Nursing - Specialist Community Public Health Nursing

Overview

Ulster University is the sole provider of the Specialist Community Public Health Nursing programme in Northern Ireland. Fields of practice currently offered are Health Visiting and School Nursing. The programme is regulated and aligned to the NMC (2022) standards. Students will be supported in developing the skills, knowledge and attributes required to deliver interventions that are safe, person centred and effective in promoting and improving the health of children, young people, families and communities. The programme embraces inclusivity and diversity on both a global and local level and is reflective of a changing society recognising the needs of families in often complex circumstances. This programme equips registered nurses with the necessary skills in risk assessment, decision making and leadership required to work at a specialist level. Applicants including those considering self-funding are required to apply through the regional recruitment process.



Work placement / study abroad

​Students will be allocated to a practice learning placement determined by the health care trust within which they will be employed for the duration of the programme. Students are required to complete 130 days of practice placement.

Year one

Modules:

Evidence synthesis and translation for specialist community public health nursing practice

Promoting Human Rights and Addressing Health Inequalities

Partnerships & Decision Making in Safeguarding Practice

Developing person centred autonomous practice

Leading Public Health Practice

Practice Learning for Specialist Community Public Health Nursing

If you are interested in applying for a place on the SCPHN programme, you must provide evidence of the following criteriat the time of application



Criteria 1: Registered Nurse or Midwife on part 1 and/or 2 of the live NMC Register.



Criteria 2: Have gained an Honours or non-Honours degree in nursing or another health related area from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which is recognised by as being of an equivalent standard, or an equivalent standard in a Postgraduate Certificate, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification.



In exceptional circumstances, where an individual can demonstrate evidence of successful completion of a minimum of 10 credits at level 6 study or above OR wishes to complete a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence of successful completion of level 6 study or above or that which is used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.



Criteria 3: Provide an Access NI Enhanced Disclosure certificate, which is current on application to Ulster



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants



International students must achieve a score of 7 overall and 7 on each sub-scale on the IELTS test of proficiency in English (NMC requirement).



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

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• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country



Exemptions and transferability

Exit award



Students who fail the practice element but pass all academic modules will be awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in Community Public Health as an academic award (120 credits at Level 7) but do not register with the NMC.

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

Attendance is full-time.



A minimum of 130 days in the Practice Learning Environment.



Students are expected to attend all classes associated with the programme and be punctual and regular in attendance.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

Career prospects of graduates from this programme are excellent with the majority moving rapidly into permanent posts with their specialist area.



Professional Recognition

Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to register on the 3rd part of the Nursing and Midwifery Council register.