Open University Nursing R39: Fields & Routes (2026)
The Open University’s R39 model combines distance learning with practice placements through supported local employer or partnership routes, rather than a conventional campus intake. Regulator: Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
The Open University’s R39 model combines distance learning with practice placements through supported local employer or partnership routes, rather than a conventional campus intake.
Overview & Why Students Choose The Open University
The Open University is a UK higher-education provider offering pre-registration nursing degree routes across the UK. This guide focuses on entry requirements, fees, and practice learning partners from official university sources reviewed for 2026.
The Open University’s R39 model combines distance learning with practice placements through supported local employer or partnership routes, rather than a conventional campus intake.
Successful completion of an approved pre-registration nursing programme leads to eligibility to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in your chosen field of practice.
Reasons students choose The Open University
NMC field routes
Adult Nursing, Children's Nursing, Mental Health Nursing and Learning Disabilities Nursing — choose the field that matches your intended area of practice.
Delivery & practice locations
Distance / practice-based learning with placements organised through supported routes across supported UK locations. Study model: Distance learning with practice placements across supported UK locations.
NHS practice learning
Practice learning is organised through the relevant employer or eligible partnership route. Confirm the current provider and placement geography with the Open University.
Nursing Programmes Offered
UK nursing degrees are organised by NMC field of practice: Adult, Children’s, Mental Health, and Learning Disabilities (plus dual-field or integrated master’s routes where offered). Below are the field routes confirmed as offered for The Open University in sources reviewed for this guide.
Pre-registration
Adult Nursing
Offered via BSc (Hons) Nursing R39 — distance and practice-based learning, normally 39–45 months. Employer support or an eligible partnership route is required; availability varies by location.
Children's Nursing
Offered via BSc (Hons) Nursing R39 — Children and Young People field, distance and practice-based. Employer support or an eligible partnership route is required; availability varies by location.
Mental Health Nursing
Offered via BSc (Hons) Nursing R39 — Mental Health field, distance and practice-based. Employer support or an eligible partnership route is required; availability varies by location.
Learning Disabilities Nursing
Offered via BSc (Hons) Nursing R39 — Learning Disabilities field, distance and practice-based. Employer support or an eligible partnership route is required; availability varies by location.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Course codes | Qualification code R39 (institution code O11). Field pathway identifiers include R39-AD (Adult), R39-CYP (Children and Young People), R39-MH (Mental Health) and R39-LD (Learning Disabilities). Applications use the Open University employer or eligible partnership process rather than a conventional campus UCAS intake. |
| Degree apprenticeship | R39 is an employer-sponsored or eligible partnership practice-based route, not a standard campus UCAS direct-entry degree. Confirm the current employer or partner route for your field and location with the Open University. |
| Delivery | distance, practice-based |
This guide lists field routes offered in sources reviewed for 2026. See the official The Open University course page and the NMC for any later changes.
NMC Registration & Programme Status
Graduates of approved pre-registration programmes apply to join the NMC register in their field of practice.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) |
| Registration pathway | Complete an approved pre-registration programme, then apply to join the NMC register |
| Fields listed on this guide | Adult Nursing, Children's Nursing, Mental Health Nursing and Learning Disabilities Nursing |
| Source / next step | nmc.org.uk · Joining the register |
Figures and course details on this page reflect official university and UCAS sources checked on 24 July 2026. Awards, fees, codes and intake openness can change — verify the live course page before you apply.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and nurses educated outside the UK differ from home applicants. Use this as a checklist — not immigration or licensing advice.
For The Open University: International eligibility is field- and location-specific for R39. Confirm eligibility, English-language requirements, visa arrangements and practice placement access with the Open University before applying.
- English-language proficiency: Many UK nursing courses require IELTS 7.0 overall (often with minimum component scores); check the exact standard on the The Open University course page.
- Academic credentials: Overseas qualifications may need evaluation; follow university admissions guidance.
- NMC (overseas-qualified nurses): If you already trained abroad and want UK registration, follow the NMC’s overseas route (which may include CBT/OSCE). That path is separate from starting a UK student nursing degree.
