Pont i Bawb - Nursing

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What is the Pont i Bawb programme?

This is a Wales-wide part time distance learning programme for you to get the qualifications you need to study the BSc degree in Nursing with us.*

Pont i Bawb is delivered by Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) through online learning, which means that instead of attending any in-person classes, you can study from home anywhere in Wales. It also means that you can learn alongside your current job. It’s fully funded so you won’t have to pay anything.

What qualifications will I get?

After finishing, you’ll have Essential Skills Wales (ESW) Level 2 qualifications in Essential Application of Number Skills and/or Essential Communication skills, depending on whether you study for one or both qualifications.

These qualifications are equivalent to GCSE English and Maths grade C. To apply to the BSc degree in Nursing at the OU in Wales, you’ll need either the ESW Level 2 qualifications in Number and Communication skills or GCSE English/Welsh and Maths at grade C. This is the entry requirement set by the OU for the professional degree, and without the required qualifications you won’t be able to apply to the degree course**.  

How will the qualifications help me in my career?

The OU in Wales and CAVC have developed the Pont i Bawb programme to help healthcare support staff achieve their ESW Level 2 qualifications, and go on to study the BSc degree in Nursing at the OU in Wales.

Existing healthcare support staff who want to complete their ESW Level 2 qualifications can study at an FE college campus, but now for the first time, ESW is being delivered via part-time distance learning through Pont i Bawb.

Completing the nursing degree at the OU in Wales will make you eligible to apply for registration as a qualified nurse.

Why choose CAVC and The Open University in Wales?

The OU in Wales are the experts in part time distance learning, and are the largest provider of part-time undergraduate higher education in Wales. With over 50 years of experience in supported online learning, we’ll make sure that you don’t feel distant. You’ll get regular support from your tutor, other students, and your student support team. 

Pont i Bawb, delivered by CAVC, also uses online learning to allow you to fit study around your life. It’s recommended that your final confirmatory assessment takes place at Cardiff and the Vale College, where staff are on hand to offer technical support. However, there is an option to complete this online if you’re unable to travel to Cardiff and if your IT set up conforms to City and Guild assessment requirements. You will have access to a CAVC tutor over the course of the Pont i Bawb programme.

Please click on the links below to find out more about how you will study, what you’ll learn and how you’ll be assessed:

• Essential Application of Number Skills
• Essential Communication Skills

Once you successfully complete your ESW Level 2 qualifications via Pont i Bawb, you can carry on by joining the OU in Wales to study part-time for your degree. The Open University’s part-time online courses mean that you get to choose where and when to study, giving you the opportunity to earn a qualification without giving up on what’s important to you. Whether it’s working, parenting, caring or just enjoying time with family and friends, our courses fit around your life. Please visit our Nursing webpage to find out more.

Course Dates for 2025-26

November Cohort:

Communication skills – Monday 3rd November 2025 to Monday 3rd March 2026. Weekly lesson every Monday, 4-6pm.

Application of number – Tuesday 4th November 2025 to Tuesday 4th March 2026. Weekly lesson every Tuesday, 4-6pm.

All assessments will be taken during this period, with the confirmatory test taken during week commencing 3rd March 2026

Please note that the final submission date for applications is Friday, 10th October 2025. However, places are limited and the course could fill sooner than this date. 

June Cohort 

Communication skills – Monday 15th June 2026 to Monday 29th June. Lessons delivered every Monday and Thursday, 9am – 4pm, with 1 hour lunch break. 

Application of number – Wednesday17th June 2026 to Wednesday 1st July. Lessons delivered every Wednesday and Friday, 9am – 4pm, with 1 hour lunch break.

Assessments week will be held on Wednesday, 1st July 2026.

Please note that the final submission date for applications is Friday 29th May 2026.  However, places are limited and the course could fill sooner than this date.

How do I apply to Pont i Bawb?

Please complete this application form to apply for a place on the Essential Application of Number Skills, Essential Communication Skills, or both. Once completed, you will be contacted by Cardiff and Vale College who will provide you with an initial assessment link that will need to be completed within 48 hours. A place on the course will only be offered to those who pass the initial assessment.

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Please email [email protected] if you require any further information or need additional support in making your application.

*Following successful degree application and selection criteria.

**To apply to the BSc degree in Nursing at the OU in Wales, you’ll also need to be in employment and have support from your employer.