Renal Care BSc (Hons) / Postgraduate Certificate; MSc; PGDip; Professional Certificate
- Level(s) of Study: Professional
- Start Date(s): September 2025
- Duration: Certificate: 1 year part time; BSc: 18 months part-time; MSc: 2-5 years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: Clifton Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
The Institute of Health and Allied Professions at NTU offers a comprehensive suite of continuous professional development (CPD) courses that have been designed and developed to meet the needs of the local health sector workforce.
This course has been developed in collaboration with Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. The principle aim is to provide post-qualification continuing professional development in the speciality of renal care. This course contributes to developing practice excellence and the delivery of professional caring for renal patients. It aims to develop practitioners with a breadth of knowledge across all areas of the renal speciality, who will be able to deliver evidence-based care to patients with renal disease.
This course is suitable both for those embedded within a renal department, as well as students who would like to expand their knowledge of renal disease and management to enhance the care which they can offer to these patients in other areas of healthcare.
Why do this course?
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Tailor your learning experience to suit your professional development needs, with a range of qualifications available at different levels.
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Benefit from our collaborative course design with specialist colleagues from Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust.
What you’ll study
The course offers a unique blend of evidence and contemporary clinical practice to support the development of knowledgeable renal practitioners. Content includes critical appraisal of anatomy and pathophysiology to inform renal care and therapeutic interventions, collaborative working and contemporary approaches to leadership. The course will encourage students to critically reflect on current practice, discuss underpinning research and professional guidance and debate case-studies to develop clinical expertise and inform clinical decision making.
The learning environment and level of teaching will be the same for each level of study (post registration certificate, (level 6) or postgraduate (level 7). The level of study and therefore attainment will be differentiated at assessment only, students will be assessed at either Level 6 or 7.
- Professional Certificate (Level 6)
- Postgraduate Certificate (Level 7)
- Postgraduate Diploma (Level 7)
- BSc
- MSc
Core modules
Fundamentals of Renal Care (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. The module considers contemporary approaches to the assessment and management of renal conditions, along with strategies to promote patient engagement and participation in self-management.
Contemporary Approaches in Renal Disease (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of active therapeutic interventions which are used in the management of renal pathology. The module also considers contemporary approaches to leadership to facilitate effective collaboration and effective performance of the multidisciplinary team.
Core modules
Fundamentals of Renal Care (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. The module considers contemporary approaches to the assessment and management of renal conditions, along with strategies to promote patient engagement and participation in self-management.
Contemporary Approaches in Renal Disease (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of active therapeutic interventions which are used in the management of renal pathology. The module also considers contemporary approaches to leadership to facilitate effective collaboration and effective performance of the multidisciplinary team.
Core modules
Research in Nursing, Health and Social Care (30 credits)
This module explores contemporary issues and debates in health research. The module will prepare students with the knowledge and skills required to undertake research in their chosen field of professional practice.
Fundamentals of Renal Care (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. The module considers contemporary approaches to the assessment and management of renal conditions, along with strategies to promote patient engagement and participation in self-management.
Contemporary Approaches in Renal Disease (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of active therapeutic interventions which are used in the management of renal pathology. The module also considers contemporary approaches to leadership to facilitate effective collaboration and effective performance of the multidisciplinary team.
Optional modules (30 credits)
Leadership in Nursing, Health & Social Care Practice (30 credits)
The module will consider contemporary leadership theory, policy and research and will engage learners in critical reflection on their leadership approach. It aims to support you to develop a critical awareness of different leadership theories and styles, critically analyse the challenges facing leaders working in healthcare and/or social care environment, construct strategies to lead change and innovation in their local area, and consider the role of the leader in addressing resilience of self and colleagues in the healthcare and/or social care environment.
Maintaining Function and Quality of Life in the Frail Person (30 credits)
On this module you will consolidate your understanding of person centred care, re-enablement and the wider determinants of health, and critically evaluate your working practice with emphasis on families and carers as partners in care; and collaborative practice across care settings. You will critically reflect on your clinical practice and identify your strengths and limitations, with particular reference to Advanced Care Planning and shared decisions for End of Life Care. Our aim is to produce Health Care of Frail People practitioners who demonstrate that they have developed effective and competent practice, informed by appropriate theory, research and skills to promote optimal outcomes for people living with frailty and comorbidity You will be able to demonstrate effective leadership and communication through observed practice and assignment work.
Understanding, Identifying, Assessing and Managing Frailty (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of the pathophysiology of aging, concepts of frailty and the comprehensive geriatric assessment. The module considers contemporary approaches to the assessment and management of people living with frailty including management of frailty syndromes, along with strategies to promote patient engagement and participation in self-management.
