PG Dip Nursing

Evidencing Graduate and Transferable

Skills
PORTFOLIO

PLEASE DO NOT DELETE OR ALTER

ANY SECTIONS OF THIS PORTFOLIO.
COMPLETE THE SECTIONS
HIGHLIGHTED IN YELLOW.

Applicant Name

…………………………………..

Field Applied For

…………………………………..
Dear Applicant,

This guide will help you to complete the portfolio for Evidencing Graduate and Transferable
Skills, which is required for entry onto the Post Graduate Diploma (PG Dip) in Nursing.

The PG Dip Nursing course leading the registration in your chose field with the Nursing
Midwifery Council (NMC) is two years in duration. Undergraduate courses leading to
registration are three years in duration.

On successful completion of your portfolio you will be awarded a non-graded pass and 90
academic credits at level 6, this equates to 900 hours of prior learning. This enables you to
undertake your pre-registration nursing course at postgraduate level and in 2 as opposed
to 3 years.

The portfolio is assessed at level 6 and grading criteria can be found at the end of this
document.

In order to achieve a pass you will need to demonstrate, and provide evidence that you have
completed all of the learning outcomes described below.

We wish you success with completion of your portfolio.

The Course Team

KM / SE / DB – V3, May 2021 1

Key Contact Details

Module Leader Dr Rani Binning

Subject Area & School/College CNMH
Email Rani.binning@uwl.ac.uk
Phone
Location Paragon House

Module Tutor Professor Kay Mafuba

Email Kay.Mafuba@uwl.ac.uk
Phone 02082094217
Location Paragon House
Module Tutor Dr Linda McDonald
Email Linda.mcdonald@uwl.ac.uk
Phone 02082094220
Location Paragon House

Course Administrator Paul Whitworth

Email Pau.whiworth@uwl.ac.uk
Phone 02082094354
Location Paragon House

The Head of School/College/Dean of College responsible for this module is a Charmagne

Barnes and can be contacted at Charmagne.barnes@uwl.ac.uk

KM / SE / DB – V3, May 2021 2

Module Information

Module Title: Evidencing Graduate and Transferable Skills

Level 6 Credits: 90

Theory Hours: 900 (Equivalent)

Module Aim
The aim of this module is to enable you to evidence via a portfolio the graduate and
transferable skills required for post-graduate study in nursing.

Module Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module you will be to be able to:
1. Appraise your current level of your graduate skills and critically analyse how these
can be applied to postgraduate study.
2. Critically examine and discuss different sources of evidence and discuss the
importance of an evidence base for care.
3. Critically reflect upon the importance of resilience and self-management and
demonstrate strategies that could be applied in the development of you as
professional on this course.
4. Through critical self-reflection demonstrate the ability to seek and positively to
support and feedback aimed developing personal effectiveness as a future nurse.
5. Identify future learning needs and construct a development plan to address these
effectively.

Indicative Content
1. Post Graduate and transferable skills:
1. using information technology
2. numeracy,
3. communication,
4. team work,
5. effective learning,
6. personal and career development,

2. Self-awareness and critical reflection

3. Research awareness
4. Accountability and professional values
5. Communication, team work and leadership.

Mode of delivery
Independent study

Assessment brief
You must submit a portfolio of evidence (equivalent to 6000 words) which comprises three
elements:

1. A mapping of your prior learning to the learning outcomes (using the template
provided on page 8.

KM / SE / DB – V3, May 2021 3

 2. A critical reflective commentary, applying your previous learning to post graduate
study and demonstrating how the graduate skills you currently have can be
transferred to your development as future nurse.

3. Submit a development plan detailing identified future development needs and how
these might be addressed

Guidance

The Process
Every applicant who wishes to apply for the Pg Dip Nursing course (with Nursing and
Midwifery Council registration) will need to evidence the equivalent 900 hours of graduate
and transferable skills to access the course.

