male adult nursing student with patient

Accreditations

Nursing and Midwifery CouncilWinner at the Student Nursing Times Award 2023

Course Summary

Make a difference to people's lives as you study for a professional nursing career on our pre-registration Adult Nursing degree. 

The course will prepare you to become a registered adult nurse and you will learn how to assess, plan and evaluate the needs of the patient with complex acute and long-term illness, promote health and wellbeing, and communicate effectively with professional colleagues and service users. You will learn to become an adaptable, flexible practitioner who will be able to lead care, supervise others and work in a demanding and rapidly changing environment. 

Our Adult Nursing degree is a dynamic, interactive professional course which places the needs of patients and their families, and Adult Nursing practice at its centre. The Programme Team are committed to supporting you to realise your potential to become a compassionate, competent and autonomous Adult Nurse, able to meet current and future healthcare demands. 

We also work in partnership with a wide range of Trusts which enables us to provide placements covering a large geographical area that includes Wirral, Warrington, Cheshire, Crewe and Shropshire. 

The NHS Learning Support Fund provides additional funding for eligible healthcare students studying nursing. Further details can be found on theNHS Learning Support Fund page on our website. 

Why you'll love it

Nursing at the University of Chester video

Nursing at the University of Chester

What our Students think


What you'llstudy

The Nursing Foundation year will explore the theoretical aspects of health and nursing. You will examine key health and nursing concepts while having the opportunity to develop the academic and research skills required to enable you to succeed in your nursing degree.

Module content:

  • Reading and writing critically.
  • Constructing and evaluating an argument.
  • Note-taking techniques for reading and listening.
  • Understanding plagiarism and academic integrity.
  • Introduction to reflective practice.
  • Preparing for, and delivering, powerpoint presentations.
  • Referencing and citation.
  • Summarising and paraphrasing written sources.
  • Literature searching.
  • Report writing.
  • The culture and expectations of higher education.
  • The assessment process including the role of assessment criteria and feedback.
  • The nature of research journal publishing.

Whilst much of the content above is generic, students will be encouraged to situate skills within the context of the undergraduate discipline they are entering, which leads to some variation in emphasis for certain skills.


Module aims:

1.To raise awareness of the range of study skills required for successful higher education studies, including the process of academic writing, reading strategies, seminar skills, organisation of time and materials, planning for and meeting deadlines, understanding and responding to feedback.

2. To introduce students to concepts such as plagiarism, academic integrity and appropriate use of artificial intelligence tools.

3. To facilitate an effective transition into higher education by exploring, and providing guidance in, the key elements of successful undergraduate studentship including students' understanding of taking responsibility for their own learning.

4. To teach students how to undertake a literature, visual or data review for their discipline and be able to differentiate between a valid, reliable source and an unsubstantiated or irrelevant source.  

Module content:

  • Research and planning skills.
  • Becoming familiar with topics that comprise their undergraduate degree subject.
  • Developing a knowledge base for a discipline of study.
  • Identifying areas of interest.
  • Application and development of critical analytical skills.
  • Development of self-directed study.
  • Use of learning resources.

Module aims:

1. To develop students' skills in planning and writing an essay.

2. To familiarise students with the process of tutor supervision for a written piece of work.

3. To give students an opportunity to focus on a topic within their undergraduate degree subject.

4. To write a piece of work that allows the student to broaden and deepen knowledge on a topic of their choice.

5. To prepare and deliver an academic poster presentation outlining the student's research topic.

Module content:

  • Defining health in the 21st century
  • Culture and health 
  • The biomedical, social and biopsychosocial models of health
  • Health inequality: definition, examples and impact
  • Current health issues
  • The emergence of the UK National Health Service
  • Health promotion 
  • Individual Health behaviours 
  • Introduction to reflective theories (Nurses and Social Workers only)
  • Introduction to big data (Life Sciences)

Module aims:

1. To introduce students to the social, biomedical and biopsychosocial models of health.

2. To explore contemporary issues in health care.

3. To consider the impact of inequality on health.

4. To explore examples of health promotion.

 

 

Module content:

    1. What is the 21st Century Nurse: Historical context of nursing, personal and professional perspectives, NHS Plan and constitution.
  • Professional values in nursing: NMC Code, dignity, compassion, leadership, role modelling, raising and escalating concerns.
  • Person centred care: understanding care of all, individualisation and choice, models and frameworks for care.
  • Interpersonal communication skills: explore the need for interpersonal communication skills in nursing, development of self awareness of own communication skills.

