Learning outcomes
The degree provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas.
Knowledge and understanding
After studying this degree you should be able to:
- demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles underlying your practice, informed by current thinking and practice developments
- show evidence of critically evaluating your practice using techniques of analysis and enquiry
- demonstrate a critical understanding of the contribution and limitations of relevant research and how this can be used to enhance practice.
Cognitive skills
After studying this degree you should be able to:
- provide critical and reflective analysis of complex aspects of nursing practice, using relevant and established theoretical frameworks and recognising the provisional nature of knowledge
- synthesise evidence to support proposals for innovation and change to enhance service delivery and improve health outcomes
- rigorously evaluate research and other forms of evidence, including health strategies, policy and guidance
- support personal and professional development through the refined skill of reflection.
Practical and/or professional skills
After studying this degree you should be able to:
- engage with practical and professional skills and relevant ethical issues to demonstrate expert practice
- record and communicate your skills and knowledge to achieve your personal and/or career goals.
Key skills
After studying this degree you should be able to:
- access, retrieve, interpret and utilise information and evidence appropriately including the use of information technology
- demonstrate effective communication skills
- demonstrate personal organisation and responsibility
- exercise effective decision making and initiative
- demonstrate an engagement with continuing professional development.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
Learning is undertaken via online and/or print-based learning materials, developed by acknowledged experts. The materials are specifically designed to enable you to build on your existing knowledge and to access new knowledge through a series of carefully planned learning activities. These activities will encourage you to explore module information through reflection, challenging assumptions and beliefs, and linking appropriate theory to your own nursing practice.
For each module, you are provided with selected written resources specifically linked to the core study materials. You are also provided with carefully selected additional learning resources, such as a module-specific annotated list of further reading and related online learning materials.
Your learning is also facilitated by a system of tutor support that includes one-to-one contact, peer support and detailed written feedback on assignments and that may also include face-to-face or online group tutorials.
Assessment will be via compulsory, linked, formative and summative elements. Different types of written assignment are undertaken, enabling you to develop a wide range of academic writing and presentational skills at Honours level. Module-specific grade descriptors make explicit reference to each of the module learning outcomes.
Assessment of practical skills is not a feature of the degree, as all degree students are qualified nurses and as current Nursing and Midwifery Council (or equivalent statutory body) registrants demonstrate skills commensurate with entry on to the professional register.
The learning undertaken is designed to develop the acquisition of transferable skills and personal qualities, in addition to enabling you to meet the other learning outcomes. Each module requires you to demonstrate engagement with and development of these skills. Study materials are designed to develop the transferable skills through a range of learning activities.
Detailed written feedback on assignments also facilitates the learning of transferable skills.
The degree focuses on developing professional nursing practice and, due to the mode of delivery (distance learning), does not include the teaching or learning of specific practical nursing skills. However, a fundamental degree philosophy is for you to apply your theoretical learning to your practice setting.