Buckinghamshire New University

Programme overview

This three-year degree (or four years with the Foundation Year) runs at High Wycombe and Uxbridge with September and January intakes. It is a full-time, pre-registration programme that prepares graduates to be eligible to register with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC). The curriculum integrates university teaching, simulated clinical practice and placements with NHS and other practice partners.

What you'll study

The programme develops nursing knowledge, practical skills and professional values to deliver person‑centred care across the adult lifespan. You will learn assessment and review of mental, physical, cognitive, behavioural, spiritual and social needs, pharmacology, pressure‑ulcer care, and evidence‑based nursing interventions. Teaching combines lectures, seminars, authentic case scenarios, virtual learning and simulation using human patient simulators to rehearse real‑time clinical situations.

Students learn to work in multidisciplinary teams, reflect critically on practice, and develop resilience and decision‑making. The curriculum includes core and field‑specific learning shared with adult, mental health and children’s nursing cohorts to enhance inter‑professional perspectives. Assessments include reflective assignments, presentations, exams, academic posters, literature reviews and oral exams. In each year of practice you must also complete the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours recorded in the Practice Assessment Document.

Entry requirements

A typical offer requires a UCAS tariff of 112–136 for the full‑time route or 48–88 for the Foundation Year (UCAS codes B701 for full‑time, B704 for Foundation Year). Equivalent requirements include A levels at BBC, BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at DMM, International Baccalaureate 30 points, FETAC/QQI 5 distinctions in healthcare‑related subjects, Access to HE Diploma in Nursing, or T levels with minimum Merit in the Health pathway. Applicants must hold five GCSEs including Maths, English and Science at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent). Evidence of academic study within the last five years is required. Health care experience is advantageous but not essential. Foundation Year students complete a preparatory project on professional and NHS values, ethics, the NHS Constitution and the NMC code.

Career prospects

On successful completion you are eligible to register with the NMC and work as a qualified adult nurse across settings such as emergency care, district nursing, operating theatres, surgical wards and services for older or vulnerable adults. The degree supports progression into specialist clinical roles, leadership and further post‑registration study. The programme emphasises making graduates practice‑ready, digitally capable and able to work autonomously and accountably within integrated care systems.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

An NHS training grant of £5,000 is available; prospective students should check the eligibility criteria. As a practice‑based healthcare degree, students should consider placement travel and preparation costs and whether employer or NHS support is offered by placement trusts.