BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) with NMC Registration

Why study this subject?

Caring for people during the vulnerable times in their lives is a challenging yet rewarding role, a great fit for compassionate, kind and caring people.

No two days within this job are the same – you will need to be able to continuously assess and review mental, physical, behavioural and spiritual needs to identify the priorities and requirements for individualised, evidence-based support.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

At Buckinghamshire New University, from your very first welcome, you’ll find yourself surrounded by friendly, like-minded students and staff – all passionate about nursing and healthcare.

We've been running nursing programmes for many years and students benefit from an excellent standard of teaching provided by staff from the University. Our lecturers maintain close links with practice, ensuring that the programme is always kept up to date.

You will receive personal tutoring and also be able to take part in our annual one-day inter-professional conference, focused on safeguarding. In addition, guest speakers regularly deliver sessions for students within the University to ensure we give a diverse range of views and experiences to our students.

At BNU, we recognise roles in this field are hands-on – that’s why you’ll take part in simulated learning experiences throughout the course using our specialised facilities. This will enable you to recreate authentic scenarios and practise your skills in a safe environment.

Alongside your studies, you will take part in a range of clinical placements with our NHS partner hospitals and homes. We work with a range of partners across the region and our students are highly respected whilst out in practice. We consistently see a high rate of employability after completing the course, with 98% of our students either in employment or further study six months after graduating (HESA 2020). Many of our students are employed by the Trust that they worked with during their time at the University.

As a BNU student, you will automatically become a member of Bucks Students’ Union giving you access to a wide range of services that we offer for free as part of our exclusive Big Deal package – including joining the Nursing Society. We are the only university in the UK to offer our members free access to such a diverse and exciting range of activities, allowing them to experience new things, socialise with broader groups of people and boost their employability – all to enrich your university experience.

What facilities can I use?

We utilise state-of-the-art simulation facilities for learning, development and practicing of skills – our purpose-built wards include real equipment, just like you’d find in hospital.

Simulation is an important aspect of our nursing and healthcare programmes. You will regularly spend time in the simulation labs, taking part in realistic scenarios to practise a broad spectrum of technical skills in a safe and supportive environment.

What will I study?

We believe in giving you the best chance for employment when you graduate, so our courses are carefully designed to ensure that you’re equipped with everything you need to start your career.

During your time on the programme, you will understand the theory behind diagnosis that can help you to make crucial decisions when looking after a patient. You will be able to lead changes in practice, improving the quality of delivery of care.

On placement, you’ll be able to put your theory into practice where you’ll be mentored in the art of patient care.

How will I be taught and assessed?

This programme integrates academic and practice learning underpinned by collaboration between practice partners and the University. It adopts a student-centred approach, enabling the development of the required knowledge, skills and professional values required to deliver compassionate, safe and effective nursing care.

Students spend approximately half of their programme learning in clinical practice and the other half with the University. We work closely with a number of NHS Trusts and independent care partners in the region to provide students with clinical placements – view the full list of partners we work with.

When you’re on campus, your academic study will be undertaken through varying modalities including seminars, lectures, simulation and virtual learning. Our team of experienced and dedicated lecturers have a collective wealth of knowledge from working in a number of areas, including:

• adult life support
• biologist
• end of life care for older people with dementia and care of vulnerable adults
• HIV, AIDS, sexual health
• human factors
• intensive therapy unit/intensive care unit cardio and respiration (ITU/ICU)
• patient safety
• pharmacology
• plastics and burns
• pressures ulcers/tissue viability
• renal medicine and transplantation
• stoma nurse
• spinal cord injury (adult and paediatric), from acute, rehabilitation to community discharge
• trauma and orthopaedics
• workforce and service delivery.

Across the three years, you will be assessed through a number of means:

• Year 1: Reflective assignment, presentation and exams.
• Year 2: Academic poster presentation, assignment and exams.
• Year 3: literature review/work-based learning project, reflective assignment, OSCE and exams.

You are also required to complete the knowledge skills and behaviours included in the Practice Assessment Document in each year of practice.

Foundation year

If you do not feel ready for the BSc (Hons) in Nursing, feeling nervous about returning to study after a break from education or do not meet the entry requirements for this degree programme, a Foundation Year in Adult Nursing could be for you.

The Foundation Year will help bolster your confidence in degree-level learning, allowing you to develop your academic study skills and knowledge in Adult Nursing and gain an introduction to university life.

During this year, you’ll get a real insight into the nursing profession and will be supported throughout the programme, preparing you to enter the BSc (Hons) in Adult Nursing degree, focused and confident to succeed.