy during the course.
Approximately £50 to £70 a year
Conditional · Per year · Other
If the insurance at your supervised practice setting does not cover you, you will need to arrange and pay for your own professional indemnity insurance while you are in supervised practice.
Cost varies
Required · Throughout the course · Other
You will need to pay for travel to and from your supervised practice setting, and for audio recording and playback equipment.
Approximately £250 (2025/26)
Required · One-off · Field trips · Year 1
The Year 1 training residential is a core part of the course and attendance is required. You are responsible for your own travel to the venue; students often car-share to keep costs down.
Approximately £60 to £100
Optional · One-off · Travel and accommodation · Year 1
If it is available to your year group, you may choose to study alongside prisoners from a local prison. You will need to pay for travel for 6 to 10 trips; students usually car-share to keep costs down.
Approximately £400 to £600
Optional · One-off · Other · Year 1
You can choose to take BPS-accredited psychometric training in ability and personality testing, at around a third of the usual cost. It is separate from your degree.
Cost varies depending on where you travel from
Required · Throughout the course · Travel and accommodation
You will need to arrange and pay for your own travel to the Ambleside campus, in-person sessions and field or site visits.
No cost to you
Information only · Not applicable · Field trips
The institute pays for field trips and provides any personal protective equipment (PPE) you need.
Cost varies
Conditional · Per trip · Field trips
Cost varies
Optional · Variable · Professional membership and registration
Cost varies depending on your placement location and travel arrangements
Required · Per placement · Travel and accommodation
Online learning at the University of Cumbria is an interactive experience that makes use of a range of technologies and media types to provide a rich learning environment.
Find out moreAn Open Day is your opportunity to explore one of 5 campuses, meet your lecturers, and find out how the University of Cumbria could become your new home.
.jpg)
