Overview
Building your academic profile to degree level with a particular emphasis on the application of knowledge for safe effective and nursing practice.
Summary
The BSc Hons Nursing Science programme is specifically designed for overseas nurses / overseas pre-licensure nursing students, who wish to top-up to a degree award.
The programme offers two pathways at Magee campus:
Generic pathway
BSc Hons Nursing Science; for overseas nurses with relevant prior learning, who want to top-up to a degree award
Global Health pathway
BSc Hons Nursing Science (Global Health) is suitable for overseas nursing students who have completed two years of a pre-licensure undergraduate nursing programme at a partner institution, who wish to top-up to a UK degree.
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About this course
Attendance
The BSc Hons Nursing Science is a full-time programme delivered over one academic year typically from September to May.
Attendance will be monitored in keeping with UKVI monitoring requirements.
Start dates
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The course provides the opportunity for a range of diverse and immersive learning experiences including large group lectures, simulated clinical skills practice, tutorials, groupwork, guided reading and self-directed learning. Students will be supported to develop their knowledge and skills commensurate with their chosen pathway.
Students will engage in formative and summative assessment as a means of demonstrating their learning with feedback to enhance their learning.
Content
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
Attendance and Independent Study
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.
Calculation of the Final Award
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Academic profile
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.
Modules
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Year one
Communication in a Healthcare Context
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces students to the knowledge and skills required to communicate effectively in healthcare environments in a compassionate and professional way. Students will begin the process of engaging in reflection on/ in practice.
The Well Person in Body and Mind
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides students with an understanding of the development structure and function of the human body through the lifespan as a foundation for healthcare practice. The module also explores the study of psychology, introduces theories and insights into the origins and causes of human behaviour, and is designed to enhance students understanding of influencing factors that can determine a healthy body and mind. Together with the semester 2 module 'The Well Person in Society' this module facilitates the student to address relevant human biology, psychology and sociology. Assessment is by coursework.
Understanding Health Care Practice
Year: 1
Status: C
The aim of the module is to introduce the student to the roles, responsibilities and functions integral to health care practice. The student will learn that responses of the health care professional must be adaptable to meet the changing needs of people, groups, communities and populations in order to provide person-centred care that considers preferences. Assessment is by coursework.
Fostering Safe Holistic Care
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces students to the maintenance of health and safety issues associated with providing health care. Ethical and legal frameworks that underpin practice are introduced. Students will be provided with an opportunity to practice skills that will help them foster a caring relationship, carry out assessment of need, begin to understand the workings of the interdisciplinary team and respond appropriately in emergencies. Assessment is by examination and practical scenario.
Understanding Evidence for Health and Social Care
Year: 1
Status: C
This module aims to facilitate students in understanding how healthcare can be enhanced through the understanding and application of evidence. It helps students to appreciate the nature of evidence at a local, national and global level and prepares them for further study and the use of evidence and research in healthcare practice. Assessment is by coursework.
The Well Person in Society
Year: 1
Status: C
Together with the semester 1 module 'The Well Person in Body and Mind, this module facilitates the student to have a more complete understanding of the healthy person. This is achieved through providing the student with an understanding of health-related sociology and an enhanced understanding of relevant human biology. Assessment is by coursework.
Year two
Applied Human Sciences
Year: 2
Status: C
This module equips the student with the ability to apply their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to understand what happens when normal functions go wrong and to relate this to the symptoms experienced by the person being cared for. Students will also develop an understanding of the principles of pharmacology and microbiology to allow them to apply this to the care of the sick person. Assessment is by examination and class test.
Comprehensive Assessment and Practice in Health
Year: 2
Status: C
This module prepares students to engage in person-centred assessment and management of care needs across a range of care setting they encounter in practice. It endeavours to provide them with an understanding of the principles of head to toe assessment that incorporates physical, psychological, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual needs. The impact of the care setting, the developmental stage and age of the person and the perspective of carers are considered. Students will be prepared to apply these skills in a manner that is dynamic and responsive to the needs of the people, families and carers experiencing acute illnesses or long-term conditions.
