Nursing in the UK is a highly respected profession recognized globally for its rigorous training and high standards. Most nursing degrees in the UK span four years, offering a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Throughout the course, students delve into various aspects of nursing, preparing them to excel in diverse fields such as adult care, child healthcare, or mental health. Read more about universities, courses, scholarships, and jobs in this field below.
Top 10 Nursing Universities in the UK
- PictureUniversity NameTop ElectivesUniversity Details
King’s College, LondonBSc Nursing
Adult
Child
Mental Health
Learning Disability
MSc Advanced Clinical Practice
MSc Clinical NursingFull-time/Part-time
On Campus
Duration: 1- 2 years
Intakes: Jan, Sep
Tuition fees: GBP 3,920- GBP 24,786
Placement: 90%
QS Ranking: 2
Acceptance rate: 15%
The University of ManchesterBNursing
Adult
Children’s
Mental Health
BMidwif
MSc Adult NursingFull-time/Part-time
On Campus/ Distance
Duration: 2- 4 years
Intakes: Sep, Jan
Tuition fees: GBP 27,500- GBP 29,500
Placement: 93%
QS Ranking: 6
Acceptance rate: 60%
University of SouthamptonBSc Nursing
Adult
Midwifery
Child
Mental Health
MNur
Adult and Child
Adult and Mental HealthFull- time
On Campus
Duration: 3- 4 years
Intakes: Jan, Sep
Tuition fees: GBP 22,300- 23,400
Placement: 95%
QS Ranking: 11
Acceptance rate: 80%
University of LeedsBSc
Adult
Child
Mental Health
BSc MidwiferyFull- time
On Campus
Duration: 3 years
Intakes: Sep, Jan
Tuition fees: GBP 32,250
Placement: 91%
QS Ranking: 38
Acceptance rate: 70%
University of NottinghamBSc Hons Nursing
Adult
Child
Mental HealthFull- time
On Campus
Duration: 3 years
Intakes: Sep, April
Tuition fees: GBP 9,250
Placement: 98%
QS Ranking: 38
Acceptance rate: 20%
The University of EdinburghBN Nursing StudiesFull- time
On Campus
Duration: 4 years
Intakes: Sep, Jan
Tuition fees: GBP 36,800
Placement: 95%
QS Ranking: 42
Acceptance rate: 11%
Cardiff UniversityBN Nursing
Adult
Child
Mental HealthFull- time
On Campus
Duration: 3years
Intakes: Sep, May
Tuition fees: GBP 9,000
Placement: 93%
QS Ranking: 51- 100
Acceptance rate: 21%
Queen’s University BelfastBSc Midwifery
BSc Nursing
Adult
Children and Young People
Learning Disabilities
Mental Health
MSc Nursing
Adult
Children’s and Young People’s
Mental HealthFull- time
On Campus
Duration: 2- 3 years
Intakes: Sep, Jan, Apr
Tuition fees: GBP20,800- GBP 24,000
Placement: 90%
QS Ranking: 51- 100
Acceptance rate: 33%
University of ExeterBSc Nursing Adult
MSci Nursing Adult or Combined Adult and Mental HealthFull- time
On Campus
Duration: 3- 4 years
Intakes: Sep, Jan
Tuition fees: GBP 30,900
Placement: 90%
QS Ranking: 51- 100
Acceptance rate: 70%
The University of SheffieldBMedSci Adult
MSc MidwiferyFull- time
On Campus
Duration: 3 years
Intakes: Sep
Tuition fees: GBP 21,560- GBP 22,780
Placement: 95%
QS Ranking: 51- 100
Acceptance rate: 14%
Learn about the Top In- Demand Courses in the UK in 2024.
Diploma and Certificate Courses in Nursing in the UK
Students can opt for Diploma and Certificate courses in the UK that provide flexible pathways into nursing. Postgraduate Diplomas, lasting 2 to 4 years, offer advanced specialization, while Certificate courses, spanning 1 to 3 years, focus on targeted nursing skills. Additionally, 2-year nursing apprenticeships combine practical experience with academic learning, allowing students to earn while they learn. Here are the names of a few courses:
- Diploma in Professional Studies in Nursing
- Advanced Diploma in Nursing
- Certificate in Nursing Studies
- Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice
- Nursing Associate Apprenticeship
Admission Requirements for Nursing Courses in the UK
Following are the acceptable scores for admissions to Nursing courses in the UK. You should possess any one of the following requirements:
For Undergraduate-
- Diploma in Higher Education or equivalent with a GPA of 2.7 or above
- A Level- Grade BBC or above (including at least one science from the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, Health and Social Care, Applied Science).
