Acute Care (Top-Up)
Learn more about caring for acutely ill adults, and top-up your existing nursing qualification to a BSc (Hons) degree in just one year.
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc/BA (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students; for example if the BSc/BA (Hons) course takes three years, you can expect to study over six years, though for some courses the part-time length may differ.
of universities in the country for graduates who agree their current activity is 'meaningful'.
Source: GOS 2025
Caring for acutely ill adults is a demanding and important role. We’ll help you develop the expertise to practise effectively and compassionately.
You’ll learn to provide specialist clinical care, explore current laws and procedures, and enhance your leadership, decision-making and teamwork skills.
Study by blended learning – a mix of work-based and campus learning. You should already be employed in a suitable acute-care environment, with your manager agreeing to offer supervision and mentorship.
Please note: this course is not suitable for UK Student Visa holders.
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
This course offers two great ways to boost your career.
Firstly, you’ll turn your existing qualification/s into a BSc (Hons) degree in just one year. Secondly, when you graduate you’ll have an important nursing specialism under your belt.
Having developed your intellectual and practical skills on this course, you’ll be a real asset to any team. You might choose to remain in your current job, or pursue a more specialist role. Whatever your plans, we’ll help you choose optional modules that fit with them.
Once you’ve got your degree, opportunities to study at Masters level will also be open to you.
Teaching and modules
Tailor this course to your own interests through a range of optional modules.
You can explore topics from cardiac care and pain management, to palliative care and stroke rehabilitation.
You'll also learn how to use research to support evidence-based, effective care, and complete a Major Project. Your Major Project is an opportunity to explore a topic of particular interest, with support from an experienced tutor.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Research Methodology
- Into ARU
- Undergraduate Major Project
- Adult Acute Care *
- Care of the Patient Undergoing Anaesthesia *
- Cardiac Care *
- Critical Care *
- Management of Acute Stroke and Rehabilitation *
- Management of the Person with Diabetes *
- Pain Management *
- Pain Management - Theory Only *
- Palliative and End of Life Care Management of Symptoms in Advanced Disease *
- Principles and Practices of Anaesthesia *
- Principles of Respiratory and Thoracic Care *
- Surgical First Assistant *
- Theoretical Perspectives in Adult Acute Care *
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc/BA (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students; for example if the BSc/BA (Hons) course takes three years, you can expect to study over six years, though for some courses the part-time length may differ.