What is required?
In order to be awarded 90 credits at level 6 the submitted portfolio will be assessed against
learning outcomes by an internal assessor and a sample of those submitted are sent to an
external examiner. The successful portfolio results will be presented for ratification at a
Module Assessment Board for formal recognition of the academic credits. You will be
informed of the outcome prior to commencing the course.

Frequently asked Questions:

Will I have support during this process?

This guide is designed to be a comprehensive as possible and there are resources
detailed below to help you to compile your portfolio. Specific queries can be directed to the
module tutors (Professor Kay Mafuba – kay.mafuba@uwl.ac.uk and Dr Linda McDonald -
linda.mcdonald@uwl.ac.uk).

Do I need to provide evidence every learning outcome?

Yes, every outcome needs to be evidenced

How can I prove that I have achieved the learning outcomes?

You can present your relevant certificates from the courses that you have completed, along
with any relevant assignments and/or evidence of learning that you have undertaken
through experience as long as these are clearing relevant to the learning outcomes your are
evidencing

What can I do to start preparing?

You can look at the learning outcomes and collect and arrange the evidence this could
include but is not restricted to transcripts and certificates, course information, learning
activities, feedback, testimonials and appraisal from past or current employers and other
evidence that is relevant to the learning outcome

What can be used as evidence and how should it be presented?

Your claim for academic credit needs to be supported by evidence which demonstrates
achievement of the appropriate learning outcomes.

Present your evidence using the template provided in a way that is clearly linked to the
learning outcomes.

KM / SE / DB – V3, May 2021 4

You might include a discussion on how you have applied learning gained on a course to
your work or role.

You can submit items that you have produced yourself, such as degree projects or a
dissertation report or certificates from courses and correspondence you have received from
colleagues or clients, or attach a statement by your manager or supervisor who is familiar
with your work, may be used as a supplement to discussions.

Writing up a ‘learning incident’ from an experience that you have had.

What is Critical Reflection?

Reflection and reflective practice is embedded in the philosophy of nursing and it is a key
process within the Pg Dip Nursing pathway which will continue into your future career as a
nurse. Critical reflection is a powerful way of learning. It enables us to make sense of our
experiences. It is valued in nursing because it is a way of integrating practice experience
with academic study. Reflecting on experience encourages and enable ‘deep’ rather than
‘surface’ learning. This is an important skill to master as it will help you to engage in
continued learning throughout your career.

Why do I need a proof of my degree?

In order to commence the Pg Dip Nursing course you must have first degree awarded at 2.2
or above OR a Master’s degree this provided the evidence that you have studied at Level 6
or above

Will I still pass if my grammar is poor?

The Pg Dip Nursing course is studied at Level 7 and as well as the academic award the
course leads to professional registration with the NMC. As such do expect a certain
academic standard. If you have a special educational needs please do indicate this so we
can provide adequate support once you commence the course

What happens if I am not successful?

You will receive feedback based on the criteria at the end of this document If you are
unsuccessful at the first attempt you are entitled to another attempt please note this may
delay your start of the course depending on how close to the stat date you are applying.

The evidence submitted needs to meet the following criteria.

Validity- Is it relevant?
Evidence must be directly related to the learning claimed of a particular learning outcome.
If you claim that you have an ability or skill, your evidence is only valid if it illustrates that
ability or skill.

Authenticity- Is it your work?

It must be clear that any evidence submitted originates from you or refers especially to you.

Currency-Is it up to date?
Evidence should be recent and dated if possible. Where you are claiming for prior learning,
supplementary evidence may be necessary to show that you are still capable of achieving
the same level of leaning. Evidence that is associated with learning undertaken, five years

KM / SE / DB – V3, May 2021 5

ago or earlier, should only be included if you are able to demonstrate that the learning has
been updated or been in used recently.

Ethical aspects- Have you maintained confidentiality?

You should always seek not to disclose and protect any person or organisation names in
your evidence by keeping them anonymous, unless you get written permission to use the
names of individuals or organisations.
The evidence you select to use in your portfolio needs to be in line with GDPR regulations
and must respect the confidentiality of others. Do not include names, data and images of
people and organisations without their written permission /consent.

