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An image to illustrate the BSc (Honours) Nursing
Nursing is one of the most rewarding professions, placing you at the heart of patient care and community wellbeing. Our flexible Nursing degree combines practice-based and online learning, giving you the knowledge, confidence and clinical skills to make a real difference. You’ll study four fields of nursing practice before specialising in Adult, Children and Young People, Learning Disabilities or Mental Health. On completion, you’ll be eligible to join the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register. With your employer's support or through our partnerships, the OU offers routes into nursing, helping you to achieve your ambition of becoming a nurse.
R39
Honours DegreeUndergraduate360Full-time – 39–45 monthsFebruary 2027June 2027October 2027
Distance and
practice-based learning
This course is approved by:
NMC logo
Delivers a balance of theory and practice through practice-based and distance learning Develops effective evidence-based nursing practice and underpinning knowledge in an inter-professional and interdisciplinary environment Confers eligibility to enter the NMC professional register on successfully attaining the degree1 Allows you to continue to work part-time for your employer whilst studying to become a nurse
1subject to NMC approval

R39
Honours DegreeUndergraduate360Full-time – 39–45 monthsFebruary 2027June 2027October 2027
Distance and
practice-based learning
This nursing degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
This practice-based programme typically takes between 39 and 45 months to complete, depending on your start point and study location. To complete in the shortest time, you’ll need to start your degree in June with Introduction to healthcare practice (KYN104).
You’ll study a 60-credit theory module and a 60-credit practice-focused module, building a strong foundation in healthcare. You will examine the experience of giving and receiving care across a wide range of healthcare settings and explore how to maintain the relevance of your practice in an ever-changing healthcare environment. This stage provides the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to reach progression point 1 (an NMC requirement).
ModulesCreditsStart month
Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Introducing health and social care (KYN102)60Feb | Oct
Introduction to healthcare practice (KYN104)60Mar | Jun

You’ll study a second 60-credit practice-based module and a 60-credit theory module to enhance your expertise and caregiver confidence. The practice module incorporates three substantial learning opportunities to apply your knowledge in practice and develop greater confidence as a caregiver. Tutorials will be driven using enquiry-based learning in small groups using case scenarios or vignettes, working with peers to support a positive learning community.
ModulesCreditsStart month
Year 2
You'll study both of the following:
Understanding nursing: knowledge and theory (KYN210)60Feb | Oct
Developing nursing practice (KYN211)60Mar | Jun | Oct

You’ll study a final 60-credit theory module and a 60-credit practice module that determines your chosen nursing specialism: Adult, Children and Young People, Learning Disabilities, or Mental Health. By the end of this stage, you will have developed the advanced theory and practice skills required to apply to the NMC professional register and work as a registered nurse.
ModulesCreditsStart month
Year 3
You'll study the following:
Assimilating nursing: knowledge and theory (KYN325)60Feb | Jun | Oct
You’ll choose one from:
Becoming an autonomous practitioner: adult (KYN326)60Nov | Apr | Jul
Becoming an autonomous practitioner: mental health (KYN327)60Nov | Apr | Jul
Becoming an autonomous practitioner: learning disabilities (KYN328)60Nov | Apr | Jul
Becoming an autonomous practitioner: children and young people (KYN329)60Nov | Apr | Jul

By studying this degree, you’ll:
Become ready for nurse registration – Build knowledge in theory and practice, choosing to specialise in adult, mental health, children and young people, or learning disabilities. Learn through real-world placements – Balance distance learning with supervised workplace practice across three stages, meeting Nursing and Midwifery Council requirements. Think critically and compassionately – Apply evidence-based care, critical reflection, leadership, and professional values to support patient-centred outcomes. Develop professional competence – Hone communication, teamwork, self-managed study, reflective practice, and ethical decision-making.
You’ll be supported by personal and practice tutors, structured online materials, workplace supervision, and continuous feedback.
You’ll be awarded a BSc (Honours) Nursing upon successful completion. Your degree title will show your specialist field of practice:
BSc (Honours) Nursing (Adult) BSc (Honours) Nursing (Children and Young People) BSc (Honours) Nursing (Learning Disabilities) BSc (Honours) Nursing (Mental Health)
Your honours classification (first, upper second, lower second or third class honours) will depend on the grades you gain at Stages 2 and 3.
You'll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
BSc (Honours) Nursing
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
This flexible, practice-based programme typically takes between 39–45 months to complete, depending on your study route and location.
The programme is split into three stages, with a 60-credit theory module and a 60-credit practice module in each stage. For the 60-credit theory modules, this usually means studying 16 to 18 hours a week at Stages 1 and 2, and 12 hours a week at Stage 3. At each stage of the programme, you will undertake 770 hours of supernumerary practice, split into three practice learning periods.
Your online module website is your central hub for learning. You’ll find weekly study planners, course materials, case studies, and interactive activities. It’s also where you’ll connect with fellow students in discussion forums and keep track of your assignments and deadlines.
Learning is built around a mix of academic study and practice. You’ll explore nursing theory through online modules, while developing your skills and confidence in supervised practice placements with your employer. This blend of study and experience helps you link what you learn directly to your day-to-day role.
Your OU tutor will support you through online tutorials, feedback, and guidance. Tutorials are usually live and interactive, with recordings available if you can’t attend. You’ll also work with other students in collaborative activities, building the teamwork and communication skills essential for nursing.
Placements are central to your development as a nurse. In practice, you’ll be supported by experienced supervisors and assessors who will help you apply your academic learning, develop new skills, and reflect on your progress. These experiences give you the confidence to work safely and effectively in different healthcare settings.
You’ll be assessed through a combination of written assignments, reflective work, online activities, and end-of-module assessments. Your competence in practice will also be assessed by supervisors and assessors, ensuring you’re developing the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours required by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Alongside flexible learning resources, you’ll have support from tutors, practice supervisors, and specialist student support teams. You’ll also have access to the OU library, IT support services, and the wider OU community to help you succeed.

