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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

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: 28th April 2026 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 - 1st September 2026

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

Tuesday - 12 May 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday - 26 May 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday - 09 June 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday - 23 June 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday - 07 July 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday - 21 July 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday - 04 August 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday - 01 September 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS09:00 - 18:00
Course Dates

Course Information : Closing date for applications: 28th April 2026 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 - 2nd September 2026

Venue

GLENSIDE CAMPUS

Attendance days for the course

Wednesday - 13 May 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 27 May 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 10 June 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 24 June 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 08 July 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 22 July 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 05 August 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 02 September 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS09:00 - 18:00
Course Dates

Course Information : Closing date for applications: 28th April 2026 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 26

Venue

GLENSIDE CAMPUS

Attendance days for the course

Thursday - 14 May 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Thursday - 28 May 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Thursday - 11 June 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Thursday - 25 June 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Thursday - 09 July 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Thursday - 23 July 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Thursday - 06 August 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Thursday - 03 September 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS09:00 - 18:00

Applications

University

Assessment

Assessment for this module comprises a Structured Oral and Practical Examination (SOPE).

All module learning outcomes will be assessed in the assessment task (SOPE), via the below sections:

  • History taking
  • Clinical examination of one system covered on the module
  • Provisional and differential diagnoses with management plan
  • Handover
  • Clinical knowledge using clinical questions

A formative peer assessment opportunity will be provided during the module.

Campus

Glenside

Careers/further study

This module can contribute towards the PGCert Health and Social Care, MSc Clinical Practice, MSc Advanced Practice, and the Professional Development Awards. If you have any queries, please contact the Professional Development team (pd@uwe.ac.uk).

Content

The module syllabus will typically include the following:  

  • Systematic history taking 
  • Consultation skills
  • Fundamentals of relevant anatomy and physiology
  • Review of systems
  • General survey
  • Physical assessment of six bodily systems using a systematic approach:
  • Head, ears, eyes, nose, throat (HEENT)
  • Respiratory
  • Cardiovascular
  • Abdominal
  • Neurological
  • Musculoskeletal (knee and shoulder)
  • Application of knowledge, evidence based practice, and clinical reasoning to inform suspected diagnoses and clinical management plans based on history and clinical examination findings.
  • Succinct, systematic communication to effectively handover relevant findings.    

Course Director

Emma Lesniak and Nicholas Smith

Entry Requirements

You must be a healthcare professional in clinical practice with current professional body registration.

Introduction

This 20 credit module, Physical Assessment and Clinical Reasoning (PACR), is designed to support health care professionals in a clinical role to utilise a structured approach to history taking and physical assessment (of six bodily systems) with application of clinical reasoning.

The PACR module is available to study at either academic level 6 (UZWK9B-20-3) or level 7 (UZWK9C-20-M). 

The module aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of history taking, examination techniques, and clinical reasoning skills. It also aims to facilitate students to differentiate between normal and abnormal variants of the physical assessment and their clinical significance in adults.

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

At level 6 (undergraduate level)

  • conduct a safe, relevant and comprehensive history taking process along with physical examination and assessment.
  • analyse and communicate findings from history taking and physical examination, to inform suspected diagnoses.
  • apply clinical reasoning utilising assessment findings alongside the evidence base to formulate a relevant clinical management plan.

At level 7 (Masters level)

  • conduct a safe, relevant and comprehensive history taking process along with physical examination and assessment.
  • critically analyse and communicate findings from history taking and physical examination, to inform suspected diagnoses.    
  • critically apply clinical reasoning utilising assessment findings alongside the evidence base to formulate a relevant clinical management plan.

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.

If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.

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

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: 28th April 2026 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 - 1st September 2026

Venue

GLENSIDE CAMPUS

Attendance days for the course

Tuesday - 12 May 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday - 26 May 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday - 09 June 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday - 23 June 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday - 07 July 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday - 21 July 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday - 04 August 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday - 01 September 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS09:00 - 18:00
Course Dates

Course Information : Closing date for applications: 28th April 2026 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 - 2nd September 2026

Venue

GLENSIDE CAMPUS

Attendance days for the course

Wednesday - 13 May 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 27 May 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 10 June 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 24 June 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 08 July 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 22 July 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 05 August 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday - 02 September 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS09:00 - 18:00
Course Dates

Course Information : Closing date for applications: 28th April 2026 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 2026

Venue

GLENSIDE CAMPUS

Attendance days for the course

Thursday - 14 May 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Thursday - 28 May 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Thursday - 11 June 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Thursday - 25 June 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Thursday - 09 July 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Thursday - 23 July 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Thursday - 06 August 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS10:00 - 16:00
Thursday - 03 September 2026GLENSIDE CAMPUS09:00 - 18:00

Applications

University

Assessment

Assessment for this module comprises a Structured Oral and Practical Examination (SOPE).

All module learning outcomes will be assessed in the assessment task (SOPE), via the below sections:

  • History taking
  • Clinical examination of one system covered on the module
  • Provisional and differential diagnoses with management plan
  • Handover
  • Clinical knowledge using clinical questions

A formative peer assessment opportunity will be provided during the module.

Campus

Glenside

Careers/further study

This module can contribute towards the PGCert Health and Social Care, MSc Clinical Practice, MSc Advanced Practice, and the Professional Development Awards. If you have any queries, please contact the Professional Development team (pd@uwe.ac.uk).

Content

The module syllabus will typically include the following:  

  • Systematic history taking 
  • Consultation skills
  • Fundamentals of relevant anatomy and physiology
  • Review of systems
  • General survey
  • Physical assessment of six bodily systems using a systematic approach:
  • Head, ears, eyes, nose, throat (HEENT)
  • Respiratory
  • Cardiovascular
  • Abdominal
  • Neurological
  • Musculoskeletal (knee and shoulder)
  • Application of knowledge, evidence based practice, and clinical reasoning to inform suspected diagnoses and clinical management plans based on history and clinical examination findings.
  • Succinct, systematic communication to effectively handover relevant findings.    

Course Director

Emma Lesniak and Nicholas Smith

Entry Requirements

You must be a healthcare professional in clinical practice with current professional body registration.

Introduction

This 20 credit module, Physical Assessment and Clinical Reasoning (PACR), is designed to support health care professionals in a clinical role to utilise a structured approach to history taking and physical assessment (of six bodily systems) with application of clinical reasoning.

The PACR module is available to study at either academic level 6 (UZWK9B-20-3) or level 7 (UZWK9C-20-M). 

The module aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of history taking, examination techniques, and clinical reasoning skills. It also aims to facilitate students to differentiate between normal and abnormal variants of the physical assessment and their clinical significance in adults.

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

At level 6 (undergraduate level)

  • conduct a safe, relevant and comprehensive history taking process along with physical examination and assessment.
  • analyse and communicate findings from history taking and physical examination, to inform suspected diagnoses.
  • apply clinical reasoning utilising assessment findings alongside the evidence base to formulate a relevant clinical management plan.

At level 7 (Masters level)

  • conduct a safe, relevant and comprehensive history taking process along with physical examination and assessment.
  • critically analyse and communicate findings from history taking and physical examination, to inform suspected diagnoses.    
  • critically apply clinical reasoning utilising assessment findings alongside the evidence base to formulate a relevant clinical management plan.

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.

If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.

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