Assistant Professor Katie Burns from the School of Health Sciences provides a comprehensive insight into the nursing degrees offered at the University of Nottingham.
Katie, an experienced Adult Nurse and Nottingham alumna, shares what makes studying nursing here such a unique experience. The university offers three fields of nursing - Adult Nursing, Child Nursing and Mental Health Nursing – each tailored to equip students with the specific skills needed for diverse and rewarding careers.
Katie discusses how nursing students at Nottingham are prepared for professional practice through a broad range of placements in NHS hospitals, private healthcare providers and charitable organisations. This breadth of experience helps students become highly adaptable nurses, ready to work across varied healthcare settings.
Katie also reflects on her own journey into adult nursing, driven by a passion for psychology, biology and caring for others. She shares how Nottingham’s training and diverse placement options helped shape her clinical career, particularly in intensive care.
Assistant Professor Katie Burns talks about nursing courses at the University of Nottingham.
Why choose nursing at Nottingham?
- Global recognition: Nottingham is ranked among the top five universities for nursing in the UK (QS University World Rankings by Subject 2025).
- World-class facilities: The School of Health Sciences is based at the Queen’s Medical Centre, the UK’s largest teaching hospital outside London and a major trauma centre serving the East Midlands.
- Three specialisms: Students can choose to specialise in Adult, Child or Mental Health Nursing, each with unique opportunities and challenges.
- Evidence-based curriculum: Teaching is closely aligned with the Nursing and Midwifery Council's (NMC) standards, ensuring students learn the latest best practices based on research and clinical evidence.
Comprehensive student support
Support for nursing students is a priority at Nottingham. Each student is assigned a personal tutor for pastoral support, and an academic assessor to guide their progression during placements. There are also tailored support plans available for students with disabilities or specific needs, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Find out more about our nursing courses including module information, graduate outcomes and entry requirements.
None of those things really mean that you can't be a nurse. It's about how we support you in that environment to the best of our ability.
Katie Burns
Assistant Professor, School of Health Sciences
