BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Top–Up degree)

Course description

The practical application of this BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies Top-Up allows you to develop transferable skills effectively that can be applied directly within your care setting. Through studying this course you will be able to: demonstrate a critical, evidence based approach to practice; be motivated towards continuous and progressive learning, become a lifelong learner who can evaluate the teaching and support of colleagues in clinical practice; demonstrate critical competence in clinical practice, care and programme management, clinical practice leadership and clinical practice development.

The purpose of this qualification and the defined pathways are:

• To develop practitioners who are able to demonstrate critical, evidence based approach to practice.
• To develop practitioners who are motivated towards continuous and progressive learning, becoming lifelong learners who can critically evaluate the teaching and support of colleagues in clinical practice through a flexible online programme of study.
• To prepare practitioners within their own area of expertise who can demonstrate critical competence in clinical practice, care and programme management, clinical practice leadership and clinical practice development.
• To develop comprehensive subject specific and transferable skills and knowledge appropriate for critical evaluation, independent study, professional development and work focused study.

What you will study

All modules for the programme carry 20 credits/ 10 ECTS.

If you have a Diploma in Nursing Studies, then you will need to choose four optional modules from the list below as well as the Independent Study (double module).

If you have an Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies, then you will only need to choose one optional module from the list below, as well as the Independent Study module (double module).

How you will learn

Our range of innovative teaching materials gives you a varied and enjoyable learning experience and our expert online tutors will support you all the way. Studying online gives you the flexibility to study at the most convenient time and place for you. Course modules still operate within a fixed trimester but you can choose to study during the day, in the evenings or at the weekend rather than having to attend fixed lectures.  As a nurse it would be very difficult to work any other way due to the demanding nature of the profession, so this type of study is ideal.

Method of Assessment

Formative Assessment:

In all modules there is a formative piece of assessment. These have been designed to be part of the overall assessment to provide students with important feedback on which to build and structure the final piece of work.

Formative assessments are constructively aligned with summative assessments, module learning outcomes and programme learning outcomes.

Summative Assessment:

A summative assessment is required to demonstrate learning and achievement of the programme/ module learning outcomes e.g. completion of assignments/ course work, examinations.

Underpinning University of Derby Online Learning’s assessment strategy is the need for practitioners qualifying with specific awards to be fit for purpose and fit for practice As all modules are delivered online, there are a variety of different assessment strategies.

Coursework assignments may involve essays, reports, projects, creating artefacts or displays answering or reflecting on questions, or various combinations of these submitted as a portfolio of work. Coursework assignments may be individual or collaborative (ie, involve group work). Some may be based entirely on material covered in online units or others may require independent research.

Assignments will be submitted in line with the University’s requirement for the electronic submission of all assessment tasks.

These awards operate within the University Undergraduate Regulatory Framework with the following exceptions:

• No compensation will be allowed within modules on units of assessment.
• No compensation will be allowed between modules
• Students must achieve at least 40% in all modules

Use of data from the students work environment is necessary for the development of course work and preparation for assignments and examination. The policy on the use of confidentially held information will apply. Failure to conform to this policy will result in the unit of assessment receiving a Fail grading.

These regulatory exemptions exist due to the professional nature of the course, and the need for nurses to pass all elements of assessment in preparation for practice.

Entry requirements

• A Level 5 Diploma or an Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies (anu nursing discipline); AND
• To be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or internationaol equivalent; AND
• To be working in a relevant Nursing arena eg. Acute sectors, public or private health and social care settings
• If English is not your first language, you will need IELTS 7.0 or equivalent