Nursing (Adult) BSc (Hons) | University of Nottingham

International student

Course overview

Study an innovative nursing course and launch your career with confidence.

Are you looking for a rewarding journey that will shape your future and impact the lives of others? Let's build a future where you, as a nursing professional, can bring hope, healing, and comfort to those in need. Our course prepares you to succeed as a confident and compassionate nurse, making a positive impact on patients and the healthcare community.

Through expert teaching and supportive supervision, you will learn how to attend to adult patients' healthcare needs while also focusing on their overall well-being. Our programme nurtures your creativity, critical judgement, and leadership abilities, enabling you to develop essential clinical skills.

By the end of the course, you'll have the confidence and competence to excel in your nursing career. You’ll be prepared to face the challenges of being a practicing nurse or a healthcare leader.

How you will learn

Teaching is delivered through a mix of in-person and online methods.

Teaching methods

Examples of teaching methods include:  

Case-based learning 
Clinical reasoning sessions 
Clinical skills sessions 
eLearning 
Lectures 
Placements 
Practical classes 
Problem-based learning 
Self-study
Seminars 
Small group learning 
Tutorials

How you will be assessed

Assessment methods

Assessment methods vary from module to module, but may include:

Case studies
Clinical exams
Objective structured clinical exams
Coursework
Written exams
Literature review
Presentations
Dissertation
Examinations
Formative assessments
Poster presentations
Workplace-based practice assessment

Contact time and study hours

You can expect between 12 to 24 hours of contact time per week, with an additional 12 to 24 hours of independent self-guided study each week.

You will be required to complete a minimum of 2,300 hours of clinical supervised practice throughout your degree programme (to meet the professional regulatory requirements). During this time you can expect to be working full-time (approximately 37.5 hours), with some weekend, evening and night work also required.

Modules

6 modules

Clinical Learning 1

In this module, you will begin developing the core skills and knowledge needed for safe, person-centred nursing care. Through a combination of classroom teaching, simulation and practice-based learning, you will explore communication, nursing assessment, infection control, medicines management and basic life support.

You will also gain experience in vital signs monitoring, hygiene, nutrition, elimination, wound care and systematic patient assessment. This module lays the groundwork for clinical competence and prepares you for future learning in practice settings.

Clinical Learning 2

In this module, you will develop your nursing skills in assessment, decision-making and care delivery across a range of clinical settings. You will work with individuals and their significant contacts, applying evidence-based practice from an interprofessional perspective.

You will focus on key areas such as safeguarding, harm minimisation, medicines administration and recognising mental and physical deterioration. The module also supports you in building advocacy skills, professional resilience and collaborative working in person-centred care.

Biosciences Applied to Nursing 1

In this module, you will explore key aspects of biosciences that underpin safe, effective and person-centred nursing care. You will build foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, genetics, microbiology and pharmacology, and gain a basic understanding of chemistry, physics, biology and biochemistry.

You will learn how to apply bioscientific principles directly to nursing practice and develop the ability to link theory with real-world care through case studies and integration with your clinical learning. By the end of the module, you will understand how a strong grasp of biosciences supports the promotion of both physical and mental health in diverse care settings.

Biosciences Applied to Nursing 2

In this module, you will build on your existing knowledge of biosciences to further support safe and effective person-centred nursing care. Following on from the module Biosciences applied to nursing 1, you will continue to apply bioscientific principles to nursing practice, with a strong focus on clinical relevance.

Through a series of field-specific case studies, you will link theory to practice and deepen your understanding of biosciences in real-world healthcare contexts. You will explore how biosciences inform clinical decision-making and help interpret the situations you may encounter during placements.

By integrating your learning with clinical modules, you will be equipped to demonstrate how a detailed understanding of biosciences promotes both physical and mental health across diverse nursing environments.

Introduction to Professional Nursing

This module will consider what it means to be a professional nurse within current health practice, critically evaluating the role and purpose of modern nursing. The values and behaviours discussed in this module will be integrated and developed within clinical learning.

