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BSc (Hons) - Practice Development: Nursing (top up)

Work in health or social care and want to upgrade your diploma to a degree? Want a truly flexible course to fit in with your career plan and lifestyle? Our Practice Development top-up degree ticks all your boxes.

If you’re an experienced practitioner looking for a professional edge, our programme will provide a stimulating and engaging learning experience, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to be an innovator in your field.

You’ll get the utmost flexibility with our course. Choose bespoke modules to suit your individual needs and select whether you want to study full or part-time, at one of our campuses or from your own home by distance learning.

If you’d like to take things gradually at your own pace, start with a single module, building towards a University Advanced Diploma (60 credits) and then a full degree (120 credits). We make it easier for you to reach your potential because flexibility and choice sit at the heart of our programme, so you can fit your studies around your busy life.

There is a mandatory requirement that a minimum of 40 credits per academic year is studied unless a formal break from study or programme leader agreement exists.

Practice Development: Nursing (top up) cover image

Course Overview

Our long-established Practice Development Framework comprises tailor-made continuing professional development (CPD) for all healthcare professionals including nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, radiographers, paramedics as well as unregistered staff working in the health, wellbeing and social care sector. Your programme of study has been designed to meet your needs and interested in developing your professional and personal knowledge and expertise to develop excellence in practice within community, workplace and health and social care settings. Studying with us you will be offered the opportunity of tailoring your own programme of study. Delivery is flexible online distance learning. There may be opportunity to APL credits from other programmes you have studied into the programme and there are flexible funding options available, with the option to pay on a module-by-module basis or via a student loan where appropriate.

On this course you will...

Understand the evidence, theories and policy drivers that underpin decision making and judgement in holistic health and social care practice
Understand the professional, ethical and legal perspectives of health and social care practice, including diversity and cultural issues in the community and workplace
Use your initiative and self-direction in the development of transformative solutions to problem
Be taught by an experienced team of supportive practitioners with clinical experience in a wide range of settings.

Key Details

Recruiting toUK / RoI / Settled in UK
Course LocationDistance Learning
Institute Institute of Health
Mode of DeliveryBlended learning
Course Duration Part-time: 3 Years
Course Start PointJanuary
April
September
AwardBSc (Hons)
More informationProgramme Specification
Prospectus
Open DaysAll

Minimum entry requirements

UK Tuition fees

£5,850

Entry in 2025/26

£975 per 20 credit module. Subsequent years subject to inflation.

£6,150

Entry in 2026/27

£1025 per 20 credit module. Subsequent years subject to inflation.

International Tuition fees

£9,780

Entry in 2025/26

£1630 per 20 credit module. Subsequent years subject to inflation.

£10,260

Entry in 2026/27

£1710 per 20 credit module. Subsequent years subject to inflation.

Tuition Fees Policy

Course Structure

What you will learn

This programme will see you gain the qualities and knowledge you need to become a high-calibre professional able to confidently deal with the changing dynamics of the health care economy. With

nurses taking on more in-depth roles in the care of patients, within both primary and secondary care, taking your knowledge and skills to a higher level will help you deal with the changing challenges whilst improving your career prospects. Following completion of Level 6 study the Framework facilitates seamless progression to Level 7 study including PGCert, PGDip and MSc Practice Development.

Modules

You will be required to have completed the following modules:

Core module: Evidence Based Practice (20 credits)
Choice of core module: Either Negotiated Learning (20 credits) or Dissertation (40 credits)

The remaining credits may be selected from the list of optional modules to a total of 120 credits. The dedicated list of optional modules reflects the diverse roles and responsibilities and workplace settings which nurses work within. All modules must be relevant to your area of practice and target award and agreed in your personal development plan with your personal tutor.

Overview

Applicants must have achieved 240 credits, 120 each at levels 4 and 5 (or equivalent) in a related subject. Applicants who do not hold 120 level 5 credits, but who demonstrate at interview and through submission of a portfolio of evidence, an equivalent level of knowledge gained through relevant work based qualifications and / or experience, may be allowed entry to the programme. This decision will be at the discretion of the programme leader and does not constitute the award of credit via RPEL.

Applicants must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (or equivalent for overseas students) and must have spent time in practice as a Registered Nurse within the preceding 3-years.

Qualifications

Entry Requirements

Other experience: 120 Level 4 and 120 Level 5 credits.

Fair Admissions

When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application. We are looking for your potential to succeed so will assess your qualifications, any relevant work experience, your personal statement, and references.

At interview we will assess your suitability to train for the profession you have applied for. All professional course interviews are scored. Any offers made will be based on your whole application and your interview score.

Contextual Admissions

Going to higher education can transform a person’s life. We use contextual admissions to make sure that we are accessible to everyone who has the potential to succeed. Qualifications and grades are important, but they are considered alongside other information that helps universities to identify potential and widen access to university level study. For some individuals, the disadvantages they have experienced in their life mean that they have not been able to demonstrate their full academic potential. Where a person lives and their personal circumstances can all affect their educational attainment.

Returning to Education

If you are over 21 and returning to study after being in relevant employment for a minimum of 3 years and do not meet the published entry requirements for Year 1 of our degree courses, please do not assume you are not qualified to join us. Our experienced Admissions and Academic staff will review your prior qualifications and professional experience to support your application.  

Language requirements

Please follow the link to check language requirements for this programme here.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

UK Tuition fees

£5,850
Entry in 2025/26

£6,150
Entry in 2026/27

International Tuition fees

£9,780
Entry in 2025/26

£10,260
Entry in 2026/27

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

More Information

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000..

Student Finance

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.

Books and Journals

Our library catalogue is extensive and some textbooks can be accessed online. We suggest that you wait until you have commenced the programme and have a discussion with the module leaders about accessing key textbooks. There are some nursing journals eg. Nursing Times and the Nursing Standard which you may wish to subscribe to, although you will need to personally fund the monthly/annual subscription.

Stationery

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.

Stationery, printing and digital storage

Approximately £30 to £40 per year

Required Per year Stationery

You should budget for stationery and consumables for personal use. These may include notebooks, pens and pencils, digital storage devices, printing and photocopying. The amount you spend will depend on your study preferences.

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check

£69.50

Required One-off Checks, clearances and health requirements

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service background clearance check is required before undertaking placements.

DBS checks for applicants

Books and journals

Approximately £50 to £300 over the course of your studies

Optional Throughout the course Books and journals

Most core textbooks and journals are available through the University library. You may choose to purchase personal copies of books or other resources used to support your studies.

Some courses recommend particular books or provide an estimated annual budget for purchasing personal copies. Search for your course below for details.

Technology requirements

Cost depends on the equipment and internet service you choose

Required Throughout the course Digital learning and IT

You will need regular access to a laptop or computer capable of accessing the internet and running software such as a word processor and Microsoft Teams. Microsoft 365 is provided as part of your studies. You will also need a reliable internet connection. The amount you spend will depend on the equipment and internet service you choose.

Information on borrowing university laptops

Black placement shoes

Approximately £35 to £90

Required One-off Clothing and uniform

Visit the University online store

Fob watch

Approximately £10

Required One-off Equipment Year 1

Required for clinical placements.

Laboratory coat

Approximately £15

Required One-off Clothing and uniform

A laboratory coat is required for practical activities.

Order a laboratory coat from the University online store

CSI-branded clothing

Cost varies

Optional Variable Clothing and uniform

You may choose to purchase CSI-branded polo shirts or softshell jackets.

Buy CSI branded clothing from the University online store

Optional field trips

Cost varies

Conditional Per trip Field trips

Some optional field trips may involve additional costs.

Society membership

Cost varies

Optional Variable Professional membership and registration

You may choose to join relevant societies or professional organisations.

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Location
Distance Learning
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BSc (Hons) - Practice Development: Nursing (top up)

Course Overview

On this course you will...

Related Courses

Course Structure

What you will learn

Modules

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

How you will be assessed

Overview

Qualifications

Entry Requirements

Fair Admissions

Contextual Admissions

Returning to Education

Language requirements

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

UK Tuition fees

International Tuition fees

More Information

Additional Costs

Books and Journals

Stationery

Stationery, printing and digital storage

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check

Books and journals

Technology requirements

Black placement shoes

Fob watch

Laboratory coat

CSI-branded clothing

Optional field trips

Society membership

Location

Distance Learning

Find out more about studying with us

Student life

Accommodation

Funding

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