Community Health Studies, Specialist Practice Qualification in District Nursing

Entry requirements

To apply for this course you must meet the following criteria:

• Be registered with the NMC on part 1 of the register
• Have graduated with a BSc/BA/BN Honours degree or equivalent
• Provide evidence of post-registration experience within the specialised area of practice
• Provide confirmation of any recent study (e.g. continuing professional development module preferably within the last 5 years).
• Present an up-to-date enhanced DBS disclosure
• Provide copies of academic qualifications and any other documents required by the admissions department, for verification during the selection process.
• If you are considering transferring any prior learning, a full transcript of the module outline is required at interview.

Months of entry

October

Course content

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.

Why study at Swansea University?

The School of Health and Social Care is a major contributor to the preparation and education of District Nurses for the workforce in South Wales and the UK.

You will be taught on our Singleton Park campus, located on the edge of the beautiful Gower Peninsula and just a stone’s throw from the nearest hospital. Our academic staff are qualified nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals, many of whom are also practising clinicians, providing an exceptional combination of theoretical rigour, professional insight, and practical expertise.

As a student, you will benefit from our strong links with Welsh health boards, whose clinical teams hold the up‑to‑date expertise required to support and sign off the competencies essential to district nursing roles.