Skip to main content Accessibility information
Est.1840

BSc (Hons) Pre-registration Nursing

Train to be a nurse and discover a lifetime of career opportunities.

Two nurses talking at a nursing station in a hospital ward

NMC Accredited (subject to approval)

Brand new facilities located within walking distance of the largest specialist teaching hospital and major trauma centre in the Southwest

Apply now for this course

Request info

Three A-Levels at grades DDD-BBB

Pass an Access to HE Diploma with at least 30 credits at merit Equivalent qualifications may be considered, including workplace delivered NVQs

Or T levels at grade M

GCSE English Grade 4 / C or above or L2 Functional Skills

Nursing Associates and Assistant Practitioners must have completed a L5 programme and Submit a Portfolio of Evidence for recognition of

See full entry requirements

UCAS points 104 -120 UCAS Tariff points to include 64 UCAS Tariff points from 2 ‘A’ Levels, BTEC or equivalent

UCAS code TBC

UCAS institution code P63

Duration 3 years

Course Summary

This three-year degree is mapped to the NMC (2018) Standards of proficiency for Registered Nurses and includes both academic and practice-based learning. Successful completion of the programme leads to eligibility to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

The programme is delivered within a supportive learning environment and includes classroom and simulated learning within our state-of-the-art clinical simulation suite and is taught by experienced registered nurse academics and other professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. The programme includes 4600 hours in total with a minimum of 2300 hours required in clinical practice placements. Learners are supported in clinical practice by registered nurses, nursing associates, assistant practitioners, and other members of the wider interprofessional team. Learners are both continuously and formally assessed by Practice Supervisors and Practice Assessors who have completed additional training.

Why study nursing at Marjon?

Taught by committed and experienced registered nurse academics and other registered professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds.

Accelerated learning through combining academic theory with clinical simulation in our new state of the art suite. Learners will understand why their new knowledge and skills are relevant and how to apply these in their clinical practice, contributing to high-quality, safe care.

Close working relationships with professional colleagues in clinical practice, ensuring our programme is responsive and relevant to local need and helping learners to robustly prepare for their future role as accountable registrants.

High-quality placements in clinical practice, working with local healthcare providers in acute and community care settings, with guided learning to help students develop knowledge and skills specific to the area of clinical practice.

Focus on supporting learners to become safe, accountable professionals through developing robust critical thinking and complex problem-solving and teamwork skills, empowering learners to contribute to nursing teams through effective self-management and ability to positively respond to challenges

The programme will address the health needs of the community, recognising the challenges faced in our society and examine ways to address the issue of health inequality.

Modules for this course

1st Year

Essentials of Nursing Practice
This module will introduce the knowledge, skills, professional attributes and values required for contemporary nursing practice. Students will discuss the importance of professionalism and accountability and begin their journey to becoming a registered professional. It offers students an opportunity to consider their own philosophy of nursing and to apply this to the provision of person-centred care for all fields of practice: adult, child, mental health and learning disability. The importance of effective communication will be explored with the underpinning theory applied using high fidelity simulation.
Integrated Care for Nursing Students
The module introduces students to nursing practice within a range of contemporary healthcare settings. Practice will be supervised, and assessment undertaken by a dedicated practice assessor. The module aims to build knowledge, experience, and skills around adult nursing care in relation to practical skills and reflective practice. The development of practice skills will be supported using high fidelity simulated practice. During clinical placement awareness of evidence-based practice and practical skills will be developed.
Social Determinants of Health
This module introduces students to the social determinants of health and their influence on health outcomes. Students will explore the challenges faced by those affected by poverty, homelessness, housing, seeking asylum and poor health literacy. Students will be encouraged to work with local communities to provide support to those most in need to support their learning. The module will explore the principles of health promotion and health protection, enabling application of knowledge of people’s health and why individuals make the choices they do and how they can be supported to make positive lifestyle changes.
Biological and Pharmacological Aspects of Health and Wellbeing
Registered nurses need to understand human anatomy and physiology across the life span. In this module the sciences as a platform to develop your understanding of normal and abnormal health will be explored and the influences that underpin health and illness. In addition, the principles of pharmacology and the importance of understanding of the systems and an introduction to promoting optimum medicines concordance will be examined.
Integrated Care for Nursing Students Part 2
The module continues the students experience in nursing practice within a range of contemporary healthcare settings. If placement capacity allows the second placement should be in a different healthcare setting than placement 1, for example if the first placement was in a community setting this time the student should attend a hospital-based placement. Practice will continue to be supervised, and assessment undertaken by a dedicated practice assessor. The module aims to build knowledge, experience, and skills around adult nursing care in relation to practical skills and reflective practice. The underpinning theory around common practical skills related to adult nursing care will be explored with students observing and critiquing clinical decision making. The ongoing development of practice skills will be supported using simulated practice. During clinical placement awareness of evidence-based practice and practical skills will continue to be developed and learners will be continuously

