1. The pre-registration course leading to the Diploma in Nursing shall be of four full-time academic years' duration.
   
   
2. Candidates for admission to the course must satisfy the general entry requirements of the University and the following requirements; the subjects offered must include at least 5 subjects at GCSE/'O' level, (4 in one sitting) including: Mathematics, English Language; and a science or combined science subject. Admission to and continuation on the course is subject to specific health requirements. Students are required to inform the Head of School of status and health problems relevant to their education and training or employment as a health professional.
   
   
3. In order to qualify for the Diploma in Nursing candidates must: have satisfied the entry requirements; have followed the four year nursing curriculum and passed all the required assessments and examinations; have completed satisfactorily all practical work, clinical work and other course work as required; have fulfilled all NMC requirements; and have acquired 240 credits at the required levels.
   
   
4. Normally, progress from one year of the course to the next will depend upon the successful completion of the appropriate examination and course work requirements and the satisfactory completion of clinical and other practical work. Candidates are permitted two attempts at each assessment; further attempts are not normally permitted.
   
   
5. The Common Foundation Programme (CFP) shall extend over the first and second years of the nursing curriculum and comprise a total of sixteen units. The first year equates to 120 credits at Level 1 with 40 credits at Level 2 at the end of the second year.
   
   
6. The Adult, Child, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities branch programmes shall extend over the third and fourth years of the nursing curriculum. Part 3 equates to 40 credits at Level 2 with 40 credits at Level 2 at the end of Part 4.
   
   
7. In each year students shall be examined by means of in-course assessments, clinical assessments and formal examinations.
   
   
8. A candidate who fails to satisfy the Examiners at the end of an Assessment Part will normally be re-examined within three months. Failure at re-examination will normally result in a recommendation for termination of course.
   

Students who achieve an average of 60 % in all theory and practice assignments up to and including the end of Semester 1, Year 2, are eligible to transfer to the Advanced Diploma in Nursing programme.