Pont i Bawb - Nursing and Social Work

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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 or the BA degree in Social Work 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. 

The programme starts week commencing 23 June 2025 and ends week commencing 7 July 2025.

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 or the BA degree in Social Work 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 both professional degrees, and without the required qualifications you won’t be able to apply to either 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 or the BA degree in Social Work 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. After finishing the social work degree, you can register with Social Care Wales as a social worker.

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. Assessments will also take place online. You’ll also have access to a CAVC tutor over the course of the programme.

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.

So, 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. At the OU in Wales there’s also a range of support available for fees and funding including part-time tuition fee loans and flexible payment options. Find out more about fees and funding at the OU in Wales.

How do I apply to Pont i Bawb?

Email OUReferrals@cavc.ac.uk with your full name, email address, phone number and the ESW Level 2 qualification(s) that you’d like to study for: Essential Application of Number Skills, Essential Communication skills, or both.

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The start date for the Pont i Bawb ESW course will be w/c 23 June 2025. Please register by Wednesday 18 June 2025.

*Following successful degree application and selection criteria.

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