2nd Year

The Role of Evidence-based Practice in Clinical Decision-making.
This module examines the constantly evolving nature of healthcare provision with frequent changes to national and local policy and guidelines. The application of clinical decision making to an evidence base will facilitate students in applying theory to practice. Students will explore how different sources of information can influence practice and how to identify and use information in order to provide evidence base care.
Enhanced Care and Clinical Decision-making
This module will enable nursing students to expand their knowledge and assessment skills in a chosen clinical practice environment. Under the supervision of registered professional (practice assessor and supervisor), they will enhance their delivery of safe nursing care by planning, implementing, and evaluating care for patients with varying health needs. Nursing Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the delivery of health and care, their own clinical decision making and that others and relate this to patient need, policy, and legal and ethical drivers. Undertaking clinical experiential learning and the development of work-based competencies as defined by the NMC proficiencies for Part 2.
Developing Knowledge and Skills in Complex Care.
This module is designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to deliver safe, evidence-based care in order to effectively manage the patient with complex care needs. Local and national policies will be evaluated alongside critical reflection of the issues faced by those with complex health conditions and the challenge in delivering care in today’s healthcare environment. A whole systems approach will be utilised to apply the theory to practice using scenarios and high-fidelity simulation.
Improving Safety and Quality of Care for those with Complex Needs in Practice.
Under the supervision of registered professional (practice assessor and supervisor), students will enhance their knowledge, assessment skills, and quality of safe nursing care for patients with complex health needs. Nursing Students will develop their knowledge and enhance the delivery of quality healthcare, ensuring safe practice and relate this to patient need, policy and legal and ethical drivers. Undertaking clinical experiential learning and the development of work-based competencies as defined by the NMC proficiencies for Part 2.

3rd Year

Healthcare Management
The module reflects on contemporary themes in healthcare management. The module aims to support students to acquire the skills and confidence to challenge, innovate and become adept problem solvers. It will introduce students to develop the underpinning knowledge that leads to capable and effective management including leadership theory and human factors. Students will apply the taught theory in specially designed simulation activities that will present ‘real life’ situations in a range of healthcare settings.
Developing Leadership and Management in Healthcare
The first placement of year 3 will focus on developing leadership and management skills to provide and promote non-discriminatory, person-centred, and sensitive care, reflecting on people’s values and beliefs, diverse backgrounds, cultural characteristics, language requirements, needs and preferences, taking account of any need for adjustments. Students will be supported to understand the principles of effective leadership, management, group and organisational dynamics and culture and apply these to team working and decision-making. Students will be encouraged to recognise the mechanisms that can be used to influence organisational change and public policy, demonstrating the development of political awareness and skills.
Quality Improvement
This module examines quality improvement in healthcare and encourages students to become innovative healthcare practitioners who lead on providing quality healthcare. The module introduces students to the stages of innovation and transformation in contemporary healthcare. The essential communication skills which support effective partnership, and team-working linked to change management and leadership in relation to quality improvement initiatives will be examined.
Providing Quality Care in Practice
The final placement of year 3 will focus on quality and improvement to always provide safe person-centred care, responding to the challenges faced in health care provision to maintain high standard. Students will start to demonstrate the principles of effective leadership, management, group and organisational dynamics and culture and apply these to team working and decision-making. Students will be encouraged to recognise the mechanisms that can influence organisational change and utilise communication and management skills to facilitate this.

Please note: This course is subject to validation which means that it is either a new course or that the content is currently being updated. You can apply for this course now while some of the details of the course are being finalised by the University. Please contact the course leader if you would like further information.

What might I become?

On successful completion of the programme you will be eligible to apply to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, as a Registered Nurse in your chosen field of practice. Nursing can offer a variety of carer roles, locally, nationally and internationally in
community-based care, hospital-based care and Primary care settings.

