Advanced Health Assessment (Mental Health)

Individual Modules

Location

Centre for Health Innovation Stafford

Start dates available

  • September 2026
  • April 2027

This module focuses upon the practice of advanced health assessment and history taking, to form a diagnosis. Content enables students to undertake a comprehensive and focused advanced health examination and to facilitate the individual to relate the following core content to the role of the Advanced Practitioner.

This course is delivered by experienced, registered healthcare practitioners. It is a level of practice characterised by a high degree of autonomy and complex decision making. 

Advanced clinical practitioners work as part of a wider health and social care team, they manage complete episodes of clinical care, which means they can independently provide care from the time a patient first presents through to discharge.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: Individual Modules Advanced Health Assessment (Mental Health)

Duration

The module is delivered in term 1 and term 3

Term one dates

Delivered on a Tuesday 

  • 8, 15, 22, 29 September 2026 
  • 6, 13, 20, 27, October 2026
  • 3, 10, 17, 24, November 2026 
  • 1, 08, 15, December 2026 
  • OSCE 15-19 March 2027 
  • 12-16 April 2027

Term 3 dates

Delivered on a Tuesday

  • 20, 27 April 2027 
  • 4, 11, 18, 25,  May 2027 
  • 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 June 2027
  • 7, 14, 21, 28 July 2027
  • OSCE 30 August – 3 September 2027
  • 11-15 October 2027

You then have two terms to complete your 90 hours supervised practice and undertake your OSCE examinations.

Course content

The purpose of this module is to enable you to gain and expand your knowledge and skills in performing advanced health assessment as a health care professional. It will form the foundation for your on-going learning in advanced health assessment. A particular feature of this module is the opportunity to advance your physical assessment and diagnostic skills under the guidance of a coordinating education supervisor and workplace supervisors.

You will study cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal, dermatological, female and male health assessment and examination. Also, haematology, biochemistry, and E.C.G interpretation.

Advanced Health Assessment is considered within the context of best evidence and practice, the issue of significant negatives, consent, accountability and legal aspects, appropriate documentation. A particular feature of this module is the opportunity to practice advance health assessment and leadership skills under the guidance of a clinical preceptor(s) in clinical practice.

The module is assessed with an assignment covering a critical analysis of a clinical assessment and diagnostic interpretation that has been undertaken in clinical practice which examines in detail appropriate aspects of the physical examination (history taking, auscultation, percussion, inspection, or palpation as appropriate) and each appropriate diagnostic test utilised.

An OSCE examination and completion of a clinical competency document you need to have achieved 90 hrs supervised practice.

  1.  

Entry requirements

Applicants must be on a health care professional body register and need to have completed a BSc or have evidence of studying at level 6.

  1. Download and complete the pre-application form
    Follow this link to download the pre-application form. This form helps us verify your details, check if you’re suitable for the programme and confirm you have an appropriate Co-ordinating educational supervisor to support you undertaking 90 hours of supervised clinical practice time.

  2. Fill out the form carefully
    Please read the form instructions and complete every section. Make sure all the necessary people sign the form (digital signatures are accepted but not typed names). If the form is not filled out correctly, it will be rejected, which will delay your application.

  3. Use the correct form
    Do not use any old forms. Only complete the latest version available for download on this webpage.

  4. Submit your application online
    After completing the form, click the ‘Apply Now’ link to start your online application. You will need to upload your completed application form in the ‘Documents’ section of the online application.

Teaching and assessment

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Fees

For the course starting on 8 September 2026 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for Individual Modules-Part-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands
Part-time £1,045 per course

For the course starting on 20 April 2027 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for Individual Modules-Part-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands
Part-time £1,045 per course
Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Apply now to Advanced Health Assessment (Mental Health)

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Centre for Health Innovation Stafford Individual Modules Part-time 8 September 2026 Apply now
Centre for Health Innovation Stafford Individual Modules Part-time 20 April 2027 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations

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