Transforming Practice PG Cert

This course is a unique model of continued professional development for allied health professionals. It is aimed at qualified professionals working in UK health and social care, such as physiotherapists or occupational therapists, seeking to develop advanced practice in a specific clinical area.

On the course you will engage with an approach to learning that mirrors and enhances the practice in which you work. You will refine your practice, focusing on autonomous activity and complex decision making. By engaging with this format, you will have the abilities to develop innovative methods that will enhance your clients' experiences and improve outcomes.

York St John University offer related undergraduate and pre-registration master’s qualifications in occupational therapy and physiotherapy, and have delivered a successful CPD portfolio of master’s level study for many years. Most recently we offered the Professional Health and Social Care MSc and the Leadership in Health and Social Care MSc awards. These awards have helped professionals like you advance their career. Elements of those courses have been embedded in this new, clinically oriented suite of postgraduate awards.

How you will study

You can only study this postgraduate course part time. This allows you to fit your studies around other commitments.

The course will take 1 year to complete. You will study 1 compulsory module across the year. Due to the structure of the course, this module constitutes your entire postgraduate award.

Modules

Teaching and learning

You will engage with this course as an independent, adult learner suited to your professional status.

The course consists of 1 module. Your learning time is expected to be 600 hours, which includes any external independent research and tutor and peer review sessions. You will learn with experts in small learning groups.

You will engage in a variety of modes of learning, including:

• Discussions on critiques and theories
• Consideration of case studies to explore authentic scenarios
• Critical appraisal of evidence
• Self-reflection

Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.

Assessment

You will be assessed across 4 pieces of written work and a presentation. Each piece is worth 25% of your overall grade for this module.

Your assessments include:

• Opportunities to critique a research paper with your peers and tutors
• An implementation plan for change and service transformation (presentation)
• Self-reflection on your experience of implementing a health coaching approach with a service user
• Critical evaluation on patient/service user communications 

Across the academic year you will be able to book tutor and peer review sessions, in which you can share ideas and gather critical feedback on your progress.

Qualifications

If your degree is in an unrelated subject, but you can provide evidence of relevant professional experience, your application may still be considered and you may be invited for interview.

In addition, you must have:

• 3 years current postgraduate experience in an appropriate clinical setting
• A letter of support from your line manager
• Proof of appropriate and up to date professional registration (for example HCPC, GMC)

International students

Unfortunately, this course is not open to international students. Discover the other courses we offer.

Find a course

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

If you do not have traditional qualifications, you may be eligible for entry on the basis of Recognition of prior learning (RPL). Check your eligibility by visiting the RPL page below. We also consider applications for entry with advanced standing.

Recognition of prior learning

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

UK 2024-2025

The tuition fee for 2024 entry to this postgraduate course is:

• £2,333 for part time study

This price applies to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

Workforce transformation funding is no longer available but you may be able to seek alternative CPD funding (best discussed with your manager and/or workforce development lead) or self-fund. Please note all courses are subject to meeting minimum cohort numbers to enable a full student experience. To receive the CPD e-newsletter please email business@yorksj.ac.uk.

Tuition fees

Funding your studies

If you live in England, you can use the same student loans system as undergraduate students to pay for this course.

You can find out more about this loan and how to apply by following the link below to our funding opportunities page.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

Alumni Scholarships

If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.

Scholarships for alumni

Additional costs and financial support

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Accommodation and living costs

View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.

International students

Unfortunately, this course is not open to international students. Discover the other courses we offer. 

Find a course

Where could Transforming Practice take you?

To apply for this course you must already be a qualified professional working in UK health and social care. This course will help you further develop the advanced level of your practice in your own clinical area and enhance your career options.

Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study.

Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market. Those with a postgraduate qualification will earn an average of £6,500 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree. (Department For Education Graduate Labour Market Report 2022)

Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.