Community Specialist Practitioner (District Nursing)
Build on your skills and experience as a registered nurse, and learn to deliver high-quality care in the community.
in the region for postgraduates progressing into senior roles.
Source: Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026
This postgraduate diploma combines university study with practical experience.
You’ll spend half your time in practice with a qualified district nurse as your Practice Assessor, enhancing your knowledge of caring for people in the community.
In particular, you'll focus on population and caseload management; supporting patients to achieve independence; and caring for those who are unwell, recovering or at end of life.
Choose to study in Cambridge or Chelmsford, and gain a professional qualification in just one year.
To apply for this course, you must already be approved to do so by your funding organisation.
This is a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) recordable qualification as a Community Specialist Practitioner (District Nursing).
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Course leader Kellie Norris introduces the PGDip Community Specialist Practitioner (District Nursing) at ARU.
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![Kellie Norris]()
Course leader Kellie Norris introduces the PGDip Community Specialist Practitioner (District Nursing) at ARU.
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Join our specially designed course for district nurses
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Learn more about caring for people in the community
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Develop your practical skills, with 50% of your time spent in practice
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Graduate ready to work as a Community Specialist Practitioner (District Nurse)
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Graduate qualified to work as a Community Specialist Practitioner (District Nurse).
District nursing is vital to the sustainability of the NHS, now and in the future.
Our postgraduate diploma is a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) recordable qualification as a Community Specialist Practitioner (District Nursing).
Teaching and modules
Focus on the essential aspects of district nursing, including assessing patients and managing complex healthcare needs.
You’ll consider the impact of changing demographics on healthcare and look at ways to deliver high-quality and cost-effective care in the community.
There's also the chance to explore an area of interest to you, by selecting an optional module (worth 30 credits). Your choice may depend on modules you've completed in the past, and your course leader will discuss options with you.
Supported by Practice Assessors and Supervisors, you’ll enhance your knowledge of caring for people in the community. You’ll also develop leadership and management skills, with a focus on working with integrated teams.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Assessment Skills for Community Practitioners
- Fundamentals of District Nursing
- Into ARU
- Advanced Non-Medical Prescribing
- Autonomous Specialist Practice and Leadership in the Community
- Consolidated Practice for District Nurses
- Integrated Care in the Community (Level 7) (30 credits) *
- Advancing Decision-Making for Healthcare Professionals (3o credits) *
- Law and Ethics in Health and Social Care (30 credits) *
- Research Methodology (30 credits) *
- Minor Illness Assessment and Management (30 credits) *
- Advanced Management of Persons with Diabetes across the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Settings (30 credits) *
- Specialist Mental Health Care (30 credits) *
- Advanced Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions for Primary and Community Practitioners (30 credits) *
- Wound Management (30 credits) *
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Kellie NorrisCourse Leader, Community Nursing
Facilities
Enjoy a range of facilities designed to support your studies and career development.
These include extensive library and IT resources, and careers support through our Employability Service. After you graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.
You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.