Nursing Studies BSc (Hons) Top-Up degree

If you have a Diploma in Nursing Studies, then you will need to choose four optional modules from the list below as well as the Independent Study (double module).

If you have an Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies then you’ll only need to choose one optional module from the list below, as well as the Independent Study module (double module).

Modules:

Core

–Independent Studies

Code:6NU995

Info:

This is a key element of the course, bringing your skills of critical analysis, objective evaluation, problem solving and personal reflection together to undertake a substantial piece of research into an area of your choice.

Topics covered may include:

-The nature of evidence based-practice

-Reflecting on practice

-Using single cases and critical incidents to support practice development

-Selection of evidence for practice

-Critiquing evidence

-Application of evidence into practice

-Ethical issues in evidence-based practice

-Evaluation of change within practice.

Credits:40

Stage:Core

Core:Core module

Optional 

–Applied Cognitive Behavioural Theory

Code:6CL502

Info:

This module explores the various theoretical explanations of cognitive behavioural therapy. You will examine various disorders including Panic, Anxiety and Depression.

On successful completion of this module you wil be able to critically analyse the contribution cognitive behavioural theory has made to our understanding of human problems.

Topics covered may include include:

-Cognitive and behavioural explanations of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the associated theory base

-Cognitive and behavioural explanations of Depression and the associated theory base

-Cognitive and behavioural explanations of Anxiety.

Credits:20

Stage:Optional

Core:Optional module

–Assessment in Cognitive Behavioural Practice

Code:6CL500

Info:

The skills of conducting an assessment is one of the key skills that contribute to successful outcomes in cognitive behavioural therapy. This module introduces the student to the nature of assessment within cognitive behavioural practice, the difference between ideographic and nomothetic assessment, the use of measurements and the nature of the relationship within cognitive behavioural practice.  You’ll have the opportunity to observe and critique examples of assessments.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to critically analyse the use of relational and interviewing skills in cognitive behavioural practice.

Topics covered may include:

-The nature of the relationship in cognitive behavioural practice

-Interviewing skills

-Nomothetic and ideographic models of assessment, their uses and abuses

-Types of measurement, including observational and self report

-Uses of cognitive behavioural assessment.

Credits:20

Stage:Optional

Core:Optional module

–Asthma: Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Management

Code:6NU520

Info:

This module has been designed to enable Health Care Practitioners to meet the current challenges of modern Asthma care and management.

It offers a logical and systematic journey from the understanding of associated anatomy, pathopyhsiology and mechanisms of Asthma through to present and contemporary perspectives of management. An international focus will be adopted in reviewing current policy relating to patient management and self management practices in addition to close scrutiny of national and local policies impacting on the students’ current arena of practice.

On completion of this module you will be able to:

-Recognise key aspects of professional knowledge and competence in Asthma management, that promotes logical decision making in normal, complex and unpredictable contexts.

-Evidence the ability to deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and treatment within the realms of Asthma management

-Reflect on and critically evaluate your own professional role in understanding and facilitating self management of the person with Asthma.

-Topics covered may include:

-Epidemiology, incidence and prevalence

-Aetiology, natural history, genetics and atopy

-Anatomy and pathophysiology

-Signs and symptons/clinical manifestations

-Assessment of the patient

-Differential diagnosis/co morbidities

-Management of the condition

-Acute/Chronic Asthmas

-Current treatment options/Pharmacology, therapies

-Policy and Guidelines

-Monitoring review and audit

-Rehabilitation

-Multi disciplinary working

-Holistic impact on patient family and carers – bio psychosocial aspects

-Psychology of Breathlessness

-Patient knowledge skills and attitude – facilitating self management

-Consent, choice and concordance

-Public health

-Health economics

-Professional, ethical and legal issues.

Credits:20

Stage:Optional

Core:Optional module

-Diabetes: A Contemporary Approach

Code:6NU521

Info:

Diabetes is recognised internationally as a major health problem.

