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Managing the Acutely Ill Adult
Key information
Course Leader: Himadri Chauhan (h.chauhan3@herts.ac.uk)
Level: 7
Credits: 30
Mode of delivery: Blended
Learner Hours: Scheduled Hours - 44, Independent Hours - 256
Available places: 40
Dates
- 26/01/2027
Fees and Funding
£1890.00
The price quoted above is for a 15 credit module in the 2026/27 academic year and applies to students who are assessed as Home fee payers ONLY. Fees will differ for students assessed as Overseas fee payers. Fee assessment decisions follow UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) guidance, which is based on UK law and government regulations. Further information on who will pay Home or Overseas tuition fees can be found here: https://ask.herts.ac.uk/will-i-pay-home-or-international-tuition-fees
Once confirmed, a student’s fee status will normally remain the same for the duration of their course. However, information regarding fee reassessment is available here: https://ask.herts.ac.uk/will-i-pay-home-or-international-tuition-fees#FeeReassessment
Eligible students may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Student Loan. Please note that to access this funding, you must enrol on the full MSc programme; funding is not available for individual modules or interim awards (for example, a Postgraduate Diploma). Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/masters-loan
Further details, including tuition fee amounts, fee policy and payment deadlines, can be found here : https://www.herts.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/fee-information/fees-and-finance-policy-documents
If you require further information or have any questions regarding fees, please contact: cpdhealth@herts.ac.uk
Entry Requirements
Students must have studied the pre-requisite module '7HSK2081 - Physiology Based Assessment' or an equivalent course or module that meets the learning outcomes of this module prior to applying for Managing the Acutely Ill Adult. If you think you have studied an equivalent module to the pre-requisite at a different university, you must provide and upload the module transcript and a copy of the module handbook as part of your application so the admission tutor can assess the equivalence.
If you have non-UK academic qualifications you will need to supply evidence of comparability. The organisation ECCTIS will supply this for a reasonable fee https://www.enic.org.uk/Qualifications/SOC/Default.aspx.
You should be a qualified health care professional currently working in an appropriate area of practice and have current professional registration (NMC, HCPC etc).
Course Overview
This module is designed for students working within the acute setting. It aims to develop professional competence in managing the complex care of a variety of conditions. In order to maximise potential success students should be able to demonstrate prior understanding of relevant underpinning anatomy and physiology and therapeutic interventions for patients requiring acute care.
Drawing on relevant research-based evidence this module explores the planning, implementation and evaluation of care for a range of acutely ill clients. It also explores the physical, social and psychological implications of acute illness for both the patient and significant others and how these impact upon the patient post recovery.
Students will be supported through a range of classroom-based learning strategies together with group and individual tutorials. Students will be expected to enhance their understanding of theoretical concepts through further reading and use of technology to access material.
Learning and teaching strategies will normally address the following topics:
Pathophysiology of commonly occurring acute conditions, including:
Respiratory failure.
Cardiac arrest/MI.
Haematology (sickle cell, clotting, venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism).
Sepsis.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis.
Brain injury/stroke (Organ donation).
Acute Kidney Injury.
Allergic reaction/anaphylaxis.
Musculoskeletal conditions.
Hepatic conditions / oesophageal varices.
Gynaecological conditions.
Exploration of national and local policy initiatives.
Legal and ethical issues.
Psychological and social perspectives of care.
Patient and carer perspectives.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
Successful students will typically:
- Interpret the pathophysiological changes associated with a variety of complex medical conditions
- Critically examine the evidence for a range of investigations and potential interventions in the monitoring and management of acutely ill patients.
- Recognise the psychological and social impact of acute illness for patients and their families
Intellectual, Practical and Transferable Skills:
Successful students will typically:
- Develop an effective management plan relating to the acutely ill patient
- Analyse the effectiveness of the management plan for an acutely ill patient and family.
- Compare the alternative management approaches that could have been used in the acute patient.
Number of Learner Hours:
Scheduled - 44
Independent - 256
Placement/work-based learning - 0
Assessment:
Students will produce a presentation to the group demonstrating an understanding of the pathophysiological changes of a condition and the treatment options, based on a patient from practice.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
Successful students will typically:
Interpret the pathophysiological changes associated with a variety of complex medical conditions
Critically examine the evidence for a range of investigations and potential interventions in the monitoring and management of acutely ill patients.
Recognise the psychological and social impact of acute illness for patients and their families
Intellectual, Practical and Transferable Skills:
Successful students will typically:
Develop an effective management plan relating to the acutely ill patient
Analyse the effectiveness of the management plan for an acutely ill patient and family.
Compare the alternative management approaches that could have been used in the acute patient.
Assessment
Students will produce a presentation to the group demonstrating an understanding of the pathophysiological changes of a condition and the treatment options, based on a patient from practice.