- International Baccalaureate with 30 points overall. Must include at least one science-related subject from Biology, Chemistry, Sports, and Health Science or Psychology.
For Postgraduate
- At least an upper second-class Honors Degree or above.
- Usually, a GPA of 3.0 or above is acceptable or an equivalent qualification from an accredited institution.
- In addition to that, GCSE Science subject (grade C/4 in subjects such as Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Double Award Science or Single Award Science).
English Language Requirements:
Proof of English Language Proficiency is a must for admission to English Speaking Countries as an international student. The minimum English Language requirement for nursing is either of the below:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4 or B/6
- IELTS– min 6.5 -7
- TOEFL– 95 or above
- Occupational English Test (OET)- 350 or above
Read in detail about the different English Language Proficiency Tests here.
Work Experience
Though not a compulsion, some universities may ask you for work experience including direct experience in a healthcare setting and/or other settings that involve the use of communication skills. This could give you an edge over others as nursing, as an occupation, requires many skills.
Besides this, International students are also required to meet the health and character requirements set by the UK government to get admission to their chosen course.
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts/ Official records of previous education
- A Personal Statement
- Letters of recommendation
- A completed application form
- Proof of Funds
- Photographs
- Health Declaration
- Visa Documentations
Application Process
Applications for undergraduate courses are made through the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) while applications for postgraduate courses can be done through the university’s website itself. However, the majority of the steps remain the same. Here is an overview of steps that can be followed for admissions through UCAS as well as direct admissions.
- Register on the desired university’s website or UCAS.
- Fill in all the required details as part of your application process
- Select your course choices and write a personal statement
- Upload all the documents, pay your application fee, and submit
- You may be asked to attend an interview as a part of your admission process sometimes
Scholarships to Study Nursing in the UK
- Equity and Merit Scholarships by The University of Manchester- For students who are resident citizens of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zimbabwe, and have not previously studied outside of Africa. A total of 40 Full-time and Part- Part-time scholarships are available covering full tuition fees, living expenses, visas, and airfares. Read more about the Equity and Merit Scholarships here. Applications are open till October 31st, 2024.
- Undergraduate Excellence Awards by The University of Nottingham- For high- achieving international students depicting continuous academic excellence are awarded an amount of GBP 2,000 in the first year of their studies. You can read more about the Undergraduate Excellence Awards here.
- NHS Wales Bursary Scheme by Cardiff University- The NHS Wales Bursary covers tuition fees and living costs for international students with a commitment to work in NHS Wales for 2 years post their qualification. You can apply on the NHS Wales Student Awards Service Website.
“Don’t forget to read about the Fully Funded Nursing Scholarships in the UK.”
Job Opportunities after Nursing in the UK
The average salary for new nursing graduates in the UK varies by role and location. According to the NHS, newly qualified nurses earn between £24,907 and £30,615 annually. For experienced Band 5 nurses, the average salary ranges from £25,655 to £31,534. Let us look at some of the popular job roles available after nursing:
| Job Roles | Average Annual Salary |
| Adult Nurse | GBP 35,000- GBP 40,000 |
| Child Nurse | GBP 30,000- GBP 35,000 |
| Midwife | GBP 45,000- GBP 50,000 |
| Paramedic | GBP 38,000- GBP 45,000 |
| Health Visitor | GBP 45,000- GBP 55,000 |
Conclusion
The UK’s renowned nursing programs, combined with extensive clinical placements, equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various nursing specializations. International students benefit from a supportive environment ensuring a smooth transition into the healthcare system and being offered numerous career opportunities upon graduation. By choosing to study nursing in the UK, you are setting yourself on a path toward professional excellence and the chance to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
FAQs:
NMC registration in the UK refers to the process of becoming registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the regulatory body for nurses and midwives in the UK. This registration is mandatory for anyone wishing to practice as a nurse or midwife in the country.
Yes, there are numerous opportunities for career advancement in nursing. Nurses can pursue further education and training to become nurse practitioners, nurse educators, or specialize in areas like critical care or surgical nursing. Leadership and management roles are also available.
Yes, many nursing roles in the UK offer part-time and flexible working options. This can include job sharing, compressed hours, and shift work. Flexible working arrangements are often available to support work-life balance.