This module will provide structured materials which will enable the practitioner to examine disease processes of both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, current modes of diagnosis, assessment, treatment and contemporary management of the disease in adults.

The module aims to deliver a specialist focus on self management which will enable you to provide an optimum care package for the individual with Diabetes.

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

-Examine multiprofessional diabetes services and illustrate an understanding of other professionals’ roles and how these contribute to the service

-Identify and critically evaluate educational strategies for clients with diabetes in order to ensure effective self management

-Critically evaluate evidence-based knowledge related to the assessment, treatment and management of those persons with diabetes, providing an evidence base for best practice.

Topics covered may include:

-Basic Principles of Diabetes & its Biochemistry

-Pathophysiology

-Clinical Manifestations/ features of Diabetes

-Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetes:

-Management of Type 2 Diabetes

-Management of type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

-Dietetic intervention

-Management in extraordinary situations/ Surgery/ other illnesses

-Complications of Diabetes

-Living with Diabetes

-Organisation of Care

-Patient knowledge skills and attitude.

Credits:20

Stage:Optional

Core:Optional module

–Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare Policy and Practice

Code:6NU503

Info:

The current policy agenda and developing culture in health care increasingly encourage the exposure and debate of ethical and legal issues. In an increasingly litigious culture, the interface between health care and law is also becoming increasingly important.

This module aims to aims to address the interface between health care and law at all levels, policy, organisation, team and individual patient care. The modules will assist you to recognise and engage with these issues by application of the principles to your practice.

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

-Critically analyse ethical and legal issues relevant to health care practice and policy, incorporating critical application of selected theoretical perspectives relevant to ethics in health

-Understand and apply relevant ethical arguments and legal perspectives to a specific practice situation

Credits:20

Stage:Optional

-Evidence Based Practice

Code:6NU527

Info:

This module explores Evidence Based Practice; the practical skills and knowledge required in searching for the best available evidence and the critical understanding of different sources of evidence, in order to promote and implement clinically effective care and decision-making.

The focus of this module is on the critical evaluation of evidence and how this evidence can be used to increase clinical effectiveness. It has relevance for all health care professionals, but is particularly useful for those who have an interest in developing their skills of using research in practice, those who participate in clinical decision making and for students who require grounding in the essential elements of evidence based practice prior to undertaking a work based project or service improvement.

Topics covered may include:

-The context of Evidence Based Practice, including policy and guidelines; health economics and professional, ethical and legal issues

-Types of evidence and knowledge, including research methodologies

-Finding and reviewing the evidence including literature search strategies

-Decision making and implementation of evidence based practice

-Critical appraisal skills/use of critical appraisal tools

-Decision making and implementation of evidence based practice

-Dissemination and facilitation of change through EBP in practice development.

Credits:20

Stage:Optional

Core:Optional module

–Issues and Debates on Diagnostics and Medication in Mental Health

Code:6CL501

Info:

Practitioners such as nurses, counsellor’s and psychotherapists need to be able to communicate with psychiatrists, other members of mental health teams and medical staff in primary care and other medical settings. In addition practitioners are often required to give opinions in a legal context. Furthermore the psychological literature uses diagnostic classification as the basis for empirical research.

It is therefore imperative that practitioners are able to make use of diagnostic classifications in order to communicate accurately and use the literature to inform practice. Practitioners will also regularly come into contact with clients who are taking or may require a joint medication and psychological psychotherapeutic approach.  It is therefore important that a working knowledge of prescribed medications and psychopharmacology (the study of drug-induced changes in mood, sensation, thinking, and behaviour) is acquired.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to critically analyse:

-the use of ICD 10 and DSM 4 (diagnotic classifications) in order to identify a range of psychological and emotional disorders

-the modes of action and interactions of commonlyused medications for psychopathology

the aetiology and treatment of specific psychopathologies.