Evidence Applied to Nursing Practice

The module considers:

the nature of knowledge and types of evidence and the wider context of evidence based practice
introduction to the main principles of evidence based practice
the research process covering the fundamentals of differing paradigms and methodologies to include quality improvement
the nature of informal and formal evidence and its interpretation
critical thinking and the decision making process. How arguments are constructed
nursing theories and how these can assist in the decision making process. Including the central concepts of person/family/client centred care
examine the nature of evidence and research and its application in terms of dignity, privacy, sleep, safety and comfort, nutrition, hydration, and elimination
introduction into how evidence can influence practice, patient safety and the issues of its application
global research and UK application

6 modules

Biosciences and Introduction to Pharmacology

This modules considers:

The care of patients and clients with increasingly complex illnesses requiring multifaceted treatments and care in all settings.
Scientific and technological advances to understand disease processes and potential treatment options.
The core bioscience and related modules in year 1 by providing opportunities for students to integrate and further develop their understanding of physiological, altered physiological and pathophysiological processes occurring within the body.
Application of essential physiological principles through general and field specific, case-based learning.
The principles of pharmacology to form a foundation for the preparing to prescribe module.
Applied knowledge using scenarios to illustrate the links to informing nursing care, developing care, and exploring treatment options, specifically including pharmacological requirements

Psychosocial Influences on Health

What influences health? This module will critically review the psychology and social influences on health. The learning within this module will be integrated into clinical learning to promote holistic health assessment.

Clinical Learning 3

This module considers:

Assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence based nursing specific to the students’ field of practice (adult/ child/ mental health).
Assessment and management of comorbidities. Implementation of evidence based nursing throughout the lifetime, including end of life care.
Develop resilience for practice.
Optimisation pharmacological interventions

Clinical Practice: Application of Learning

This module considers:

The theoretical content and clinical learning into the practice experience in order to enable students to apply their learning in practice.
Reflective writing development – incorporating the evidence base, being a reflective practitioner.
Preparing for Assessment in Clinical Placement – transferability of skills, evidencing learning, and proactive preparation for summative assessment.
Maximising opportunities in Clinical Placements – identifying learning needs, setting goals, incorporating feedback, preparing for assessment.
Adult and Child branch students: maternal health.
Professional responsibilities –working within limitations, Risk assessment, incident reporting and management, safeguarding, whistleblowing and clinical governance.
Professional boundaries, behaviours and considerations for Elective placement.
Support with Elective Plan and development of learning outcomes.
Support with Elective Risk Assessment

Using Evidence to Improve Nursing Practice

This module consders:

A review of the major research paradigms.
Introduce the concept of clinical audit and how this can be used to improve practice.
Evidence through collaboration, introduction to systematic reviews.
Advanced critical thinking.
Quality assurance.
Patient safety.
Evidence as an agent of change and consideration of the barriers to change.
Critical interpretation of written data.
Introduction and interpretation of numeric data.
Research ethics and the special considerations in health care.
Introduction to the extended literature review.
Advance literature searching.
Manage evidence by the use of tools e.g Endnote and Zotero
Development of a research proposal in preparation for the year three extended literature review

Leadership for Nursing

This module considers:

The personal leadership development of students and the main issues relating to developing leadership skills.
Leadership approaches, strength based approaches, communication skills, planning, risk assessment, supporting others and use of clinical supervision networks, change and change management, networking and partnership working.
Reflection on aspects of practice and make observations of leaders in practice.
Underpinning themes will be explored within these topics including the effects of power, empowerment, self-awareness, understanding group dynamics and effective team working.
Processes around human resource management, health economics, budgets and safe staffing.

4 modules

Preparing to Prescribe

The module considers:

Consultation, decision making and therapy including referral in prescribing.
Influences on and psychology of prescribing.
Prescribing in a team context.
Clinical pharmacology including effects of co morbidity.
Evidence based practice and clinical governance.
Legal policy and ethical aspects of prescribing.
Professional accountability and responsibility in prescribing.
Prescribing in a public health context

Development of Management and Leadership Skills for Practice

This module considers:

The clinical knowledge and skills required for registration with the professional nursing body the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
The development of leadership and management skills required to undertake nursing assessment, complex clinical decision making, care delivery and care management underpinned by critical theoretical knowledge and evidence based practice

Extended Literature Review (dissertation)

This module considers:

How evidence can be applied in practice through the development of a literature review.
Development of research skills.
Critical evaluation of evidence.
Synthesis of findings to generate new knowledge.
Application of evidence into practice through leadership and dissemination

Advanced Clinical Learning

This module aims to develop the principles of caring for the adult injured or sick person within a variety of complex settings. Students will build upon previous knowledge and skills and consider leading patient centred care. This module will enable practising advanced clinical skills including management of the deteriorating patient in a safe environment. Emphasis will be given to a simulated caseload management. 