Caring for a person with complex needs
Year: 2
Status: C
In order to practice effectively students need to develop appropriate skills, knowledge, understanding, attitudes and values in order to care for the person with complex needs in a
variety of care environments and across the lifespan. This module will focus on helping the student make appropriate links and apply theoretical knowledge in simulated practice in preparation for practice learning. Assessment is by short formative online test, class test and assessed group, practical scenarios.
Interprofessional and Collaborative Working
Year: 2
Status: C
This module prepares students to engage with other professionals from a range of health and social care professions and agencies in working effectively and collaboratively with individuals and families to provide the best possible health outcomes. Within this module, individuals and family members are considered part of the health and social care team and are included in the terms 'teams' and 'collaborative working'. The module will provide students with an understanding of the nature of teams and collaborative working, and the principles of effective communication and relationships for safe and effective clinical decision-making. The role and impact of supervision and reflection to further develop competence and skills are considered. Assessment is by coursework.
Promoting Health and Wellbeing
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides students with the opportunity to explore and evaluate the concepts of public health and health promotion within the context of the major social determinants of health and wellbeing and the causes of illness and health inequalities. Students will gain an understanding of the complexities of individual, group, community and population health and wellbeing within the broader spheres of risk, lifestyles or behaviours, self-care and management. The knowledge and skills gained from undertaking this module will facilitate student development in communication, teaching, facilitation and advocacy skills, and allow them to practice effectively in today's health care service, in order to meet the changing health needs of the population. Assessment is by coursework.
Understanding Research
Year: 2
Status: C
This module develops students understanding of the key components of the research
process and its relationship to healthcare practice and development. Tuition is by lectures and tutorials in which students develop practical skills in critiquing evidence. Assessment is by coursework.
Year three
Research Project
Year: 3
Status: C
This core module provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in retrieving and using research evidence. The module is designed to allow students to conduct an independent critical investigation of an area of health and social care relating to their own interest and to write a systematic review on that investigation. Students will also have the academic guidance through support from the staff member assigned as their supervisor who can lend their expertise in collegiate collaboration.
Nursing Science in a Global Health context
Year: 3
Status: C
This module explores and encourages debate about issues in contemporary global health and social care. Utilising a theoretical base to provide the springboard for critical discussion, reflection and more insightful practice is encouraged through a rigorous analysis of current dilemmas and topical issues
Professional Knowledge for Nursing in the UK
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module will equip students to understand and evaluate professional issues in nursing. Students will have the opportunity to use their developing knowledge to gain insights into assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of compassionate person-centred nursing care. They will be able to use the principles of evidence based decision-making to engage with contemporary nursing practice and prepare for inter-professional team-working and leadership.
Preparation for Nursing OSCE Assessment
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
Designed to support student preparation for OSCE assessment by enhancing their knowledge and skills in nursing procedures in UK nursing practice, this module will familiarise them with the structure and processes of OSCE assessment. Students will engage in simulated practice to ensure they can provide safe, effective, evidence-based nursing care and compassionate communication and a professional approach. This module does not lead to registration as a nurse in the UK.
Culture and Caring Across the Life Span
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module will equip nursing students with in-depth knowledge, so they gain an understanding and appreciation for other countries and diverse societies, cultures and practices, to enable them to provide culturally sensitive, person-centred care across the lifespan in a variety of healthcare settings. Students will have the opportunity to visit a variety of specialties within a local healthcare setting so they can observe nursing practice within a different cultural environment. Assessment is by coursework.
Nursing Practice for Mental and Physical Health
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module will facilitate the development of knowledge of physical and mental health problems and treatments, including co-morbidity and physiological and psychological vulnerability. Students will employ the evidence-base for clinical skills, assessment approaches, psychological, psychosocial and other complex therapeutic skills, interventions and care planned to provide person centred care across all ages, in a way that supports self-determination and aids recovery.
Standard entry conditions
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
A level
The programme typically offers a 'top-up to degree' award. It is suitable for overseas nurses, or overseas nursing students from partner institutions, who have sufficient and relevant prior learning to allow direct entry to study at level 6. It is therefore not suitable for direct entry by those who have studied up to A-Level.