Topics covered can include:

-Diagnostic classification (ICD and DSM)

-Diagnostic reliability and validity

-Strengths and limitations of diagnostic classification

-Psychiatric medications, i.e. antidepressants, anti-psychotics (standard and atypical), tranquillisers, hypnotics, beta-blockers

-Common medications used in chronic physical health problems eg diabetes, cardiac conditions, cancer

-Drug interactions and side effects.

Credits:20

Stage:Optional

Core:Optional module

-Mentoring in Practice

Code:6NU528

Info:

This module has NMC approval.

Within health and social care the role of the mentor has evolved into that of an individual who has responsibility for students’ learning in the practice setting, the quality of that learning and the assessment of skills. To fulfil this role therefore, you will need a critical understanding of key issues affecting teaching, learning and assessing.

Topics covered may include:

-Establishing effective working relationships

-Facilitation of learning

-Assessment and accountability

-Evaluation of learning

-Creating an environment for learning

-Context of practice

-Evidence-based practice

-Leadership.

To successfully complete Mentoring in Practice with NMC approval you are required to have NMC registration demonstrate experience mentoring a student under the supervision of a NMC qualified mentor and have the opportunity to critically reflect on such an experience.

You are required to spend an equivalent of ten days learning time throughout the module in both practice and academic settings. If you do not meet these standards you will be automatically moved to a non-approved but accredited route.

Credits:20

Stage:Optional

Core:Optional module

–Mentoring in Practice (Non NMC approved)

Code:6NU540

Info:

This module is for non Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registered nurses outside of the UK.

Within health and social care the role of the mentor has evolved into that of an individual who has responsibility for students’ learning in the practice setting, the quality of that learning and the assessment of skills. To fulfil this role therefore, you will need a critical understanding of key issues affecting teaching, learning and assessing.

Topics covered may include:

-Establishing effective working relationships

-Facilitation of learning

-Assessment and accountability

-Evaluation of learning

-Creating an environment for learning

-Context of practice

-Evidence-based practice

-Leadership

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

-Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the role of the mentor and the skills involved in either a health and/or social care setting

-Evaluate the learning environment and resources within work place settings and plan, implement and evaluate an educational experience that effectively uses appropriate strategies to optimise teaching, learning and assessing

Credits:2

Stage:Optional

-Minor Injuries

Code:6NU518

Info:

You’ll develop knowledge and understanding of the assessment, diagnosis and management of people presenting with minor injuries. This will provide healthcare professionals with a solid theoretical foundation to inform future practice. Whilst the module does include examination techniques, it is not possible to assess the application of this knowledge within the students own clinical setting. As with all aspects of clinical practice, this would need to be agreed with the student’s employer, in line with regulatory body guidance and other national and local guidelines.

In this module we will cover:

-Clinical history taking examination and documentation

-Anatomy and physiology relevant to minor injuries

-Musculoskeletal examination

-Assessment of neurological function related to the limbs

-Assessment and management of common minor injury presentations eg:  minor wounds, burns, minor head injuries, soft tissue injuries, eye injuries

-Analgesia relevant to minor injuries.

Credits:20

Stage:Optional

Core:Optional module

-Negotiated Module

Code:6NU506

Info:

This module allows you to choose an area of study (in agreement with your tutor) that interests you and that hasn’t been covered on the course. Alternatively, you could choose a topic that allows you to apply elements of what you’ve already learned to your workplace.

You will negotiate a contract of learning with the module leader or delegated supervisor. The contract will contain the following elements:

-Title

-Rationale

-Learning outcomes (approx 3-5)

-An outline of how the outcomes are to be met

-References indicating an appropriate literature search

-Proposed schedule of work

-Criteria for assessment

-Methods of assessment including weightings if appropriate.

Credits:20

Stage:Optional

Core:Optional module

-Palliative Care

Code:6NU507

Info:

In this module, you will consolidate your learning, drawing on previous knowledge and skills to develop confidence and competence in management of a patient and their carers at the end of life.

