A UNIVERSITY in Uxbridge which offers specialist qualifications in nursing has backed Government plans to require nurses to hold degrees.

From 2013, all nurses will be required to have graduate degrees, and the move move follows a recommendation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Professor David Sines, pro vice chancellor and executive dean Buckinghamshire New University, in Oxford Road, Uxbridge, insists the move will improve 'professionalism' in nursing.

The university opened up at it's Uxbridge base for the first time this September, and offers diplomas and degrees in nursing to students.

Professor Sines said: "Our ultimate aim is to provide healthcare professionals that are able to deliver first class patient care, and this is best achieved by a combination of professionalism, the desire to care for patients that attracts students to the profession, and an academic underpinning to the students' practical work experience.

"The change will put Nursing on a par with other professions, such as Social Work, and we hope that it will help to ensure that patients receive the best possible care, and enhance the perception of the profession as a whole."

However, he did insist there were still issues to be decided.

"At present, students on the Diploma courses are entitled to a non-means-tested bursary of £7,800, whereas students on the BSc are means-tested. Many students therefore choose to undertake the Diploma before 'topping-up' to a degree by undertaking a further year's study.

"It is not yet clear what sort of funding will be available in the future for students on degree programmes, and we hope that adequate provision will be made for the many mature students who choose to study Nursing, as well as for those that come to university straight from school."