Independent and Supplementary Prescribing for Non-Medical Practitioners (40 credits)
This module will provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to meet the NMC and HCPC standards for Independent and Supplementary Prescribing for Non-medical prescribers. You will develop your skills to be able to assess, diagnose and prescribe for a range of conditions, be introduced to the knowledge and skills to work in partnership with other professionals to deliver evidence-based care in diverse health and social care settings, and be equipped with professional values and behaviours to demonstrate self-awareness, leadership and resilience.
Innovation in Nursing, Health and Social Care Practice (30 credits)
In this module you will explore creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in nursing, health and social care. You'll critically analyse approaches to creative problem solving, and you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to innovate in response to an ever-changing environment and associated challenges.
Fundamentals of Neonatal Care (30 credits)
In this module you will gain a critical understanding of anatomy and pathophysiology, which informs neonatal care and therapeutic interventions in the low dependency and special care settings. You will critically analyse research, evidence and professional guidance to inform family-centred care, and analyse leadership strategies which facilitate collaboration and the efficient use of resources for the effective performance of the team. You will critically appraise the psychosocial and cultural needs of the family unit in the neonatal setting, communicate knowledge & associated clinical reasoning to peers drawing on complex situations to synthesise decision making, develop therapeutic relationships between the family unit and the MDT, and develop critical reflective skills to enhance personal & professional development.
Fundamentals in Emergency and Acute Medicine (30 credits)
This module will focus on the contemporary fundamental concepts in Acute Medicine and Emergency Care. Learners will develop their core knowledge and critical thinking skills within these specialities. Through a symptom-based focus with constant consideration of application to practice, learners will enhance clinical practice by improving their ability to assess patients and plan, manage and critically evaluate their care. This will be achieved through pre-learning, classroom-based, patient scenario, simulation-based activities and completion of a work based portfolio.
Acute Medicine (30 credits)
After completing the Fundamentals in Emergency and Acute medicine, learners on this module will focus on the Acute Medicine speciality. Emphasis will be placed on gaining the critical knowledge and enhanced skills required for developing expertise and confidence in this unique speciality. There will be a symptom based approach to the learning and focus on the continuing care of patients.
Emergency Care (30 credits)
After completing the Fundamentals in Emergency and Acute Medicine module, you will focus on the Emergency Medicine speciality. You'll focus on gaining the key knowledge and skills required for developing expertise and confidence in this unique speciality. There will be a symptom-based focus to learning, with constant consideration of application to clinical practice.
Contemporary Approaches in Renal Disease (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of active therapeutic interventions which are used in the management of renal pathology. The module also considers contemporary approaches to leadership to facilitate effective collaboration and effective performance of the multidisciplinary team.
Lifecycle of Clinical Research (30 credits)
This module aims to develop understanding of the practical and regulatory issues associated with carrying out health and social care related research. You’ll explore different types of research studies and their challenges, discuss research design and delivery including the importance of patient and public involvement, and learn how to identify funding and resource requirements.
Leading Health and Social Care Research (30 credits)
This module aims to help you understand the principles of planning, patient recruitment, piloting and feasibility assessments. You will explore how collaboration can enhance study feasibility and quality, appraise the attributes of an inclusive researcher, and develop a critical and reflective approach to leading and delivering health and social care research.
Trial Management (30 credits)
This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to manage a research study, including project planning, resource management and risk management. Your skills and confidence to manage a clinical trial will be enhanced, and you will explore strategies that can be implemented to ensure strategies are completed on-time and within budget.
Research Governance (15 credits)
In this module you will review Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles for conducting and reporting clinical trials. You will discuss quality assurance and quality control systems used for monitoring and audit, and learn to effectively prepare for an inspection.
Research Ethics (15 credits)
In this module you will develop an awareness of the key ethical issues in research, the role of ethics committees, and research governance. You will discuss how research ethics and research integrity protect the safety of research participants, and explore how to identify ethical issues across the design, delivery and management of research.
Core modules
Evidence in Clinical Practice (30 credits)
This module recognises the importance of clinical expertise as key to interpreting and applying research and professional evidence into practice. During this module students will learn how to find evidence and critically analyse theoretical, scientific, and ethical aspects of their chosen sources. Students will consider how evidence can inform proactive and make credible recommendations for change.
Fundamentals of Renal Care (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. The module considers contemporary approaches to the assessment and management of renal conditions, along with strategies to promote patient engagement and participation in self-management.
Contemporary Approaches in Renal Disease (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of active therapeutic interventions which are used in the management of renal pathology. The module also considers contemporary approaches to leadership to facilitate effective collaboration and effective performance of the multidisciplinary team.
Independent Study (30 credits)
This module provides you with the opportunity for originality and intellectual independence into specific area of your practice. Students will be able to choose between an impact study (e.g. service evaluation or audit), a clinical change project, or critical review of practice.
