Academic Recognition of Continuing Professional Development

Continue your development as a healthcare professional. You'll identify your individual learning objectives and become an independent learner. Utilise your own clinical experience to gain academic credit at Level 6.

LevelShort courses and CPD

Duration12 weeks

Start dates14 September 2026

Course codeCID1396

Course summary

Are you an experienced healthcare professional looking to return to higher education? This Level 6 short course is designed to help you transition back into academic study. It can also prepare you for further qualifications, such as a bachelor's degree or postgraduate study.

The course supports professionals who already hold a diploma or advanced diploma qualification. You can build on their existing knowledge and experience. Through guided reflection on your continuing professional development (CPD) and prior learning you'll:

Strengthen your academic skills
Developing confidence in independent study and academic writing
Explore your future educational and career goals.

Delivered online, the course offers a flexible learning experience. This can fit around professional commitments while providing personalised academic support. It's particularly suitable for healthcare professionals planning to:

Progress to Level 6 study
Complete the final stages of a degree through accreditation of prior learning
Prepare for programmes such as Advanced Professional Practice, or Prescribing.

This course provides the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in higher education.

Why Sunderland for Short courses and CPD

What you'll study

The course acknowledges CPD by helping you think about what you’ve learned and how you’ve improved. As an independent learner, you'll identify your own learning objectives. You'll receive guidance and negotiation through tutorials with the module leader.

How you'll learn

The course is delivered online and you'll take part in a two-hour induction. This will include discussion of the module and a library session. There'll also be two tutorials with the Programme Leader. The rest of the course involves work-based and practice-based learning.

Assessment is a 3,000 word portfolio of practice.

Entry requirements

We usually ask for study at diploma level. You'll need to provide evidence of this when applying.

You'll also need to be a registered healthcare professional with either the:

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), or
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Fees and finance support

Employers usually meets course costs. We advise that you speak to your workforce development lead before applying.

We also accept self-funded applicants. If you'd like to explore your options, contact us at cpd@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Apply now

Contact our team for further information about applying for this course. Call 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or email cpd@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).