Here at ARU, we’re dedicated to the continual improvement of healthcare and stand by the values of the NHS Constitution. We think it’s important to reflect on what makes a great nursewhat makes a great nurse.

A compassionate nurse understands that patient wellbeing must be placed at the centre of the care they deliver. A courageous nurse uses good communication to advocate for what’s right for patients and commits to act as a role model. We’ll help you grow into a competent nurse and concentrate on developing your leadership skills.

We’re proud to have been shortlisted for Nurse Education Provider of the Year in 2019 and 2020 by the Student Nursing Times. It speaks volumes about the quality of our teaching.

You’ll soon discover that ARU is a stimulating place to study Adult Nursing, with excellent facilities and registered, practising tutors who’ll make sure you’re being taught the latest techniques and give you the support you need to succeed. We make use of technology to support your learning too, with virtual reality scenarios and real time assessment.

Our Nursing and Midwifery Council validated Adult Nursing degree course places equal value on clinical practice and theory. It’ll take you from university lectures to a variety of placements. You may well find yourself working with younger and mature adults at a GP surgery, attending health visits or in a variety of hospital settings, from A&E through to acute care and oncology.

Placements last around seven to 12 weeks and include both acute and community settings. There are opportunities in older person care, dementia care, district nursing, surgical setting and more. There’s also the option of a self-funded overseas placement at the end of Year 2.

You’ll be linked to one of our NHS healthcare trust partners for your placements.

• If you study in Cambridge or Peterborough, you’ll do your placements in or around Cambridge, Huntingdon or Peterborough.
• If you study in Chelmsford, you’ll do your placements in or around Chelmsford, Southend, Basildon, Harlow or Colchester.

We want to make sure you experience a variety of placements and that you graduate as an effective practitioner. Our placement maps will help you plan your travel before you start on the course.

On placement, you’ll be working shifts. This can mean early, late and night shifts, as well as working weekends and bank holidays. You’ll be supported by practice supervisors and assessors as well as staff from ARU.

Meanwhile, teaching on campus usually takes place between 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday.

Each year, you’ll get allocated annual leave at set points to support you in balancing your course and relaxation time.

Throughout your time studying Adult Nursing at ARU, you’ll have the chance to share experiences with students from other health care courses, and to see how the professions work together to provide effective and seamless care.

Our students feel that their voice is heard and that we value their opinion. According to the National Student Survey 2020, they rate their tutors highly and value the feedback they receive

TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

Year 1

In the first year of your Adult Nursing BSc (Hons) degree, you’ll be introduced to the fundamental aspects of person-centred care and explore the NMC Code to understand what is expected of a proficient, competent nurse. You’ll also get the chance to put your newfound knowledge and skills to the test with two core practical hospital placements, where you’ll encounter patients with a wide range of needs in a nursing environment.

To make sure you’re developing the skills and knowledge needed for professional practice, we use a range of assessment methods. These include essays, presentations, exams, case studies, project work and assessment of practice competencies in the clinical setting. We know feedback is essential for your progress and our lecturers take pride in giving you clear guidance on how to improve your expertise.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

Year 2

The second year of your Adult Nursing BSc (Hons) degree will see you honing your practical skills even further, taking a deeper dive into understanding long-term conditions and research associated with them to support patients in your care.

You’ll learn how to recognise acute deterioration in patients to ensure that the best quality care is administered at the right time. Using guidelines and policies, you’ll appreciate the need for a structured process to risk assessment and monitoring, ensuring strong communication to optimise the outcome for the patient.

On placement you’ll continue to broaden your knowledge and put your skills to the test with a practice-focused approach. You’ll learn how to manage catheters and care for wounds as well as administering oxygen therapy and symptom management. Alongside this, you’ll also learn how to manage seizures, IV fluid management, venepuncture and more.

To make sure you’re developing the skills and knowledge needed for professional practice, we use a range of assessment methods. These include essays, presentations, exams, case studies, project work and assessment of practice competencies in the clinical setting. We know feedback is essential for your progress and our lecturers take pride in giving you clear guidance on how to improve your expertise.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

Year 3

The third year of your Adult Nursing BSc (Hons) degree will see you preparing to transition from a student into an autonomous practitioner ready to join the NMC register once you graduate.

You’ll be encouraged to develop and realise your role as an accountable and responsible nurse, embracing the importance of managing the planning and organisation of high-quality care. With patient safety at the heart of what you’ll do, you’ll learn the importance of highlighting and responding to poor or sub-standard practice. As part of your final year project, you’ll also get the chance to propose a plan for an innovative service improvement using evidence, resources, teamwork and planning.

By the end of your third year, you’ll be ready for the next step of your journey to becoming a nurse. You’ll receive plenty of interview and professional support in preparation for applying for your first job as a qualified nurse within the health care environment.

To make sure you’re developing the skills and knowledge needed for professional practice, we use a range of assessment methods. These include essays, presentations, exams, case studies, project work and assessment of practice competencies in the clinical setting. We know feedback is essential for your progress and our lecturers take pride in giving you clear guidance on how to improve your expertise.

Modules are subject to change and availability.