Core modules
Research in Nursing, Health and Social Care (30 credits)
This module explores contemporary issues and debates in health research. The module will prepare students with the knowledge and skills required to undertake research in their chosen field of professional practice.
Fundamentals of Renal Care (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. The module considers contemporary approaches to the assessment and management of renal conditions, along with strategies to promote patient engagement and participation in self-management.
Contemporary Approaches in Renal Disease (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of active therapeutic interventions which are used in the management of renal pathology. The module also considers contemporary approaches to leadership to facilitate effective collaboration and effective performance of the multidisciplinary team.
Independent Study (60 credits)
This module provides you with the opportunity for originality and intellectual independence into specific area of your practice. Students will be able to choose between an impact study (e.g. service evaluation or audit), a clinical change project, or critical review of practice.
Optional modules (30 credits)
Leadership in Nursing, Health & Social Care Practice (30 credits)
The module will consider contemporary leadership theory, policy and research and will engage learners in critical reflection on their leadership approach. It aims to support you to develop a critical awareness of different leadership theories and styles, critically analyse the challenges facing leaders working in healthcare and/or social care environment, construct strategies to lead change and innovation in their local area, and consider the role of the leader in addressing resilience of self and colleagues in the healthcare and/or social care environment.
Maintaining Function and Quality of Life in the Frail Person (30 credits)
On this module you will consolidate your understanding of person centred care, re-enablement and the wider determinants of health, and critically evaluate your working practice with emphasis on families and carers as partners in care; and collaborative practice across care settings. You will critically reflect on your clinical practice and identify your strengths and limitations, with particular reference to Advanced Care Planning and shared decisions for End of Life Care. Our aim is to produce Health Care of Frail People practitioners who demonstrate that they have developed effective and competent practice, informed by appropriate theory, research and skills to promote optimal outcomes for people living with frailty and comorbidity You will be able to demonstrate effective leadership and communication through observed practice and assignment work.
Understanding, Identifying, Assessing and Managing Frailty (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of the pathophysiology of aging, concepts of frailty and the comprehensive geriatric assessment. The module considers contemporary approaches to the assessment and management of people living with frailty including management of frailty syndromes, along with strategies to promote patient engagement and participation in self-management.
Independent and Supplementary Prescribing for Non-Medical Practitioners (40 credits)
This module will provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to meet the NMC and HCPC standards for Independent and Supplementary Prescribing for Non-medical prescribers. You will develop your skills to be able to assess, diagnose and prescribe for a range of conditions, be introduced to the knowledge and skills to work in partnership with other professionals to deliver evidence-based care in diverse health and social care settings, and be equipped with professional values and behaviours to demonstrate self-awareness, leadership and resilience.
Innovation in Nursing, Health and Social Care Practice (30 credits)
In this module you will explore creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in nursing, health and social care. You'll critically analyse approaches to creative problem solving, and you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to innovate in response to an ever-changing environment and associated challenges.
Fundamentals of Neonatal Care (30 credits)
In this module you will gain a critical understanding of anatomy and pathophysiology, which informs neonatal care and therapeutic interventions in the low dependency and special care settings. You will critically analyse research, evidence and professional guidance to inform family-centred care, and analyse leadership strategies which facilitate collaboration and the efficient use of resources for the effective performance of the team. You will critically appraise the psychosocial and cultural needs of the family unit in the neonatal setting, communicate knowledge & associated clinical reasoning to peers drawing on complex situations to synthesise decision making, develop therapeutic relationships between the family unit and the MDT, and develop critical reflective skills to enhance personal & professional development.
Fundamentals in Emergency and Acute Medicine (30 credits)
This module will focus on the contemporary fundamental concepts in Acute Medicine and Emergency Care. Learners will develop their core knowledge and critical thinking skills within these specialities. Through a symptom-based focus with constant consideration of application to practice, learners will enhance clinical practice by improving their ability to assess patients and plan, manage and critically evaluate their care. This will be achieved through pre-learning, classroom-based, patient scenario, simulation-based activities and completion of a work based portfolio.
Acute Medicine (30 credits)
After completing the Fundamentals in Emergency and Acute medicine, learners on this module will focus on the Acute Medicine speciality. Emphasis will be placed on gaining the critical knowledge and enhanced skills required for developing expertise and confidence in this unique speciality. There will be a symptom based approach to the learning and focus on the continuing care of patients.
Emergency Care (30 credits)
After completing the Fundamentals in Emergency and Acute Medicine module, you will focus on the Emergency Medicine speciality. You'll focus on gaining the key knowledge and skills required for developing expertise and confidence in this unique speciality. There will be a symptom-based focus to learning, with constant consideration of application to clinical practice.
