Nursing, PG Dip, University of Essex Online

the United Kingdom

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Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
PG Dip	Part-time, Distance, Online	16 months	January, April, July	GBP 8572 total	GBP 8952 total

About Nursing, PG Dip - at University of Essex Online

As a nurse, it is essential to continue learning and developing your skills. Our PG Dip Nursing is designed to allow nursing professionals to gain a recognised post graduate qualification, plus a host of new knowledge and capabilities, in just 16 months alongside your current work commitments.

The modules focus on both the management aspects of healthcare, as well as, specific topics relevant to nurses in a range of positions, organisations and countries. You will learn from both our expert tutors and your fellow students through an entirely assignment-based course. Skills such as critical analysis, decision making and communication will all be enhanced by this broad-reaching programme, and you will be encouraged to reflect on your own clinical practice while you develop your own professional portfolio.

Alongside your main modules, you will be able to select three optional modules to tailor the course to your interests. Optional topics include:

the management of disease, including pathophysiology and pharmacology
the principles of pain management
the theoretical knowledge required to support the delivery and management of diabetes care both in primary and secondary healthcare settings
the role of nurses in meeting the needs of vulnerable individuals, groups and communities
the scientific concepts underpinning infection control and prevention
contemporary models and strategies to guide the design of effective health promotion activities
practical leadership skills underpinned by a critical appreciation of leadership theory

Upon completion of your PG Dip Nursing, we offer the opportunity for you to progress on to study for our full MSc Nursing (180 credits).

We're proud to be rated Gold in the Times Higher Education (THE) Online Rankings 2024. Our achievement, which is based on four pillars - resources, engagement, outcomes and environment - recognises our commitment to excellent online education.

Learn more about Nursing, PG Dip - at University of Essex Online

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Entry requirements

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That's why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within your two-week induction period of the course in order to continue with your studies.

Because of the work-based nature of the programme, all students must be working in clinical practice as a registered nurse or with a license to practice as a nurse with a nursing regulator or appropriate licensing board.

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the Academic Entry Route requirements for our PG Dip Nursing programme students must meet the following criteria as a minimum:

An undergraduate degree or equivalent in a health or social care related subject from an approved institution
Working in clinical practice as a registered nurse or licensed to practice as a nurse with a nursing regulator or appropriate licensing board

Work experience entry route

Students who do not have a degree may be eligible for entry and will be considered on an individual basis. In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our PG Dip Nursing, you must meet the following criteria:

at least three years' post-qualification work experience as a registered nurse or licensed to practice as a nurse with a nursing regulator or appropriate licensing board, supported by appropriate references

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0. Don't worry if you don't hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification - we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don't need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships at University of Essex Online

A university education is one of the biggest investments in yourself and career. Our tuition fees include all teaching materials and required reading – there aren't any hidden charges for assessments or resits.

We also offer students a range of tuition fee discounts, scholarships and payment options for our online courses*.

Full payment discount: Pay the full tuition fee upfront and you will get a 5% discount.
Alumni discount: Graduates from the University of Essex or University of Essex Online are eligible for a 10% discount.
Regional scholarship: If you're living outside the UK you might be eligible for a scholarship.
Student loan: Students based in England might be eligible for a loan from Student Finance England for our Bachelors and Masters degrees.
Monthly payment plan: Available for those who are self-funding.

* Please note that a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. For more information on our discounts and scholarships and to discuss your eligibility please contact our Admissions team.

Student reviews of University of Essex Online

Find out what students say about University of Essex Online

Nathan Jarvis - BSc (Hons) Computer Science

"The university’s excellent reputation heavily influenced my decision to enrol, as I wanted to ensure my degree would be highly respected. The University of Essex Online also offered the exact course I wanted in a shorter timeframe than many other part-time options, making it a practical choice as well."