BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies Top-Up

100% online

Take your career in nursing to the next level.

Apply by 13 October 2026
To start 27 October 2026
120 credits 12 months full-time £5,850 total fees pay per module

Key benefits

  1. 100% online BSc within 12 months
  2. 5 stars for teaching, facilities, employability, environmental impact, global engagement and diversity, equality and inclusion*
  3. 1st in the north-east for student satisfaction**
  4. 13th in the UK for social inclusion***
  5. 3rd in the UK for course quality****
  6. 70% of university research rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'*****
  7. Flexible fees: pay module by module

*QS Stars 2026
**Complete University Guide 2026
***The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
****Uni Compare Rankings 2027
*****Research Excellence Framework 2021

Why Sunderland?

World-class teaching, built around your future.

Student focused

We put our students at the
heart of everything we do.

Professions facing

We partner with employers
and embrace real-world
business challenges, shaping
the workforce of tomorrow.

Society shaping

We are a catalyst for
regeneration with our research
and innovation driving economic
and social impact.

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.

Internationally recognised

Learn from skilled professionals recognised for excellence

On this online BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies Top-Up, you'll be taught by skilled professionals with specialist areas within both clinical and teaching expertise.

We are an internationally leading university, rated 5 stars for teaching, facilities, employability, environmental impact, global engagement and diversity, equality and inclusion (QS Stars 2026) — the highest possible rating and a recognition of our practical focus on developing the skills that enable career progression for our students.

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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.
Internationally recognised

Learn from skilled professionals recognised for excellence

On this online BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies Top-Up, you'll be taught by skilled professionals with specialist areas within both clinical and teaching expertise.

We are an internationally leading university, rated 5 stars for teaching, facilities, employability, environmental impact, global engagement and diversity, equality and inclusion (QS Stars 2026) — the highest possible rating and a recognition of our practical focus on developing the skills that enable career progression for our students.

Specialist in online learning

A global university, experts in online learning

With over 40 years of international teaching experience, the University of Sunderland brings together a vibrant global community of learners. Our online programmes are shaped by this international perspective, giving you the opportunity to study, collaborate and grow in a diverse and connected environment.

Benefits of being part of our global network:

  • Study with a university that has campuses in Sunderland, London and Hong Kong, plus partnerships across Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.
  • Learn alongside students from around the world and gain insights from multiple cultural and professional perspectives.
  • Connect to a global community of distance learners and expand your international professional network.
  • Join a university recognised for social inclusion, ranked 13th in the UK (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026).
  • Experience cutting-edge online teaching supported by decades of expertise in global education.

I chose to study the BSc in Nursing because I wanted to build my knowledge, improve my skills and become a better nurse. The course materials are clear and easy to follow and I can study at times that fit around my personal life. The most valuable part has been being able to apply what I learn to my everyday nursing practice. I feel more confident in my knowledge and decision-making.

Ifeoma BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies Top-Up student
Before you apply

Admission requirements

  • You will need to be a registered nurse (in any field) and hold a Higher Education Diploma Level Nursing qualification. We accept students who have studied a certified Nursing course leading to the award of Registered Nurse, and for international Registered Nurses who also hold a Licence to Practice. This course does not lead to NMC registration and is not suitable for Nursing Associates.
Language requirements

English Language Requirements

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

  • IELTS 6.0 + minimum 5.5 in each component
  • Pearson Test of English Academic no less than 59 in each component
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) Grade C or above
  • O-Level English Language or GCSE English Language Grade C or above (UK Exam Board) Malaysian SPM 1119 Grade 6 or above
  • Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE) II: Merit or Distinction
  • Duolingo – minimum overall score of 90
  • Degree which has been fully taught and assessed in English
  • Alternative qualifications can be discussed with the Admissions team
Got questions?

Frequently asked questions

This programme is aimed at ambitious registered nurses who already hold a nursing degree or equivalent level 5 qualifications and want to enhance their academic credentials, clinical expertise, and career prospects.

Yes. The course has been designed with working registered nurses in mind, so you can continue in your current role and study flexibly around shift patterns and personal commitments.

No. Registered nurses based around the world can study this degree. The course is particularly suited to international nurses seeking progression or preparation for practice in the UK.

Total tuition fees for this programme are £5,700. You have the option to spread the cost and pay per module.

Fees Total

£5,850

Per 20-credit module

£975

Fees

Payment for this programme is flexible, and you can spread the cost by paying per module.  

Modules

This module enables you to explore and develop a deeper appreciation of the impact of management and leadership in care delivery, exploring the impact of policy, business needs and resources within healthcare settings. The concepts and principles of teamwork and leadership are investigated, and you will develop an understanding of the influence and strategies adopted to ensure safe and effective practice and to enhance patient or service user outcomes.

Top 10 in UK
for student support services
(Daily Mail University Guide 2027)
1st in the North
East for teaching quality
(The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
70% of university research
rated as ‘world-leading’ or
‘internationally excellent’
(Research Excellence Framework 2021)
8th in UK
for social inclusion
(The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
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