English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Additional Entry Requirements
All international applicants must meet the UKVI requirements for Tier 4 visa.
All applicants must satisfy the University’s general entry requirements as set out in the prospectus or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of relevant prior learning.
Under the University’s ‘Qualifications and Credit Framework’, the achievement of an Honours degree requires the successful completion of 360 credits of study at levels 4, 5 and 6. In relation to this programme, students will typically enter the programme at level 6 having gained exemption for level 4 and 5 modules through the University’s ‘Accreditation of Prior Learning’ policy when prior learning will be accepted in consideration of exemption. Where exemption is obtained for levels 4 and 5 modules, the programme is normally completed over one academic year in full-time mode.
In order to achieve exemption from level 4 and 5 of the programme, an applicant shall have achieved the equivalent of a UK Higher National Diploma or Foundation Degree in Nursing.
In addition to the above:
- Applicants to the Nursing Practice in the UK or the Generic pathway, must be licensed as a nurse in their home country
- Applicants to the Global Health pathway must be from partner institutions and must be overseas pre-licensure, nursing students who have successfully completed the first two years of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing programme with excellent academic standing (as evidenced by academic transcript).
Exemptions and transferability
This programme typically offers a 'top-up to degree' award. It is suitable for overseas nurses, or overseas nursing students from partner institutions, who have sufficient and relevant prior learning to receive exemption for Level 4 and Level 5 credits and to allow direct entry to study at level 6. Such applicants will typically have attained the equivalent of a UK Higher National Diploma/ Foundation degree in Nursing.
Careers & opportunities
Career options
Career options may vary according to your personal aspirations and the pathway you study:
BSc Hons Nursing Science
Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) Nursing Science. You may wish to return to practise as a nurse in your home country having achieved your degree award. Alternatively and subject to UKVI regulations, you may choose to apply for work in the UK in the health care sector. Postgraduate study opportunities may also be available.
BSc Hons Nursing Science (Global Health)
Graduates who complete the Global Health pathway return to their home country to complete their nurse licensing examinations and may subsequently apply to return to Ulster to study the MSc Nursing or other postgraduate programme.
Work placement / study abroad
This programme provides clinical skills practice in a simulated clinical environment. The programme does not include practice in a clinical setting.
Fees and funding
Scholarships, awards and prizes
Further information about scholarships are available at: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/fees-and-finance
Additional mandatory costs
Tuition fees and costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges), and normal living are a part of university life.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses we make every effort to highlight them. These may include residential visits, field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering) inoculations, security checks, computer equipment, uniforms, professional memberships etc.
We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free wifi is also available on each of the campuses.
There will be some additional costs to being a student which cannot be itemised and these will be different for each student. You may choose to purchase your own textbooks and course materials or prefer your own computer and software. Printing and binding may also be required. There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Additional costs vary from course to course.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs as well as tuition fees.
Please contact the course team for more information.
Disclaimer
- The University endeavours to deliver courses and programmes of study in accordance with the description set out in this prospectus. The University’s prospectus is produced at the earliest possible date in order to provide maximum assistance to individuals considering applying for a course of study offered by the University. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in the prospectus is accurate but it is possible that some changes will occur between the date of printing and the start of the academic year to which it relates. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
- Although reasonable steps are taken to provide the programmes and services described, the University cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility and the University may make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, discontinue, merge or combine courses and introduce new courses if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key staff, changes in legislation or government policy including changes, if any, resulting from the UK departing the European Union, withdrawal or reduction of funding or other circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
- If the University discontinues any courses, it will use its best endeavours to provide a suitable alternative course. In addition, courses may change during the course of study and in such circumstances the University will normally undertake a consultation process prior to any such changes being introduced and seek to ensure that no student is unreasonably prejudiced as a consequence of any such change.
- The University does not accept responsibility (other than through the negligence of the University, its staff or agents), for the consequences of any modification or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University but will take into consideration the effects on individual students and seek to minimise the impact of such effects where reasonably practicable.
- The University cannot accept any liability for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its control, but the University will take all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.
