PGDip — 2027 entry Primary and Community Care SPQ District Nursing
On this course, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to become an exceptional and compassionate district nurse. You’ll work at an advanced level to deliver, lead and influence care for the benefit of the individual and community you serve.
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Why choose
this course?
- Learn from experienced professionals who are experts in their respective fields and who will ensure that you receive high-quality education and mentorship.
- Benefit from our established partnerships with local healthcare institutions and community organisations, providing you with valuable clinical opportunities where you'll apply your learning in real-world settings.
- Enhance your career prospects through Surrey’s reputation and strong connections within the healthcare sector, including with the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing.
- Meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council's (NMC) standards for specialist education and practice and record your qualification with the NMC.
- Take advantage of the exclusive opportunity to apply to our Specialist Practice Nursing (Top Up) MSc programme once you've graduated and boost your professional recognition and earning potential.
- We’re preparing you for the future by integrating AI into every course, building digital skills, confidence and creativity that employers value in tomorrow’s workplace.
Statistics
16th in the UK
For nursing in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2026
100%
Of our health sciences graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2026, HESA)
Accreditation and recognition
What you will study
On our District Nursing PGDip course, you’ll study a comprehensive curriculum, which covers a wide range of topics relevant to community and district nursing practice. We will teach you how to deliver high-quality evidence-based care to individuals in the home environment and support carers, families and communities everywhere.
You will acquire the specialist knowledge, skills and attributes needed to work as a nurse in the community, where more autonomous decision-making is required. Achieving this qualification will give you greater clinical autonomy and encourage independent decision-making and leadership in complex and high-risk situations.
Professional recognition
PGDip - Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
Recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a post-registration and CPD qualification.
PGDip - The Queen's Institute for Community Nursing (QICN)
This programme is endorsed by the Queen's Institute of Community Nursing.
Sponsorship
Applications should initially be made via NHS jobs for sponsored places on the course. If you are interested in self-funding for this course, please contact the programme leader for further information.
Clinical placements
You’ll spend half of your training in clinical placements, allowing you to develop your knowledge and skills within healthcare settings. Theory and practice are integrated throughout the course and a balance of learning opportunities is provided. Your learning will be supported by a named practice supervisor, practice assessor and academic assessor. Your practice placement will be organised by your employing/hosting NHS community organisation.
Facilities
You’ll benefit from our multimillion-pound facilities, including our lecture theatres and seminar rooms, designed to promote knowledge exchange and networking with other healthcare professionals.
You can choose to complete this course full-time over one year or part-time over two years.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand, and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught courses based on a 15-credit tariff, meaning all modules are comprised of multiples of 15 credits.
Please note that modules are listed by the academic calendar and are reflective of a September start date. For students that start a programme in February, please note that the modules listed as semester two will take place in the spring term and modules listed as semester one will take place in the autumn term.
Course options
Year 1
Semester 1
Core
The module will enable the students to critically examine the key concepts of public health and health promotion. Students will develop knowledge and skills in accessing and analysing data to enable them to identify health inequalities and health needs. Students will debate how health promotion approaches and interventions can address contemporary public health issues that support people and communities to meet their health optimum.
View full module detailsThis module supports students in critically enhancing their knowledge, skills and understanding to support person-centred service development for babies, children, young people and adults with long-term conditions and their families/carers living with long-term condition(s). It will enable students to understand the challenges and complexities of living with a long-term condition and maximise routine practices, strategies and interventions used to support people to self-manage their illness. Central to this module is the significance of using evidence-based approaches to manage long-term conditions and to understand this in the context of contemporary health and social care practice. The module will be facilitated using an enquiry-based learning approach with keynote lectures from relevant health and social care professionals.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Core
The module enables students to understand the theoretical and practical aspects of research; how to design research informed by theoretical, methodological and practical issues; and how to prepare a research proposal relevant to health and social care practice. The module provides students with the knowledge, skills and confidence in planning and writing a research proposal that can be taken forward to the dissertation module.
View full module detailsThis module encourages learners to reflect on their own practice and development to consider leadership theories and literature in response to a changing healthcare landscape. To cultivate healthcare leaders who possess a comprehensive critical understanding of ethical leadership, using advanced cognitive and practical skills to promote equitable practice, demonstrating the ability to create positive learning cultures within interdisciplinary teams, fostering a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare settings.