 


Module aims:

To provide an introduction for students into the values, knowledge and skills required to become a registered nurse.

Module content:

Key anatomical terms

Organisation of the body - cells, tissues and organs

The role of selected biological molecules (e.g. hormones, enzymes and DNA)

Human organ systems, an overview with a focus on specific systems

Homeostasis

Cell biology and cancer

Genetics and inherited conditions

The role of microorganisms in human health and disease, with reference to specific pathogens and commensals and immunity


Module aims:

On completion of this module students will be equipped to:

1. Use key anatomical terms when describing human anatomy

2. Recognize the central importance of biomolecules and cells in human body function

3. Describe some of the main organ systems in the human body, identify conditions affecting them and discuss available treatments

4. Provide an overview of the role of genetics in human health and disease

5. Identify the causes of selected infectious human diseases and their treatment

6. Provide an overview of human immunity and the role of lifestyle in health and disease

Module content:

  • The role and historical context of Psychology
  • Social Psychology in human interaction
  • Development across the lifespan
  • Biological Psychology: the basics of the brain and behaviour
  • Introduction to mental health
  • Stress and stress management 


Module aims:

1. To introduce students to some of the perspectives in Psychology

2. To enable students to apply Psychology to professional practice

3. To explore a current issue in Psychology

You will apply theory to practice in Adult Nursing while developing key skills. You will also learn about anatomy, physiology and pharmacology.

Module content:

  1. Introduction to the human body across the age continuum; characteristics of life; concept of integration and homeostasis. Levels of structural organisation; systems and cross-system concepts, organs, tissues, cells and chemicals. Geographical navigation of the body; anatomical position and directional terms.   Overview of relevant disciplines. Overview of the biological basis of routine investigations.  

  2. Basic principles of pharmacology and their application; concept of keeping an ongoing personal formulary diary.

  3. The internal environment, fluid and electrolyte balance;  homeostatic control; common disorders; principles of restoring fluid and electrolyte imbalance homeostasis.

  4. Human body systems:

    - Integumentary system and cross-system concepts; human microbiome; inflammation, introduction to wound healing; introduction to the physiology of pain; principles of pharmacology/ topical route; common disorders and commonly prescribed medicines.

    - Nervous system and cross-system concepts; mental health/learning disability; common disorders; principles of pharmacology and commonly prescribed medicines.

    - Endocrine system and cross-system concepts; common disorders and commonly prescribed medicines.

    - Cardiovascular system and cross-system concepts; blood; common disorders and commonly prescribed medicines.

    - Lymphatic system and immunity; cross-system concepts; common disorders and commonly prescribed medicines.

    - Respiratory system and cross-system concepts; common disorders and commonly prescribed medicines.

    - Gastro Intestinal system and cross-system concepts; common disorders and commonly prescribed medicines.

    - Muscular Skeletal system and cross-system concepts; common disorders and commonly prescribed medicines.

    - Urinary system and cross-system concepts; common disorders and commonly prescribed medicines.

    - Reproductive system and cross-system concepts; genetics/ genomics; common disorders and commonly prescribed  medicines.

Module aims:

To demonstrate an understanding of basic human anatomy and physiology, show how these are linked to the biological basis of pharmacology, and subsequently applied in practice.

Module content:

The cross field content of this module is designed to enable students to meet the needs of service users and carers from all four fields of practice and as such the delivery will include application to all service user groups.

  1. Define person centred care & holistic care across all fields of nursing; historical context of person centred care; models of person centred care; and factors that influence delivery of person centred care.
  2. Public health and influences on health and social care - socio-economic, psychosocial, epidemiology. Health inequalities - addressing vulnerability and abuse; lifestyle; environment including urban and rural perspectives.  
  3. Human development across the lifespan; physical & psychological development; theories of development; developments of self-esteem; ACEs (adverse childhood experiences); identification of vulnerable groups; safeguarding.

Module aims:

This module aims to introduce the concept of holistic person centred care of service users across the lifespan with an understanding of human development. Understanding the importance of effective communication with service user, family, MDT across healthcare settings.

Module content:

The cross field content of this module is designed to enable students to meet the needs of service users and carers from all four fields of practice and as such the delivery will include application to all service user groups.

