University of York

What you'll study

This three-year degree combines classroom-based study with supervised clinical placements. Core academic themes include anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, evidence-based practice, health promotion and public health, long-term and complex conditions, mental wellbeing in adults, and leadership and management in practice.

Practical and clinical components cover core nursing skills, clinical assessment, medication management, safe and effective care planning, communication and person-centred practice, and safeguarding vulnerable adults. Research methods and quality improvement are introduced so graduates can apply research evidence to practice and contribute to service development.

Learning is delivered through lectures, seminars, simulation-based training in clinical skills suites, interprofessional learning with other health students, and a programme of supervised practice placements in acute, community and primary care settings. Placement hours increase as the course progresses to ensure students gain a breadth of experience across hospital wards, community teams, specialist services and social care environments.

• Fundamentals of nursing practice and clinical skills
• Anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology for adult care
• Pharmacology and safe medication administration
• Long-term conditions, acute care and rehabilitation
• Mental health and psychosocial aspects of adult nursing
• Research methods, audit and quality improvement
• Leadership, professional practice and ethics
• Interprofessional practice and community-based care

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary school qualification such as A-levels, BTECs or an equivalent qualification, with evidence of ability in science or health-related subjects preferred but not always mandatory. Universities also accept a range of qualifications and prior learning, including access to higher education diplomas in health and social care.

GCSEs or equivalent in English and mathematics (or functional skills) are typically required. Selection will also consider practical experience, a personal statement demonstrating motivation for nursing, and references. Shortlisted applicants usually attend an interview and may be asked to complete values-based recruitment activities.

All offers are conditional on satisfactory occupational health checks, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and meeting professional requirements for fitness to practise. Applicants should be prepared for the physical and emotional demands of clinical practice.

Career prospects

Graduates leave eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as adult nurses, enabling professional practice in the NHS, independent and voluntary sectors, and private healthcare organisations. Common early-career roles include staff nurse posts in acute wards, community nursing teams, specialist clinics and rehabilitation services.

With experience, nurses can move into specialist clinical roles (for example critical care, emergency, cancer, palliative care, diabetes or respiratory nursing), community and public health roles, educational and leadership positions, or advanced clinical practice. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study such as MSc programmes, specialist practitioner training, non-medical prescribing qualifications or research degrees.

Why study at University of York

The University of York offers a supportive learning environment with dedicated simulation facilities and strong links to regional NHS Trusts and community health providers, ensuring diverse placement opportunities. Teaching is informed by research-active staff in health sciences and nursing, and the course emphasises interprofessional working with other health and social care students.

Students benefit from a structured practice learning team, personal tutors, and careers support tailored to healthcare professions. The campus and city setting provide access to a broad range of clinical settings nearby, alongside student wellbeing services and opportunities for extracurricular development such as student-run societies and volunteering in health-related projects.