BSc (Hons) Acute and Critical Care

Essential Information

Patients can become acutely or critically ill at any time and the more ill the patient becomes, the more likely they are to be vulnerable, physiologically unstable and require complex care. Acutely or critically ill patients exist throughout many settings in hospitals and beyond, and there is a need to ensure quality of care for all these patients, irrespective of their location.

Advances in medicine and technology have also resulted in patient care becoming more complex, diverse and challenging, which has meant an increase in the acuity and dependency of patients needing care.

An ageing population and increased expectations from the public will inevitably mean greater demands on acute and critical care units in the future. These units and the staff that provide care need to be fit for purpose and administer a high quality service.

It will be suitable if you work in ICU, CCU, HDU, A&E, theatres, medical/surgical assessment units (MAU/SAU), pre-hospital care and general acute wards.

“I would say that for people working in critical care, this course is essential. I found it hard but very enjoyable and the knowledge I gained was invaluable. The support from tutors was second to none – they were outstanding. My confidence has increased in my workplace – it is the best course I have done.” Angela Burton, BSc (Hons) Critical Care

What you will study

Year One:

• Applied Physiology of Acute and Critical Illness
• Care and Management of the Acute and Critically ill
• Legal and Professional Issues in Caring for the Acute and Critically ill

Year Two: BSc (Hons)

• Psychological Consequences of Acute and Critical Illness
• Practice-based Dissertation

Learning, Teaching and Assessment for BSc (Hons) Acute and Critical Care

Learning and Teaching methods

You will study through a mixture of lectures, group work, patient scenarios, interactive tutorials and seminar presentations.

Assessment methods

Modules are assessed through a practice-based dissertation, multiple-choice questions, viva voce, OSCEs (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations) and written evidence of personal and professional development.