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Clinical Reasoning and Decision Making

Award

Individual Modules

Study option

Location

Centre for Health Innovation Stafford

Start dates available

January 2027

Apply now

This module will introduce students to the psychology of decision making, as applied to in clinical practice, with a view to enhancing their understanding of the decision processes involved in the diagnosis and treatment of patients and to propose ways of improving professional decision making and reducing diagnostic error.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: Individual Modules Clinical Reasoning and Decision Making

Duration

Occurs once a year in term two, delivered on a Tuesday over an eight week period.

Eight days in total

6 days face to face

1 day face to face in labs

1 day online

= 90% face to face, 10 % online

Course content

The module will consider and enable the student to:

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the basic epidemiology concepts to apply theory in the critical evaluation of diagnostic tests (Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding, Learning)
Demonstrate the qualities required in taking the initiative to provide innovative solutions in complex and unpredictable situations (Problem Solving, Reflection)
Demonstrate a critical awareness of the main approaches to clinical decision making and how they relate to clinical practice (Analysis, Application)
Introduce students to the psychology of decision making in clinical practice, enhance understanding of the decision processes, consider ways of improving decision making which aim to reduce diagnostic error.
Introduce students to the role of ethics in the decision-making process.
Explore the theories of clinical decision making and models and the role of uncertainty.
Consider epidemiology concepts and their influence on decision making.
Appreciate the concepts of bounded rationality, heuristics and cognitive biases. Including the investigation of the issues using probabilistic reasoning, clinical error and clinical error taxonomy.

Entry requirements

Students will need to be at least two years professionally qualified.

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.

Staff

Please note, teaching team staff members may change during your studies.

Katherine James

Senior Lecturer

My nursing career is very mixed spanning both primary and secondary care, but mainly as an intensive care/coronary care nurse.

Katherine's profile

Dr Janice Mooney

P/T Lecturer (Hrly) Nursing

I'm the Course Leader for the MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice.

Janice's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 19 January 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 Clinical Reasoning and Decision Making

Location	Award	Study option	Start date	Apply Link
Centre for Health Innovation Stafford	Individual Modules	Part-time	19 January 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.