  1. Effective verbal and non-verbal communication strategies; communication tools; active listening skills. Individualised person centred care; family centred care; develop and maintain appropriate relationships with service users, families, carers and MDT. Resilience and coping; role modelling; use of the arts & humanities to enhance communication; mental capacity; advocacy; empowerment.
  2. Barriers to providing person centred care; safeguarding; cross cultural perspectives, diversity & cultural competence; social policy, environment including urban and rural perspectives.
  3. Types, range and strength of evidence used in nursing to provide high quality and safe care, for instance art in health; research, ethics and governance; evidence based practice; links to theory and practice; quality of care; policy.

Module aims:

This module aims to introduce evidence based practice, and the impact on the provision of high quality care. The module will explore the impact of socio-economic and environmental factors on health and well-being across the lifespan.

Module content:

This cross field module will integrate learning-to-learn and reflection into a series of linked sessions leading to personal and professional development, including the following:

  1. The context of nursing as a profession, past, present and future, including enhancing resilience, personal awareness, well-being and self- care strategies.
  2. Professional identity, social values and multi-professional working in order to provide creative and collaborative solutions to enhance practice.
  3. Preparation for lifelong learning in theory and practice, including active listening, note-taking, note-making, effective reading, portfolio writing including reflection to develop awareness of self and others, academic integrity.
  4. The use of current practice guidelines, contemporary evidence and political drivers to inform decision making, urban and rural practice differences.
  5. How the Code, ethical and legal frameworks underpin the nursing profession in the 21st century.

Module aims:

To prepare the student to become an effective nurse for the 21st century

Module content:

The cross field content of this module is designed to enable students to meet the needs of service users and carers from all four fields of practice and as such the delivery will include application to all service user groups in theory and practice: 

  1. Becoming a professional: NMC code, models of practice learning, legal and ethical frameworks, duty of candour. Self-care including reflective practice, reasonable adjustments in practice plan (RAPP), emotional intelligence, resilience, healthy lifestyle choices and clinical supervision. Advocacy and challenging discrimination. Record keeping, confidentiality, privacy and dignity.
  2. Safeguarding and escalating concerns. Capacity and consent. Interpreting routine investigations. Holistic assessment across the lifespan. Risk assessments, reasonable adjustments for service users. Developing person centred care plans, the nursing process.
  3. Working in partnership with service users, relatives, carers and other professionals. Lived experience connectors. Role modelling. Working with cognitive, behavioural, mental or physical challenges. Communication strategies across the lifespan. Supporting the activities of daily living across the lifespan including sleep, hygiene, nutrition and hydration and skin integrity. Prioritisation of care. Medication administration and management.
  4. Technology for health including manual and electronic recording devices. Team working and data sharing. Evaluation of care. First aid and basic life support (BLS), mental health first aid
    (MHFA), moving and handling techniques and equipment. Principles of infection prevention and control. Use of personal protective equipment
    (PPE), barrier and reverser barrier nursing and decontamination practice. Promoting healthy lifestyles in others. Obtaining clinical specimens and interpreting findings.
  5. Risk assessment and improvement tools across the fields and life span. Managing a safe environment.
  6. Integrated approaches to care, rural and urban perspectives. Promoting independence and recognising challenges for safe nursing care including socio-economic, physical, psychological and socio-cultural differences. Handing of effectively including written, verbal and digital techniques.
  7. Medicines management, application in practice of knowledge of pharmacology. Preparation and administration of medications. Accurate documentation for medicines management. Medicines calculations. Recognising and escalating concerns of harm from medication administration and error.

Module aims:

To provide students with practice learning opportunities which provide a range of experiences across fields. The module will introduce cross field and field specific skills for nursing. The learner will develop an understanding of, and be able to demonstrate, the skills required for practice.

Aims to equip you with the skills to demonstrate competence in coordinating and leading care. You will again study anatomy, physiology and pharmacology.

Module content:

  1. Understand and apply evidence bases: decision-making and problem solving; hierarchies of knowledge; person centred practice and embedding service user perspectives.

  2. Trans-professional learning development and collaboration: Remit roles and responsibilities; role interfaces; sharing knowledge.

  3. Research: philosophy of research; literature searching; research methodologies; research appraisal and critical thinking; evaluation of research in practice utilising a breadth of evidence bases; ethics and governance.

  4. Service improvement and innovation methodologies:  values, quality and continuous improvement; audit and evaluation in practice; clinical governance; service user co-production.

