Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
The BSc (Hons) Nursing is made up of nine core 40-credit integrated theory-practice modules, all of which must be completed to total 360 credits.
As you complete the modules, you will develop an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of Nursing together with the principles of nursing across all fields and lifespan.
The modules provide the fundamental knowledge and skills for safe and effective nursing practice where the interests of service users are put first. They provide the foundation for you to develop a compassionate professionalism whereby you are trusted in the care you provide.
Stage one
Introduction to nursing
This module will introduce students to the role of the nurse in contemporary evidence based professional practice. Legal, ethical and professional frameworks which underpin practice will be explore to ensure care delivery is effective safe and patient focused. Students will be supported to develop their communication, self-awareness and reflective practice skills.
Health sciences for nursing practice
Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of human physiology and pharmacology in relation to health and wellbeing over the lifespan. This module will introduce students to the psychological and sociological aspects of health and wellbeing.
Person centred nursing care for health and wellbeing
This module will introduce students to the key concepts for assessing and planning nursing interventions for person-centred care. Students will be required to evidence completion of MYEPAD to demonstrate achievement of the skills associated with Part 1 Future Nurse: Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses and Standards for Education and Training (NMC 2018).
Stage two
Research for health and wellbeing
Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of human physiology and pharmacology in relation to health and wellbeing over the lifespan. This module will introduce students to the psychological and sociological aspects of health and wellbeing.
Pharmacological and psychosocial interventions
Students will examine the aetiology and pathophysiology of disease including pharmacological and psychosocial interventions within the context of evidence-based nursing care.
Transition to nursing practice (18-month entrants only)
This module will support students transitioning from the role of Registered Nursing Associate to Student Nurse. Students will be introduced to their chosen field of practice and consider the legal, ethical, and professional frameworks which underpin care.
Developing nursing practice
This module will enable students to apply their developing knowledge and skills needed for person-centred care. Students will be required to evidence completion of MYEPAD to demonstrate achievement of the skills associated with Part 2 Future Nurse: Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses and Standards for Education and Training (NMC 2018).
Stage three
Leadership for nursing practice
This module will allow students to explore aspects of leading and managing care delivery within inter-professional teams. Using a problem-based learning approach, students will critically examine near misses, critical incidents, major incidents and serious adverse events in order to learn from them and influence their future practice.
Innovation and improvement in nursing practice
Students will undertake an extended project which will lead to recommendations and innovation for nursing practice in their chosen field. Students will demonstrate their ability to critically apply the appropriate theoretical and investigative principles to a topic of their choosing.
Transition to autonomous practice
Students will demonstrate their ability to critically evaluate their role in the assessment, interventions, and evaluation of complex care in health and social care settings. Working towards becoming an autonomous practitioner for entry to the professional register. Students will be required to evidence completion of MYEPAD to demonstrate achievement of the skills associated with Part 3 Future Nurse: Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses and Standards for Education and Training (NMC 2018).
How you will learn
Flexible online study
Academic study takes place online, allowing you to undertake self-directed study with the flexibility to access your study materials, resources and student support services electronically.
Online learning and teaching involves:
- Self-paced online study and research through our easy-to-use virtual learning environment
- Live sessions hosted by the module tutor, and recorded to enable them to be watched back at a later date
- Pre-recorded videos available to watch at any time
- Discussion boards where you can engage with fellow students and tutors, to discuss and debate particular topics and themes, share experiences and talk over aspects of the study materials and unit activities.
Though this programme is also available to study on campus, it is not possible to undertake the programme through a mixed mode of study.
Pace of study
The programme is studied full-time over three years, and modules are taught over three 10-week trimesters per academic year. You will be expected to study 37.5 hours a week, split equally between theory and supernumerary clinical placement.
Annual residential week – access our state-of-the-art facilities
Online study is coupled with an annual residential study skills week at the University of Derby campus, where you will access our specialist facilities:
- Our clinical suites are built to professional standards with replica wards, counselling toom and treatment rooms, fully equipped with the latest clinical resources
- Our state-of-the-art immersive environments allow you to practice your skills in a realistic setting. These facilities replicate the atmosphere, sights and sounds of, for instance, the inside of an ambulance, a busy A7E ward, or an operating theatre, giving you a greater understanding of clinical decision-making in action.
During the residential study skills weeks, you will take part in clinical simulation scenarios, attend lectures / taught sessions delivered by subject experts and interact with fellow students in our immersive clinical skills suite.
Professional practice placements
In line with the NMC Standards, practice learning makes up 50% of the overall programme. Students are required to complete a minimum of 2,300 hours of practice learning to support the application of theory to practice.
Your employer must be able to provide you with the range of placement experiences required for NMC registration and this must be evidenced within your application.
During the practice placements arranged by your employer, you will apply your learning to your field of practice. Most of your practice learning will take place in a base placement with at least 150 hours a year in a different placement area.
You will be expected to work across the full range of 24-hour care in line with the placement area and NMC requirements.
Practice learning is supported by Practice Supervisors, Practice Assessors and Academic assessors to ensure you receive appropriate support and that the assessment is robust.
Interprofessional learning
Successful multidisciplinary and multiagency working has a significant impact on the quality of services provided and on outcomes for service users.
During each module, you will learn alongside students from other fields of practice supporting sharing of practice, peer support and development of knowledge across all four fields of nursing to enable you to develop the ability to deliver holistic care.
Personal academic tutoring
Your personal academic tutor, who will be a registered nurse, will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
Assessment method
There is a diverse range of authentic assessments within the programme. Assessments are aligned to module learning outcomes and support students to build academic skills and professional development.
Assessment feedback and feedforward methods encourage dialogue, provide action plans, and utilise academic, student, and practice support staff where required. This ensures that students are fit for practice, purpose, award, and professional standing on completion of the award.
Each assessment has the following underpinning characteristics:
- Value and distinct relevance to professional nursing practice
- They support development and progression through the programme
- Supporting students to meet the NMC standards for registration
- Support the application of theory to practice
- The assessment process is transparent, and students receive timely and constructive feedback to support their success
Assessment of practice learning is recorded in the Practice Assessment Document (MYEPAD and SafeMedicate), which is designed to support and guide students towards successfully achieving the criteria set out in the Future Nurse: Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses and Standards for Education and Training (NMC 2018).
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