Your portfolio will only be seen by the academics marking it and in some case an external
examiner. The portfolio will be deleted once you have commenced the course.

Please give thought to the level of personal or sensitive information you choose to share

Self-Declaration
1. I confirm that this is all my own work and that any information copied in part or in full
including references and quotations from both primary and secondary sources have
been fully identified and properly acknowledged in line with the University of West
London’ referencing guidelines (https://www.uwl.ac.uk/library/finding-and-using-
information/referencing).
2. I have read the regulations relating to academic misconduct and submit this work as my
own in line with those regulations
(https://www.uwl.ac.uk/sites/default/files/Departments/About-
us/Web/PDF/policies/academic_offences_regulations_18-19.pdf).
3. I understand that my work may be compared against the work of others for the purposes
of detecting plagiarism and collusion. When software is used for this purpose, I am aware
this will mean it will be held on a (secure) external database for the sole purpose of
detecting plagiarism.
4. This work has not been submitted previously in part or wholly towards any credit bearing
component of an award.

Insert signature here*:

Date:

*If sending by e-mail

KM / SE / DB – V3, May 2021 6

A. Mapping Tool

Module Learning Evidence NMC

Reflection

Develop.
Portfolio
Outcomes (Demonstrate achievement of each learning Future

Plan
outcome and provide documentary evidence) Nurse
Outcomes
(2018)
Examples
1. Appraise your Documentary evidence of level of graduate skills: 1.1,1.5
current level of a. Degree Transcript
your graduate b. Degree Certificate 1.10, 1.17,
skills and c. Feedback evidencing achievement of 1.18,5.6,
critically analyse X X Level 6 study
how these can d. Evidence of undertaking the role of 1.7, 1.8,
be applied to student/group representative
postgraduate 5.1
study.
2. Critically In the main this outcome will be evidenced in the
examine and critical reflection but you may include;
discuss different a. Abstract of dissertation or project at Level
sources of 6
evidence and b. Evidence of any service improvement
discuss the X X project which utilised the application of
importance of an evidence this may not necessarily be
evidence base health care related
for care.

3. Discuss In the main this outcome will be evidenced in the

personal critical reflection but you may include;
health/fitness
and wellbeing a. Evidence of ways in which you have
and its X X supported/improved your own personal
relationship to fitness e.g certificate of
the professional achievement/completion/membership
responsibilities
of a nurse.

4. Through critical Documentary evidence of your ability self-reflect

self-reflection may include
demonstrate the a. Personal development plan
ability to seek b. Feedback from peer/tutor or employer
and positively to X X c. Appraisal from an employer
support and
feedback aimed
developing
personal
effectiveness as
a future nurse.

KM / SE / DB – V3, May 2021 7

5. Identify future This outcome will be evidenced in the
learning needs development plan
and construct a
development X
plan to address
these effectively.

Module Learning Evidence NMC

Reflection

Develop.
Portfolio
Outcomes (Demonstrate achievement of each learning Future

Plan
outcome and provide documentary evidence) Nurse
Outcomes
(2018)
Applicant to complete
1. Appraise your 1.1,1.5
current level of
your graduate 1.10, 1.17,
skills and 1.18,5.6,
critically analyse X X
how these can 1.7, 1.8,
be applied to
postgraduate 5.1
study.
2. Critically
examine and
discuss different
sources of
evidence and
discuss the X X
importance of an
evidence base
for care.
3. Discuss
personal
health/fitness
and wellbeing
and its X X
relationship to
the professional
responsibilities
of a nurse.

4. Through critical
self-reflection
demonstrate the
ability to seek
and positively to X X
support and
feedback aimed
developing
personal
effectiveness as
a future nurse.

KM / SE / DB – V3, May 2021 8

 5. Identify future
learning needs
and construct a
development X
plan to address
these effectively.

B. Guidance on completing the reflective commentary

1. Introduction (approximately 200words)

What? Outline what the critical reflection discusses.
How? Briefly outline the format that the critical reflection will follow as per guidance in
the discussion section below.
Why? Briefly outline the evidence base and the importance of critical reflection in nursing
practice.