There are two ways to study this degree in England:
Employer-supported route – available for all four fields of nursing (Adult, Children and Young People, Learning Disabilities, and Mental Health). NHS Trust partnership route – available for Adult Nursing and Children and Young People’s Nursing only.
You must already work in a relevant healthcare setting and have employer support to study.
If you're a resident in England and do not currently work in a healthcare role, you may be able to study through our NHS Trust partnership with Torbay and South Devon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Torbay and South Devon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust offer routes to study both Adult Nursing and Children and Young People's Nursing. To be eligible, you must be resident within the geographical footprint of Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust and can commit to travel to placements.
Learn more about the Torbay and South Devon programme.
If you do not currently work in a healthcare setting and live outside these partnership areas, we recommend visiting the NHS Health Careers website for advice and ideas on entering the profession.
Whichever route you apply for, you’ll need to meet the education and personal attributes required for nursing:
Literacy – Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent (for example, GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English). Numeracy – Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent (for example, GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics). Good health and character – evidenced through a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, occupational health clearance, and a reference from your current employer. Successful completion of interview and assessment of your personal values, matched to the requirements for sensitive nursing practices as defined by The NHS Constitution.
If you have completed healthcare-related modules or qualifications at higher education level within the last 10 years (e.g., Nursing Associate, Assistant Practitioner, Diploma of Higher Education, or a Degree), you may be able to count that study towards our BSc (Honours) Nursing.
You need to contact the Student Recruitment Team, which will refer you for a more detailed discussion with a member of the Nursing team in your location. Following this conversation, you may receive the Pre-Registration Nursing Programme (PRNP) application form, which explains what you need to provide and by when.
 A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. When added together, they give the total cost. Our current fee for each of the 60-credit theory-based modules, KYN102, KYN210 and KYN325, is £3,690*. Our current fee for each of the 60-credit practice-based modules, KYN104, KYN211, KYN326, KYN327, KYN328 and KYN329, is £6,100*.
£29,370*
Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, you'll need:
a computer and the internet to access our learning resources and to participate in online tutorials.
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to a fee limit, as set out in the University's Fee Rules.

As a student on the BSc (Honours) Nursing, you may need to apply for a Full-Time Tuition Fee Loan. You pay nothing up front and only start repayments when you’re earning over the income threshold, currently £25,000. Repayments are linked to your income to ensure they’re affordable, and are deducted automatically by your employer through the UK tax system. On a salary of £27,000, for example, repayments would be just £15.00 a month.
If you think a Full-Time Tuition Fee Loan is right for you, find out how to apply for a loan.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.
You may be eligible for:
help with study-related costs like set books and internet access an NHS Training Grant of £5,000 each academic year. See the NHS careers website for more information.
How you apply to study this degree will depend on your chosen field of nursing and whether you are supported by your current employer or applying independently.
The Open University delivers this qualification in partnership with healthcare employers. You must already be working in a caring role where registered nurse mentors are available and have the support of your employer. You will continue to work while you study, provided your employer supports you and a suitable range of practice experience can be agreed. You will need to discuss the opportunity with your employer and with a member of the nursing academic team in your location.
Pathways offered:
Adult Nursing Children and Young People Nursing Learning Disabilities Nursing Mental Health Nursing
For more details, contact us at +44 (0)300 303 0529.
If you are in England and you are not employed in healthcare, you may be able to study through our NHS Trust partnership with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.
Pathways offered are:
Adult Nursing Children and Young People's Nursing
If you're interested in the nursing programme for your staff, you can find out more employer-related information here.
In addition to meeting the NMC competencies, the practice learning part of this degree develops skills that are highly transferable in the labour market – including critical analysis, numeracy, literacy, digital literacy, communication, team working, problem solving/solution finding, ICT proficiency, leadership, management and innovation. This programme has been designed to meet the 2018 Future Nurse: Standards of proficiency for registered nurses.
You'll be supported to develop the professional behaviours, inter-professional working, values and attitudes expected of a compassionate nurse who can demonstrate connectedness, emotional intelligence, and moral responsibility. This will be done using Enquiry Based Learning to facilitate you to acquire requisite knowledge and skills. This research-orientated approach will inspire you to learn for yourself in readiness for lifelong learning and leadership.
The learning outcomes for this degree have been mapped to (and fully comply with) the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) 2018 Standards for pre-registration nursing programmes, and to subject benchmarking statements for Nursing. On successful completion of your studies, you are eligible to apply for registration to the professional register as a qualified nurse.
On graduating from the BSc (Honours) Nursing (Adult) / (Children and Young People) / (Learning Disabilities) / (Mental Health), you'll be eligible to apply for entry to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register.
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.
You can start exploring some areas of our Careers and Employability Services now. Once you register with us, you’ll have full access to the services throughout your studies and for up to three years after you finish.
As a registered student or recent graduate, you can use online tools, resources, workshops, events and one-to-one guidance from careers professionals to explore your options, set goals, find opportunities, prepare applications, build your CV and practise your interview techniques. Whether you’re planning your first career move, changing direction or developing in your current role, you’ll find support to help you move forward with confidence.
In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we've put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree:
Staff nurse Senior staff nurse Ward manager Community nurse District nurse Community team leader Clinical nurse specialist Practice nurse Nurse practitioner Practice educator Practice development nurse Clinical nurse researcher Nurse lecturer Advanced clinical practitioner.
Check you meet the Entry requirements, then see How to apply.
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