Faculty of Health and Education
Department of Nursing
Pre-Entry Portfolio
MSc Pre-Registration Nursing (Adult and Mental Health)
1 Introduction
Welcome to the MSc Nursing programme. This document outlines the level of evidence applicants must be able to demonstrate prior to starting the programme. The portfolio is designed to assist applicants with both understanding the pre-entry requirements and compiling the evidence, which will assist you with preparing for the programme. You can download the portfolio prior to application but you must have submitted a UCAS application and offered a place at Manchester Met in order to gain access to the supporting learning resources.
1.1 What constitutes evidence and why do I need it?
The Nursing and Midwifery Council requires all students on pre-registration nursing programmes to undertake a minimum of 4600 hours of theory and practice combined. This is normally achieved over a period of three years. In order to ensure students on the accelerated two year programme can meet the requirements for registration with the NMC a number of hours of both theory and practice have to be met prior to entry. This portfolio sets out those requirements which amount to 500 hours of care related experience (practice) and 500 hours of academic related effort associated with the programme outcomes.
The NMC standards consist of 7 platforms which are outlined in the Standards of proficiency for registered nurses. In section two of this document you are asked to provide evidence that demonstrates some of the core skills underpinning elements of these standards. The team have selected care related outcomes that can be transferrable from many aspects of care in a variety of settings, you need to provide evidence of how you are currently working towards or have already achieved each of these outcomes.
Evidence of care related experience should take the form of personal reflections of encounters with individuals (there are templates at the end of this document to help you). You should provide examples of how you can interpret the care related outcomes in the experiences you have been involved in and identify what roles or responsibilities you have undertaken during your experience whether paid or unpaid.
For example a short reflection on each point should be presented as below in either the working towards box (if you have not had experience of this in your experience – theoretical) or the evidence of achievement box if you have the practical experience.
(1.3) Understand and apply the principles of courage, transparency, and the professional duty of candour, recognising and reporting any situations, behaviours or
errors that could result in poor care outcomes.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement
Evidence of Achievement
In 2020 during my time working as a volunteer in a hospital, I was witnessed care being delivered that was not consistent with the values, behaviours, and policies of the organisation (2.31, 2.32). I challenged a colleague and took over the care of the person who required personal and intimate care. According to the NMC (2018) values and behaviours of professional nurses are paramount to effective care delivery. This is supported by the NHS core values, whereby themes that should be central to care delivery that puts the patient at the centre of their care (West et al, 2015). Brown et al (2020) suggests that raising concerns in practice, particularly when working as a student, can be challenging but is fundamental to patient outcomes and good quality care.
Brown, P. Jones, A. Davies, J. (2020) Shall I tell my mentor? Exploring the mentor-student relationship and its impact on students' raising concerns on clinical placement. Journal of Clinical Nursing Vol 29:3298–3310
NMC (2018) The Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates. Nursing and Midwifery Council London
West, M. Dawson, J. Kaur, M. (2015) Making the difference: diversity and inclusion in the NHS. The Kings Fund. London
Your evidence could also include testimonials from employers, or service users. You do not need to have fully achieved all of the care related outcomes but must be at least working towards in order to be accepted onto the programme. It is important for your ongoing development that you identify which outcomes you have achieved at the start of the programme. Some of these outcomes are the same as the practice placement outcomes you will be expected to achieve on your first practice placement on the programme. You may be able to demonstrate evidence here by including copies of training you have received, identifying how you meet the outcome within the workplace or by including policies etc. you have had to adhere to within the workplace. You do not have to include every piece of evidence within your portfolio, just document it and present it to your registered professional who signs off your work.
Your placement experience hours and portfolio must be verified by a registered professional (see section 2.4) who supplies their relevant professional registration number and is willing to be contacted by the university to confirm the information provided is accurate.
Once you have applied for the programme, been successful at interview and accepted your place on the programme you will be invited to access learning resources via a virtual learning site that will support you in meeting the theoretical hours for the pre-entry programme.
In completing the evidence sections within the document, you should identify the evidence you have of meeting the outcome or working towards (care experience only) and ensure the evidence is then listed section 2.3, if you are intending to include it. Constructing a portfolio is a skill and you will be required to maintain one once you start the programme to prepare you for the lifelong learning you will need to document as a NMC registrant through revalidation.
1.2 Relevant care experience
Where should I go to get work experience?
It is useful to gain experience from a range of settings. This will allow you to demonstrate a greater understanding of the profession in both your personal statement and at interview.
Experience can be gained through
• paid work
• voluntary work
• placements provided on certain courses (for example, BTEC Health and Social Care)
You should consider choosing a setting which allows you to gain understanding and experience of meeting the needs of individuals with health issues or disabilities this could include any of the following areas:
• hospital wards or departments – NHS or private
• hospices
• nursing homes
• clinics
• GP surgeries
• care agencies or private care arrangements
• working with a charity or voluntary organisations overseas
• victim support and user and carer groups
• working with vulnerable, homeless or abused individuals
• caring for individuals with learning needs
• substance misuse services
1.3 Relevant academic study
You may be required to complete the pre-entry anatomy and physiology workbooks (this will be requested by the admissions team dependent on your academic experience in relation to a science based degree) alongside a variety of other forms of study, for example; online tutorials, reading, reflections. You should identify what evidence you have to meet the outcomes set out in the academic study (section 2.2) requirements. There are suggestions in this section to help you establish your evidence.