  5. Drivers influencing practice: policy; socio-political and economic drivers; impact upon health and social care provision; policy determinants; organisational strategies. 

Module aims:

Demonstrate an understanding of the evidence based principles of research, service improvement and innovation in trans-professional practice. 

Module content:

Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:

  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
  • Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
  • The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world

Theories, models and strategies of learning

  • Critical thinking skills, experiential learning       and models of reflection

Personal and placement-related transversal skills

  • Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
  • Effective time management and organisational skills
  • Project management – working away from University and independent study
  • Self-management and personal development

Whilst abroad:

Students will undertake study at one of UoC’s partner universities; it is expected that students will choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which equal a full-time study load. This must be agreed by the host institution and the International Tutor. Students must supply details of their courses/modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university, note students who fail to supply this within 4 weeks may have the opportunity withdrawn.


Module aims:

  1. To experience academic life in country outside of the EU, enhancing cultural and intercultural awareness and increasing transversal skills.
  2. To reflect on the impact of the experience in their destination on one’s own personal, academic and professional development.
  3. To engage with the experience of study at a partner university to gain extensive first-hand knowledge and understanding of the relevant society from the perspective of the resident.
  4. To further develop independent learning techniques.
  5. To foster critical evaluation.

Module content:

The field content of this module is designed to enable students to meet the needs of service users and carers in their fields of practice and also deliver cross field care all service user groups

  1. Maintaining self-care including reflective practice, reasonable adjustments in practice (RAPP), emotional intelligence, resilience, healthy lifestyle choices and clinical supervision. Advocacy and challenging discrimination. Record keeping, confidentiality, privacy and dignity.
  2. Assessing lifestyle factors and supporting others to make informed choices to manage health challenges. Assessing motivation and capacity to promote wellbeing recognising the person’s capacity to be a partner in their care. Recognising and acting upon signs of deterioration in mental health and providing evidence based support and skills. Understanding the family in partnership when considering end of life care and supporting treatment and care preferences.
  3. Working in partnership with service users, relatives, carers and other professionals to evaluate and monitor care effectiveness to readjust care plan goals. Using alternative communication strategies such as translator services to be able to provide people, families and carers with accurate information when providing treatment and care. Lived experience connectors. Maintaining clear and legible documentation and using digital technologies in care delivery. Initiate appropriate interventions after making informed judgements on commonly encountered presentations.  
  4. Participate in nursing procedures including assessing skin status and hygiene and providing wound care including aseptic technique, product selection and drain management, nutritional assessment and artificial hydration and nutrition including insertion and removal of nasogastric tubes, assessment and promotion of self-management in bladder and bowel continence and removal and insertion of different urinary catheters in all genders, neurological observations and seizure management, supporting mobility and managing falls, respiratory assessment including peak flow, chest auscultation and administration of oxygen via different routes. Nasal and oral Suctioning techniques, blood glucose monitoring, cardiac assessment including ECG and infection prevention and control methods. Social prescribing practice.
  5. Interpretation of normal and abnormal blood profiles and venepuncture and cannulation skills. Managing transfusion of blood components, Recognising and treating sepsis, positive risk taking and risk aversion.
  6. Safe and effective discharge planning across services (rural and urban) and caseloads, negotiation and advocacy of people and making reasonable adjustments to aid assessment, planning and delivery of care. Managing yourself and a team, deescalating conflict and managing concerns and anxieties in others.
  7. Medicines management, application in practice of knowledge of pharmacology. Preparation and administration of medications. Accurate documentation for medicines management. Medicines calculations. Recognising and escalating concerns of harm from medication administration and error.

Module aims:

To provide students with practice learning opportunities which provide a range of experiences across fields. The module will build on cross field and field specific skills for nursing. The learner will actively participate in and work towards increasing confidence and competence is able to provide care.