Contemporary Approaches in Renal Disease (30 credits)
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of active therapeutic interventions which are used in the management of renal pathology. The module also considers contemporary approaches to leadership to facilitate effective collaboration and effective performance of the multidisciplinary team.
Lifecycle of Clinical Research (30 credits)
This module aims to develop understanding of the practical and regulatory issues associated with carrying out health and social care related research. You’ll explore different types of research studies and their challenges, discuss research design and delivery including the importance of patient and public involvement, and learn how to identify funding and resource requirements.
Leading Health and Social Care Research (30 credits)
This module aims to help you understand the principles of planning, patient recruitment, piloting and feasibility assessments. You will explore how collaboration can enhance study feasibility and quality, appraise the attributes of an inclusive researcher, and develop a critical and reflective approach to leading and delivering health and social care research.
Trial Management (30 credits)
This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to manage a research study, including project planning, resource management and risk management. Your skills and confidence to manage a clinical trial will be enhanced, and you will explore strategies that can be implemented to ensure strategies are completed on-time and within budget.
Research Governance (15 credits)
In this module you will review Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles for conducting and reporting clinical trials. You will discuss quality assurance and quality control systems used for monitoring and audit, and learn to effectively prepare for an inspection.
Research Ethics (15 credits)
In this module you will develop an awareness of the key ethical issues in research, the role of ethics committees, and research governance. You will discuss how research ethics and research integrity protect the safety of research participants, and explore how to identify ethical issues across the design, delivery and management of research.
How you’re taught
Delivery mode
Teaching will be delivered using a variety of approaches, which include, lectures, problem-based learning, collaborative learning and reflection on clinical practice. The course is delivered through in-person taught days at our Clifton Campus and supported by online resources on the NTU Online Workspace (NOW).
This course is co-delivered by experienced academics and specialist staff embedded in current renal clinical practice. This offers a synergistic approach to course delivery to ensure that the course remains current and responsive to changes in current practice. Students have the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills across a range of renal contexts and apply learning to practice through critical reflection and discussion of practice.
Clinical Area
Students should work within an appropriate healthcare setting while studying this course. This will enable students to reflect on their current practice and apply the knowledge and skills that are learned throughout the course. The course will also use case studies relating to the specialty and workplace along with discussion of professional practice to facilitate the integration of theory and practice.
How you’re assessed
Prof/PG Certificate Renal Care
- Patchwork writing
- Critical reflection
- Presentation
- Written assignment
BSc Renal Care
- Critical review of the literature
- Patchwork writing
- Critical reflection
- Presentation
- Written assignment
- Project report
MSc Renal Care
- Research proposal
- Patchwork writing
- Critical reflection
- Presentation
- Written assignment
- Project report
Campus and facilities
The purpose-built Health & Allied Professions (HAP) Centre is home to our world-class teaching, practice, research and scholarship in the Institute of Health and Allied Professions (IHAP).
As a student you will have easy access to the fantastic facilities in the newly refurbished clinical skills centre in the Lionel Robbins building and other facilities at Clifton campus, including:
- clinical skills areas
- lecturer theatres and teaching classrooms
- open access PC's and secure wireless points
- study areas and social spaces
- Pavilion cafe
- The Point Student Union
IT resources
Our IT resource rooms, Laptop loan stations and PC clusters are distributed across the Clifton Campus, with PCs providing access to:
- Microsoft Office
- web browsing
- networked file storage
- high-speed online printing services
Book and library resources
In our library you will have access to an extensive and diverse range of books and periodicals. The library's OneSearch system provides access to all our:
- electronic resources
- journals
- books
We have learner support coordinators and librarians who are available to support your studies, assist you in searching for print and electronic resources. They can also help you with academic writing and skills such as Harvard referencing.
Entry requirements
Prof/PG Certificate Renal Care
- Applicants will be registered health professionals currently working in an area of practice which is pertinent to the course
- Applicants for the Professional certificate must have a level 5 qualification, applicants for the Post graduate certificate must have a level 6 qualification or evidence of the ability to study at Level 6
BSc Renal Care
- Applicants will be registered health professionals
MSc Renal Care
- Applicants will be registered health professionals
- Applicants must have a level 6 qualification or evidence of the ability to study at Level 7
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
Fees and funding
Fees for 2025 entry
Level of study | Course cost |
---|---|
Professional / Postgraduate Certificate in Renal Care | £2,300 |
BSc in Renal Care | £4,600 |
MSc in Renal Care | £8,050 |
*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can.
Download and complete our application form and return it to SOC.cpd@ntu.ac.uk. Please make sure you have read through the above course entry requirements carefully before you do.
This course is not open to international students.
Keeping up to date
After you've applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder. You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide.
Good luck with your application!
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