Since 2002, The Open University has been working in partnership with employers to deliver an innovative practice-based pre-registration nursing programme supported by open learning. It has enabled hundreds of motivated healthcare support workers and healthcare assistants to qualify as registered nurses while remaining in their jobs; and employers to grow their own highly valued workforce and make a real difference to service users.
Ten years on, as nursing becomes a degree-led profession, we are building on this extraordinary success story to launch a new BSc (Hons) Nursing. It will offer employers a cost-effective way to enhance the delivery of nursing care and meet future workforce needs by investing in their committed healthcare support workers.
For Annette Kemp, the chance to study to become a nurse was a dream come true:
“I love my job and I’m always keen to learn more. During the course, I’ve done placements in a range of settings, including a urology ward – a head and neck unit, liver, nephrology and mental health. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have this opportunity.”Key features
- Practice-based programme leading to an honours degree and eligibility to apply for entry to the Nursing Register (NMC)
- Strong emphasis on multi-professional working
- Boosts staff morale, recruitment and retention
- Widens participation in higher education
- Clear progression routes from the OU’s Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice or the Foundation Degree/Diploma of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice.
Learning to meet changing needs
Registered Nurses are increasingly required to operate independently and analytically in a rapidly-changing environment. The Open University BSc (Hons) Nursing will equip them with the practical skills and underpinning knowledge they need to be confident and competent practitioners, ready for high-level decisions and to take on new responsibilities in a wide range of healthcare settings.
Degree structure
BSc (Hons) Nursing (360 credits in total)
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Adult Nursing pathway |
Mental Health pathway |
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Level 1* (120 credits)
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Level 1* (120 credits)
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NMC: Progression Point 1 |
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↓ |
↓ |
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Level 2 (120 credits)
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Level 2 (120 credits)
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NMC: Progression Point 2 |
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↓ |
↓ |
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Level 3 (120 credits)
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Level 3 (120 credits)
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NMC: Eligibility to apply for NMC Registration |
*For Info: Level 1 is equivalent to Level 4 on the framework for HE qualifications in England, Wales & Northern Ireland and equivalent to SCQF7 on the Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework.
Listening to our partners
Employers and service users have been involved in the development of the new degree from the outset. We have sought feedback and advice on the design of content and structure; contributions to learning resources, case studies and podcasts; and expertise in addressing issues like recruitment and selection. Practitioners and employers from across the UK have taken part in workshops to shape and inform approaches to practice learning. As we further develop the content of the new modules in the degree, the involvement of partners will continue to be paramount.
“The Open University’s pre-registration nursing programme has provided a route for our experienced Health Care Support Workers to progress to registration. Advantages for us as an island health board include being able to retain students as health care support workers during their studies and to offer this excellent development opportunity for our staff.”Helen Wisdom, Practice Development Nurse, NHS Shetland
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