End Point Assessment – Advanced Practice
Overview
The national apprenticeship pathway requires all apprentices to complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA) module in Year 3 of the programme. The EPA provides an independent, synoptic assessment of the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) required by the Advanced Clinical Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship Standard (ST0564).
This module provides the framework through which the End-Point Assessment is administered. The EPA forms the final stage of the integrated degree apprenticeship and contributes the final 20 Level 7 credits towards the master’s degree. Apprentices may only enter the formal EPA assessment period once gateway requirements have been confirmed by both the employer and the University.
The module comprises two phases. The first phase occurs prior to gateway and focuses on structured preparation for the EPA, during which apprentices participate in a launch session and a series of tutorials designed to consolidate learning across the apprenticeship, support case study preparation, and ensure readiness for the EPA assessment components. Gateway represents the formal confirmation by the employer and training provider that the apprentice has achieved occupational competence and met all requirements of the apprenticeship standard. The EPA assessment period then begins and is delivered independently of on-programme teaching and assessment.
Important update:
As of January 2025, a temporary dispensation has been applied to the ST0564 Advanced Clinical Practitioner assessment plan. This dispensation removes the requirement for a 1,500-word clinical practice change report. All Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours previously assessed through the written report are now assessed through the Presentation of Practice and panel questioning.
Key facts
Contact: Eva Mussio
Module Lead: Hannah Conway
Course Director for Degree Apprenticeships
Duration:
One 6-hour EPA launch/induction session and five 2-hour tutorial sessions delivered prior to gateway, supporting consolidation of learning and preparation for the EPA assessment components.
Students also undertake 180 hours of autonomous, self-directed work-based learning, including optional workshops covering the four pillars of advanced practice.
These activities form part of the apprentice’s on-programme preparation and do not constitute the End-Point Assessment itself. The formal EPA assessment period begins only after gateway requirements have been confirmed by the employer and the University.
Credits: 20
Module code: MD9A2
Module objectives
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Synthesis of learning across the four pillars of advanced practice from taught modules and clinical practice.
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Ability to articulate and present theory related to the pillars of advanced practice and apply it to real clinical scenarios experienced by the apprentice through examination responses and oral presentation.
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Demonstration of advanced clinical practice competencies across all four pillars through synoptic assessment methods.
Assessment
Open Book Examination (50%)
A 2-hour examination plus 20 minutes reading/preparation time under invigilated conditions. During the preparation period apprentices may review the examination questions and make notes but may not begin writing answers. All notes must be retained by the invigilator at the end of the examination.
The examination assesses Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours relating to the Clinical Practice pillar (KSBs 1.1–1.8). Apprentices may bring three referenced written case studies drawn from their own Advanced Clinical Practitioner practice to support examination answers. No other resources are permitted.
Case Study Requirements:
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Maximum of 1,500 words (+/– 10%) each, excluding references
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Must be presented using the agreed template (provided by the Module Lead)
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Can be drawn from any point during the apprenticeship but must not have previously been used or assessed during on-programme accredited learning
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Must respect confidentiality and demonstrate safe practice
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Must be clearly labelled and submitted with the examination paper
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Require verification signatures (wet signatures or encrypted digital signatures)
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No marks are awarded directly to the case studies
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One or more case studies must be referred to in your examination answers to achieve a pass grade
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Any case studies that are not verified or demonstrate unsafe practice will result in failure of this element
Presentation of Practice (50%)
Total duration: 60 minutes
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Presentation delivery:40 minutes (+/– 10%)
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Panel questions:20 minutes (+/– 10%)
The presentation is a synoptic assessment demonstrating the apprentice’s integration of Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours across all four pillars of the Advanced Clinical Practitioner standard: Advanced Clinical Practice, Research, Clinical Leadership, and Education.
Your presentation should address:
● Evidence-based background and rationale for a clinical practice change in your area of practice
● Critical evaluation of research literature
● Implementation strategy including education and development of others
● Leadership approaches and risk management
● Personal development and reflection
Assessment Panel:
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Independent Assessor (chairs the panel and determines the grade)
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Internal Moderator / independent university representative
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Both panel members are independent of your on-programme learning
Behaviours:
Throughout your presentation and during interaction with the panel, you will demonstrate Advanced Clinical Practitioner behaviours: treat people with dignity, respecting people’s diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences, show respect and empathy for those you work with, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to best practice, be adaptable, reliable and consistent, show discretion, resilience and self-awareness.
Grading
Both assessment components use specific EPA grading criteria:
● Open Book Examination: Pass / Merit / Distinction / Fail
● Presentation of Practice: Pass / Merit / Distinction / Fail
Overall Apprenticeship Grade: Both assessments carry equal weighting (50% each). Both components must achieve the same grade for that higher grade to be awarded. All elements must be passed - there is no compensation allowed.
Examples:
● Distinction + Distinction = Distinction
● Distinction + Merit = Merit
● Merit + Pass = Pass
● Any Fail = Fail
Module dates 2025/26
| May 2026 | June 2026 | July 2026 | August 2026 | |
| 08 (Launch Day) 09:00-15:00 19 (Tutorial 1) 09:00-11:00 |
02 (Tutorial 2) 09:00-11:00 16 (Tutorial 3) 09:00-11:00 |
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EPA - exact date TBC based on IA and IM availability Avoid Annual Leave during this period |