1.4 What happens once I have completed the portfolio?
Once you have completed the portfolio, you should email it to Health Admissions along with all the conditions listed in your UCAS offer. The academic panel consisting of the admissions tutor, programme leader and programme support tutor will assess your portfolio of evidence, along with involvement of the external examiner for the programme. The criteria that will be assessed will be based upon:
A. The 500 hours of care related experience are met.
B. There is a range of evidence, which demonstrates reflection on learning related to the care related outcomes.
C. The 500 theoretical related hours are met through previous study or the pre learning workbooks and the portfolio that is fully referenced.
D. The portfolio has been supported by a registered professional and verified.
It is advisable to be interviewed and offered a place on the course prior to completing this portfolio, any offer will be conditional on demonstrating the required evidence outlined in this document.
Your portfolio may be returned to you requesting further evidence if the panel feels you have not demonstrated sufficient evidence to be accepted onto the programme at that point in time.
Please submit your completed portfolio to: adm.healthandsocialcare@mmu.ac.uk by the date specified in the conditions on UCAS.

2 Portfolio of Evidence
Please ensure you have read the introduction above to support you in the completion of the portfolio. You should ONLY complete ONE box for each statement
Section 2 (1.3 to A22.3) all of the 20 subsections should be a reflective account of how you feel you have demonstrated these points. If using the ‘’evidence of achievement’’, each subsection should be supported with evidence cross referenced to the table in section 2.3 or if using the ‘’demonstrate working towards’’, articles you have read should be fully referenced in accordance with MMU Harvard, underneath each reflective account within the text box in relates (example in the introduction).
When referencing documents/articles in this section, please refer to MMU Harvard Style
(1.3) Understand and apply the principles of courage, transparency and the professional duty of candour, recognising and reporting any situations, behaviours or
errors that could result in poor care outcomes.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(1.4) Demonstrate an understanding of, and the ability to challenge, discriminatory behaviour.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(1.9) Understand the need to base all decisions regarding care and interventions on people’s needs and preferences, recognising and addressing any personal and external factors that may unduly influence their decisions.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(1.13 Demonstrate the skills and abilities required to develop, manage and maintain appropriate relationships with people, their families, carers and colleagues.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(1.14) Provide and promote non-discriminatory, person centred and sensitive care at all times, reflecting on people’s values and beliefs, diverse backgrounds, cultural characteristics, language requirements, needs and preferences, taking account of any need for adjustments.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(2.3) Understand the factors that may lead to inequalities in health outcomes.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(2.6) Understand the importance of early years, childhood experiences, and the possible impact on life choices, mental, physical and behavioural health and wellbeing.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(2.7) Understand and explain the contribution of social influences, health literacy, individual circumstances, behaviours and lifestyle choices to mental, physical and behavioural health outcomes.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(3.7) Understand and apply the principles and processes for making reasonable adjustments.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(5.2) Understand and apply the principles of human factors, environmental factors and strength based approaches when working in teams.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(6.1) Understand and apply the principles of health and safety legislation and regulations and maintain safe work and care environments.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(6.6) Identify the need to make improvements and proactively respond to potential hazards that may affect the safety of people.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(7.2) Understand health legislation and current health and social care policies, and the mechanisms involved in influencing policy development and change, differentiating where appropriate between the devolved legislatures of the United Kingdom.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(7.3) Understand the principles of health economics and their relevance to resource allocation in health and social care organisations and other agencies.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(7.8) Understand the principles and processes involved in supporting people and families with a range of care needs to maintain optimal independence and avoid unnecessary interventions and disruptions to their lives.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(A11.1) Actively listen, recognise and respond to verbal and nonverbal cues.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(A11.2) Use prompts and positive verbal and nonverbal reinforcement.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(A11.3) Use appropriate nonverbal communication including touch, eye contact and personal space.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(A11.5) Use caring conversation techniques.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
(A22.3) Recognise and accommodate sensory impairments during all communications.
Evidence of Working Towards
click here to enter text: in the working towards section you may refer to articles, policies, guidelines etc, to support your understanding of working towards awareness of this statement – if you refer to articles and policies please ensure these are fully referenced at the end of the statement in MMU Harvard Style
Evidence of Achievement
click here to enter text: this section is where you demonstrate how you have carried out this statement in your care experience, you would give an example of the situation and support this by making reference to training and evidence listed in section 2.3
2.1 Record of Relevant Care Experience
Section 2.1 the record of your hours must be documented in total hours for example 500, 700, 1200 and not in days or hours per week. You can use several experiences to meet the total requirement of 500. We do not contact the person listed in this section to verify this information only your registered professional listed in section 2.4 who should have the evidence or seen the evidence of these hours.
