Overview

This online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) module is aimed at qualified nurses worldwide who are interested in studying older peoples' health and well-being.

You will explore theories of ageing from a physical, psychological, social and cultural aspect, international policies and guidelines, and will focus on health promotion strategies in supporting older people to maximise independence and self-care. 

On completion of the 20-credit CPD course, you will receive a Certificate of Credit.

Please note that successful completion of this module will top-up internationally qualified nurses to SCQF Level 8, which is the professional qualification level required for entry on to our BSc Nursing Studies (on-campus) programme. The 20 credits for this online CPD course will not be counted as part of the BSc Nursing Studies programme final award.

Learning Outcomes

Older people and health care will be contextualised from a local and world-wide perspective and include exploration of the value of nursing theories when assessing, planning and evaluating nursing care. You will be encouraged to use health care related policies, legislation and strategies; both local and international, to examine the importance of individualised approaches to meeting the often complex, healthcare needs of older people within communities and globally, as well as examine the impact of the ageing population on health-related services.

Global demographics will be discussed and the issues of the old, old-old and oldest old will be highlighted. Strategies promoting healthy ageing will be discussed in relation to all cohorts of older people and to centenarians.

Your focus of this module will be on well-being and health promotion with consideration to the delivery of care to older people with acute and long-standing ill-health issues e.g. long-term conditions such as stroke, COPD and mental health issues such as depression, alcohol and drug misuse and dementia.

Age stratification of the old will be discussed with regards to the additional considerations needed for the care of the frail old. The module will utilise a strengths-based, person-centred approach to working with cohorts of older people to maximise independence and promote self-care. Case examples and vignettes will be used to increase your opportunities to apply theories and frameworks and to maximise synthesis. On completion, you will be able to:

  1. Examine the relationship between the ageing population and the healthcare priorities within nursing practice today.
  2. Evaluate the concept of healthy ageing and the national and international strategies for health promotion.
  3. Critically explore the effectiveness of nursing theories and approaches to working with older people who have complex needs.
  4. Reflect on the importance of holistic and compassionate care for older adults and their families.

How you'll be taught

Flexible, fully online learning over 10 weeks, using our online learning platform, recorded lectures, optional virtual learning environment live online sessions, and interactive workbooks; with 9 Units of Learning.

Assessment

Optional formative assessment: This is an opportunity for students to ensure they are on the right track for final submission.

Summative assessment: A referenced 1500 word written report, covering key concepts in the module and reflection on learning.

Entry Requirements

  1. Must be a practising qualified nurse with current experience, registered with a regulatory body, in the country they practice.
  2. For international applicants: English language: IELTS 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in each component) or equivalent.

In the instance that applicants to the BSc Nursing Studies (international, on-campus) programme do not have evidence of SCQF Level 8 study or equivalent, they will be required to successfully complete this 20 credit SCQF Level 8 module prior to entry onto the programme.

Dates 

Commencing September 2025. 

Cost

£955

Apply 

To reserve your space, please register

For more information or if you have any specific questions about this course please email cpd_shsc@napier.ac.uk.

If you prefer to raise an invoice to pay for your place(s) please complete this Form.

You can also email cpd_shsc@napier.ac.uk with the date and course title and the names of all those you’d like to register. We will then contact you with a PO number to quote on your invoice.