This three-year nursing degree prepares you to work as a registered nurse, caring for people in hospitals, in the community and in their own homes. It combines university study with clinical placements, so you learn the theory and put it into practice alongside qualified nurses.
Nursing works differently from our other courses. There is no foundation year, and there are formal entry requirements, including GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above. We’ll check your qualifications on your first call and explain your options, including how to get the qualifications you need if you don’t have them yet.
During the course, you’ll study topics such as:
- How the human body works, in health and illness
- Promoting physical and mental wellbeing
- Caring for people with acute and long-term conditions
- Communication and person-centred care
- Safe practice, including medicines management
- Leadership and working as part of a healthcare team
About half of the course is spent on placements in settings such as hospital wards, community nursing teams, GP practices, care homes and hospices. Placements follow shift patterns, so you’ll work some early mornings, nights and weekends.
When you complete an approved nursing degree, you can apply to join the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register and start work as a registered nurse.
Nursing has formal entry requirements, including GCSE English and Maths. We’ll check what you have and talk you through your options.
Who this course suits
- You want to care for people and make a direct difference to their health
- You’re calm, compassionate and work well in a team
- You already work as a healthcare assistant, carer or support worker
- You’re ready for a full-time course with clinical placements
Careers this course can lead to
- Registered nurse on a hospital ward
- Community nurse
- Practice nurse in a GP surgery
- Nurse in a care home or hospice
- Mental health nurse
- Specialist roles with further study, such as district nurse or nurse practitioner
When you complete an approved nursing degree, you can apply to join the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register, which you need to work as a registered nurse. Your field of nursing depends on the course you join.
A typical week
At university
Taught weeks at university
Lectures, seminars and practice in clinical simulation suites, covering how the body works, health and wellbeing, and caring for people with short and long-term conditions.
On placement
About half of the course
Working shifts alongside qualified nurses in hospitals and community settings. Shifts can include early mornings, nights and weekends.
Independent study
Evenings, weekends or days off
Reading, reflective writing about your placements, and assignments.
Nursing: your questions answered
What GCSEs do I need?
GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above. A science GCSE is also desirable.
Do I need other qualifications?
Usually, yes. You’ll also need a Level 3 qualification, such as an Access to HE Diploma, A-Levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a T Level, including a science or health-related subject, and you’ll have an interview. If you don’t have these yet, our team can talk you through your options.
Can I work while I study nursing?
Nursing is full-time, with placements that follow shift patterns, so most students can only work limited hours. It’s worth planning your finances before you start.
What funding is available?
Eligible students can get a Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan from Student Finance England. Nursing students can also apply to the NHS Learning Support Fund, which includes a £5,000 a year Training Grant that you don’t pay back, extra help if you have children, and help with placement travel costs.
