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Professional Development

Tel: +44 (0)117 3281158, Option 1 for PD
followed by option: 1 for CHSS, 2 for CBAL or 3 for CATE

You can view, apply for and review your professional development courses here.

Physical Assessment and Clinical Reasoning for Practice


Courses

Please select the level of study you wish to apply for. Level M indicates that you wish to study at Masters level, and Levels 1-3 indicate that you wish to study at Degree (Undergraduate) level.

Course Details


Course/Module Code

UZWK9C-20-M

Level

M

Fees

24-25 Accredited 20 credits

£1100.00

Assessed

24-25 Non-Accredited 20 credits

£1100.00

Unassessed

25-26 Accredited 20 Credits

£1155.00

Assessed

25-26 Non Accredited 20 credits

£1155.00

Unassessed

Course Dates

Select course date below to see all attendance days and to apply.
If no course dates are shown below this could be due to high demand or no availability. If your course is being funded by your employer and they have bought places in advance you will need to contact them to be given the links to apply.

Course Dates

Course Information : Closing date for applications: 6th December 2024 IMPORTANT: This is being run entirely as a face-to-face attendance at Glenside Campus. NOTE: For parking on Glenside Campus, you will need to download a Parking Permit from the University - you will be able to do this once you have been registered on the University Student Information system. SOPE Assessments will be held from 09:00 - 18:00 but you will only be required for 30 minutes (Level 3) or 45 minutes (Level M). PLEASE NOTE: once your application status is showing as registered, it will take up to 5 working days for your login details for MyUWE to be issued by email. Please only contact us if you have not received after this time. SOPE/Assessment - 3rd September 2025

Venue

GLENSIDE CAMPUS

Attendance days for the course

Wednesday - 23 April 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 28 May 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 11 June 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 25 June 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 09 July 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 23 July 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 03 September 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 18:00
Course Dates

Course Information : Closing date for applications: 9th April 2025 IMPORTANT: This is being run entirely as a face-to-face attendance at Glenside Campus. NOTE: For parking on Glenside Campus, you will need to download a Parking Permit from the University - you will be able to do this once you have been registered on the University Student Information system. SOPE Assessments will be held from 09:00 - 18:00 but you will only be required for 30 minutes (Level 3) or 45 minutes (Level M). PLEASE NOTE: once your application status is showing as registered, it will take up to 5 working days for your login details for MyUWE to be issued by email. Please only contact us if you have not received after this time. SOPE/Assessment - 4th September 2025

Venue

GLENSIDE CAMPUS

Attendance days for the course

Friday - 25 April 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Friday - 16 May 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Friday - 30 May 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Friday - 13 June 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Friday - 27 June 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Friday - 11 July 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Friday - 25 July 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Thursday - 04 September 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 18:00
Course Dates

Course Information : Closing date for applications: 9th April 2025 IMPORTANT: This is being run entirely as a face-to-face attendance at Glenside Campus. NOTE: For parking on Glenside Campus, you will need to download a Parking Permit from the University - you will be able to do this once you have been registered on the University Student Information system. SOPE Assessments will be held from 09:00 - 18:00 but you will only be required for 30 minutes (Level 3) or 45 minutes (Level M). PLEASE NOTE: once your application status is showing as registered, it will take up to 5 working days for your login details for MyUWE to be issued by email. Please only contact us if you have not received after this time. SOPE/Assessment - 5th September 2025

Venue

GLENSIDE CAMPUS

Attendance days for the course

Wednesday - 30 April 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 21 May 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 04 June 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 18 June 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 02 July 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 16 July 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 30 July 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Friday - 05 September 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 18:00
Course Dates

Course Information : Closing date for applications: 7th May 2025 IMPORTANT: This is being run entirely as a face-to-face attendance at MEDVIVO Chippenham NOTE: For parking you will need to read the instruction that will be sent out following an offer of a place. SOPE Assessments will be held from 09:00 - 18:00 but you will only be required for 30 minutes (Level 3) or 45 minutes (Level M). PLEASE NOTE: once your application status is showing as registered, it will take up to 5 working days for your login details for MyUWE to be issued by email. Please only contact us if you have not received after this time. SOPE/Assessment - 10th September 2025

Venue

MEDVIVO

Attendance days for the course

Wednesday - 21 May 2025MEDVIVO10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 28 May 2025MEDVIVO10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 04 June 2025MEDVIVO10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 11 June 2025MEDVIVO10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 18 June 2025MEDVIVO10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 25 June 2025MEDVIVO10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 02 July 2025MEDVIVO10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 10 September 2025MEDVIVO10:00 - 16:00

Applications

University

Assessment

The assessment for the PACR module is a Structured Observed Practical Examination (SOPE). During this assessment, you can be assessed on any of the clinical systems covered on the module.

Level 6 students will be allocated 30 minutes to cover: history taking, clinical examination of one system, diagnosis and management plan, handover using SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation). There will be clinical questions on the system examined. This will allow you to demonstrate autonomy in these processes.