Module content:

The field content of this module is designed to enable students to meet the needs of service users and carers in their fields of practice and also deliver cross field care all service user groups

  1. Maintaining self-care including reflective practice, reasonable adjustments in practice plan (RAPP), emotional intelligence, resilience, healthy lifestyle choices and clinical supervision. Advocacy and challenging discrimination. Record keeping, confidentiality, privacy and dignity.
  2. Assessing lifestyle factors and supporting others to make informed choices to manage health challenges. Assessing motivation and capacity to promote wellbeing recognising the person’s capacity to be a partner in their care. Recognising and acting upon signs of deterioration in mental health and providing evidence based support and skills. Understanding the family in partnership when considering end of life care and supporting treatment and care preferences. Health needs assessments, Global practice experience.
  3. Working in partnership with service users, relatives, carers and other professionals to evaluate and monitor care effectiveness to readjust care plan goals, rural and urban perspectives. Using alternative communication strategies such as translator services to be able to provide people, families and carers with accurate information when providing treatment and care. Lived experience connectors. Maintaining clear and legible documentation and using digital technologies in care delivery. Initiate appropriate interventions after making informed judgements on commonly encountered presentations.  
  4. Participate in nursing procedures including assessing skin status and hygiene and providing wound care including aseptic technique, product selection and drain management, nutritional assessment and artificial hydration and nutrition including insertion and removal of nasogastric tubes, assessment and promotion of self-management in bladder and bowel continence and removal and insertion of different urinary catheters in all genders, neurological observations and seizure management, supporting mobility and managing falls, respiratory assessment including peak flow, chest auscultation and administration of oxygen via different routes. Nasal and oral Suctioning techniques, blood glucose monitoring, cardiac assessment including ECG and infection prevention and control methods. Social prescribing practice.
  5. Interpretation of normal and abnormal blood profiles and venepuncture and cannulation skills. Managing transfusion of blood components, Recognising and treating sepsis, positive risk taking and risk aversion.
  6. Safe and effective discharge planning across services and caseloads, negotiation and advocacy of people and making reasonable adjustments to aid assessment, planning and delivery of care. Leadership and management in own field of nursing including advanced leadership and political understanding of the context of practice.
  7. Medicines management, application in practice of knowledge of pharmacology. Preparation and administration of medications. Accurate documentation for medicines management. Medicines calculations. Recognising and escalating concerns of harm from medication administration and error.

Module aims:

To provide students with practice learning opportunities which provide a range of experiences across fields. The module will build on cross field and field specific skills for nursing. The learner will actively participate in and work towards increasing confidence and competence is able to provide care with minimal guidance.

Module content:

The field content of this module is designed to enable students to meet the needs of service users and carers in their fields of practice and deliver cross field care to all service user groups

  1. Communication – developing therapeutic relationships with people experiencing a range of physical health conditions across the adult age range continuum; their families and carers; empowerment; capacity; partnership working; working in teams; MDT communication; documentation; handover & sharing of information; play, distraction, art & music; education.
  2. Application of public health and health promotion to adult nursing. Prevention of ill health; health inequalities; life experiences; choices; risk taking behaviours and suicide prevention. Socio-economic factors; impact of spirituality, culture and cultural competence brief interventions. Rural and urban perspectives.
  3. Person centred care, family centred care; integrated care; collaborative working; prioritisation of care; care planning; evidence based practice in relation to providing high quality & safe person centred care for a range of field specific conditions; therapeutic interventions and the use of arts and humanities in adult nursing.

Module aims:

This module aims to explore health promotion and prevention of ill health in your chosen field of practice. The aim is to demonstrate understanding of enhanced communication to empower and enable service users, and work effectively across the MDT / range of settings.

Module content:

The field content of this module is designed to enable students to meet the needs of service users and carers in their fields of practice and deliver cross field care to all service user groups. 

  1. Field specific conditions; co-morbidities; coordinating complex care; recognition and management of deteriorating patient; identification of appropriate investigations, interventions & escalation.
  2. Recognition and management of risk to ensure safe care – risk assessment tools; impact of human factors; hierarchy; role modelling; team work; communication; working across different clinical & professional services.
  3. Discharge and transition planning – simple and complex discharge; inter & intra hospital transfer; transfer between teams; rural and urban perspectives, service transition across the adult lifespan; interagency team work, collaboration and family centred care; accurate communication and documentation.
  4. Role modelling and the impact of self on service user & MDT outcomes; emotional intelligence; leadership; motivation; ethical considerations.

Module aims:

This module will focus on field specific nursing conditions with increasing complexity and service users with co-morbidities. The module will explore identification and management of risk and factors which influence this.

