Nursing (Adult)

This programme meets the NMC (2010) guiding principles underpinning pre-registration education for nurses of “fitness for purpose” and “fitness for practice”. It consists of not less than 4,600 hours of study (2,300 hours in the practice setting and 2,300 hours theoretical study), which results in 360 credits across three levels:

Part 1: 120 credits at level 1 leading to progression point one of the programme

Part 2: 120 credits at level 2 leading to progression point two of the programme

Part 3: 120 credits at level 3 enabling registration with the NMC.

Year 1 is the trans-disciplinary first year where shared and inter-professional learning takes place with other nursing and healthcare students. You will explore the core issues required to become a healthcare professional, anatomy and physiology, as well as being introduced to specific aspects of adult nursing.

Year 2 includes the study of the nursing the acutely ill adult, and nursing an adult with a long-term condition. You’ll explore health promotion and health education, develop understanding of issues related to safeguarding adults, debate legal and ethical concepts related to nursing and develop the skills for evaluating the research evidence underpinning clinical practice.

In year 3 you’ll study the assessment and management of pain. You’ll examine critical thinking, decision-making skills and leadership skills and will be supported in making the transition to the role of qualified nurse. A 10,000-word research dissertation develops your ability to use, summarise and communicate research evidence and apply it to your professional practice. There is also an optional module which offers the opportunity to undertake a clinical placement abroad.

Clinical placements are an integral part of your training. Read "Study abroad and work placements" tab.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Biological Knowledge for Practice 30 credits
• Theory and Practice Module 1 40 credits
• Theory and Practice Module 2 20 credits
• Learning Together; Working Together 30 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Healthcare Ethics and Law 10 credits
• Nursing the Acutely Ill Adult 20 credits
• Theory and Practice Module 3 40 credits
• Theory and Practice Module 4 20 credits
• Nursing the Adult with a Long Term Condition 20 credits
• Research for Healthcare and Social Work Professionals 10 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Pharmacology - Applied to Practice 10 credits
• Theory and Practice Module 5 40 credits
• Theory and Practice Module 6 20 credits
• Pain Assessment and Management 10 credits
• Research Dissertation 30 credits

Optional modules

• European Nursing 10 credits
• New Perspectives on Child Protection 10 credits
• Challenges of Nursing the Critically Ill Individual 10 credits
• Fundamentals of Diabetes Care 10 credits
• International Healthcare 10 credits
• Media Depictions of Mental Health (Online) 10 credits
• International Study - Healthcare Provision Outside the UK 10 credits
• International Study - Healthcare Provision Outside the UK (26 weeks)