Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

This top-up programme is designed to build on prior nursing qualifications and clinical experience to achieve an honours-level Bachelor of Nursing Studies. The curriculum focuses on advanced professional practice, evidence-based care, leadership, and scholarly enquiry relevant to contemporary nursing practice.

• Research and Evidence-based Practice: modules develop skills in critical appraisal, research methods and applying evidence to improve care delivery.
• Clinical Decision-making and Assessment: study of advanced assessment, diagnostic reasoning and therapeutic planning across care settings.
• Leadership, Management and Service Improvement: topics include team leadership, quality improvement, policy implementation and change management in healthcare.
• Complex Long-term Conditions and Integrated Care: learning to manage multi-morbidity, continuity of care and working across primary, community and secondary care.
• Public Health, Safeguarding and Professionalism: public health approaches, safeguarding vulnerable adults and children, ethics and professional accountability.
• Optional or Contemporary Practice Modules: may include care of older people, mental health in general practice, advanced communication skills or service development projects, depending on availability.

Teaching typically combines seminars, workshops, simulation and supervised practice-based assessment. Assessment methods include written assignments, case-based portfolios, presentations and practice competence sign-off. Successful completion top-ups prior learning and practice experience to the honours degree level.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to be a registered nurse with the relevant professional regulator and to hold a recognised diploma, foundation degree or equivalent level 5 qualification in nursing or health care. Typical requirements include:

• Current, active registration as a nurse with the relevant national regulator (for UK applicants, NMC registration).
• A recognised level 5 nursing/health qualification (for example a diploma or foundation degree) or equivalent academic and practice experience.
• Evidence of recent clinical practice and a professional reference endorsing suitability for the programme.
• Occupational health clearance and an enhanced DBS (or local equivalent) where required to support practice-based learning.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English language proficiency to the university's required standard.

Specific entry criteria and recognition of prior learning processes are confirmed by the university during application and may vary by applicant circumstances.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor in Nursing Studies (Top-up) enhance their professional standing and access a wider range of career pathways. Common directions include:

• Clinical specialist or advanced practice roles within hospitals, community nursing teams and primary care.
• Leadership and management posts such as ward/departmental managers or service leads.
• Nursing education roles, supporting pre- and post-registration learners in clinical settings or academic environments.
• Roles in quality improvement, clinical governance, policy implementation and public health.
• Progression to postgraduate study (for example MSc, advanced clinical practice or research degrees) to specialise further or pursue research and teaching careers.

The programme supports professional development, continued revalidation and career progression within the health and social care sector.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes has an established health and life sciences provision with strong links to local NHS Trusts and community providers, enabling high-quality practice placements and employer engagement. Teaching is delivered by staff with clinical and research experience, and students benefit from simulation facilities, small-group teaching and personalised academic support.

The university emphasises applied learning and professional development, helping nurses translate academic study into improved patient care and service delivery. Career and employability services provide guidance on onward study, role development and portfolio preparation for advanced practice or leadership roles.