You will also have the potential to develop your career, whether it’s clinically or in research, or in education and in leadership. Nursing has the flexibility to offer you a lifetime of carer opportunities.

“ The aim of this programme is to prepare and enable students for a dynamic and fast-changing health and social care system. Along with your placements and year-round clinical skills sessions you will participate in taught modules.”
Claire Langman - Associate Dean for Nursing and Health Sciences

How you’ll be taught and assessed?

How will you be taught?

This programme is delivered on our Plymouth Campus and includes both academic theory and clinical practice, which are delivered in a modular structure.  Students will attend module blocks for theory which will include lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, clinical simulation, group discussions, debates, peer support, study skills and more.

You'll also have opportunities to attend ‘Masterclass’ days where experts from clinical practice deliver teaching on a range of subjects. You'll spend a minimum of 30 hours per week in clinical practice, applying learning to patient care under guidance and supervision.

Students will be allocated 2 placements in Year 1 and 2 placements in Year 2 with an option at the end of year 2 to choose a short ‘elective’ placement prior to their final year. There will be a further 2 placements in year 3. Simulation will be used throughout the programme to support the underpinning theory

How will you be assessed?

The programme specifically prepares students for professional practice as a registered nurse and all assessments are there to ensure understanding and application of the knowledge skills and professional behaviours required. Academic assessments include essays, case studies, In-Class Tests, practical assessment in clinical skills lab, academic poster presentations and literature reviews.

Students maintain a Practice Assessment Document (PAD) and Professional Practice Portfolio (PPP) which records continuous and formal assessments in clinical practice including Episodes of Care and Medicines Management, to evidence achievement of the NMC (2018) Standards of proficiency for registered nurses.

Generic Staff Image

Julie McCoy

Course leader

View full profile

Julie is a registered nurse who has worked in a wide range of clinical settings including emergency care, primary care, minor injuries, sexual health, police custody and midwifery and is an experienced nurse academic.

Fees and funding

Fees UK students: £9,250

Fees for International students: £12,500

This fee covers your tuition and access to course-specific equipment and facilities, as well associated services including access to the library, study skills support, IT support, student support and wellbeing services and membership of the Student Union. There may be additional costs by course.

Additional costs:

Additional costs:

  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check (Annual Update Service or dated within 6 months of the start of the course)
  • Evidence that an occupational health declaration has been completed prior to starting the programme
  • Evidence of all required vaccinations being up-to-date
  • Travel to and from placement
  • Accommodation and general living costs
  • Textbooks
  • Stationary
  • Printing/Photocopying
  • Membership of a Union (Optional but advised)
  • NMC registration on completion of the programme.
  • There may be some discretionary trips and other activities to support your studies

Funding available for this course

Our Student Funding Advisors offer confidential and impartial advice about your funding options.

Student funding advice

Lecturers

Frequently asked questions

Q1   Do I have to attend multiple placements away from my home?

Students will have 2 placements in Year 1 and 2 placements in Year 2. All placements will be between 10 – 12 weeks and students will spend 30 hours per week in clinical practice in acute and community care settings. Students will follow a range of shift patterns to learn how to contextualise and provide 24/7 care and will be given guidance on how to maximise their learning whilst in placement. This will include visits to supporting departments and following patient pathways and obtaining experience across the four fields of nursing. Where possible, students will be placed with local healthcare providers although there may be times when students are required to travel further afield.

Q2   Do I have to be interviewed for a place on the programme?

Yes, nursing applicants are invited to attend an interview day which will include a tour of the campus, as well as activities and mini interviews aligned to values-based practice and the NHS Constitution. Interviewers will include members from the university programme team, colleagues from clinical practice in local Trusts and Healthcare providers, as well as patient representatives from our ‘People who use services’ group.

Q3   Are the team looking for anything specific in my personal statement?

Yes. We want to know why you are interested in the programme and the personal qualities you feel you will bring to it and the nursing profession. Your personal statement will need to show that you understand the NHS Constitution and share its values. There are workshops available, supported by the programme team to help guide you with writing a successful personal statement.

Q4   Is there financial help to support me whilst I’m training to be a nurse?

Yes! From September 2020 the government has announced it will be providing additional funding support to healthcare students. All new and existing students will receive: A non-repayable payment of £5,000 to eligible students each academic year Additional payments worth up to a total of £3,000 per academic year for students in specialisms or regions struggling to recruit or to help students cover childcare costs. Find out more.

Apply now for this course

Enquire now