- Student visa: The course must be eligible for a Student visa and practice placements must meet visa conditions.
Policies change. Use The Open University’s international office and the NMC for final checks.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
BSc (Hons) Nursing R39 is not a conventional campus UCAS direct-entry route. Apply through the Open University process for an employer-sponsored or eligible partnership place in your chosen field and supported location. Expect route-specific academic requirements, practice arrangements, occupational health and DBS checks.
Application route
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Application system | Open University course / partnership application route |
| Course codes | Qualification code R39 (institution code O11). Field pathway identifiers include R39-AD (Adult), R39-CYP (Children and Young People), R39-MH (Mental Health) and R39-LD (Learning Disabilities). Applications use the Open University employer or eligible partnership process rather than a conventional campus UCAS intake. |
| Typical entry requirements | Entry is route- and employer-dependent. Applicants need an eligible employer-sponsored or partnership place and must meet the current academic, practice, occupational-health and DBS requirements for their chosen field and location. |
| Additional checks | Interview, occupational health, enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
UK nursing fees differ for home and international students. Figures below come from sources reviewed for this guide; universities update fees by academic year.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Home tuition | England module fees for R39 (modules starting before 31 July 2027): theory modules £3,690 and practice modules £6,100 each; published England total at current prices £29,370. Employer sponsorship may cover fees. Fees and funding differ by UK nation, field and route — use the Open University R39 fee pages rather than a generic annual undergraduate fee-cap figure. |
| International tuition | International eligibility and fees for R39 are field- and location-specific. Confirm with the Open University before applying. |
| NHS Learning Support Fund | Eligible home students on qualifying courses in England may apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund (training grant and related support). Confirm eligibility on NHSBSA pages — support is not guaranteed for every applicant. See NHS Learning Support Fund |
| Source | The Open University course / fees pages (checked 24 July 2026) |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
After completing an approved programme, graduates apply for NMC registration in their field and typically seek NHS Band 5 (or equivalent) roles. Where graduate-outcome figures were sourced for The Open University, they are shown below with attribution; otherwise see university and Discover Uni / Graduate Outcomes publications.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Graduate / satisfaction snapshot | See Discover Uni and Open University graduate-outcomes information for the latest course-level employment and further-study results. |
| Registration pathway | Apply to join the NMC register after an approved pre-registration programme |
| Source | University publications / Discover Uni / Graduate Outcomes where cited |
Is The Open University the Right Fit for You?
Use this as a practical fit check for studying nursing at The Open University across the UK.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a UK pre-registration degree leading toward NMC registration in Adult Nursing, Children's Nursing, Mental Health Nursing and Learning Disabilities Nursing.
- Can commit to academic study plus substantial NHS / practice placement hours.
- Prefer a distance / practice-based nursing route with supported UK placements.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Cannot commit to the full-time study and placement pattern of a pre-registration nursing degree.
- Cannot meet interview, DBS, or occupational health requirements.
- Are seeking a field of practice The Open University does not currently offer.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
UK nursing degrees rely on practice learning with NHS trusts and other approved placement providers across supported UK locations and the wider region.
| Partner / setting | Details |
|---|---|
| Practice placement partners | Practice learning is organised through the relevant employer or eligible partnership route. Confirm the current provider and placement geography with the Open University. |
| Region | UK-wide |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing at The Open University is delivered through distance or practice-based learning with supported placement arrangements, rather than a conventional full-time campus intake.
Delivery model & study locations
R39 combines distance learning with practice learning in supported UK locations; the employer or partnership route determines local placement access.
Open days, online information sessions and employer/partnership briefings are useful for understanding simulation support, placement geography and nursing-specific student support.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Primary city / campus
- UK-wide
- County / area
- UK-wide
- Website
- https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/nursing-healthcare/degrees/bsc-nursing-r39/
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Open the official The Open University nursing page and note which NMC field you will apply for.
- Confirm the application method on the current course page (direct portal vs any other route) and the entry tariff/GCSE package for your chosen field.
