AC0776 - Management of acute and chronic neurological conditions

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will explore the normal anatomy and physiology of the nervous system before applying this knowledge to the altered pathophysiology of acute and chronic neurological conditions. Topics will include traumatic brain injury, brain and spinal tumours, stroke, infections, epilepsy, parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease. You will refine your understanding and evaluate the precision required for the assessment and effective management of patients with neurological conditions. You will specifically focus on the opportunity to examine current levels of knowledge, to critically evaluate its application to the care of neurological patients. The importance and focus of contextualised inter-professional working and scope of health care provision for neurological conditions within different health care settings will be integral to the module, including the psychological impact on both patients and their families.
It is also expected that you apply your new learning to practice (work based learning) and share experiences with your colleagues.

How will I learn on this module?

We will be using the universal design for learning (UDL) principles so that all learning is inclusive, and transformative for all, with multiple means of engagement through online and face to face lectures, seminars, and workshops. We will encourage active participation in the learning process, allowing students to express their learning needs through peer and group discussions. As health care professionals you will apply what is taught in the university to your practice setting (referred to as work-based learning) and we will encourage you to share your own expertise and debate practice issues to enable you to make evidence-based recommendations to influence the care provided to patients with neurological conditions. You will be expected to make active use of our e- learning platform (Blackboard), which will give you the flexibility between taught sessions to access module information remotely. Further support for your learning is provided with a 24-hour IT Helpline, a comprehensive range of services through the Student Support and Wellbeing Team and the University’s student portal.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported by the module leader who has extensive experience in the delivery of specialised neurological care and maintains close links with practice areas in the region. You will be supported by the module team at the scheduled timetabled group sessions at university with formative feedback provided throughout the delivery and you will be encouraged to access individual tutorials for the summative assessment. Specialist lecturers and practitioners will deliver specific sessions and will also be available to support your learning. You will be able to access both library and student support services for study skills support as required through our e-learning platform Blackboard, 24 hour helpline and email enquiry services, details of which will be available in the module site.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be expected to develop a detailed understanding the principle structures of the nervous system and their physiological function.
2. You will explore the complex pathophysiology underpinning acute and chronic neurological conditions.
3. You will develop an in-depth and critical understanding of the management of patients with neurological conditions.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. You will critically evaluate the contemporary evidence underpinning the care delivery and management of neurological conditions.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA)

5. You will evaluate the key attributes of complex neurological issues and apply critically the theory to different practice settings.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment

Formative assessment will take place during scheduled sessions and informed by engagement in learning activities including formal student presentations on a chosen acute and chronic neurological condition. You will have assessment preparation to prepare for this group presentation and it will inform the summative assessment. Feedback will be provided by the module tutor. (MLO 1-5).

Summative assessment

The summative assessment strategy is designed to ensure that you have a critical understanding of how to recognise, and provide appropriate care for patients with a chosen neurological condition. This will be achieved by digital submission of a 3000 word case study discussing the pathophysiology of the chosen neurological condition, you will critically discuss and evaluate the evidence base for its management. Feedback will be given electronically and will include development advice for future academic work (MLO 1-5).

Pre-requisite(s)

Previous study at level 6 or equivalent. To undertake this module, applicants must hold a valid or current professional registration (i.e.: NMC / GMC /HCPC. You must have access to patients living with a chronic or acute neurological condition.

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

The module is aimed at registered health care professionals who care for patients with neurological conditions across all health care settings. The focus is on the normal anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and an exploration of the altered pathophysiology of acute and chronic neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injury, brain tumours and stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease. You will develop knowledge and a critical understanding of the care and treatment of these conditions including assessment, investigations and effective treatment. The module integrates the importance of inter-professional working and the scope of health care provision for neurological conditions, including the psychological impact on patients and their families. The assessment is based on you developing knowledge and understanding of a chosen acute or chronic neurological condition resulting in of a 3000 word case study which will enable you to demonstrate the achievement of the module learning outcomes. This module can also be undertaken at Level 6.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Part Time

Department Nursing, Midwifery & Health

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025 or January 2026

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints