Course description

Choose a career where you can make a difference every day. We will equip you to deliver exceptional care as a confident, capable and compassionate adult nurse.

This programme is a holistic learning experience, enabling students to become emotionally resilient and transformational Registered Nurses of the future. This is a full-time three year course and students will complete a range of modules to develop the fundamental knowledge and skills for safe effective nursing practice where the interests of people using or needing nursing services are put first.

Students develop an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of their chosen field of practice and recognise the principles of nursing across all fields and across the lifespan. Modules provide the foundation for students to develop a compassionate professionalism whereby they are trusted in the care they provide. Learning will be facilitated through a range of classroom-based activities, skills laboratories and by electronic means such as online learning, web-based training and technology-delivered instruction.??

‌Join a degree accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). When you graduate, you'll be eligible to register and practise as a nurse, as long as you meet the NMC's requirements. Our nursing programmes are approved to the NMC's Future nurse: Standards of proficiency for registered nurses.

Nursing is challenging, satisfying and life-changing. This highly respected course represents your first step into a profession it is a privilege to join.

Ideal preparation for your career

We have a strong track record in providing high-quality and innovative nurse education. We help you develop an in-depth understanding of the demands and rewards of the role so that you are fully prepared to work with adult patients who have diverse, acute and chronic conditions.

Because this course is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, you will be eligible to register and practise as a nurse as soon as you graduate, as long as you meet the NMC's requirements. If you already hold a degree and are looking to qualify as a nurse, find out more about our MSc Nursing (Adult).

Specialist facilities

Both our Derby and Chesterfield sites offer outstanding including clinical skills suites built to professional standards, with replica wards, counselling rooms and treatment rooms fully equipped with the latest clinical resources.

Our state-of-the-art immersive simulated environments allow you to practise your skills in a realistic setting. These suites are the first university facilities of their kind outside London. They replicate the atmosphere and sights and sounds of, for instance, the inside of an ambulance, a busy A&E ward or an operating theatre. They will give you a greater understanding of clinical decision-making in action.

How you will learn

So that you are fully prepared for your career, we ensure that your skills and knowledge match current working practices in health and social care. The practical abilities you develop on placement will be underpinned and extended by the knowledge you gain through lectures, tutorials, workshops and simulated practice activities.

We harness latest technology in all aspects of the course. Modules are linked to the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), so that you have 24-hour access to relevant resources both on and off campus. We also capture ‘live’ lectures via Panopto which you can view at times that suit you via the VLE.

In addition, our students benefit from access to a range on line resources such as Clinical Skills Net, an online resource offering video tutorials in essential clinical skills. The anatomy and physiology content of the programme is supported in a similar way through WhileyPLUS.

How you’re assessed

There are a diverse range of authentic assessments within the programme. Assessments are aligned to module learning outcomes and support students to build academic skill and professional development. Assessment feedback and feedforward mechanisms encourage dialogue, provide action plans, and utilise academic, student, and practice support staff where required. This ensures that students are fit for practice, purpose, award, and professional standing on completion of the award.

Each assessment within the programme has the following underpinning characteristics:

• Each assessment has value and distinct relevance to professional nursing practice.
• They support development and progression through the programme.
• Each assessment focuses on supporting students to meet the NMC standards for registration.
• They support the application of theory to practice.
• The assessment process is transparent, and students receive timely and constructive feedback to support their success.

Assessment of practice learning is recorded in the Practice Assessment Document (MYEPAD), which is designed to support and guide students towards successfully achieving the criteria set out in the Future nurse: Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses and Standards for Education and Training (NMC 2018).? The MYEPAD is a regionally validated document developed collaboratively with other local universities. The University of Derby continues to work in partnership to support a consistent approach to student supervision and assessment.  

Who you will meet

You will be taught by qualified health professionals with extensive experience of nursing and leadership roles. They have proven, sustained track records in higher education teaching, with most holding Fellowships of the Higher Education Academy.

Our staff keep up to date with latest developments in the sector by undertaking continuing professional development as part of their registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Research is an integral part of our work and we make key contributions to the University’s Health and Social Care Research Centre. There may even be opportunities for you to work alongside our researchers to gain an insight into the value of research.

The teaching team is supported by ‘experts by experience’ – leading practitioners who regularly share their knowledge in teaching sessions at the University, together with clinical staff from our placement providers.