University of Nottingham

What you'll study

This honours degree blends theory, practical skills and supervised clinical practice to develop competent, compassionate adult nurses. The course covers the life course and common adult health conditions, pharmacology, clinical assessment, professional standards and research methods applied to nursing practice.

• Core clinical modules: clinical assessment and examination, managing long-term conditions, acute care and deteriorating patient recognition, medicines management and therapeutic interventions.
• Professional practice: nursing law and ethics, professional accountability, communication, safeguarding and person-centred care planning.
• Evidence and research: applied research methods, critical appraisal of evidence, quality improvement and translating research into practice.
• Context of care: public health, mental health in adult populations, palliative and end-of-life care, health promotion and working in multidisciplinary teams.
• Skills and simulation: hands-on clinical skills training in simulation suites, scenario-based learning and development of clinical decision-making and leadership skills.

The programme includes substantial supervised practice learning in NHS and partner settings across acute hospitals, community services, primary care and social care environments. Practice placements are integrated throughout the degree to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requirements for registration, with assessed practice hours in diverse adult care settings and support from practice supervisors and assessors.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved qualifications at A level, BTEC or equivalent that demonstrate academic readiness for degree-level study. Typical offers include a combination of A levels or a relevant Level 3 vocational qualification. Applicants must also meet GCSE requirements in English and mathematics (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above where specified, and the School accepts recognised equivalents and Access to Higher Education diplomas for mature applicants.

All applicants must satisfy professional entry checks prior to placement, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, occupational health clearance (including immunisation status) and proof of identity. International applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the University's English language requirements.

The admissions process typically includes an application via UCAS, submission of a personal statement that demonstrates motivation and understanding of nursing, and an interview or selection day where applicants discuss values, communication skills and suitability for professional practice.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as adult nurses and go on to work in a variety of settings including hospital wards and specialist units, community nursing teams, primary care, hospices, and social care organisations. Many graduates pursue roles in specialist clinical practice, clinical education, leadership and management, or move into advanced practice through postgraduate study (eg MSc or postgraduate diplomas in specialist fields).

Other common career pathways include research in health services, public health roles, occupational health nursing and policy or commissioning positions within the NHS and third sector organisations. The degree provides the foundation for continuing professional development and career progression in clinical, managerial and academic routes.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham's School of Health Sciences has established partnerships with local NHS trusts and community providers, offering a wide range of placement experiences across acute, community and primary care. Students benefit from modern clinical skills and simulation facilities, experienced academic staff with clinical backgrounds and opportunities for interprofessional learning with other health disciplines.

The School emphasises research-informed teaching and provides student support for academic study, wellbeing and placement preparation. Its location gives access to large teaching hospitals and community services, enabling students to develop practical competence and professional networks that support transition into the nursing workforce.