England.  Change location

Nursing and Healthcare courses

It’s hard to imagine a more dynamic, fast-changing sector than nursing and healthcare in the UK. Whether you’re seeking entry into the health and social care professions, or looking to progress your career, with an Open University nursing and healthcare course, the future is open. Choose below from our range of degrees, diplomas and certificates.

OU trainee nurse assisting patient

Nursing and HealthcareDegrees 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Stage 3120 credits
Total of 360 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 6 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 3 years

Degrees in Nursing and Healthcare

Nursing and HealthcareDiplomas 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Total of 240 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 4 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 2 years

Diplomas in Nursing and Healthcare

Nursing and HealthcareCertificates 

Stage 1120 credits
Total of 120 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 2 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 1 year

Certificates in Nursing and Healthcare

Why study Nursing and Healthcare with The Open University?

For over 30 years, we have been delivering supported and open distance learning in the field of Nursing, Health and Social Care, and developing highly-respected materials for multi-disciplinary and multi-professional use. You’ll join one of the largest and most innovative providers of educational opportunities and learning solutions in this sector.

The benefits of studying Nursing and Healthcare with us are:

  • Stay in your job while you study and develop in your current role.
  • We work in partnership with employers including the NHS, social services and the voluntary sector.
  • As the UK's largest provider of part-time social work training, we offer a diverse range of modules and qualifications in the field of wellbeing, health and social care that are relevant to practice-based work.
  • Unique work-based nursing programme for flexible professional development.

Blended learning nursing programme

In England, we can offer an alternative route to nursing if you’re not currently working in a healthcare role. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust offers both Adult Nursing and Children and Young People's Nursing, while Torbay and South Devon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust focuses on Adult Nursing. You’ll study theory online and will need to live near, or be able to travel to, Oxford or Torbay and South Devon, to gain practical experience through practice placements with local healthcare providers. For more details, visit Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust or Torbay and South Devon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Careers in Nursing and Healthcare

Studying for an Open University qualification in one of the healthcare disciplines is ideal preparation for personal development and career progression. Whatever your career goals, we can help you achieve them.

Our range of courses in nursing and healthcare can help you start or progress your career in:

  • Nursing and healthcare practice
  • Care and social work
  • Healthcare education
  • Clinical nursing research
  • Health/Care management

Looking for something other than a qualification?

The majority of our modules can be studied by themselves, on a stand-alone basis. If you later choose to work towards a qualification, you may be able to count your study towards it.

See our full list of Nursing and Healthcare modules

All Nursing and Healthcare courses

Browse all the Nursing and Healthcare courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.

See our full list of Nursing and Healthcare courses