Program Overview

Nursing Studies (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)

Course Highlights

• 100% online course, allowing registered nurses to top up their Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Nursing to a Bachelor’s degree whilst managing studies around their practice
• Accredited by the RCN Centre for Professional Accreditation until 10 March 2026
• Choice of optional modules across adult, children's, mental health and learning disabilities nursing to develop your skills both clinically and professionally
• A global student community with over 1600 students from world-over brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise for you to learn from and alongside
• A long-established course with a refreshed, innovative and internationally focused curriculum aligned to healthcare practice and policy, and interprofessional learning at its core
• A holistic learning experience to enable students to become emotionally resilient and transformational nurses of the future capable of delivering individualised, personalised and person-centred care that is safe and based up the latest research and evidence
• Innovative assessments to develop skills in conference presentations, report development and literature review publications

Course Description

This part-time online Nursing Studies (top up) degree is intended for Registered Nurses, from the UK or overseas, who already hold a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies and wish to top up that qualification to a full BSc Honours degree.

Study Options

• Part-time: 1-2 years
• UK fee: £5,250 (2024/25) ‡
• International fee: £5,250 (2024/25) ‡
• Start dates: September, January, May
• Location: Online

What You Will Study

• If you have a Diploma in Nursing Studies, then you will need to choose four optional modules over the course of your study, 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, as well as the Independent Study module (double module).

Modules

• Core modules:
  • Independent Study
• Optional modules:
  • Advanced Concepts in Palliative Care
  • Care of the Surgical Patient
  • Children and Young People: Perspective in Health
  • Critical Care
  • Diabetes: A Contemporary Approach
  • Infection Prevention and Control
  • Implementation of Health and Clinical Research
  • Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Perspectives in Care
  • Leadership and Quality Improvement
  • Managing the Acutely Ill Patient
  • Maternal and Family Health
  • Minor Injuries
  • Nursing Therapeutics and Medications Management
  • Perspectives in Mental Health
  • Public Health: UK and International Perspectives
  • Respiratory Diseases
  • Supporting People Living with Dementia and Other Neurocognitive Disorders
  • Teaching Supervision and Assessment in Practice

How You Will Learn

• This course is delivered entirely online through our virtual learning environment and student portal.
• Lecturers will work with you to support your discussions and answer any questions.
• Through Develop@Derby, you will be able to access a resource package of live and recorded sessions covering things such as critical writing and reading, researching and referencing.

Pace of Study

• The academic year is made up of three 10-week terms, known as trimesters.
• We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.

Interprofessional Learning

• Interprofessional learning is at the heart of this course and interprofessional working, a key theme throughout.
• You’ll hear from lecturers and guest lecturers from a variety of clinical and professional backgrounds to enhance your learning.

Assessment Method

• This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.

Student Support and Guidance

• Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals.
• There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:
  • Library
  • Health and Wellbeing Centre
  • Careers and Employability Service
  • IT Support
  • Union of Students
  • Develop@Derby for study, personal and employability skills

Who Will Teach You

• Programme Leader: Rachel Spink
• Senior Lecturer: Dr Andrew Dainty

Careers

• Graduates of this course will be equipped with the skills needed to design, implement and evaluate evidence-based care, driving improvements in the quality of care provided to patients.
• You will be able to lead healthcare teams, manage resources effectively and advocate for patients and their families.

Entry Requirements

• You'll need all of the following:
  • a Diploma or an Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies (any nursing discipline)
  • to be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or international equivalent
  • to be working in a relevant Nursing arena, eg community, acute sectors, public or private health and social care settings
  • A professional reference on letter headed paper stating your job role and how long you have been in the position and signed by a manager or HR department.

Fees and Funding

• 2024/25 for new entrants:
  • If you have a Diploma (UK/EU/International): £5,250
  • If you have an Advanced Diploma (UK/EU/International): £2,625
• 2025/26 for new entrants:
  • If you have a Diploma (UK/EU/International): £5,430
  • If you have an Advanced Diploma (UK/EU/International): £2,715

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