Record of Experience
(Organisation name and role/ responsibilities for example: healthcare assistant, volunteer) Number of Hours per experience (total hours added together)
Dates Undertaken
(for example from 1st Jan 18 to 15th Jun 19) *Who can verify these hours if needed?
(Name, and designation, eg supervisor or manager and include email)
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*These hours should be presented to your registered professional along with all your evidence before you submit the portfolio to the university.
2.2 Evidence of Achievement against Pre-entry Academic Learning
Section 2.2 requires you to firstly record either the date you undertook the anatomy and physiology workbooks if required to do so or if you have not been required to do this because you have undertaken a science first degree, list all of the content modules that relate to biology, science, anatomy and physiology contained within that degree including the date.
The following subsections A2-A5 require you to write a reflection supported by policies from the workplace, national guidance, and journal articles. This section must contain at least a minimum of 3 supporting references that are fully referenced in accordance with MMU Harvard Style
A1. Gain knowledge of anatomy and physiology required to discuss complex disease processes with patients and their families.
Evidence/Activities undertaken (workbooks)
If you are completing the university pre-entry workbooks, please document the date that you have sent these in to the university, or if you have undertaken a science based first degree, please document the modules relating to anatomy and physiology or science that you have completed from this degree
Date Undertaken and Evidence of Completion
Please list the date you have undertaken the above and provide evidence eg: emailed workbooks to MMU admissions or university transcript of modules from first degree
A2. Evaluation of the impact effective inter professional working relationships could have on person centred care.
Evidence/Activities undertaken
Please write a short reflection (max 300 words) on inter professional working relationships and the impact on person centred care by reading journal articles and/or policies from your workplace
Date Undertaken and Evidence of Completion
Please list the date you have undertaken this and reference the article in full or reference your workplace policy
A3. Development of knowledge and understanding of the skills and attributes required for nursing in a contemporary society.
Evidence/Activities undertaken
Please write a short reflection (max 300 words) on your understanding of this statement by reading journal articles and/or policies from your workplace
Date Undertaken and Evidence of Completion
Please list the date you have undertaken this and reference the article in full or reference your workplace policy
A4. Identify the importance of reflection in the ongoing development of yourself.
Evidence/Activities undertaken
Please write a short reflection (max 300 words) on your understanding of this statement by reading journal articles and/or policies from your workplace
Date Undertaken and Evidence of Completion
Please list the date you have undertaken this and reference the article in full or reference your workplace policy
A5. Reflect upon the professional frameworks nurses work within and the role they play in maintaining both quality and safety in patient care (for example, NMC Code, policies and procedures that may guide practice).
Evidence/Activities undertaken
Please write a short reflection (max 300 words) on your understanding of this statement by utilising the resources above
Date Undertaken and Evidence of Completion
Please list the date you have undertaken this and reference the article in full or reference your workplace policy
2.3 Additional Evidence
**Requires you to list any training, development or policies and procedures that have supported EACH reflective account in section 2 (1.3-A22.3). Please do not list multiple training subjects together, for example equality and diversity training would be listed in one row and moving and handling would be listed in another even though they may be part of the same mandatory training undertaken. I would expect to see sufficient evidence listed in this section to support each of the 20 subsections in section 2. You can use the same evidence to support multiple subsections.
Evidence Title or Number Statement number it relates to in section 2 or 2.2 Comments, date undertaken
2.3.1
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2.3.2
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2.3.8
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2.3.9
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**please do not send copies of your training certificates or other evidence, please show this to your registered professional along with your portfolio so they can verify in section 2.4 the accuracy of the information contained within this portfolio.
2.4 Verification of reflective evidence
The registered professional is confirming they are satisfied with ALL the evidence in this portfolio including the hours undertaken (A registered professional is someone who is a registered nurse, doctor, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, teacher etc. and is registered with a regulatory organisation.
You do not need to have worked directly with them, but they should have seen your portfolio completed, and all the evidence to support it to agree to be your verifier.
Name of registered professional Name of the organisation of registration Date the professional has verified your portfolio Pin/registration number of the registered professional Contact details (email must be listed)
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If you submit your portfolio without this section being completed, it will be declined by the panel.
3 Reflection for nursing
When thinking about your reflection in each of the sections, please think about the concept of what you wish to document and support it with evidence. Gibbs (1988) model of reflection helps us think about our experiences and helps us put this into words.
3.1 Gibbs’ model of reflections (1988)
Documentation for Admission to MSc Nursing Programme
Field
Intake
Date of panel review
Practice hours achieved and confirmed Yes No (if no date returned to candidate)
A range of evidence is demonstrated Yes No (if no date returned to candidate)
Workbooks completed and satisfactory Yes No (if no date returned to candidate) N/A
Portfolio is verified by a registered professional Yes No (if no date returned to candidate)
Panel Score
Decision
Accepted Declined
Panel
External Examiner comments