Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Top up)

This course aims to enhance the academic and professional development of nurses who will develop and gain valuable skills such as an in-depth understanding of key research principles, critical evaluation of information/evidence, and effective use of information technology.

Participants will also gain a critical awareness of issues at the forefront of nursing practice and analytical, problem-solving and conceptual skills to make reasoned decisions in their professional practice and sphere of influence.

Topics covered: Social Demographic Trends in the Nursing Profession, Work Psychology, Managing Teams, The Role of the Nurse as an Educator, Evidence-Based Practices in the Nursing Profession, Introduction to Research Methods, Bioethics in Healthcare, and Contemporary Issues in Nursing.

For Communication Skills:

The learner will be able to:

• Prepare and communicate information on contemporary issues in nursing to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Present arguments effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences both verbally and in writing

For Learning Skills:

The learner will be able to:

• Develop a critically researched approach towards building and sustaining arguments to solve problems
• Engage with fellow students in the peer learning process to share their own learning and development and critically appraise and comment on the progress of others in the context of the material being taught
• Develop critical reflective thinking and be in a position to challenge and critique various models, concepts and ideas
• Enhance their career by developing advanced knowledge and understanding to systematically and creatively inform their nursing practices
• Become independent, self-directed learners with the tools and motivation to continue learning, developing and reflecting throughout their careers

The overall course objectives are:

Knowledge:

• Critically evaluate the contribution and limitations of relevant research and how this can be used to enhance evidence-based nursing practice
• Demonstrate administrative team and conflict management skills in contexts that are unpredictable and relevant to changing trends of the healthcare sector and nursing practice
• Critically evaluate the healthcare strategies, policies and ethical frameworks in relation to their application to nursing practice
• Assess, plan and evaluate the theories that underpin the bioethics of nursing practice, work psychology and the educational role of nurses

Skills:

• Apply effective decision-making and problem-solving approaches in making informed judgements related to nursing practice in healthcare settings
• Critically review and evaluate the importance of applying nursing practices in the context of social and demographic changes
• Apply appropriate communication skills as a leader and educator of nursing practice.
• Access, retrieve, interpret and utilise information and evidence-based approaches to nursing appropriately.
• Apply creativity and initiative in developing projects in healthcare management processes and manage and train people to develop team performance in the healthcare environment.

Competences:

• Provide critical and reflective analysis of complex aspects related to nursing, using relevant and established theoretical frameworks
• Integrate knowledge to support proposals for innovation and change to enhance service delivery and improve health outcomes
• Evaluate research and other forms of evidence, including global health strategies, policy and guidance
• Develop an autonomous self-reflective critical responsibility for own personal and professional growth
• Have developed those learning skills that are necessary to continue to undertake further studies with a high degree of autonomy

Prerequisites

• Candidates who apply for this course must possess a qualification equivalent to a Higher Diploma (120 ECTS) accredited at MQF 5 (pass) in Nursing
• Preference will be given to prospective applicants having a year of work experience related to the study program
• Students whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate English language capability at IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent

Target Audience

This program is targeted at nurses who are registered with the Council for Nurses and Midwives Malta and/or other registering bodies.

Career Paths

This program aims to prepare you for junior to middle-management posts, such as those of

• Staff supervisor
• Office nurse
• Nursing manager, both in the private and public sectors.

Modules

You are required to complete all 6 compulsory modules (36 ECTS), and only 1 elective module out of the proposed 3 (6 ECTS), as well as the dissertation (18 ECTS) to fulfil the requirements of this bachelor’s top-up degree.

How you’ll be assessed

This is a part-time programme and will typically take 18 months to complete. The programme comprises a total of 9 modules. The method of assessment is assignment-based.

The course comprises:

• 6 lectures per module
• 3-hour lectures (evening)
• 12 hours of guided learning, and presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos
• Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work

IDEA College is Malta’s largest private further education institution focused on cultivating future leaders through specialized and accredited courses. With a philosophy centred around the students, IDEA College designs its part-time courses to seamlessly integrate into the personal and professional schedules of its attendees.

The curriculum is deeply rooted in industry needs, equipping students with practical skills and knowledge essential for success in their careers. The Academy distinguishes itself with personalized attention, access to expert mentors, an extensive resource library, and flexible payment options.

IDEA College offers a diverse range of programs, from introductory courses to advanced degrees from MQF/EQF level 4 all the way through Doctorate programs, all within a supportive, student-first environment.