Nursing Degrees Online

The pre-registration nursing programme leads to the award of an Open University Diploma of Higher Education (Nursing) and the professional qualification of Registered Nurses on the NMC Register (Part 1).

Presented in partnership with and supported by Strategic Health Authorities; Workforce Development Confederations; The Scottish Executive, Department of Health; Social Services and Public Safety, Northern Ireland; Trusts and independent health care providers, the programme is initially aimed at experienced health workers who meet the professional body’s minimum requirements for entry to nurse training. The programme enables you to study and qualify while remaining in work and maintaining your family and social commitments.

The programme involves a structured educational framework that uses the workplace as the site for student learning. It is therefore only open to you if your employer is/becomes involved in this Open University partnership.
Planning your studies

The programme is offered in collaboration with employing agencies only. The Open University provides study materials, organises tutorials and manages the assessment procedures. It supports the practice learning element of the programme, which is substantially managed by the student’s employer. Responsibilities are set out in a formal agreement signed by The Open University and the employing organisation.

You can study the programme over four, five or six years although it is expected that most students will take four to five years. (There is a time limit for studying this diploma of higher education. You must obtain the required 240 credit points within 7 years.) You remain in employment while you study but your employer is required to give you time off for study.

Throughout the programme, there is a 50:50 split between theory and practice, learning in practice opportunities being planned to ensure adequate and appropriate experience.

Designed to offer maximum flexibility, there are a number of ‘stepping on’ and ‘stepping off’ points throughout the programme enabling you to take study breaks if needed.

You must include at least 80 points from OU courses that have not been counted in an OU diploma or other first degree you have been awarded.

The pre-registration nursing programme leads to the award of an Open University Diploma of Higher Education (Nursing) and the professional qualification of Registered Nurse on the NMC register (Part 1).

Presented in partnership with, and supported by Strategic Health Authorities; Workforce Development Confederations; The Scottish Executive; Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Northern Ireland; Trusts and independent health care providers, the programme is initially aimed at experienced health workers who meet the regulatory body’s minimum requirements for entry to nurse training. The programme enables you to study and qualify while remaining in work and maintaining your family and social commitments.

The programme involves a structured educational framework that uses the workplace as the site for student learning. It is therefore only open to you if your employer is/becomes involved in this Open University partnership.

Planning your studies

The programme is offered in collaboration with employing organisations only. The Open University provides study materials, organises tutorials and manages the assessment procedures. It supports the practice learning element of the programme, which is substantially managed by the student’s employer. Responsibilities are set out in a formal agreement signed by The Open University and the employing organisation.

You can study the programme over four, five or six years although it is expected that most students will take four to five years. (There is a time limit for studying this diploma of higher education. You must obtain the required 240 credit points within 7 years.) You remain in employment while you study but your employer is required to give you time off for study.

Throughout the programme, there is a 50:50 split between theory and practice, learning in practice opportunities being planned to ensure adequate and appropriate experience.

Designed to offer maximum flexibility, there are a number of ‘stepping on’ and ‘stepping off’ points throughout the programme enabling you to take study breaks if needed.

You must include at least 80 points from OU courses that have not been counted in an OU diploma or other first degree you have been awarded.