1 modules

Year three optional modules

In year three, you will select one optional modules, which could include the following:

Neonatal Nursing
Assessment and Management of Wounds in Healthcare Practice
Assessment and Management of Pain
Cancer Care
Narrative, Literature and Health

Select student type

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.

A levels

BBB

28 points overall

A level and GCSE requirements

Required subjects

BBB at A level, including one of biology, chemistry, mathematics, environmental science, physics, physical education, psychology, sociology, criminology, religious studies or philosophy.

A pass is required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately.

Excluded subjects

Citizenship studies, critical thinking, global perspectives, general studies

GCSEs

English and maths at grade 4 (C) or above

IB requirements

IB score

28 points overall or 555 in 3 HL certificates

IB requirements

HL 5 in one of biology, chemistry, physics, sports, exercise and health science, mathematics: analysis and approaches, mathematics: applications and interpretation, psychology or philosophy

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care, Applied Science, Applied Psychology or Sports and Exercise Science - DDM
RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma (in any other subject) and A level in science - DDM plus B
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Health and Social Care, Applied Science, Applied Psychology or Sports and Exercise Science and A level - DM plus B
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma (in any other subject) and A level in science - DM plus B
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care, Applied Science, Applied Psychology or Sports and Exercise Science and two A levels - D plus B
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate (in any other subject) and two A levels - D plus BC (B in science)
Access to HE Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery, Health Professions, Social Science or Science 21 Level 3 credits at Distinction, 18 Level 3 credits at Merit, 6 Level 3 credits at Pass
T Level Health Science or Health with pathways in Adult Nursing, Midwifery, Mental Health and Care of Children and Young People – Distinction

Contextual offers

We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.

Foundation progression options

Our Health Sciences with a Foundation Year provides an alternative route onto our degree if you do not meet the entry requirements for the course and you are a UK student.

Mature students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Notes for applicants

Interview

An interview is mandatory, in line with our professional and regulatory body requirements.

All offers are also subject to a successful interview and satisfactory health screening, and disclosure and barring service (DBS) clearance. Visit our application process page to find out more about personal statements, work experience and interview - how to prepare and what to expect.

Work experience

You should consider work experience or extracurricular activities to boost your application. This can include experience in the caring environment or other environments, such as working in a cafe. You need to identify any skills that you have gained from this experience and reflect these in your personal statement and interview.

Health and Criminal Records screening

In accordance with Professional and Regulatory Body requirements, all applicants are subject to health screening by Occupational Health, and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks before they can commence the course.

More information can be found on the School of Health Sciences Occupation Health and DBS page.

Minimum age requirement

We do not consider your application if you will be under 17 years and 10 months on the 1 September of the year you start your course.

Elite athletes

We can make a contextual offer if you're an athlete competing at a high level and are offered a Sports Scholarship. We recommend that you complete the expression of interest form as soon as possible so that your elite athlete status can be confirmed prior to an offer being made. More information and how to apply can be found on the UoN Sport pages.

Part-time working alongside university studies

As a student on a full-time professional training course, it is expected that your primary focus would be your full-time university studies. If you're considering part-time paid employment alongside your university studies it is advised that you discuss your position with your personal tutor before committing.

Placements

On this course, subject to meeting the relevant criteria, you will undertake a range of placement learning blocks, that vary in length. Throughout placement students are supported by experienced practical assessors and supervisors within clinical settings.   

Placements can be located within four large NHS trusts and local private or independent healthcare providers, in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire. They take place in a range of settings including medical, surgical, acute care and community nursing. 

In order to undertake a placement, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements and clearance requirements as set by the university and meet any requirements specified by the placement host.

Elective placement

There is an 'elective placement' opportunity during the programme which you will arrange yourself, with some support from the school. This is an opportunity to get a deeper understanding of nursing, in an area that you're most interested in personally.

To find out more about placements and the elective placement for Adult Nursing BSc see our placements webpage.

Disclaimer

Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Tuition fees

2026/27 (UK undergraduate students)

This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 25/26. It may increase for the academic year 26/27 and we will update our information once we have received confirmation of the fee from the UK Government.

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. This includes travel, accommodation, uniform, and printing.

Most of the books needed are accessible through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies. You will be required to purchase smart, practical trousers and suitable shoes for clinical placement.

Travel to your placements is self-funded and costs will vary depending on location. However, you may be eligible for some costs to be reimbursed so please check with the NHS Bursary student website or with the University of Nottingham Student Services for further advice.

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Home students

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

Sports scholarships

Financial support is available for the brightest and best talents in the sporting world through our sports scholarships.

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.