Within all health care environments, health care professionals are involved in caring for the dying patient. Managing symptoms, supporting the client and carers, and using your own and others’ expertise to the benefit of the client, are all important aspects. With the development of end of life care initiatives, the need to provide the right level of care at the right time and in the right place has been emphasised as of paramount importance to all concerned.

We will cover the following topics:

-Assessment in palliative care

-Concepts of loss and bereavement

-Holistic care delivery strategies

-Ethical and professional issues at the end of life

-Gold Standards Framework and Liverpool Care Pathways

-Methods of relieving pain

-Stages of grief

-Symptom management

-Anticipatory grief

-On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

-Demonstrate a critical understanding of external influences which have a direct effect on end of life care, and the strategies employed by the practitioner to facilitate the delivery of quality palliative care services

-Evaluate a variety of physical, psychological and social factors which impact on the client’s experience in relation to palliative care

Credits:20

Stage:Optional

–Partnerships in Dementia Care (Optional)

Code:6NU537

Info:

This module will introduce you to the professional, ethical and legal dilemmas within the context of quality of life, age and culture surround Dementia. The theme ‘person centred care’ will underpin the module and you will explore cognitive and behavioural methods of intervention for the client.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to evaluate frameworks for effective, collaborative and high quality interventions based on person-centred care, you will also be able to demonstrate an understanding of multidisciplinary perspectives of Dementia and approaches to care.

Credits:20

Stage:Optional

Core:Optional module

–Public Health: UK and International Perspectives

Code:6NU519

Info:

Although there have been improvements in public health across the globe, there still remain great inequalities within regions and countries around the world.  Social and medical determinants of these inequalities impact on the health of communities and populations. Public Health activities can play a key part in improving the health of families, communities and localities.

You will explore and examine the issues that relate to public health through an international lens in terms of determinants of health and through reflection on their own practice. Using essential elements of public health as a framework, you will be able to compare activities between regions/countries to inform your own knowledge in relation to your own area of public health.

Topics covered may include:

-Definitions and meanings of public health

-Principles and essential elements of public health theory and practice

-Reflection for learning and public health practice

-The organisation of public health nationally and internationally

-Accessing and using demographic and epidemiological data and information for public health

-Exploring inequalities in health

-On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

-Discuss and critically reflect on essential elements of public health theory and practice in relation to a population in your own region/country with those of a population in a different region/country

-Propose further recommendations to an identified global health issue in relation to a region/country with which you are familiar

Credits:20

Stage:Optional

–Social Consequences of Dementia Care

Code:6NU538

Info:

Recognition of the trajectory of the disease and the challenges associated with assisting people to maintain as much independence as possible, through the stages of dementia, is a key focus of a modern health and social care system. This module aims to develop the skills required of an advanced practitioner capable of autonomous working within their practice setting.

You will build on your understanding of Dementia as an ‘impairment’, differentiate between approaches and models of care, understand the barriers to the maintenance of personhood and apply evidence to practice appropriate to your health or social care context.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the context of local and national health and social initiatives in dementia care and explore the implications for practitioners. You will also critically evaluate barriers to maintaining personhood; and critically reflect on their own role in developing a service improvement project/initiative.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

-Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the context of local and national health and social care initiatives in dementia care and explore the implications for practitioners

-Evaluate barriers to maintaining personhood

-Critically reflect on your own role in developing a service improvement project/initiative

Credits:20

Stage:Optional

–Theory and Reflection to Support Practitioners Undergoing Preceptorship

Code:6NU517

Info:

Designed in partnership with senior nurses at local NHS trusts, this module will provide you with theory and reflective support to new employees in these institutions.

The module content is informed by the requirements of the NHS trusts and includes the development of skills to encourage evidence based practice, alongside the acquisition of the knowledge base required to enhance the skills development of the nurse who is new to the organisation.

After the successful competion of this module, you will be able to find and critically appraise appropriate evidence to support the care you provide and critically analyse the evidence required to support best practice.

