Course Overview
District nurses play a vital role in delivering healthcare in community settings and are a key part of multidisciplinary primary care teams. As healthcare needs become more complex and community services continue to evolve, district nurses need the advanced skills and confidence to manage diverse and increasingly demanding caseloads.
The PGDip Community Health Studies, Specialist Practice Qualification in District Nursing prepares you to work independently and autonomously in this fast‑changing environment. Our aim is to support you to become a confident, future‑focused leader who can transform practice and contribute meaningfully to the wider healthcare agenda.
The programme offers flexible access routes with full‑time and part‑time study options, helping you choose a pathway that fits your professional commitments.
As a result of this PGDip you will be able to:
- Work as part of a Primary Health Care Team to deliver skilled nursing care in a range of community settings.
- Take responsibility for managing the caseload and the team.
- Act as the patient’s advocate, supporting informed choices and promoting independence and self‑care.
- Monitor, maintain and develop service or practice innovation through supervision, reflection, professional leadership and collaboration with allied health professionals.
- Follow a framework of legislation, policy and standards for safe, effective medicine management and prescribing practice.
- Complete a practice‑based project to contribute to the evidence base for district nursing.
- Seek opportunities to apply for a Band 7 Team Leader post.
If studying a PGDip, it may be possible to upgrade to an MSc; however, the MSc is not approved by the NMC.