University of Derby the degree of bachelor of science in nursing studies

The University of Derby (Derby), a forward-thinking public university in Derbyshire, England, is renowned for its practical, student-centered approach to healthcare education, emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and real-world readiness in nursing and allied professions. Founded in 1851 as the Derby Diocesan Church of England Training College for Schoolmistresses and granted university status in 1992, Derby operates across its modern Kedleston Road and Chesterfield campuses, serving over 33,000 students from 120+ countries. Ranked top 50 in the UK for teaching quality (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023, Gold rating) and 1st in the East Midlands for student satisfaction in Nursing (National Student Survey 2024), Derby’s College of Health, Psychology and Social Care leads in applied health research, with 80% of outputs rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021). The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing Studies, specifically the online top-up variant for registered nurses, is a flexible postgraduate-level undergraduate completion program designed to enhance clinical knowledge and leadership skills. This 1–2 year part-time qualification (120 UK credits at Level 6) awards a prestigious Derby degree certificate or diploma with honors classification (First Class: 70%+), enabling diploma holders to advance to senior roles in diverse healthcare settings, with 99% of nursing graduates in professional occupations 15 months post-graduation (Guardian University Guide 2024).

A Legacy of Nursing Excellence and Professional Development

Derby’s nursing programs, rooted in its 19th-century focus on compassionate care, have evolved into a benchmark for innovative training, collaborating with the NHS and organizations like the Florence Nightingale Foundation. The BSc Nursing Studies (Top-Up) addresses the global demand for advanced practitioners amid workforce shortages, offering exemptions from prior learning for registered nurses (NMC-registered) with diplomas or advanced diplomas. Accredited by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Centre for Professional Accreditation until March 2026, it emphasizes evidence-based practice and lifelong learning, supporting career progression in a £50B+ UK healthcare sector. Alumni, including clinical leads and nurse educators, exemplify Derby’s impact, with the program praised for its “flexible, career-boosting” design (NSS 2024).

Diverse Degree Programs and Diplomas

Derby’s nursing portfolio prioritizes accessibility, with the BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Top-Up) requiring a Diploma/Advanced Diploma in Nursing plus NMC registration (or international equivalent). Delivered 100% online via asynchronous modules, it allows study around practice, leading to a classified honors diploma. Key highlights include:

• Core Structure (BSc Nursing Studies Top-Up): The program comprises 120 credits across six 20-credit modules, selectable from options like Teaching, Supervision and Assessment in Practice (mentoring skills), Leadership and Quality Improvement (strategic care), Implementation of Health and Clinical Research (evidence-based practice), Infection Prevention and Control, Managing the Acutely Ill Patient, Advanced Concepts of Palliative Care, Nursing Therapeutics and Medications Management, Children and Young People: Perspectives in Health, Diabetes: A Contemporary Approach, and Public Health: UK and International Perspectives. Compulsory elements include reflective practice, ethical decision-making, and research literacy, with assessments via essays (50%), portfolios (30%), and exams (20%). Completion in 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time) suits working nurses.
• Admission Requirements: Diploma/Advanced Diploma in Nursing; current NMC registration (or equivalent for internationals); 2–3 years’ post-registration experience preferred. English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, no subscore below 6.0). Applications via Derby’s portal; two intakes (September/March). Up to 100 places annually; a 10-week Certificate of Credit in Health and Social Care Studies (20 credits) is available for those needing academic bridging.
• Variants and Pathways: BSc Nursing (Adult) (pre-registration undergraduate, 3 years); MSc Nursing (Adult) (2-year accelerated for graduates); or progression to MSc Advanced Clinical Practice. The top-up is RCN-accredited for professional development.

Fees for 2025/26: £6,000–£9,000 (UK part-time per year); £10,000–£12,000 (international), with scholarships up to £2,000 for high achievers.

Why Pursue a BSc in Nursing Studies at the University of Derby?

Choosing the Derby BSc Nursing Studies (Top-Up) offers unparalleled flexibility for registered nurses, with fully online delivery, dedicated tutor support, and access to resources like the Clinical Skills Suite for virtual simulations. The program’s career-focused modules—acclaimed for its “inclusive, practice-relevant” structure (NSS 2024)—build leadership for roles like specialist nurse (£35,000–£45,000 starting salaries) in the NHS or international NGOs. Derby’s top-10 UK ranking for Nursing graduate prospects (Guardian 2025) and diverse community (50% mature students) ensure strong outcomes, while RCN accreditation enhances professional credibility. Affordable fees, bursaries (£1,000+ for NHS staff), and alignment with NMC revalidation make it accessible for global practitioners.

In summary, the University of Derby Bachelor of Science in Nursing Studies is an empowering degree certificate that elevates clinical expertise to leadership. For registered nurses seeking advancement, Derby’s top-up BSc delivers flexible excellence and impact. Explore programs at derby.ac.uk to top up your career.