Topics covered may include:

-Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and lifelong learning

-Evidence based practice

-Literature searching

-Reflective learning

-Theory practice interface

-Information management and technology

Credits:20

Stage:Optional

Core:Optional module

-Therapeutics and Diagnostic Reasoning

Code:6NU511

Info:

There is a growing need for nurses in both primary and secondary care to address the issues of drug administration, basic therapeutics and the use of drugs in clinical conditions.

Topics covered may include:

-Drug administration

-Diagnostic reasoning

-Pharmacokinetics

-The use and effect of drugs in clinical conditions

-The use of drugs in mental health

-Alternative perspectives on health and care

-Numeracy – mathematics applied to the administration of drugs.

Credits:20

Stage:Optional

Core:Optional module

You’ll need all of the following:

-a Diploma or an Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies (any nursing discipline)

-to be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or international equivalent

-to be working in a relevant Nursing arena e.g. community, Acute sectors, public or private health and social care settings.

-Documents to support your application

You’ll need to provide full details of your qualifications, written references and evidence of regulatory body membership (e.g. NMC PIN number).

English language qualification

You’ll also normally require one of the following English language qualifications:

-GCE O level English Language C

-GCSE English C

If English is not your first language you will need one of the following English language qualifications:

-IELTS 7.0

-TOEFL: 600 (paper based), 250 (computer based) or 100 (internet based)

-Pearson Test of Academic English: 51

-Cambridge Advanced Certificate: Pass

-London Tests of English: we accept level 4 for undergraduate courses

-International GCE O Level English Language: Grade C

-International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: Grade C

-We may accept other equivalent English Language qualifications with supporting evidence so –please provide full details with your application.

Pre Diploma/Advanced Diploma qualifications

You can apply if you qualified pre-diploma or if your International qualification (diploma or degree) in Nursing does not equate to that of UK entry requirements to the programme:

-If you are in current nursing practice and need additional credits at level 5.

-If you are registered with your professional nursing body (National or International) e.g. Nursing & Midwifery Council (UK) and need additional credits at level 5.

-There is an access route at Level 5 Diploma level and depending on your qualifications, you will need to successfully complete one or both the Counselling Skills and Counselling in Context modules for entry onto the BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (top up) degree programme.

-If you qualified pre Diploma or Advanced Diploma then you may be able to apply for credits through prior learning – Accredited Prior Learning (APL) or Accredited Prior Experiential learning (APEL) based on your previous academic and clinic experience.

Specialist online university
University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) specialises in delivering higher education and its objective is to empower students to achieve their full potential through a first class educational experience supported by information, advice and guidance.

University experience enriched with support
UDOL recognises that studying online and at a distance comes with its own challenges and that it’s a very different experience to traditional campus based study. The university´s support services have been designed to ensure that you can make the most of your time at the UDOL; with a wide range of support and information readily accessible.

Student support services include:

– Academic Team and Online Tutor
– Online Learner Advisor
– Student Wellbeing
– IT Service Centre
– eLibrary and Resource Centre
– Study Skills Advisory Scheme
– Skills Diagnostic Self-Assessment Tool
– Careers and Employment Service

Read more below:

Academic Team and Online Tutor
UDOL has a large team of highly qualified academics from around the world, who are experts in their field. They are research active and many of them have a wealth of experience in industry as well as in academia, bringing great value to the programmes. The team also has a high level of expertise in online learning, using best practice techniques combined with online teaching methods to ensure your studies are rich and stimulating.

Online Learner Advisors
Once enrolled onto your course, you will be assigned a dedicated Online Learner Advisor with extensive knowledge of your programme, who will be your main point of contact throughout your course.
To help you succeed in reaching your academic goals, your Online Learner Advisor will maintain regular communication with you, offering advice and guidance for any non-academic issues such as pace of study, fees and funding, authorised breaks from study, dealing with exceptional circumstances, and much more.