2. Discussion
1. Appraise your current level of your graduate skills and critically analyse how these
can be applied to postgraduate study (Learning Outcome 1). (approximately 150
words)

2. Critically examine and discuss different sources of evidence and discuss the
importance of an evidence base for care. (Learning Outcome 2). (approximately 150
words)

3. Critically reflect upon the importance of resilience and self-management and

demonstrate strategies that could be applied in the development of you as
professional on this course (Learning Outcome 2). (approximately 150 words)

4. Through critical self-reflection demonstrate the ability to seek and positively to

support and feedback aimed developing personal effectiveness as a future nurse
(Learning Outcome 4). (approximately 150 words)

5. Identify future learning needs and construct a development plan to address these
effectively. (approximately 150 words)

6. Conclusion (Summary of the Key points raised across the proposal.

(approximately 300 words)

1. Summary of key learning points identified in the essay.

2. Recommendations.

7. Personal development plan

8. References
See details: https://www.uwl.ac.uk/library/finding-and-using-information/referencing.

9. Appendices

KM / SE / DB – V3, May 2021 9

Complete your critical reflection using the template below. Please refer to the detailed
guidelines above.

Introduction

Discussion
a. Appraisal of graduate skills and application to postgraduate study (Learning outcome
1)

b. Importance of evidence based care (Learning outcome 2)

c. Importance of resilience and self-management (Learning outcome 3)

d. Critical self-reflection on personal effectiveness as a future nurse (Learning outcome

4)

Conclusion

References

KM / SE / DB – V3, May 2021 10

C. Personal development plan
Identify future learning needs and construct a development plan to address these effectively
(Learning outcome 5).

Objectives Success criteria Actions Implementation Timeframe

What do I want to be able How will I What methods How will I practise When will I
to do or do better? recognise will I use to and apply what I achieve my
success? How will achieve my learn? goals?
I review and learning
measure my objectives?
improvement?

KM / SE / DB – V3, May 2021 11

D. Certificates (scan and insert all documentary evidence here)

KM / SE / DB – V3, May 2021 12

Useful resources

Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018) Future Nurse Standards for Registered Nurses
London NMC https://www.nmc.org.uk/standards/standards-for-nurses/standards-of-
proficiency-for-registered-nurses/

Oelofsen N. 2013 Developing practical reflective skills 1/2 published online

https://doi.org/10.12968/bjha.2012.6.6.294

Oelofsen N. 2013 Developing practical reflective skills 2/2: a 3 - step framework published
online
https://doi.org/10.12968/bjha.2012.6.8.400

KM / SE / DB – V3, May 2021 13

Assessment (To be completed by the University of West London)
Comments by Assessor

Recommendation:

KM / SE / DB – V3, May 2021 14

 Name: Signature:

Date:

Comments by External Examiner

Recommendation:

KM / SE / DB – V3, May 2021 15

 Name: Signature:

Date:

