BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult)

We’re delighted to partner with Middlesex University and the University of the West of England (UWE) to offer an alternative route into nursing for those wishing to pursue a career in adult nursing. 

This innovative pre-registration nursing degree programme is a blended programme whereby theory is delivered online and students undertake practice placement in either North London or the South West of England. To be eligible for the programme students must live in one of these geographical locations.

How you’ll learn

The course takes approximately three years to complete.

  • You’ll be registered as an OU student but for your practice learning and clinical placement experiences you will be linked with either Middlesex University or the University of the West of England.
  • Theory modules are taught via online learning by the OU. You’ll have a dedicated tutor for each module. 
  • Practical training is delivered in simulation labs at Middlesex University’s Hendon campus and at the University of the West of England campus. 
  • You’ll attend placements at NHS, private and voluntary hospitals and social care organisations local to either Middlesex University (London area) or UWE (the South West). 
  • Practical training and placements are delivered in three blocks each year, and last seven or eight weeks, with students working 22 to 32 hours per week.
Both partner campuses provide first rate facilities and equipment. To find out more, watch these videos about Middlesex University and the University of the West of England.

Find out how you can work towards the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) degree through our blended programme.

Who can apply?

  • You must be resident in England.
  • You don’t need to be working in a healthcare role.
  • Applicants must confirm that they live in either North London or the South West of England, that they are able to attend the simulation labs at the partner universities and can travel to placements with local healthcare providers. Placements with Middlesex University are across North, Central and East London. Applicants to the University of the West of England can be allocated placements across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset.
  • You must have literacy and numeracy skills to functional skills level 2, or equivalent, and be able to demonstrate good character and health.

Places are awarded following successful completion of an interview and assessment of personal values, matched to the requirements for sensitive nursing practices as defined by The NHS Constitution.

What you'll study

Each stage of the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) has one 60-credit theory module delivered by the OU and one 60-credit practice-based module delivered by either Middlesex University or the University of the West of England:

Stage 1

  • Introducing health and social care
  • Introduction to healthcare practice.

Stage 2

  • Understanding nursing: knowledge and theory
  • Developing nursing practice.

Stage 3

  • Assimilating nursing: knowledge and theory
  • Becoming an autonomous practitioner: adult.
You can find out more about these on either the Middlesex University pages or the University of the West of England pages of our website.

How to apply

Registration for this programme is now closed. Applications for February 2024 will open later in the year.

Fees and funding

Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis – you won't have to pay for the whole of your qualification up front. At current prices, the total cost of your qualification would be £27,000. Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees.

A wide range of flexible payment and funding options are available. You may also be eligible to receive an NHS Training Grant of £5,000 per academic year. See the NHS careers website for more information.

This programme is part of a national Health Education England (HEE) initiative.

You can find out more about the funding options open to you in this guidance information. If you'd like to speak to someone about this programme please contact us on 0300 303 5303.

Note about COVID 19 vaccinations

Whilst it is not mandatory for those in patient-facing roles for CQC registered services to have had their COVID-19 vaccination, we strongly encourage all our nursing students to ensure that they are fully vaccinated against the virus at the earliest opportunity, and were possible prior to starting the programme. 

All healthcare students, as future professionals, have a responsibility to protect patients, users of service, colleagues, their family, and themselves by getting vaccinated.