Module content:

  1. Relevant anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, homeostasis and the application to field specific nursing: field genomics, respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, MSK, skin, endocrine, gastro intestinal and renal. Epidemiology and demography of field specific manifestations. Altered pathophysiology including signs of deterioration and sepsis. Example adult: Revision of anatomy and physiology of the renal system, exploring common pathophysiology relating to this system such as acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease.
  2. Impact of ageing on field specific groups, altered pathophysiology and psychosocial factors affecting homeostasis, including physiological and psychosocial impact of pain, anxiety, stress and discomfort. Example adult: Exploration of chronic conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, such as osteoarthritis, and the impact this can have on emotional health and QOL.
  3. Advancing pharmacology field specific knowledge, introduction to and the impact of poly pharmacy, medication usage and treatments, continued completion of personal formulary, knowledge of pharmacology and the ability to recognise the effects of medicines, allergies, drug sensitivities, side effects, contra-indications, incompatibilities, adverse reactions, prescribing errors and over the counter medication usage in field specific nursing. Application of mental capacity in medicines management. Example adult: Apply knowledge of pathophysiology and the ageing process to demonstrate safe administration of medication. For example, exploration of the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of pain and symptom relief in common pathologies such as cancer.
  4. Application of the principles of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics relating to a range of field specific conditions and related to management of interventions as applied to field.

Module aims:

To apply knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, principles of pharmacology and how these are applied in field specific nursing practice.

Year 3 focuses on advancing your leadership and clinical skills in Adult Nursing, and consolidating your understanding in other nursing fields.

Module content:

  1. Revision of anatomy and physiology, relevant pathophysiology, homeostasis across field specific nursing and beyond.
  2. Consolidate understanding of pharmacological principles in order to become prescribing ready, completion of personal formulary. Use of BNF. Application of how illness affects pharmacology, adverse drug reactions, polypharmacy, Drug Interactions - Pharmacokinetic and Pharmaco-dynamic Interactions, prescribing errors and management of field specific issues which includes the individual variation for people of all ages.
  3. Understanding the role of the nurse prescriber, developing consultation skills apply knowledge of pharmacology to the care of people, the role of generic, unlicensed, and off-label prescribing and the potential risks associated with these approaches to prescribing. and consideration to the psychosocial impact. Knowledge of how prescriptions can be generated, consent, concordance, adherence and duty of care in prescribing with consideration to the psychosocial impact. Influences on prescribing including organisational and pharmaceutical companies. Preparation to progress to a prescribing qualification following registration.

Module aims:

To critically explore the complexities of human anatomy and physiology and pharmacology in preparation for registration and prescribing ready.

Module content:

The cross field content of this module is designed to enable students to meet the needs of service users and carers from all four fields of practice and as such the delivery will include examples and application to all service user groups. 

  1. Continuing professional development and accountability: the role of practice supervisor, practice assessor, academic assessor and practice clinical supervision, delegation, action planning for personal development and principles of lifelong learning.
  2. Supporting learning: preparation for a teaching role; learning and teaching strategies; peer supervision; skills of teaching and facilitation; Inter-professional Learning (IPL), coaching.  
  3. Developing leadership through an examination of effective leadership traits, intelligent kindness, compassionate leadership, role modelling and reflection. Consideration of delegation and team working.
  4. Nurturing the future generation of nurses through compassion, empathy, prevention of burnout, time management, self awareness.

Module aims:

As part of the transition to registration, the module aims to develop the student’s leadership and teaching potential in preparation for twenty first century nursing.  

Module content:

The cross field content of this module is designed to enable students to meet the needs of service users and carers from all four fields of practice and as such the delivery will include examples and application to all service user groups. 

  1. Continuing professional development: Understanding the political drivers for 21st century healthcare, decision making strategies, types of power used in managing teams.
  2. Supporting innovation: preparing the culture for innovation; change theories and models; quality and governance.  
  3. Developing leadership potential: Leadership theory and styles, positive and negative leadership traits, using emotional intelligence.
  4. Development of service improvement artefact.
  5. Developing a business case for innovation, using evidence to support innovation, pitching and rationalising innovation. 

Module aims:

As part of the transition to registration, the module aims to develop the student’s appreciation of the steps involved in developing a proposal for service improvement in order to enhance the delivery of care for the 21st century.  

Module content:

The field content of this module is designed to enable students to meet the needs of service users and carers in their fields of practice and also deliver cross field care all service user groups. 

