Course overview

During the foundation year, you'll study a range of topics that are central or highly relevant to the study of the social sciences. You’ll explore areas such as mental health and wellbeing, contemporary issues in social sciences, and professional practice to help prepare for undergraduate study.

The foundation year has an applied focus – students are encouraged and enabled to apply their theoretical knowledge to real world problems, such as mental health, psychological wellbeing and everyday problem-solving

In collaboration with health and care providers, BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing Practice undergraduate pre-registration nursing programme supports the growth of nursing in the region. The course is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). This accreditation will mean that on successful completion of the programme you’ll be entitled to register with the NMC.

The course is designed to help you progress from a novice practitioner towards the skills of competent registered nurse. High emphasis is given to clinical skills training, nursing assessment and care planning, inter-agency and inter-professional working, evidence-based practice, and public health initiatives.

The course features a case-based approach to teaching and learning and key elements such as pharmacology, physiology and holistic practice are threaded throughout the modules. Upon completion of your training you will have gained a range of skills and experience and will be ready to transition into the role of a qualified nurse.

You'll be taught by a combination of academic staff with practice and/or research experience, alongside clinical educators from our partner NHS Trusts. You'll also have the opportunity to learn and work alongside other students and staff from a range of disciplines.

The course combines three strands of learning:

Applied theory. Developing your awareness of values for nurses and being an accountable professional nurse. You’ll build skills in evidence-based and person-centred decision making to support and deliver best clinical practice. You’ll also develop critical thinking, resilience and coaching skills. This will help to enable you to become a proficient nurse capable of leading care teams in a complex and pressurised health and social care sector.

Nursing simulation and action learning. Using the simulation facilities to develop and refine your clinical skills and support your developing knowledge of physiology and pharmacology. You’ll reflect on your practice and share experiences in peer groups to draw out critical incidences, discuss sensitive issues and identify solutions.

Nursing practice. Undertaking clinical placements to observe, examine, assess and engage with adult patients and service users. This takes place across community, primary care and hospital settings under appropriate supervision. A key aspect of this course is patient involvement and patient centred care. You‘ll have regular contact with patients, service users and public members who all have experience and expertise as patients or carers.

Using our simulated practice placements, we pride ourselves on culturally preparing our students for clinical practice by supporting them through scenarios such as how to challenge hierarchy, how to manage ward environments, and common cultural practices within our local trusts. As a widening participation university, we are proud of the diversity of our students. We welcome many international students, those with learning differences, first generation university goers, and mature students. It encourages vibrant conversations and helps everyone understand different perspectives and ways of life. Through these discussions, we learn unjudgmental acceptance and, most importantly, learn how to nurse a diverse patient group.