- Check the course remains an approved pre-registration route via the university and NMC resources.
- Plan interview preparation and gather care-experience evidence if the course asks for it.
- Compare home vs international fees and NHS Learning Support Fund eligibility for your nation of study.
- Map travel time from your home or workplace to likely practice placements for the chosen field across supported UK locations.
- Set a reminder for the application deadline shown on your chosen course page.
Figures and course details on this page reflect official university and UCAS sources checked on 24 July 2026. Awards, fees, codes and intake openness can change — verify the live course page before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to The Open University nursing?
R39 is not a conventional campus UCAS direct-entry course. Start with the Open University R39 page, then confirm the employer-sponsored or eligible partnership application route for your chosen field and supported location. Qualification code R39 (institution code O11) applies; Adult and Mental Health identifiers may appear as R39-AD and R39-MH where used.
How much does nursing at The Open University cost?
Home tuition in sources checked for this guide: England module fees for R39 (modules starting before 31 July 2027): theory modules £3,690 and practice modules £6,100 each; published England total at current prices £29,370. Employer sponsorship may cover fees. Fees and funding differ by UK nation, field and route — use the Open University R39 fee pages rather than a generic annual undergraduate fee-cap figure. International: International eligibility and fees for R39 are field- and location-specific. Confirm with the Open University before applying. Eligible home students on qualifying courses in England may apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund (training grant and related support). Confirm eligibility on NHSBSA pages — support is not guaranteed for every applicant. See NHS Learning Support Fund. Figures and course details on this page reflect official university and UCAS sources checked on 24 July 2026. Awards, fees, codes and intake openness can change — verify the live course page before you apply.
What are the entry requirements for The Open University nursing?
Typical requirements noted for The Open University: Entry is route- and employer-dependent. Applicants need an eligible employer-sponsored or partnership place and must meet the current academic, practice, occupational-health and DBS requirements for their chosen field and location. Nursing applications usually also involve interview, occupational health clearance, and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Is The Open University nursing approved by the NMC?
UK pre-registration nursing degrees must lead to eligibility to apply for NMC registration. Check that your chosen The Open University programme remains an approved route via the university and the NMC.
Where do The Open University nursing students go on placement?
Placement partners noted for The Open University: Practice learning is organised through the relevant employer or eligible partnership route. Confirm the current provider and placement geography with the Open University. Trust allocation can vary by cohort and field.
Does The Open University accept international applicants for nursing?
International eligibility is field- and location-specific for R39. Confirm eligibility, English-language requirements, visa arrangements and practice placement access with the Open University before applying. Expect English-language requirements and Student visa rules where applicable.
What is the difference between Adult and Mental Health Nursing at The Open University?
NMC field routes prepare you for registration in a specific field of practice. At The Open University, offered fields include: Adult Nursing, Children’s Nursing, Mental Health Nursing and Learning Disabilities Nursing. Choose the field that matches the patient group and care setting you want to work in after registration.
Does The Open University offer a nursing degree apprenticeship?
R39 is an employer-sponsored or eligible partnership practice-based route, not a standard campus UCAS direct-entry degree. Confirm the current employer or partner route for your field and location with the Open University.
Where is The Open University nursing taught?
UK-wide. Distance learning with practice placements across supported UK locations.
Are there NHS bursaries or grants for The Open University nursing students?
Eligible home students on qualifying courses in England may apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund (training grant and related support). Confirm eligibility on NHSBSA pages — support is not guaranteed for every applicant. See NHS Learning Support Fund.
References
- The Open University — official course / provider pagehttps://www.open.ac.uk/courses/nursing-healthcare/degrees/bsc-nursing-r39/
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)nmc.org.uk
- NMC — joining the registerRegistration guidance
- UCASucas.com
- NHS Learning Support Fundhttps://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund-lsf
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for clarity and alignment with publicly available university, UCAS, and NMC information for UK pre-registration nursing.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, immigration, or financial advice. Programme approval, fees, deadlines, and entry criteria change; always verify with The Open University and the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Last reviewed: 25 July 2026· Review Process · Editorial Policy