  1. Maintaining self-care including reflective practice, reasonable adjustments in practice plan (RAPP), emotional intelligence, resilience, healthy lifestyle choices and clinical supervision. Advocacy and challenging discrimination. Record keeping, confidentiality, privacy and dignity, promoting professionalism in others. Mentoring and supervising others. Being a professional role model.
  2. Completing whole body assessment using different strategies and technologies to assist. Assessing capacity and making reasonable adjustments when a person lacks capacity, Referring to other health and social care professionals and services.
  3. Recognising deterioration in mental, physical, and emotional health and recognising vulnerability and reducing harm from others. Keeping accurate and legible records, symptom management with increasing complexity including pain, distress, anxiety and confusion. Working with families in partnership and using digital technologies to assist. Using advanced communication techniques and strategies. Rural and Urban Perspectives.
  4. Participate in nursing procedures including assessing skin status and hygiene and providing wound care including aseptic technique, product selection and drain management, nutritional assessment and artificial hydration and nutrition including insertion and removal of nasogastric tubes, assessment and promotion of self-management in bladder and bowel continence and removal and insertion of different urinary catheters in all genders, neurological observations and seizure management, supporting mobility and managing falls, respiratory assessment including peak flow, chest auscultation and administration of oxygen via different routes. Nasal and oral Suctioning techniques, blood glucose monitoring, cardiac assessment including ECG and infection prevention and control methods. Social prescribing practice.
  5. Interpretation of normal and abnormal blood profiles and venepuncture and cannulation skills. Managing transfusion of blood components, Recognising and treating sepsis, positive risk taking and risk aversion.
  6. Safe and effective discharge planning across services and caseloads, negotiation and advocacy of people and making reasonable adjustments to aid assessment, planning and delivery of care. Leadership and management in own field of nursing including advanced leadership, commissioning and political understanding of the context of practice.
  7. Medicines management, application in practice of knowledge of pharmacology. Preparation and administration of medications. Accurate documentation for medicines management. Medicines calculations. Recognising and escalating concerns of harm from medication administration and error.

Module aims:

To provide students with practice learning opportunities which provide a range of experiences across fields. The module will build on cross field and field specific skills for nursing. The learner will actively participate in and work towards increasing confidence and competence is able to provide care with minimal guidance.

Module content:

The generic learning outcomes in this module will be applied to the students own field of practice through the use of case scenarios and field specific examples and discussion in field specific modules.

  1. Application of numeracy including weight, volume, drug calculations, interpretation of measurements and medicines management and administration and other activities related to the standards of proficiency for registered nurses;
  2. Use of SNAP numeracy assessment tool which allows students to increase their level of confidence and understanding around clinical numeracy.  Each student will have their own unique SNAP account giving them access to a range of learning resources which include an assessment simulator, online tutorials and podcasts;
  3. Class based numeracy tutorials and scenarios, use of SNAP.

Module aims:

This module aims to consolidate previous learning in the Nursing programme related to numeracy and to enable students to achieve the required level of numeracy competency for entry on to the nursing register as required by Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2018) Standards for pre-registration nursing programmes. Part 3 of Realising professionalism: Standards for education and training section 4.6.

The module will include the baseline skills needed to calculate medicines, measurements and other areas as required by the standards of proficiency for registered nurses (2018).

How you'll learn

You will be taught using lectures, seminars, tutorials, e-learning, practice-based workshops, practice in skills labs, practice simulation, learning-through-practice placements, and self- and guided study. We will support you to take responsibility for your own learning. 

Assessments include written assessments such as essays and a written exam; oral assessments such as presentations; and one-to-one oral examinations and practical assessments, including skills assessments and the ongoing practice assessment record. 

Beyond the classroom

On this course, you’ll spend time out on placement in each year of study where you’ll apply what you have learned to real scenarios in healthcare settings, giving you genuine experience and insight that will prepare you for your future nursing career. 

 

Medical staff and students walking down a corridor.

Clinical Skills and Simulation Facilities Tour

Entry Requirements

112UCAS points

UCAS 

112 UCAS points 

GCE A Level 

Typical offer - BCC/BBC 

BTEC 

BTEC National Extended Diploma: DMM; BTEC Diploma: D*D*

T Level 

T Level Health - Merit

Irish / Scottish Highers 

Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4

Scottish Highers: BBBB

International Baccalaureate 

26 points 

Access requirements 

 Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at Level 3, 30 of which must be at Merit or Distinction 

OCR 

OCR Extended Diploma: DMM

Extra Information / General Entry Requirements 

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A Level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. FETAC Level 5 (Major Award) with all eight subjects at Merit. Applicants must also have GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths or recognised Level 2 equivalent. Please note that applicants must also have evidence of recent study within the last five years.

