Return to Practice - Nursing - 20 credits

The course comprises  a single module which has been developed in line with the NMC standards (NMC 2023) and in consultation with practice partners from local NHS Trusts, service users and previous students. Learning activities during the module include face-to-face contact, online resources  and practice-based learning. Successful completion of all assessments enables application for re-registration with the NMC in the relevant field of nursing. Please note that you can only re-register for one field of nursing and for a field of nursing for which you  have once been registered.

Course Content

Course content is organised around 6 key themes:

• Academic Skills
• Nursing skills
• Ethical and legal issues
• Professional issues
• Preparation for practice
• Personal growth and development

You will learn via lectures, seminars, group work and peer support, online resources, technological resources and in practice. A timetable will be available on enrolment as will access to the Moodle learning platform.

Course Assessments

There are x3 assessments during the course, and each must be passed.

1. Numeracy assessment via Safe medicate.
2. Practice assessment via achievement of proficiencies documented in the practice assessment document (PAD)
3. Course work assessment which is either a 10-minute audio presentation OR a 2000-word assignment.

On the course?

The course aims to enable students to demonstrate delivery of safe and competent nursing care in accordance with the Return to Practice Standards (NMC 2023). Students will become accountable, self-reflective and autonomous practitioners, working with a range of other professionals and within inter-professional and multiagency teams responding to the demands of contemporary nursing practice.

Practice learning experience / placements.

The minimum attendance expectation during placement is part-time hours (22 hours a week either long days or short shifts). There is flexibility to work full time if your placement area can support it. Placement attendance aims to be flexible. However, students do need to offer some flexibility and consideration for the needs of the service where they are placed as well as those of fellow students and the staff supporting. As stated, the University arranges placements in the Birmingham and Solihull  area. If you would like to be placed outside of this or in a non-NHS area you will need to arrange your own placement in advance application and note it on your application form to enable quality assurance process and vetting.

Attendance

University study days are two days per week during the initial  8-week study block.

Please see university attendance dates for 2026.27 courses.

How to apply

For April entry,  applications must be submitted by 31^st January. Applications will be screened and conditional offers made in early February. Candidates will attend a mandatory professional discussion by end February.

Entry requirements

• Lapsed UK registration with the NMC as a nurse, this must be submitted on application.
• Ensure that you meet the NMC English language requirements. - Available here
• One professional referee who is either your current or recent (past 3 years) employer or meets the NMC signatory requirements – Available here,who we may approach. They should be able to provide a statement regarding your character and / or performance as an employee. They must not be a friend or family member.
• Full completion of application form to include full employment history and personal statement. Academic history and qualifications should also be completed in full and evidence of qualifications including original nursing qualification (Diploma / degree) and school / college qualifications submitted with application.
• Completion of professional discussion
• Satisfactory occupational health and DBS checks (these will be activated on enrolment).
• Confirmed practice placement (usually achieved during professional discussion) or if outside of Birmingham and Solihull area, details should be submitted with application, including specific placement area and organisation and contact email and phone for link personnel.
• Applicants should be aware that qualifications, personal statement, professional discussion and reference all form part of the selection criteria for this programme.

Essential information for Applicants with Conditions of Practice orders/returning following a Striking-Off Order

If you apply for the Return to Practice (Nursing) Course at Birmingham City University you must declare if you are subject to any Conditions of Practice Orders or previous Striking-Off Orders.

If you are subject to either of these, we will then need to disclose this information to our:

• Insurance advisers
• Placement partners

Based on the information supplied they will decide on a case-by-case basis whether they are able to:

• Provide indemnity insurance cover during your placement.
• Offer a placement based on support needs identified in the conditions of practice.

If indemnity insurance cover is declined by our insurers then we will also need to share this information with the placement provider for the course.

You should be aware that there is a possibility that the placement provider will be unable to offer you a placement if:

• The placement provider is unable to provide the necessary support / supervision to meet your conditions of practice.
• Insurance cover has been declined.

If either of these apply this may mean that you will be unable to complete the Return to Practice (Nursing)  Course at BCU and we will be unable to progress with your application.

Course enquiries

If you have further questions not covered by the above information please contact returntonursing@bcu.ac.uk