28 points overall

A levels

BBB

IB requirements

IB score

28 points overall or 555 in 3 HL certificates

IB requirements

HL 5 in one of biology, chemistry, physics, sports, exercise and health science, mathematics: analysis and approaches, mathematics: applications and interpretation, psychology or philosophy

A level and GCSE requirements

Required subjects

BBB at A level, including one of biology, chemistry, mathematics, environmental science, physics, physical education, psychology, sociology, criminology, religious studies or philosophy.

A pass is required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately.

Excluded subjects

Citizenship studies, critical thinking, global perspectives, general studies

GCSEs

English and maths at grade 4 (C) or above

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care, Applied Science, Applied Psychology or Sports and Exercise Science - DDM
RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma (in any other subject) and A level in science - DDM plus B
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Health and Social Care, Applied Science, Applied Psychology or Sports and Exercise Science and A level - DM plus B
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma (in any other subject) and A level in science - DM plus B
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care, Applied Science, Applied Psychology or Sports and Exercise Science and two A levels - D plus B
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate (in any other subject) and two A levels - D plus BC (B in science)
Access to HE Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery, Health Professions, Social Science or Science 21 Level 3 credits at Distinction, 18 Level 3 credits at Merit, 6 Level 3 credits at Pass
T Level Health Science or Health with pathways in Adult Nursing, Midwifery, Mental Health and Care of Children and Young People – Distinction

IELTS/English requirements

IELTS

7.0 (7.0 in reading, listening and speaking, and 6.5 in writing).

GCSE English language at grade 6 (B) or above may also be accepted.

English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.

For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

High school qualifications

Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

Foundation progression options

Our Health Sciences with a Foundation Year provides an alternative route onto our degree if you do not meet the entry requirements for the course and you are a UK student.

Mature students

Notes for applicants

Interview

An interview is mandatory, in line with our professional and regulatory body requirements.

Work experience

Health and Criminal Records screening

More information can be found on the School of Health Sciences Occupation Health and DBS page.

Minimum age requirement

We do not consider your application if you will be under 17 years and 10 months on the 1 September of the year you start your course.

Elite athletes

Part-time working alongside university studies

Placements

Elective placement

To find out more about placements and the elective placement for Adult Nursing BSc see our placements webpage.

Disclaimer

Tuition fees

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. This includes travel, accommodation, uniform, and printing.

Scholarships and bursaries

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Sports scholarships

Financial support is available for the brightest and best talents in the sporting world through our sports scholarships.

Careers overview

All our BSc and graduate entry nursing courses are approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). After successfully completing any of these courses, you will be eligible to register with the NMC as a registered nurse.

Graduate destinations

You will have the experience needed to work within the NHS, private healthcare or within the voluntary and independent sector. You may also choose to pursue a career in teaching, research or management.

Our graduates pursue successful careers in NHS Trusts, private healthcare providers, community healthcare services, international healthcare settings, research institutions, and educational establishments. Opportunities include:

Adult Nurse (various specialties)
Nurse Specialist / Advanced Nurse Practitioner
District Nurse
General Practice
Clinical Researcher
Healthcare Educator
Range of health leadership positions

Job prospects

Average starting salary and career progression

94% of health sciences undergraduates secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £28,324 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2021/22-2022/23).

Careers advice

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain's leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top 10 in The Graduate Market in 2013-2024, High Fliers Research).

Welcome to your campus

Located at Queen’s Medical Centre, one of the UK's largest and busiest hospitals, the Medical School offers an exceptional learning environment. You’ll have access to cutting-edge facilities and learn from leading clinicians and researchers, enjoying easy access to University Park for a full campus experience.

Nursing (Adult) - U6UNURSE

Course overview

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

6 modules

Clinical Learning 1

Clinical Learning 2

Biosciences Applied to Nursing 1

Biosciences Applied to Nursing 2

Introduction to Professional Nursing

Evidence Applied to Nursing Practice

Core modules

6 modules

Biosciences and Introduction to Pharmacology

Psychosocial Influences on Health

Clinical Learning 3

Clinical Practice: Application of Learning

Using Evidence to Improve Nursing Practice

Leadership for Nursing

Core modules

4 modules

Preparing to Prescribe

Development of Management and Leadership Skills for Practice

Extended Literature Review (dissertation)

Advanced Clinical Learning

Optional modules

Select student type

Entry requirements

3 years full-time

£9,535 per year

Entry requirements

3 years full-time

£33,000 per year

Careers

Accreditation

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