Level 7 students will be allocated 45 minutes to cover: history taking, clinical examination of two systems, diagnosis and management, handover using SBAR. There will be clinical questions for each of the systems examined. This will allow you to demonstrate autonomy in these processes.

Formative assessment: Feedback will be provided by formative SOPE on Day 7 PACR teaching. There will also be opportunities for formative feedback throughout the module.  

Campus

Glenside

Careers/further study

The level 6 (undergraduate level) module can contribute towards:

  • BSc(Hons) Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
  • BSc(Hons) Health and Social Care
  • MSc Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
  • MSc Advanced Practice
  • Professional Development Award

The level 7 (Masters level) module can contribute towards:

  • MSc Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
  • MSc Advanced Practice
  • Professional Development Awards

Content

The PACR module incorporates eight study days with the below elements: 

  • Day 1: Introduction to the module, history taking, general survey, clinical reasoning 
  • Day 2: Head, ears, eyes, nose, throat (HEENT) and respiratory systems
  • Day 3: Cardiovascular and abdominal systems
  • Day 4: Pause and perfect – practical consolidation of skills 
  • Day 5: Neurological – central and peripheral nervous system 
  • Day 6: Musculoskeletal – upper and lower limb 
  • Day 7: Pause and perfect – practical consolidation of skills plus formative assessment
  • Day 8: Summative assessment

The module will incorporate:  

  • Systematic history taking and consultation skills
  • Use of physical assessment techniques
  • Review of systems
  • General survey
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Clinical examination skills using a systems based approach
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Application of knowledge to support clinical reasoning and management plans 

Course Director

Alice Nightingale and Emma Lesniak

Entry Requirements

You must be a registered practitioner with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, or General Pharmaceutical Health Council, or Health and Care Professions Council.

You must also be working with patients or service users, in an identified clinical work environment. 

Introduction

This Physical Assessment and Clinical Reasoning (PACR) module is a 20 credit module which provides opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of history taking, physical assessment and clinical reasoning in adults.

The PACR module is available to study at either academic level 6 (UZWK9B-20-3) or level 7 (UZWK9C-20-M). It is structured to enhance your practice by utilising a systematic approach to the clinical encounter. The PACR module teaches history taking and physical assessment of the main bodily systems and includes identification of normal and abnormal variants to support clinical reasoning.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

  • conduct a safe, relevant and comprehensive physical examination and assessment within the practitioner's professional field.
  • analyse and interpret findings of a comprehensive physical assessment, underpinned by the appropriate evidence base.
  • exercise clinical judgement and reasoning to provide differential diagnoses and formulate an action plan based on the findings of the assessment.
  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the evidence base underpinning physical assessment and clinical reasoning.

Key Facts

You may be able to study these modules at Level 6 (BSc level) or Level 7 (Masters level) depending on your academic circumstances. Please contact the CPD Team or the Module Leader for advice if you are unsure which level would be best for you.

Learning and Teaching

A variety of approaches will be used which may include seminars, practical sessions, experts from practice, case studies and self-directed study

Supervised physical assessment practical sessions will be incorporated. 

Study facilities

The College of Health, Science and Society has an excellent reputation for the quality of its teaching and the facilities it provides.

Take a personalised virtual tour of the Health Professions facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.

Telephone

+44 (0)117 32 81158

Title

20 credit level 6 or level 7 module


Click here to ask us a question about this course. Please include your full name with your question. If required, please let us know if you want us to add you to the future dates mailing list. Alternatively you may email us directly at pd@uwe.ac.uk


Enquire

To view all CPD courses offered by UWE Bristol, please select (click on) the box below

View courses

Course Details


Course/Module Code

UZWK9B-20-3

Level

3

Fees

24-25 Accredited 20 credits

£1100.00

Assessed

24-25 Non-Accredited 20 credits

£1100.00

Unassessed

25-26 Accredited 20 Credits

£1155.00

Assessed

25-26 Non Accredited 20 credits

£1155.00

Unassessed

Course Dates

Select course date below to see all attendance days and to apply.
If no course dates are shown below this could be due to high demand or no availability. If your course is being funded by your employer and they have bought places in advance you will need to contact them to be given the links to apply.

Course Dates

Course Information : Closing date for applications: 9th April 2025 IMPORTANT: This is being run entirely as a face-to-face attendance at Glenside Campus. NOTE: For parking on Glenside Campus, you will need to download a Parking Permit from the University - you will be able to do this once you have been registered on the University Student Information system. SOPE Assessments will be held from 09:00 - 18:00 but you will only be required for 30 minutes (Level 3) or 45 minutes (Level M). PLEASE NOTE: once your application status is showing as registered, it will take up to 5 working days for your login details for MyUWE to be issued by email. Please only contact us if you have not received after this time. SOPE/Assessment - 3rd September 2025

Venue

GLENSIDE CAMPUS

The course is full, please select another available date or join the waiting list.

