BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Top–Up degree)

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Top-Up) is a part-time online program for Registered Nurses with a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies. It aims to develop critical, evidence-based practitioners who can evaluate and support colleagues in clinical practice. The program consists of core and optional modules, assessed through coursework, and prepares students for advanced nursing roles such as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Manager, and Nurse Educator.

Program Outline

Outline:

The BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Top-Up) degree is a part-time online program for Registered Nurses who hold a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Nursing Studies. The program aims to develop practitioners who can demonstrate critical, evidence-based approaches to practice, are motivated towards continuous professional development, and can critically evaluate the teaching and support of colleagues in clinical practice. The program consists of the following modules:

• Nursing - Top-Up (Core Module): This module focuses on rapid evidence review and synthesis, enabling students to develop skills in systematic and clear methodology for reviewing evidence available on specific topics.
• Nursing - Top-Up (Optional Modules): Students choose four optional modules from the following:
• Advanced Concepts in Palliative Care
• Asthma: Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Management
• Care of the Surgical Patient
• Diabetes: A Contemporary Approach
• Educating in Health and Social Care
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare Policy and Practice
• Evidence Based Practice
• Infection Prevention and Control
• Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care
• Managing the Acutely Ill Patient
• Minor Injuries
• Negotiated Module
• Partnerships in Dementia Care
• Public Health: UK and International Perspectives
• Relationships Informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Social Consequences of Dementia Care
• Therapeutic and Diagnostic Reasoning
• Working with People with Distress and Disorder

Assessment:

The program is assessed through 100% coursework, with a range of methods used, including:

• Essays
• Research reports
• Presentations
• Group work
• Practical reports
The grading system is as follows:
• 90-100%: Excellent - Distinction
• 80-89%: Excellent - Distinction
• 70-79%: Excellent - Distinction
• 60-69%: Very good - Merit
• 50-59%: Good/Satisfactory - Pass
• 40-49%: Unsatisfactory - Marginal Fail
• 5-39%: Very Poor - Fail

Teaching:

The program is delivered online, giving students the flexibility to study at their own pace and convenience. Students are supported by expert online tutors. The teaching methods include:

• Online units
• Discussion forums
• Personal blogs
• Independent research
The program also develops students' digital skills, including:
• Finding, interpreting, managing, and sharing information
• Participating in academic and research practices online
• Studying effectively in technological environments
• Using digital devices, applications, and services
• Critically reading and producing academic communications in a range of media

Careers:

The program prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in nursing, including:

• Registered Nurse
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Nurse Manager
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Researcher

€5,900 Prices for Non EU applicants differ