View full module detailsThis module aims to enable healthcare practitioners working in specialist and/or advanced roles to significantly expand their knowledge of pharmacology, related clinical sciences and the practice of medicines optimisation.
View full module detailsOptional
This module is aimed at health care practitioners who work with people who are in pain. Students will be introduced to theories of pain and evaluate pain assessment tools taking a holistic approach. They will develop knowledge of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to pain management. These will be set in the context of current national and international issues in pain management. Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate their clinical skills and to use evidence-based methods to develop practice.
View full module detailsThis module will explore the role of decision making within the healthcare environment. It will support students' exploration of their understanding and knowledge of the theory underpinning decision making, judgement and human factors within healthcare, and the potential influential factors including; policy, risk, finances, ethics, the environment, shared decision-making, and the actual and potential consequences of the decision.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Core
This module empowers health and social care professionals to examine the factors contributing to workplace safety and the care of patients/service users, considering the influence of human factors on safety. Additionally, the module encourages students to critically assess the interplay between national patient safety policies and their impact on local guidelines and policies. Moreover, students will cultivate a critical understanding of the intricate legal and ethical issues affecting patient safety. They will also scrutinise the role of accountability in effectively managing safety and risk in the workplace.
View full module detailsAcross academic years
Core
This module will blend critical comprehension of evidence-based theory with the acquisition of practical skills essential for effective practice as a Specialist Practitioner in primary and community care settings. Students will gain the skills to undertake comprehensive health assessments encompassing multiple body systems, using their findings to formulate a differential diagnosis. Furthermore, they will employ the consultation process to evaluate a patient's healthcare requirements and formulate a comprehensive care plan.
View full module detailsModule selection for Year 1 - FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
Students must select either Holistic Pain Management or Application of Decision Making
Year 2
Semester 1
Core
This module supports students in critically enhancing their knowledge, skills and understanding to support person-centred service development for babies, children, young people and adults with long-term conditions and their families/carers living with long-term condition(s). It will enable students to understand the challenges and complexities of living with a long-term condition and maximise routine practices, strategies and interventions used to support people to self-manage their illness. Central to this module is the significance of using evidence-based approaches to manage long-term conditions and to understand this in the context of contemporary health and social care practice. The module will be facilitated using an enquiry-based learning approach with keynote lectures from relevant health and social care professionals.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Core
This module aims to enable healthcare practitioners working in specialist and/or advanced roles to significantly expand their knowledge of pharmacology, related clinical sciences and the practice of medicines optimisation.
View full module detailsOptional
This module is aimed at health care practitioners who work with people who are in pain. Students will be introduced to theories of pain and evaluate pain assessment tools taking a holistic approach. They will develop knowledge of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to pain management. These will be set in the context of current national and international issues in pain management. Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate their clinical skills and to use evidence-based methods to develop practice.
View full module detailsThis module will explore the role of decision making within the healthcare environment. It will support students' exploration of their understanding and knowledge of the theory underpinning decision making, judgement and human factors within healthcare, and the potential influential factors including; policy, risk, finances, ethics, the environment, shared decision-making, and the actual and potential consequences of the decision.
View full module detailsAcross academic years
Core
This module empowers health and social care professionals to examine the factors contributing to workplace safety and the care of patients/service users, considering the influence of human factors on safety. Additionally, the module encourages students to critically assess the interplay between national patient safety policies and their impact on local guidelines and policies. Moreover, students will cultivate a critical understanding of the intricate legal and ethical issues affecting patient safety. They will also scrutinise the role of accountability in effectively managing safety and risk in the workplace.
View full module detailsModule selection for Year 2 (Part-Time) - FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
Students must select either Holistic Pain Management or Application of Decision Making
Year 1
Semester 1
Core
The module will enable the students to critically examine the key concepts of public health and health promotion. Students will develop knowledge and skills in accessing and analysing data to enable them to identify health inequalities and health needs. Students will debate how health promotion approaches and interventions can address contemporary public health issues that support people and communities to meet their health optimum.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Core
The module enables students to understand the theoretical and practical aspects of research; how to design research informed by theoretical, methodological and practical issues; and how to prepare a research proposal relevant to health and social care practice. The module provides students with the knowledge, skills and confidence in planning and writing a research proposal that can be taken forward to the dissertation module.