KM / SE / DB – V3, May 2021 16


ORGANISATION Introduction,
coherence, clarity and academic
writing
QAA / UKSQA
Knowledge and CONTENT / DISCUSSION
Understanding 1. Appraise your current level of
(Subject specific your graduate skills and
knowledge and critically analyse how these
understanding) can be applied to
postgraduate study (Learning
Cognitive Skills Outcome 1)
(Problem solving,
decision making,
and originality)
Transferable Skills
(Writing, critical
reflection, critical
analysis, and
evaluation)
1. Appraise your current level of
your graduate skills and
critically analyse how these
can be applied to
postgraduate study (Learning
Outcome 1)
2. Critically examine and discuss
different sources of evidence
and discuss the importance of
an evidence base for care.
(Learning Outcome 2)
3. Critically reflect upon the
importance of resilience and
self-management and
demonstrate strategies that
1st
(70-100)
Exceptional
Outstanding
Excellent
Introduction clear and
coherent. Organisation of the
work is exceptional,
outstanding or excellent.
Extensive, Broad, Fluent,
Accurate, Coherent, Logical,
Critical insight, Convincing,
Authoritative, Sophisticated,
Accomplished, Fluent,
Excellent numeracy and digital
literacy, Valuable, Has
initiative, Works without
supervision, Critical,
Independent, , Innovative,
Autonomous, High degree of
proficiency, Excellent,
Perceptive, Efficient and
effective, Beyond expectations
and what is taught, In-depth,
Independent.
Appraisal of current level of
graduate skills and critical
analysis of how these can be
applied to postgraduate study
is exceptional, outstanding or
excellent.
Critical examination and
discussion of different sources
of evidence and the
importance of evidence based
for care is exceptional,
outstanding or excellent.
Critical reflection of the
importance of resilience and
self-management and
demonstrate strategies that
LEVEL 6 Marking and Grading Criteria
2.1
(60-69)
Very good
Clear
Articulate
The introduction and
organisation of the work is very
good and provides clear evidence
of skills and understanding of
academic writing at level 6.
Thorough, Critical, Systematic,
Well-developed, Coherent,
Thoughtful, Fluent, Confident,
Substantiated, Strong,
Expressive, Proficient, Clear,
Expressive, Appropriate
vocabulary, High standard of
numeracy and digital literacy,
Works without supervision,
Strong, Valuable, Critical insight,
Capable, Autonomous, Accurate,
Highly developed, Relevant,
Sophisticated, Well developed
critical appraisal skills,
Explanations are though,
perceptive and insightful.
Appraisal of current level of
graduate skills and critical
analysis of how these can be
applied to postgraduate study is
very good.
Critical examination and
discussion of different sources of
evidence and the importance of
evidence based for care is very
good.
Critical reflection of the
importance of resilience and self-
management and demonstrate
strategies that could be applied
2.2
(50-59)
Good
Satisfactory
The introduction and
organisation of the work is good
and satisfactory, and provides
clear evidence of skills and
understanding of academic
writing at level 6.
Sound, Consistent, Insight and
critical appraisal, Systematic,
Clear, Logical, Creative,
Confident, Constructive, Wide
range of vocabulary, Coherent,
Confident, Coherent,
Systematic, Well-developed,
Independent, Strong numeracy
and digital literacy, Works
without supervision, Informed
application, Proficient, Well-
developed, Effective,
Appropriate, Efficient,
Sometimes descriptive, Can
critically appraise, Can argue
logically, Consistent creativity.
Appraisal of current level of
graduate skills and critical
analysis of how these can be
applied to postgraduate study is
good and satisfactory.
Critical examination and
discussion of different sources of
evidence and the importance of
evidence based for care is good
and satisfactory.
Critical reflection of the
importance of resilience and self-
management and demonstrate
strategies that could be applied
3rd
(40-49)
Acceptable
Basic
The introduction and
organisation of the work is
acceptable, but basic and
provides clear evidence of skills
and understanding of academic
writing at level 6.
Sufficient, Clear, Relevant,
Demonstrates understanding,
Appropriate, Evaluative,
Reflective, Useful contributions,
Able, Minimal supervision, Clear
expression, Demonstrates
numeracy and literacy skills,
Requires minimal supervision,
Degree of confidence and
independence, Effective
interpretation of evidence, Key
aspects, Can extract relevant
points, Aware of alternative
views, Can make decisions in
complex and unpredictable
situations.
Appraisal of current level of
graduate skills and critical
analysis of how these can be
applied to postgraduate study is
basic and acceptable.
Critical examination and
discussion of different sources of
evidence and the importance of
evidence based for care is basic
and acceptable.
Critical reflection of the
importance of resilience and self-
management and demonstrate