Student Wellbeing
Achieving success in your studies is affected as much by your wellbeing as it is by your academic ability. If you are happy and confident within yourself and your environment, then you will be far more able to achieve the success that you deserve.
The Student Wellbeing services offer support for anything that may impact on you, your academic performance or your experience as a student, from budgeting and anxiety to managing serious problems. The counsellors are especially trained in supporting students online, no matter the issue.
For students with disabilities, learning difficulties or long-term or mental health conditions, specialist support is also available. The student wellbeing team will assess your requirements and put Support Plans in place containing reasonable adjustments to the way you are taught or assessed.

IT Service Centre
The IT Service Centre is able to provide assistance if you are experiencing technical difficulties. They are available 24 hours a day so no matter your time zone, IT support is just a call away.

eLibrary and Resource Centre
The University’s library is accessible to online and distance learners. Investment has been made to make sure that your reading lists are in electronic format and that there is a wide range of online databases, digital texts and ejournals available to you.
As a UK based University of Derby student, you can also access other libraries via the SCONUL Access Scheme, which enables materials to be borrowed from higher-education libraries across the country. Many universities, HE colleges and national libraries throughout the UK and Ireland participate in the scheme making their resources widely available.
The library runs a comprehensive schedule of Support Sessions covering a wide range of topics. These live, one hourly webinars cover topics such as study skills, using the virtual library enquiry desk and dealing with assessment anxiety.

Study Skills Advisory Scheme
Developing your study skills is an integral part of studying. It is particularly important if you are returning to study after a long break and lack confidence in this area.
There is a wide range of resources including guides, audio-visual tutorials and live webinars covering:

– Writing essays and reports
– Writing a dissertation or Independent Studies
– Citing and referencing
– Reading and note taking
– Research skills
– Time management and coping with pressure
– Reflection and personal development planning
– And much more…

Skills Diagnostic Self-Assessment tool
To ensure you have the skills needed for online and academic study, our unique study skills diagnostic tool gives you the opportunity, at any point of your studies, to identify the skills that you are strong at and those which you may need additional help with. The tool will direct you to information and assisted support according to your needs.

Careers and Employment Service
Whether you’re just starting your career or are on a well-established pathway, the Careers and Employment Service has lots to offers. Live webinars, career coaching, CV tailoring and online resources are just some of the services that are freely available to help you develop your employability skills and to plan your next career move. The Careers and Employment service is equipped to help you explore what you will need to do to enhance your career and support you in applying for roles.
As an Alumnus of the University, you will have access to the Careers and Employment Centre for up to 3 years after graduation. You can access the service online, over Skype/ Hangout, on the phone, through e-mail or in person at our Derby campus.

Find out more about the careers and employment centre

– Step 1- Start your online application.

It’s free to apply and you have 28 days to complete your application so don’t worry if you don’t have everything to hand right now.

– Step 2 – Submit your online application.

Provide as much detail as you can and we will send you an email acknowledging receipt of your application.

Please, attach the following documents to your online application:

– Photo ID – this could be your passport or driving licence

– Written reference supplied on headed paper from either a manager, supervisor, tutor or teacher

– Copies of certificates or letter of testimony for previous qualifications

-NMC PIN number or Nurse Registration (for International students)

-Nursing transcript

Don’t worry if you can’t attach your documents right away.  Simply write your name and unique application id onto them, email, fax or post them to us after you’ve submitted your completed application.

– Step 3 – Wait for a response.

Our Online Learning Advisors will review your application and contact you within 1 working week. If your application is successful, we will make you an ‘unconditional’ offer. If we still need some additional information from you (eg evidence of your qualifications and experience including certificates and references) we may make you a conditional offer. If your application is unsuccessful on this occasion, we will email you to let you know.

– Step 4 – Time to enrol

We’ll ask you to enrol onto your course about 4 – 6 weeks before the start of term.  For example, if you apply to start your course in September enrolment will open approximately mid-August.

– Step 5 – … and pay

Contact us for more details about payments and notes for sponsors.

– Need Help?

If you have any questions during your application, don’t hesitate to contact your friendly Online Learning Advisors for assistance