We have been asked to share the information below with heads of service, to assist with potential interest in the University of Sheffield’s MSc Advanced Clinical Practice Programme in Ophthalmology (Paediatrics).

Sheffield are planning to include an apprenticeship route but need to know the extent of possible uptake. This will be a 3yr programme at level 7.  The mode of delivery is fully online supplemented by work-based learning with the support of a local mentor (ideally paediatric ophthalmologist) in the student’s place of work.  This allows students to attend the course from all over the UK, without needing to travel to Sheffield.  The course is eligible for Optometrists, Orthoptists and Ophthalmic nurses working in paediatric ophthalmology, with ideally a minimum of two years work experience and a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree.

Students carry out independent and work-based learning throughout the programme.  In the first year they additionally have 24 hours of synchronous teaching online mostly late afternoon to fit with clinical commitments.   As with all ACP Masters the expectation is for 600 hours of study each year and is aligned to the Apprenticeship standard  https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/advanced-clinical-practitioner-integrated-degree-v1-0

Could you please complete this short form to enable Sheffield to gauge the feasibility of this proposed route:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11h-Lkv2_c7pRDEdMQbf6wNpm-31E0FHjqcui2YD4zAQ/edit