Nursing Courses -

Pre-registration programmes

1. Pre-registration diploma of higher education in nursing (Dip HE nursing)

• On completion, students are awarded both an academic and a professional qualification, through integrated study of theory and supervised nursing practice.
• Supervised nursing practice is 50% of the programme and takes place in both community and hospital settings.
• The programmes are normally three years in length, beginning with a 12 month common foundation programme (CFP), followed by around two years in one of the four branches of nursing: adult, mental health, learning disabilities or children’s nursing.

2. Pre-registration nursing degree

• On completion, students are awarded both an academic and a professional qualification, through integrated study of theory and supervised nursing practice.
• Supervised nursing practice is 50% of the programme and takes place in both community and hospital settings.
• The programmes are normally three years in length, beginning with a 12 month common foundation programme (CFP), followed by around two years in one of the four branches of nursing: adult, mental health, learning disabilities or children’s nursing.
• Some degree programmes last for four years.

3. Accelerated programmes for graduates who hold a health related degree.

• These shortened programmes are modified from existing nursing programmes and lead to qualification in adult, mental health, learning disabilities or children’s nursing.
• Accelerated programmes are at least 24 months in length. A minimum of six months is undertaken in the CFP and at least 18 months in the appropriate branch programme.

4. Part-time study
Part-time pre-registration nursing programmes are provided by some universities and normally last for five or six years. They are available to staff working in the NHS – usually as an assistant or an associate practitioner with qualifications up to NVQ level 3 (or equivalent). You’d be employed by the NHS, which would provide support in terms of time off to attend on a part-time basis.
After your pre-registration programme   

Once you’ve successfully completed your pre-registration programme and registered with the NMC you can apply for nursing posts. With some experience, you can look to develop your career further, which may mean further study/training.