Safeguarding / Suitability 

All successful candidates who receive an offer of a place for this course and choose the University of Chester as their Firm choice will be required to undergo checks with regards to their suitability to practice. A couple of months prior to admission to this course, the University will contact you to request that you complete a self-declaration form detailing any relevant convictions or other information that you believe may have an impact upon your ability to undertake work with children or vulnerable adults. You will also receive instructions on how to complete an online application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the University as a registered body – there will be a charge for this. Please note that the University does not accept previous DBS checks from other registered bodies or the update service. For details about the cost of the DBS and for further information please visit our DBS web pages.

112UCAS points

UCAS  

112 UCAS points  

GCE A Level  

Typical offer - BCC/BBC  

BTEC  

BTEC National Extended Diploma: DDM; BTEC Diploma: D*D* 

T Level  

T Level Health - Merit 

Irish / Scottish Highers  

Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 

Scottish Highers: BBBB 

International Baccalaureate  

26 points  

Access requirements  

 Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at Level 3, 30 of which must be at Merit or Distinction  

OCR  

OCR Extended Diploma: DMM 

Extra Information / General Entry Requirements  

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A Level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. FETAC Level 5 (Major Award) with all eight subjects at Merit. Applicants must also have GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths or recognised Level 2 equivalent. Please note that applicants must also have evidence of recent study within the last five years. 

Safeguarding / Suitability  

All successful candidates who receive an offer of a place for this course and choose the University of Chester as their Firm choice will be required to undergo checks with regards to their suitability to practice. A couple of months prior to admission to this course, the University will contact you to request that you complete a self-declaration form detailing any relevant convictions or other information that you believe may have an impact upon your ability to undertake work with children or vulnerable adults. You will also receive instructions on how to complete an online application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the University as a registered body – there will be a charge for this. Please note that the University does not accept previous DBS checks from other registered bodies or the update service. For details about the cost of the DBS and for further information please visit our DBS web pages. 

If you have an international qualification, please visit the relevant Country Page for more information: 

English Language Requirements 

Please note, that applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate they can meet the following English language criteria for this programme: 

  • IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in all other bands) 
  • OET B- in Speaking, Listening, Reading, and C in writing 
  • Degree completed in the UK with a 2:2 

72UCAS points

UCAS 

72 UCAS points 

GCE A Level 

72 UCAS points from GCE A Levels to include C in one subject

BTEC 

BTEC National Extended Diploma: MMP

BTEC Diploma: DM

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4

 Scottish Highers: CCDD

International Baccalaureate 

24 points 

Access requirements 

Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall

OCR

OCR Extended Diploma: MMP

Extra Information / General Entry Requirements 

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A Level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. Applicants must also have GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths or recognised Level 2 equivalent. Please note that applicants must also have evidence of recent study within the last five years.

Safeguarding / Suitability

 

All successful candidates who receive an offer of a place for this course and choose the University of Chester as their Firm choice will be required to undergo checks with regards to their suitability to practice.

A couple of months prior to admission to this course, the University will contact you to request that you complete a self-declaration form detailing any relevant convictions or other information that you believe may have an impact upon your ability to undertake work with children or vulnerable adults. You will also receive instructions on how to complete an online application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the University as a registered body – there will be a charge for this.

Please note that the University does not accept previous DBS checks from other registered bodies or the update service. For details about the cost of the DBS and for further information please visit our DBS web pages.

Fees and Funding

£9,535per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,535 a year, or £1,590 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

Fees for 2025/26 to be confirmed.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.

The NHS Learning Support Fund provides additional funding for eligible healthcare students studying nursing, midwifery, social work, and nutrition and dietetics. Further details can be found on the NHS Learning Support Fund page on our website.

Who you'll learn from

Yvette Heatley

Senior Lecturer, Programme Leader BN Nursing (All fields)
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Dr Jenni Templeman

Senior Lecturer
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Dr Adam Keen

Senior Lecturer
Dr Adam Keen

Kristen Vine

Senior Lecturer
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Dr Janet Barton

Senior Lecturer
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Michael Doughty

Senior Lecturer
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Daniela Shackcloth

Senior Lecturer
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Leigh Davies

Senior Lecturer
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Debz Butler

Senior Lecturer
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Ursula Roberts

Senior Lecturer
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Where you'll study Choose your location

Your future career

Job Prospects

Successful graduates are able to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as an adult nurse.

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.