strategies that could be applied
Refer / Fail
(0-39)
Weak
Very weak
Unacceptable
Poor
The introduction and
organisation of the work is weak,
very weak and unacceptable and
provides insufficient evidence of
skills and understanding of
academic writing at level 6.
Learning outcomes not met,
Inadequate, Insufficient, Weak,
Poor, Limited, Inaccurate, No
creativity, Unclear, Ineffective,
Unsatisfactory, Repetitive,
Vague, Unable, Many errors,
Infrequent contributions, Limited
ability, Insufficient evidence,
Ineffective, Deficient.
Appraisal of current level of
graduate skills and critical
analysis of how these can be
applied to postgraduate study is
weak and unacceptable.
Critical examination and
discussion of different sources of
evidence and the importance of
evidence based for care is weak
and unacceptable.
Critical reflection of the
importance of resilience and self-
management and demonstrate
strategies that could be applied
 could be applied in the
development of you as
professional on this course
(Learning Outcome 2).
4. Through critical self-reflection
demonstrate the ability to
seek and positively to support
and feedback aimed
developing personal
effectiveness as a future
nurse (Learning Outcome 4).
CONCLUSION
Summary and recommendations
Practical Skills USE OF LITERATURE
(Evidence-based Application and referencing
practice)
Professional Competence
(To the extent that they are expressed by the programme
learning outcomes)
could be applied in the
development of
professionalism on the
programme is exceptional,
outstanding or excellent.
Critical self-reflection
demonstrating ability to seek
support and feedback aimed at
developing personal
effectiveness as a future nurse
is exceptional, outstanding or
excellent.
Exceptional, outstanding or
excellent conclusion which
summarises the key learning
points of the work and makes
recommendations for further
improvement in practice.
Innovative, Accurate, Extensive
range of up-to-date sources.
Synthesised evidence.
Integrated and logical.
Sophisticated perception and
originality.
An exceptional, outstanding or
excellent and comprehensive
range of relevant and up to
date literature is identified and appropriately. Accurate and
used appropriately. Accurate
and consistent referencing.
The student has demonstrated achievement of professional competence when assessed against the requirements of the NMC
in the development of
professionalism on the
programme is very good.
Critical self-reflection
demonstrating ability to seek
support and feedback aimed at
developing personal
effectiveness as a future nurse is effectiveness as a future nurse is effectiveness as a future nurse is
very good.
Very good conclusion which
summarises key learning points
of the work and makes
recommendations for further
improvement in practice.
Relevant, Accurate with minor
errors, Wide range of up-to-date
sources. High level of creativity range of up-to-date sources.
and originality.
A very good range of relevant
and up to date literature is
identified and used
consistent referencing with
minor errors.
in the development of
professionalism on the
programme is good and
satisfactory.
Critical self-reflection
demonstrating ability to seek
support and feedback aimed at
developing personal
good and satisfactory.
Good conclusion which
summarise the key learning
points of the work and makes
recommendations for further
improvement in practice.
Appropriate, Consistent,
Accurate with some errors, Good
Consistently creative.
A good and satisfactory range of
relevant and up to date literature and up to date literature is
is identified and used
appropriately. Accurate and
consistent referencing with some referencing with many errors.
errors.
in the development of
professionalism on the
programme is basic and
acceptable.
Critical self-reflection
demonstrating ability to seek
support and feedback aimed at
developing personal
basic and acceptable.
Acceptable conclusion which
summarises the key learning
points of the work and
recommendations for further
improvement in practice.
Inaccurate in parts, Acceptable
range of up-to-date sources. Has
produced creative work.
An acceptable range of relevant
identified and used appropriately
in some parts. Accurate
in the development of
professionalism on the
programme is weak and
unacceptable.
Critical self-reflection
demonstrating ability to seek
support and feedback aimed at
developing personal
effectiveness as a future nurse is
weak and unacceptable.
Weak and unacceptable
conclusion which does not
summarise the key learning
points of the work and does not
make recommendations for
further improvement in practice.
Inaccurate, Inappropriate, Very
limited or limited range of
sources with many errors, Over-
reliance on set sources. No
creativity.
A limited range of relevant and
up to date literature is identified
and used inappropriately in some
parts. Inaccurate referencing
with many errors.
The student has not
demonstrated achievement of
professional competence when
assessed against the
requirements of the NMC.