Registered nurses who already hold a Diploma in Nursing at UK Level 5, or an equivalent, are the audience named on the BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Top Up) notes. Delivery on this listing is entirely online and asynchronous so study can sit around shift patterns. The narrative focuses on theoretical knowledge and research linked to evidence-based clinical practice, and on topping up an existing qualification to a BSc (Hons). AF Education does not promise pay bands, senior posts or additional professional registration. A January intake is listed. This is a UK home-student route — not international applicants. AF Education gives UK home students free help with the application and with Student Finance England.
Key facts
- Award / level
- BSc (Hons) (Top-Up)
- Study mode
- Full time
- Schedule options
- Online
- Location
- Online (distance learning) – no campus attendance
- Upcoming intake
- January 2027
- Top-up
- Yes — final-year (typically Level 6) route for holders of a relevant HND, Foundation Degree, Level 5 award or equivalent credit
- Foundation year
- Not included in this course title
- Awarding university
- The University of Sunderland
- Partner pathway
- PEN
Who this course is for
This suits people with an HND, foundation degree or other Level 5 qualification who want to finish a bachelor’s degree in this subject.
Entry routes for mature students
Entry normally needs a relevant HND, Foundation Degree or Level 5 qualification, or equivalent credit. You cannot start this top-up without Level 5 study behind you. AF Education confirms the exact requirements before you apply.
Funding with Student Finance England
AF Education is a free service for England-resident UK home students — not international applicants. For eligible courses, a Tuition Fee Loan can be paid directly to the university. Distance-learning students can normally only get a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend in person because of a disability, so we check your position before you apply.
Check your Student Finance eligibility — free, takes about 2 minutes.
How often you study
This listing is delivered online, so there are no campus days to plan around. Your study plan is confirmed before you enrol.
Career and progression
AF Education does not guarantee jobs or progression. Completing the top-up gives you a full bachelor’s degree, which can support progress in related roles or further study.
Course overview from The University of Sunderland
Programme overview
Boost your career progression as a registered nurse
Specialist nursing skills have never been in higher demand in the UK and worldwide. This presents significant opportunities for nurses to upskill, gain new qualifications, and progress quickly in their careers.
Our BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies Top-Up has been specifically designed for registered nurses with a Diploma in Nursing at UK level 5 or equivalent. Top-up your existing academic qualification to a BSc (Hons) degree and progress into a more senior role in a higher pay band.
Your course will be delivered entirely online and asynchronously, allowing you to study around your shift patterns. Focusing on theoretical knowledge and research linked to the delivery of clinical practice, you will enhance your ability to deliver high-quality, evidence-based healthcare.
Programme outcomes
What you'll learn
This online BSc (Hons) Nursing Top-Up will give you the skills and knowledge needed to step into more senior roles within healthcare settings.
Throughout this degree, you will:
- Enhance your existing knowledge base and gain a comprehensive understanding of theoretical concepts and models.
- Learn to link your new knowledge to your own clinical practice.
- Be equipped for leadership roles.
- Develop the ability to deliver evidence-based care as an enquiring practitioner.
- Become an innovator in your field of clinical practice.
Key skills and knowledge you'll learn:
- Professional integrity
- Leadership and decision-making skills
- Management theories relevant to your care setting
- Principles of teamwork in delivering and organising care
- Legal and ethical principles in healthcare and nursing
- Applying teaching and learning into a clinical setting
- Ethical decision-making frameworks
- Research principles and their application to nursing
- Evidence-based practice
- Global health issues, inequalities, and implications for nursing
Flexible learning
A flexible online BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies Top-Up designed for busy registered nurses
Our uniquely flexible online BSc course is designed to fit around your professional and personal life, allowing you to study at times that work best for you.
With this course, you can:
- Continue working in your current role while applying your new knowledge and skills in practice.
- Earn while you learn, avoiding the financial strain of taking a study break.
- Engage in an interactive online learning environment and connect with nursing professionals worldwide.
- Collaborate with tutors and peers through discussion forums and group learning activities.
- Benefit from diverse perspectives and shared experiences from nurses across different backgrounds.
- Receive proactive, personalised support from a dedicated Student Success Coordinator from enrolment through to graduation.
BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice is delivered entirely online by The University of Sunderland, so there is no campus to attend. Intake details are below.
How BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice is delivered
-
Online (distance learning)
Taught online by The University of Sunderland.
Upcoming intake Jan 2027
Entry requirements (Top-up)
Entry normally needs a relevant HND, Foundation Degree or Level 5 qualification (or equivalent credit). AF Education will confirm the exact requirements with The University of Sunderland before you apply.
How AF Education helps
AF Education support is 100% free for students. We help you check eligibility, choose a suitable course and campus, prepare documents, and submit your application — with clear next steps for Student Finance England where relevant.
FAQs about this course
What do I need to apply for the top-up?
A relevant HND, Foundation Degree or Level 5 qualification, or equivalent credit.
How is the course delivered?
The schedule on record is Online (Full time).
Can mature students apply?
Yes. Mature applicants are often considered through work-experience routes with a CV, references and an interview where required.
Can I get Student Finance England for this course?
AF Education gives England-resident UK home students (not international applicants) free help applying for Student Finance England on eligible courses. Check your eligibility free before you apply.
Does AF Education guarantee a job after the course?
No. AF Education helps with applications and funding checks but does not guarantee jobs or places.
Can I get a Maintenance Loan for online study?
Normally not. GOV.UK says distance-learning students can only get a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend in person because of a disability. A Tuition Fee Loan may still be available.
Register your interest
Register your interest in under 2 minutes. 100% free — we never charge you anything. A dedicated advisor will contact you to check eligibility and guide you through enrolment for BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice.
Related courses
Explore related programmes in a similar subject — at The University of Sunderland and at other partner universities where available.
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