If you are already registered, clicking on the waiting list button will take you to the application form for you to complete and be added to the waiting list

Attendance days for the course

Wednesday - 23 April 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 14 May 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 28 May 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 11 June 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 25 June 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 09 July 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 23 July 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 03 September 2025GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 18:00
Course Dates

Course Information : Closing date for applications: 7th May 2025 IMPORTANT: This is being run entirely as a face-to-face attendance at MEDVIVO Chippenham NOTE: For parking you will need to read the instruction that will be sent out following an offer of a place. SOPE Assessments will be held from 09:00 - 18:00 but you will only be required for 30 minutes (Level 3) or 45 minutes (Level M). PLEASE NOTE: once your application status is showing as registered, it will take up to 5 working days for your login details for MyUWE to be issued by email. Please only contact us if you have not received after this time. SOPE/Assessment - 10th September 2025

Venue

MEDVIVO

Attendance days for the course

Wednesday - 21 May 2025MEDVIVO10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 28 May 2025MEDVIVO10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 04 June 2025MEDVIVO10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 11 June 2025MEDVIVO10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 18 June 2025MEDVIVO10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 25 June 2025MEDVIVO10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 02 July 2025MEDVIVO10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 10 September 2025MEDVIVO10:00 - 16:00

Applications

University

Assessment

The assessment for the PACR module is a Structured Observed Practical Examination (SOPE). During this assessment, you can be assessed on any of the clinical systems covered on the module.

Level 6 students will be allocated 30 minutes to cover: history taking, clinical examination of one system, diagnosis and management plan, handover using SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation). There will be clinical questions on the system examined. This will allow you to demonstrate autonomy in these processes.

Level 7 students will be allocated 45 minutes to cover: history taking, clinical examination of two systems, diagnosis and management, handover using SBAR. There will be clinical questions for each of the systems examined. This will allow you to demonstrate autonomy in these processes.

Formative assessment: Feedback will be provided by formative SOPE on Day 7 PACR teaching. There will also be opportunities for formative feedback throughout the module.  

Campus

Glenside

Careers/further study

The level 6 (undergraduate level) module can contribute towards:

  • BSc(Hons) Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
  • BSc(Hons) Health and Social Care
  • MSc Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
  • MSc Advanced Practice
  • Professional Development Award

The level 7 (Masters level) module can contribute towards:

  • MSc Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
  • MSc Advanced Practice
  • Professional Development Awards

Content

The PACR module incorporates eight study days with the below elements: 

  • Day 1: Introduction to the module, history taking, general survey, clinical reasoning 
  • Day 2: Head, ears, eyes, nose, throat (HEENT) and respiratory systems
  • Day 3: Cardiovascular and abdominal systems
  • Day 4: Pause and perfect – practical consolidation of skills 
  • Day 5: Neurological – central and peripheral nervous system 
  • Day 6: Musculoskeletal – upper and lower limb 
  • Day 7: Pause and perfect – practical consolidation of skills plus formative assessment
  • Day 8: Summative assessment

The module will incorporate:  

  • Systematic history taking and consultation skills
  • Use of physical assessment techniques
  • Review of systems
  • General survey
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Clinical examination skills using a systems based approach
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Application of knowledge to support clinical reasoning and management plans 

Course Director

Alice Nightingale and Emma Lesniak

Entry Requirements

You must be a registered practitioner with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, or General Pharmaceutical Health Council, or Health and Care Professions Council.

You must also be working with patients or service users, in an identified clinical work environment. 

Introduction

This Physical Assessment and Clinical Reasoning (PACR) module is a 20 credit module which provides opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of history taking, physical assessment and clinical reasoning in adults.

The PACR module is available to study at either academic level 6 (UZWK9B-20-3) or level 7 (UZWK9C-20-M). It is structured to enhance your practice by utilising a systematic approach to the clinical encounter. The PACR module teaches history taking and physical assessment of the main bodily systems and includes identification of normal and abnormal variants to support clinical reasoning.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

  • conduct a safe, relevant and comprehensive physical examination and assessment within the practitioner's professional field.
  • analyse and interpret findings of a comprehensive physical assessment, underpinned by the appropriate evidence base.
  • exercise clinical judgement and reasoning to provide differential diagnoses and formulate an action plan based on the findings of the assessment.
  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the evidence base underpinning physical assessment and clinical reasoning.

Key Facts

You may be able to study these modules at Level 6 (BSc level) or Level 7 (Masters level) depending on your academic circumstances. Please contact the CPD Team or the Module Leader for advice if you are unsure which level would be best for you.

Learning and Teaching

A variety of approaches will be used which may include seminars, practical sessions, experts from practice, case studies and self-directed study

Supervised physical assessment practical sessions will be incorporated. 

Study facilities

The College of Health, Science and Society has an excellent reputation for the quality of its teaching and the facilities it provides.

Take a personalised virtual tour of the Health Professions facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.

Telephone

+44 (0)117 32 81158

Title

20 credit level 6 or level 7 module


Click here to ask us a question about this course. Please include your full name with your question. If required, please let us know if you want us to add you to the future dates mailing list. Alternatively you may email us directly at pd@uwe.ac.uk


Enquire

To view all CPD courses offered by UWE Bristol, please select (click on) the box below

View courses