What you will study
There are two ways to start a qualification. You can begin your studies at Stage 1, or, if you haven’t studied for a long time, you can get started by studying an Access module as an additional preparatory stage of your chosen qualification. We know from experience that students who have completed an Access module do better in their subsequent modules, so it could be the vital first step you take to help you succeed in your future studies.
To find out the recommended Access module for this pathway, choose your country in the Fees section below.
Stage 1
Stage 1 consists of two compulsory 60-credit modules.
An introduction to health and social care (KYN101)An introduction to health and social care::This broad introduction to health and social care is part of the Common Foundation Programme of our Nursing curriculum. It helps you develop practical caring skills and the learning skills required for successful study. You’ll explore many facets of care in our diverse and changing society – drawing on your own ideas and experience and entering the lives of care workers and service users through in-depth case studies. The course uses the latest techniques of interactive DVD as well as books and online resources. It is written in a clear, thought-provoking style, with frequent activities to set you thinking.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q74-1,module,KYN101,,1 will give you a broad foundation to develop the skills required as a practitioner and lead you towards becoming a registered nurse.
The practice-based module Enhancing your healthcare practice (KYN117)Enhancing your healthcare practice::This online practice-based course which is part of the pre-registration nursing qualification explores the importance of promoting health and reflects on the contexts of practice and development of knowledge, understanding and skills to meet core service users’ needs. You will start by focusing on the differing roles of the healthcare team and explore the importance of promoting health. You are then given the opportunity to reflect on the context of practice; develop your knowledge, understanding and skills to meet service users’ needs; and apply your learning to your practice where your skills and competence are assessed.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q74-1,module,KYN117,,1, which is studied online, will help you to maintain the relevance of your practice in an ever-changing healthcare environment.
Together they provide you with appropriate preparation in healthcare practice and the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to reach progression point 1 (NMC requirement). You’ll also be well prepared for studies at Stage 2.
Stage 2
Stage 2 will provide you with the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to extend your healthcare practice across different service user groups and within diverse healthcare settings in the modules Principles and skills for nursing practice (KYN237)Principles and skills for nursing practice::This online course is the second of three practice-based modules in the Pre-Registration Nursing Programme leading to the award of the BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing or BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing. The emphasis within this course is in the development of your knowledge and skills in the adult and mental health fields that will enable you to achieve the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) competencies for pre-registration nursing. Using a range of study materials you’ll explore in depth the complexities of healthcare practice.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q74-1,module,KYN237,,1 (60 credits) and Exploring perspectives on health and illness (KYN238)Exploring perspectives on health and illness::This online course provides you with the opportunity to explore and critically engage with a variety of perspectives on health and illness – biological, psychological and sociological. You will draw on your own experience of practice to explore these in relation to health promotion and healthcare; physical and mental health; and different transitional periods across the life course. You will examine how the different perspectives might affect healthcare professionals, practitioners, service users, patients, people who are cared for and their carers. In addition, throughout the course, you’ll investigate the question of gender, ethnicity, ability, sexuality and social class.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q74-1,module,KYN238,,1 (30 credits). This stage also includes more specialist study of the science of mental health with The science of the mind: investigating mental health (SKYN228)The science of the mind: investigating mental health::What is the relationship between mind and body? Can we understand mental well-being and treat mental health conditions by focusing on brain function? Should we rely on drugs or are other treatments equally successful? This course presents and challenges the medical model of mental health, contrasting it with ideas in health psychology. You will learn from case examples of those with a mental health condition and those who care for them, as well as from research studies. There is an emphasis on understanding different approaches to mental health, as well as the nature of evidence for and against these approaches.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q74-1,module,SKYN228,,1 (30 credits).
By the end of this stage, you’ll be at progression point 2 (NMC requirement) and ready to move on to Stage 3.
Stage 3
Your Stage 3 studies will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to confidently manage, innovate, lead and critically review practice through the combination of the two compulsory 60-credit modules Exploring practice (KYN316) planned for October 2015 and Preparing for graduate practice (KYN317) planned for May 2015. You’ll contribute significantly to the work of the multidisciplinary team, and ensure that service users receive compassionate, person-centred and evidence-based care.
On successful completion of your degree, you’ll be ready to apply to the NMC for professional registration as a nurse in the field of mental health nursing.
Modules quoted in qualification descriptions are those that are currently available for study. As the
structure of our qualifications is reviewed on a regular basis, the University is unable to guarantee that
the same selection of modules will continue to be available in future years.
If your country isn’t listed here, visit our international prospectus.
Entry requirements
You can only be registered for this degree, if your employer has ensured that you meet the entry requirements specified by the NMC for entry to pre-registration nurse education. You must be working in healthcare practice in a caring role where mentors are available and your study can only be paid for by your employer. Places on the programme are offered following a selection process. (Please note that this degree is not available in Wales.) All shortlisted applicants will be invited to a face-to-face interview as required by the NMC.
The current NMC entry requirements include:
- literacy (Key skills level 2 or equivalent e.g. GCSE Grade C or above in English)
- numeracy (Key skills level 2 or equivalent e.g. GCSE Grade C or above in Maths)
- good character evidenced through self-declaration, an enhanced criminal disclosure and two references, one of which must be from your current employer
- 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.
This qualification is only offered by the university in association with partnering employers.
- If you are interested in this qualification and you meet the entry requirements above, we recommend that you speak to your practice education manager in your own organisation.
- If you are an employer interested in working in partnership with the OU please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards this qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible, and before you register for this qualification.
If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete this qualification. This may also mean that the next start date and the maximum time limit for this qualification are different to those shown above.
Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.
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