Study patterns: Nursing Studies (Top-Up) BSc (Hons) (online)

On this page, you will find the study pattern for our BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (top-up) online programme.

These study patterns highlight the modules that you will need study over the next 12 months. Please note that all students are required to re-enrol at the start of every academic year in September and so within your enrolment you can only choose modules for the current academic year.  

The scheduled modules for the remainder of your programme (outlined below) are based on the current plan, however, the order of these may be subject to change. Should any changes be made, we will communicate this to you as soon as possible.   

Please note that any optional modules are subject to viable group sizes. Should you choose a module that is deemed to be non-viable, you will be notified of the alternative available options.   

If you have any queries, please contact the Enrolment team on +44 (0)1332 594000 (option 4) or email UDOLenrolment@derby.ac.uk.

Diploma Entry: Select four optional modules of 20 credits each and the Independent Studies module at 40 credits.

Advanced Diploma Entry: Select one optional module at 20 credits and the Independent Studies module at 40 credits.

You may choose to take optional modules in any sequence however you last module must be the Independent Studies to allow for development of skills in critical analysis through previous module feedback. This module is studied consecutively over two trimester periods and you can elect to take this starting from the Autumn, Spring or Summer trimester.

Pace of your study
For students completing the programme at the standard rate of study, the required minimum number of study time is 20 hours per week. 

If you opt to undertake the accelerated study plan whereby you will study two modules in one trimester, we recommend 40 hours of study per week.

Should you decide to study on the accelerated rate* you must ensure that you have the capacity to fully engage with your studies and achieve the best grades and final award. You will need to balance approximately 40 hours of study per week alongside your professional and personal life and commitments.

It may be useful to consider studying one module at the standard rate of study before deciding whether to then increase to the accelerated rate of study.

Optional modules available:

Option A Modules (autumn): Asthma Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Management (6NU520); Therapeutics and Diagnostic Reasoning (6NU511); Ethical and Legal Issues in Health Care Policy and Practice (6NU503); Leadership & Management in Health & Social Care (6HC507); Working with People with Distress and Disorder (6CL515); Managing the Acutely ill Patient (6NU550); Educating in Health and Social Care (6HC514).

Option B Modules (spring): Ethical and Legal Issues in Health Care Policy and Practice (6NU503); Relationships informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (6CL514); Infection Prevention and Control (6NU548); Diabetes: A Contemporary Approach (6NU521); Evidence Based Practice (6NU527); Social Consequences of Dementia Care (6NU538); Educating in Health and Social Care (6HC514).

Option C Modules (summer): Relationships informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (6CL514); Minor Injuries (6NU518); Negotiated Module (6NU506); Public Health: UK and International Perspectives (6NU519); Care of the Surgical Patient (6NU547); Working with People with Distress and Disorder (6CL515); Partnerships in Dementia Care (6NU537); Advanced Concepts in Palliative Care (6NU545); Educating in Health and Social Care (6HC514).

BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (top-up) - standard rate with May start

Students joining with a Diploma in Nursing Studies will be required to successfully complete 120 credits to achieve the full award. This equates to four optional modules at 20 credits each and the Independent Studies module at 40 credits.

BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (top-up) - accelerated rate* with May start

*Study at the accelerated rate requires approval from the Academic Lead.

BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (top-up) - Advanced Diploma entry with May start

Students joining with an Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies only will be required to successfully complete 60 credits to achieve the full award. This equates to one optional module at 20 credits and the Independent Studies module at 40 credits.