View full module detailsThis module encourages learners to reflect on their own practice and development to consider leadership theories and literature in response to a changing healthcare landscape. To cultivate healthcare leaders who possess a comprehensive critical understanding of ethical leadership, using advanced cognitive and practical skills to promote equitable practice, demonstrating the ability to create positive learning cultures within interdisciplinary teams, fostering a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare settings.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Core
This module will blend critical comprehension of evidence-based theory with the acquisition of practical skills essential for effective practice as a Specialist Practitioner in primary and community care settings. Students will gain the skills to undertake comprehensive health assessments encompassing multiple body systems, using their findings to formulate a differential diagnosis. Furthermore, they will employ the consultation process to evaluate a patient's healthcare requirements and formulate a comprehensive care plan.
View full module detailsModule selection for Year 1 (Part-Time) - FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
Students must select either Holistic Pain Management or Application of Decision Making
Teaching and learning
Alongside learning sets and profession-led case studies and scenarios, your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
- Group work
- Lectures
- Online learning
- Role play
- Simulation learning
- Tutorials
Assessment
We use a variety of methods to assess you, including assessment in practice by your practice assessor and practice supervisor.
Check individual module information for further details.
General course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
New students will receive their programme year planner during Welcome Week. Students will then receive a module timetable at the beginning of each module.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday).
Location
Our medicine, paramedic science, nursing and midwifery, and CPD health sciences courses are taught at the Kate Granger Building (30 Priestley Road) on the Surrey Research Park.
You’ll be expected to attend clinical placements with your NHS employer. Please see the Course details section for more information.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
Of our health sciences graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2026, HESA).
On completion of the course, you will gain the NMC recordable qualification of Community Nursing SPQ District Nursing.
You will also be eligible to apply to our Specialist Practice Nursing (Top Up) MSc programme for up to five years after graduating. Completing this MSc will expand your skill set and increase your chances of accessing advanced nursing roles in the NHS, nursing educator roles, research positions, or national nursing or leadership roles.
Visit the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing website and the Association of District Nurse & Community Nurse Educators website for more information on community and district nursing.
For information on careers and nursing roles, visit the NHS careers website.
UK qualifications
A minimum of a 2:2 in a relevant UK honours degree. Students who have a Diploma in Higher Education or a bachelor's degree with a lower grade may be considered using the Advanced Standing process to support their application.
Applicants must also be a NMC registered nurse (level 1) with relevant professional registration, capable of safe and effective practice at the level of proficiency appropriate to the NMC approved community nursing specialist practice qualification (SPQ) programme before being considered as eligible to apply for entry.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each element.
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Scholarships and bursaries
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
Fees
This course is normally conducted as a fully-funded placement through our partnered NHS trusts, and as such has no tuition fee costs to the student.
If you will be self-funding, please contact cpdinvoicing@surrey.ac.uk for information regarding the fees.
Additional costs
- Travelling expenses such as those incurred for travelling between clinical practice area and the University
- General programme related costs such as study materials
- Potential costs involved in working/studying remotely e.g. internet connection etc.
Find out more about additional costs that may be incurred during your time at Surrey.
How to apply
Applications should initially be made via NHS jobs.
Eligible applicants will be given further information on how to submit an application to the University following a successful interview with the Trust. If you have any questions please email admissions@surrey.ac.uk.
Admissions information
Once you apply, you can expect to hear back from us within 14 days. This might be with a decision on your application or with a request for further information.
Our code of practice for postgraduate taught admissions explains how the Admissions team considers applications and admits students. Read our postgraduate applicant guidance for more information on applying.
Related
courses
Primary and Community Care SPQ District Nursing with integrated prescribing (V300) PGDip
Primary and Community Care SPQ Community Children's Nursing PGDip
Primary and Community Care SPQ Community Children's Nursing with integrated prescribing (V300) PGDip
About the University of Surrey
Need more information?
Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you will be agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions at the offer stage. You will be asked to accept these terms and conditions when you accept the offer made to you. You will be provided with these terms and conditions again at registration by way of reminder.
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2025/26 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it relates.
We have used our reasonable efforts to ensure this information is accurate at the time of publishing. However, some changes may occur between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. If you apply to the University and it makes you an offer, we recommend you check it again before you accept.