Course description
Course overview
This three-year modular course leads to professional registration as a nurse in one of three specialist areas: adult, children’s or mental health nursing. Regardless of your specialism, you will combine academic study with practical work in a range of clinical placements in hospitals and the community. The course develops proficient and caring nurses who have the practical skills and intellectual capabilities to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
From September 2007, all students starting on the nursing diploma have the benefit of being able to convert to the degree course at the start of Year 3, subject to attaining specific academic requirements during the first 18 months of the course.
If you choose to take up this option you would leave City University London with a BSc (Hons) Nursing, subject to passing the relevant exams and assessments.
Course content
The Diploma course follows the same curriculum as the BSc Nursing course. The major differences are in the depth of study and the greater emphasis on leadership and research on the degree course. The course is full time and has three modules per academic year. All students develop skills in clinical decision making and supervisory settings.
Diploma students receive the same quality of teaching as degree students and assessment also takes the same format. They will also have the opportunity to switch to the BSc at the start of the third year, subject to achieving specific academic and practice requirements.
Teaching and assessment
We have excellent practical facilities including a biology lab at our West Smithfield site, which is fully equipped with everything required for practical sessions, and our innovative skills lab, shared with Queen Mary, University of London, encouraging and enabling nursing, midwifery and medical students to learn together.
The School has recently pioneered a unique teaching approach called the Virtual Tutor. As an alternative to large lectures, Virtual Tutor gives students the flexibility to extend their knowledge in their own time using an array of tools including specially developed workbooks, articles and videos.
We offer excellent IT facilities for all students including access to the internet. Documentation, advice and training on supported software are also available
Professional placement and study abroad
Half the time of your course is made up of practice experience (also known as clinical placements). This takes place in a diverse range of settings – anywhere where people receive healthcare support and advice such as hospitals, clinics and GP surgeries. Depending on your branch, this might also include experience in nursing homes, private hospitals, in patients’ homes, schools and nurseries. Most placements are located within a ‘Community of Practice’, which is a partnership of healthcare providers within a geographical area located across north east London. This enables you to become familiar with the particular needs of the local community and the different health care providers. You will also be expected to work the same hours as qualified nurses, and will be required to work a small number of night-shifts and weekend shifts. While you learn, you will always be supported and supervised by a qualified practitioner.
