Nursing programme

The Open University has taught me lots of things. It has shown me that education is a wonderful thing. It’s opened up new insights and I think differently now. And it’s made me think about my life. The Open University has taught me that I am worth something.

Jackie Westlake
Nursing student (Mental Health Field)

Do you want to become a registered nurse? If you already work in healthcare, the Open University’s BSc (Honours) Nursing could be the answer.

The programme combines a balance of theory and practice-based learning and enables you to stay in work whilst you study, provided you have the support of your employer. The theory elements are studied via supported distance learning at home to fit in with your work and personal commitments. You'll also undertake practice-based learning within your workplace and throughout the course you will experience a range of alternative practice settings, developing the professional skills and knowledge to deliver high quality, safe and effective person-centered care for people with varied health needs in a range of care settings. 

You must be working in healthcare practice in a caring role within a practice environment where practice supervision and practice assessment is available in line with the NMC (2018) Standards for nurses. For more information on the entry requirements, see 'Recruitment and selection of students'. This qualification is only offered in collaboration with employers, so they’ll need to agree to work in partnership with The Open University for you to take this qualification.

The nursing degree programme can be studied full-time over approximately 3 years or part-time over approximately 4 years. On successful completion of the programme, you gain the award of BSc (Honours) Nursing in either AdultChildren and Young PeopleLearning Disabilities or Mental Health, and you’ll be eligible to apply for registration as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Student testimonies

Nursing students talk about what it has meant to them to be able to study Nursing with The Open University.

 

David Ferran

The opportunities for my future are endless

David Ferran has worked in the healthcare sector since he was 18 and will be completing his degree in 2017, as well as taking up his first registered nurse post. David was nominated and won the Royal College of Nursing (NI) Student Nurse of the Year Award 2016.

"I had concerns that I would not be disciplined enough to complete a distance learning degree and have surprised myself that I actually prefer this method of learning. The tutors at the OU are always only a phone call away and I have felt supported throughout my training.

As I now complete my studies I realise that with adequate support and passion for the subject success is achievable and I look forward to graduating and taking up my first registered nurse post this year. I am confident that my studies with The Open University have prepared me to practice safely and effectively as a registered nurse and that I have both the knowledge and practical skills to make a positive difference to patient care"

David Ferran

Contact us

For further information and any queries about the Nursing programme,
email: wels-np-queries@open.ac.uk

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