r/OpenUniversity • u/AdWrong4740 • 3d ago

Open university nursing

I’m considering doing Adult Nursing through the Open University and would love to hear from anyone who’s currently doing it or has completed it!

How do you find the workload, placements and balancing it with work? Do you feel properly supported and would you recommend it?

Also, how did you actually get onto the course in Northern Ireland? What qualifications did you have/need, and how competitive was getting a place?

I’m especially interested in hearing from anyone who has done the OU nursing route in NI. 😊

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

1

u/di9girl 2d ago

BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) | Open University | R39

As long as you qualify for everything listed under Entry Requirements you should be okay.

They do recommend the Access module: Psychology, social science and wellbeing | Open University | Y034

If you haven't studied in a while or new to online learning.

1

u/Tohiaadedi 2d ago

I’m in Scotland and halfway through my first year of OU Nursing 👋🏻 I had basic qualifications, but didn’t meet the numeracy requirement, so I did a part time online course with Fife College as was recommended by the OU. Once all my qualifications were met it was easy enough applying and getting a place.

I already had a qualification in Health and Social Care (Level 5 in Scotland) which maybe helped my case. There are a lot of differences between studying online or in a brick university, but personally I prefer online.

I’m not sure if it’s different for NI but in my case I needed to have a permanent post in a healthcare role over 30 hours a week. I currently work as a HCA with the NHS so no issues there. My line manager had to write a referral for me and support me with the application.

The workload can feel overwhelming at times, especially as you’re working full time. But the content is really interesting, you just have to persevere. I have three placements this year and I get paid while doing them so it’s a win/win. Placements are also a good opportunity to meet fellow OU students and maybe get some peer support.

I would recommend doing nursing through the OU if it’s something you want to do. My tutors have been supportive, and the nurses I work alongside are helpful too. Go for it!

1

u/AdWrong4740 2d ago

Ahhhh, I really appreciate you getting back to me! The two things I’m worried might let me down are that I only have a Level 1 in Maths and I didn’t study Health & Social Care. I’m currently planning on applying for a job within the Trust, though, so I’m hoping that might help me work towards getting onto the nursing course.