In this interview, we sit down with Patricia Burrows, Programme Director for the Public Health and Specialist Community Nursing postgraduate programmes.
Academic interests and expertise
Can you tell us about your academic and research background?
I have a clinical and academic background in Public Health and Specialist Community Nursing. I am currently the Programme Director for the SCPHN/SPQ programme at City St George’s, University of London, and previously worked at King's College London. I am also the editor of the third edition of "Health Visiting: Specialist Community Public Health Nursing." My research interests include health visiting, school nursing community nursing, and the impact of trauma and adverse childhood experiences on health outcomes.
What inspired you to specialise in your current field of study?
My inspiration to specialise in Public Health and Specialist Community Nursing stems from a deep commitment to improving community health and well-being. Early in my career, I witnessed the profound impact that effective health visiting, school nursing and community nursing can have on individuals, families and communities. This motivated me to focus on developing evidence-based practices and educational programmes that empower healthcare professionals to make a tangible difference in their communities.
How do you see your field evolving over the next decade?
Over the next decade, I foresee significant advancements in Public Health and Specialist Community Nursing, driven by technological innovations and a greater emphasis on holistic, community-centred care. The integration of digital health tools will enhance our ability to monitor and support children, young people, parents/carers and patients remotely, while interdisciplinary collaboration will become increasingly important in addressing complex health challenges. Additionally, there will be a stronger focus on mental health and the social determinants of health, ensuring that care is comprehensive and equitable.
What do you enjoy most about teaching and mentoring students?
What I enjoy most about teaching and mentoring students is the opportunity to inspire and support the next generation of healthcare professionals. It is incredibly rewarding to see students grow in confidence and competence, and to know that I am contributing to their journey. I take great pride in fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment where students feel valued and empowered to achieve their full potential. Witnessing their successes and knowing that they will go on to make a positive impact in their communities is the most fulfilling aspect of my role.
Why this course?
What makes this postgraduate programme unique within its field?
Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN)
This PGDip SCPHN pathways component of the programme is designed to meet the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (the NMC) proficiencies for SCPHN (NMC 2022) leading to registerable qualifications in either:
- Health Visiting
- School Nursing
Additionally, City St George’s, University of London is the only London based university to successfully achieve accreditation of our programme by the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI).
Community Nursing Specialist Practice Qualifications (SPQ)
The PGDip SPQ pathway components of the programme are designed to meet the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) proficiencies for community nursing specialist practice qualifications (SPQ) (NMC 2022) leading to a recordable qualification in one of the following:
- Community Children’s Nursing
- Community Nursing in Health and Social Care
- District Nursing
- General Practice Nursing
SPQ students will also have the option to complete the Independent and Supplementary Prescribing (V300) module as part of their programme if they are supported to do so by their employing organisation.
Additionally, City St George’s, University of London was the first London based university to successfully achieve endorsement for our Specialist Community Nursing pathways from The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (Qicn).
What support is offered to help students transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study?
To support students who are studying at postgraduate level for the first time and/or returning to study after a break there are several strategies the programme team offer:
- Opportunities to study postgraduate modules in preparation which can be RPEL into their programme of study
- Programme preparatory information sessions
- Diagnostic essay to determine the academic support the student may need at the beginning of the programme.
- Early signposting to our central Student Disability and Neurodiversity Service who offer support and guidance, including reasonable adjustments for students with long-term health condition(s), physical disability or ASD.
- Early signposting to our Academic Skills Development Support who offer workshops, webinars and one-to-one tutorial support to help you become a more effective learner.
- Ongoing Personal Tutor support from an academic who has knowledge of your specialist area of practice.
Are there opportunities for students to tailor the programme based on their specific academic or career interests?
SCPHN
Successful completion of the PGDip Health Visiting, and School Nursing routes will enable you to gain second registration on the Specialist Community Public Health Nurse part of the NMC register (professional award).
SPQ
Successful completion of the PGDip Community Nursing in Health and Social Care, Community Children’s Nursing, District Nursing or General Practice Nursing will enable you to record a community nursing specialist practice qualification in your chosen pathway with the NMC.
Community Nursing in Health and Social Care, Community Children’s Nursing, District Nursing or General Practice Nursing students will also have the option to complete the Independent and Supplementary Prescribing (V300) module as part of their programme if they are supported to do so by their employing organisation.
Students who successfully complete this module will be eligible to register an Independent and Supplementary Non-medical Prescriber qualification with the NMC, and as such be able to prescribe from the British National Formulary within your identified scope of practice.
Career paths
How does the programme help students develop skills for their future careers, whether in academia or industry?
The programme of study takes you through a specialist community public health or community nursing specialist trajectory which allows you to consider health attainment, promotion, and illness prevention in the context of local, regional, national and international public health, health and social care policy and practice.
You will learn about the latest theory and practice influencing service provision and critically evaluate approaches to developing and delivering effective services to enhance your role.
You will have the opportunity to develop your skills in:
- Critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis
- The integration of research and theory to practice
- Leadership
- Clinical risk assessment and risk management
- Developing/strengthening awareness of equality and diversity.
What career paths have graduates from this programme typically followed?
Graduates from this programme have excellent career prospects and frequently secure employment in either community-based NHS, independent and third-sector health, and social care organisations with many moving into senior specialist clinical, leadership and/or management, research or academic positions following a period of consolidation.
Tips for offer holders
If you could highlight one thing that students should look forward to in this programme, what would it be?
At City St George’s, University of London you will have the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes in public health and community settings that are characterised by ethnic diversity, high levels of deprivation with some of the most acute health care challenges in the UK.
To meet these challenges, the programme will help you to be flexible and proactive and develop a sound evidence-based knowledge, enabling you to question or challenge with confidence and courage.
What advice would you give offer holders as they prepare to join this course?
To prepare for the programme familiarise yourself with the course requirements, refresh relevant academic skills, plan to manage your time effectively. During the induction period get to know your programme peers and utilise academic skills support resources. Embrace the diverse environment and maintain a healthy lifestyle to balance academic and specialist practice placement demands. Good luck!