Entry requirements
There are different entry routes onto our BSc (Honours) Nursing, and it will depend on whether you choose Adult, Children and Young People, Learning Disabilities or Mental Health as your specialism. However, you should also meet the education and personal attributes below for all routes and specialisms.
Education and personal attributes
Currently the programme entry requirements include:
- literacy (Functional skills level 2 or equivalent e.g. GCSE Grade C or above in English)
- numeracy (Functional skills level 2 or equivalent e.g. GCSE Grade C or above in Maths)
- good character, evidenced through self-declaration, an enhanced criminal record disclosure, and two references – one of which must be from your current employer (where applicable)
- good health, evidenced through self-declaration of health status, occupational health screening, review of previous sickness and absence record, and two references – one of which must be from your current employer (where applicable)
- Successful completion of interview and assessment of your personal values matched to the requirements for sensitive nursing practices as defined by:
Entry routes
BSc (Honours) Nursing (Adult)
If you would like to specialise in Adult nursing, there are two routes onto the qualification. Entry will depend on if you are being sponsored by your employer or studying independently.
Employer sponsorship (Route 1)
This is a work-based route. In order to access this route you must be working in a healthcare role and have the support of your employer. You will be able to stay in work while you study provided you have the support of your employer and a suitable range of experience can be agreed.
Your employer will enter into a formal partnership with The OU for delivery of the qualification and should contact us on +44 (0)300 303 0529 for more details.
Middlesex University / University of the West of England direct entry (Route 2)
(England only – planned for February 2022)
If you are resident in England and not currently working in a healthcare role, this route allows you to apply directly to The Open University to study our BSc (Honours) Nursing (Adult). Some evidence of providing care to others is essential, though this could be in a voluntary capacity or for example, as an unpaid carer.
The programme is run in partnership with Middlesex University (MDX) and the University of the West of England (UWE). You will be registered as an OU student but will have an enhanced programme experience by being a linked student with either MDX or UWE. If entering via this route, you will benefit from the OU’s expertise in designing and providing high quality online learning resources and benefit from local placements and skills development.
Details of how to apply for February 2022 will be announced shortly.
BSc (Honours) Nursing (Children and Young People) / (Learning Disabilities) / (Mental Health)
Employer sponsorship
To apply for the Children and Young People, Learning Disabilities or Mental Health specialisms, you must be working in a relevant environment and have the support of your employer.
The Open University offers this practice-based qualification in association with partnering employers. As such, you must be working in healthcare practice in a caring role where registered nurse mentors are available. You will need to discuss the opportunity with your employer and with a member of the nursing academic team in your location. Contact us on +44 (0)300 303 0529 for more details.
Spaces are limited and the timeline for your application will depend on where you or your employer are in terms of readiness to join / support the programme for route 1 entry, or progress with direct applications for route 2 entry.
Preparing for study with an Access module
Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.
You’ll also benefit from:
- feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
- support from a dedicated team throughout your study
- detailed written feedback on your work.
The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our: