Academic qualifications
A degree (typically a 1st or 2:1 honours) in a subject related to Health and Wellbeing - e.g. Nursing, Radiotherapy and Oncology, Sport and Exercise Technology. Applicants with a 2:2 honours first degree will be considered on the basis of documented evidence of recent innovative practice, practice leadership, service development, research projects and/or publications. Such evidence must be clearly described in any application.
Other formally certified qualifications
Equivalent, international academic and/or professional qualifications will be accepted.
Level of English language capability
Where English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.5 is required, with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and no individual element below 5.5.
Relevant work or work-related experience
In addition to the knowledge and skills acquired from previous academic qualifications, applicants will typically demonstrate evidence of involvement in service development/evaluation and/or research projects, innovative practice and a commitment to disseminating findings. They will be motivated and prepared to study independently and autonomously. They must be prepared to embrace the challenges of online distance learning, have access to a reliable internet connection to support engagement in a DL programme and have sound IT skills.
Importantly students will identify their proposed research idea(s) and potential focus of their thesis at the application stage.
The programme is intellectually challenging and applicants should be prepared to actively contribute to discussion and debate; critically reflect upon own and others' research; explore and evaluate the evidence base underpinning their chosen research topic; make critically informed judgements about own and others' research findings, and identify areas for further development.
Use of Prior Credit (RPL): prior certificated credit or prior experiential credit may be used within the programme in the following ways:
Through the University's recognition of prior learning (RPL) process it may be possible for applicants to be exempt from some modules of the programme.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) (previously known as accreditation for prior learning or APL)
Recognition of prior learning (previously known as accreditation for prior learning or APL) is a term used to make explicit the link between assessment used as the basis for recognising learning gained outside of a formal programme and that used for learning within a programme; the key features of sound practice are common to both forms. The term 'recognition' is used to describe accurately the process in relation to two widely recognised forms of prior learning: prior certificated learning and prior informal (or experiential) learning. The recognition of prior certificated learning involves the transfer of credit, or exemption from part of a programme, for learning that has previously been formally assessed. The essential characteristic of such learning is that the student has a certificate to evidence that the learning has been assessed. Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) determines the status of that certification (including consideration of its volume and level) as it relates to this specific course.
Through RPL procedures, applicants to SHU, or students already enrolled on SHU courses, may be able to use credit gained from formal study and assessment elsewhere, or from within the University, to count towards this award or to transfer to a different University award. The recognition of prior informal learning involves an assessment process on the part of SHU academic staff that leads to recognition, normally through the award of credit. The essential feature of this process is that it is the learning (gained through experience) which is being assessed not the experience itself.
In both cases recognition takes place within SHU's assessment and regulatory framework, which is designed to ensure that assessment decisions are conducted transparently, fairly and consistently for all programmes or subjects. What is often required in practice is varied but can include completion of an application or proposal form, a portfolio of learning (if required), and in all cases, approval by the RPL panel. The QAA indicators of sound practice are fully adhered to, and SHU publishes comprehensive guidance on RPL which is available to read publicly on SHU space under 'Rules and Regulations'. Students can apply for exemption from specific modules if they can provide evidence of previous certificated learning.
The process will commence with confirmation of student place, claims under the RPL regulations will be considered by the course leader and other relevant colleagues. Students must provide evidence in the form of certification, the successful completion of the assessment activity, its academic level and credit rating. Outcomes of successful RPL claims will be ratified by the Board of Examiners and details recorded on individual student records.
