From February 2021 the Open University (OU) will be delivering a new blended nursing programme in the London and the South/South West region in partnership with Middlesex University, London and University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE) (Subject to NMC Approval). It is anticipated that the application process for this new, innovative and exciting degree will open late September 2020.
The programme will contribute to growing the nursing workforce and provide NHS Trusts with access to newly qualified professionals who are flexible, adaptable, innovative and enthusiastic about change.
Focusing on a flexible delivery approach, the HEE blended nursing degree programme will enable learners to fit study around their existing work and personal commitments, providing opportunities to those who may by unable to follow traditional routes into nursing. Using a combination of learning approaches supported by innovative digital technologies, the programme will reduce barriers to entry to encourage individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds to enter the nursing profession.
The OU has been successful in the bidding process to be part of this innovation and will be delivering a unique pre-registration blended learning nursing curriculum in London and the South West, with partners Middlesex University and the University of the West of England. The academic content will be delivered via the OU’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and makes use of our new Future Nurse Curriculum. The practice-based elements of the programme will be delivered by our partners in their respective regions, with students having access to their skills labs and educational technology.
The first intake for learners registering with the OU and our partners will be February 2021, subject to NMC approval. Upon successful completion of the programme, learners will be eligible to register with the Nursing & Midwifery Council as an Adult Nurse.
Jan Webb, Associate Head of School – Professional Programmes at the OU, said:
“The Open University is very excited to be part of this high-profile innovative approach to nurse education. We are delighted to be working with our partners, Middlesex University and the University of the West of England, to deliver a unique programme that will enable wider access to nursing whilst equipping the future nurse with the skills required to deliver high quality care in the technological environment of the 21st Century. We are truly delighted to be part of this initiative”.
Find out more about the programme on the HEE website.
This HEE partnership initiative is available in addition to our BSc (Hons) Nursing and Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship programmes, available in the four fields of nursing practice; Adult, Children and Young People, Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Nursing, which are also delivered in a blended way via online distance learning.
Lauren Robinson is part of the Strategic External Engagement Team within the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies at the OU. Specialising in B2B communications management, she is responsible for employer and partner communications within the Faculty. Lauren has completed her Bachelor of Laws (Hons) with the OU and is currently studying towards her MBA. She is a keen reader and enjoys travel and cooking.
