Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing - Adult (pre-registration)

Entry requirements

2:2 Honours degree (minimum)

Months of entry

January

Course content

This two year course involves a combination of intensive campus-based learning, with 2300 hours of practice learning in a range of practice placements in healthcare settings. Successful completion of the programme confers eligibility to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Registered Nurse (Adult). The programme also enables applicants who are already graduate nurses to gain registration in a second field of practice in around 20 months through the recognition of their prior learning. The postgraduate diploma represents two-thirds of a master’s degree and the opportunity exists to ‘top-up’ to a full MSc by undertaking a dissertation module after successful completion of the PG Dip.

The PGDip comprises theory and practice to ensure appropriate preparation and assessment in both areas. You will gain a wealth of practical experience during your practice placement, helping you to assimilate the role of a nursing professional. Theoretical modules are designed to cover the many subjects needed for nursing, including: health sciences, psychology, sociology, leadership and politics, as well as the fiscal aspects of nursing.

The main emphasis is on developing higher level skills of critical thinking, reasoning and analysis. You will also develop enhanced leadership skills equipping you to supervise, delegate and challenge practice in the future. Cooperative learning is central to the success and support of the programme. You will be an active part of a field-specific ‘action learning group’ where interactions construct new knowledge, place it within a conceptual framework of existing knowledge, and then refine and assess what you know and do not know.

Conference days are an integral part of the programme and is a forum where our distinguished professors share their cutting edge research. It provides opportunities for students to learn, build networks and be part of a conference environment.

Fees and funding

Please see the funding page.