University of Leicester

What you'll study

The programme starts with a foundation year that focuses on academic skills, science for health, communication, and study skills to prepare students for degree-level nursing. From the first professional year you will study core nursing subjects alongside practical clinical skills, with progressive consolidation of practice and theory across adult, mental health and long-term conditions.

• Foundation year: academic skills, biology for health, mathematics/statistics for healthcare, academic English and introduction to health and social care.
• Year 1–2 (pre-registration core): anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of nursing practice, pharmacology basics, communication and therapeutic relationships, health promotion and prevention, supervised clinical skills and short placements in a range of settings.
• Year 3 (professional development): pathophysiology, complex care and long-term conditions, mental health nursing, older people’s nursing, care of people with acute and chronic conditions, research methods and evidence-based practice, longer clinical placements with increasing responsibility.
• Final MSci year: advanced clinical practice, leadership and service improvement, advanced assessment and decision-making, advanced pharmacology and therapeutics, an independent research project or dissertation, and consolidation placements preparing for registration and advanced roles.

Throughout the programme, learning is delivered through lectures, seminars, simulation and skills sessions in clinical laboratories, interprofessional learning activities with other health disciplines, and supervised practice placements in NHS and social care settings. Assessment typically combines written assignments, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), placement assessments, presentations and a final research project in the MSci stage.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to demonstrate qualifications equivalent to UK A-levels or an Access to Higher Education Diploma. The foundation year is designed for those who do not yet meet direct entry requirements for the professional course or who need additional preparation; evidence of aptitude for health-related study is beneficial.

• Typical academic offer: A-levels or equivalent qualifications; applicants with non-traditional or vocational qualifications are considered, particularly for the foundation year.
• GCSE-level English and mathematics (or equivalent) at a standard grade, or evidence of competence in numeracy and literacy.
• Applicants should be prepared to meet professional requirements: satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, occupational health clearance (including relevant immunisations), and fitness to practise declaration.
• Selection processes normally include an interview or assessment day and may include situational judgement or values-based recruitment activities to assess suitability for nursing practice.
• International applicants: proof of English language proficiency at the level required for professional practice will be required; equivalent academic qualifications will be considered.

Career prospects

Graduates who successfully complete the pre-registration element of the programme are eligible to apply for registration with the NMC as registered nurses and can move directly into clinical posts across acute, community and mental health services. The MSci component prepares graduates for enhanced and leadership roles; career paths commonly include:

• Registered Nurse roles in hospitals, community nursing, primary care and mental health services.
• Specialist clinical roles such as district nursing, critical care, emergency care, palliative care, or specialist community teams.
• Advanced practice, clinical leadership, nurse education and management roles following further training and experience.
• Opportunities in research and quality improvement, including progressing to doctoral study (PhD) or roles in clinical research delivery and policy.
• Employment in related settings such as public health, occupational health, health charities and non-governmental organisations.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester offers interprofessional learning and strong links with local NHS trusts, providing diverse placement opportunities across acute, community and specialist services. Students benefit from clinical skills suites and simulation facilities that support safe practice development before entering real-world placements.

Teaching is delivered by academically active staff with clinical expertise, enabling integration of current evidence and research into the curriculum. Support services for students include personal tutors, placement support teams and career development resources to help transition into registered practice and longer-term career planning.

The foundation year route and MSci award provide a supported pathway for motivated students seeking both professional registration and advanced study, with an emphasis on developing autonomous, reflective practitioners equipped for evolving roles in modern healthcare.