Swansea University

What you'll study

This pre-registration programme covers the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required for safe, effective adult nursing practice. Teaching blends theoretical modules, clinical skills sessions in simulation suites and substantive practice placements across NHS Wales and partner organisations.

• Core biological and behavioural sciences – anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and the biological basis of illness that underpin nursing assessment and interventions.
• Clinical nursing practice – assessment, clinical decision-making, acute and long-term condition management, wound care and medicines management.
• Mental health and communication – therapeutic communication, mental wellbeing, supporting people with dementia and complex psycho-social needs.
• Care across the life course – care for older adults, frailty, end-of-life care and chronic condition management in hospital and community settings.
• Professional practice and law – professional standards, ethics, legal frameworks and safeguarding relevant to adult nursing.
• Research and evidence-based practice – research methods, appraisal of evidence and applying research to improve care quality and outcomes.
• Leadership and service improvement – team working, practice leadership, quality improvement and preparation for supervisory roles.

Learning is assessed through a combination of practical assessments, observed clinical practice, written assignments and examinations. Substantial practice hours are completed under supervision in a range of adult health care settings to meet regulatory requirements for registration.

Entry requirements

Typical applicants will hold a mix of academic and vocational qualifications alongside relevant experience in care or health settings. Requirements normally include:

• A-levels, BTEC or equivalent qualifications in health/science-related subjects, or an Access to Higher Education Diploma with health-related units; mature applicants with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.
• Evidence of proficiency in English and numeracy (for example GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or equivalent) where applicable.
• Current/previous experience in a health or social care setting is highly desirable and may be required for part-time routes that expect learners to be employed in practice.
• Satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, occupational health clearance (including immunisations) and any other statutory checks required for supervised clinical practice.
• Applicants must be eligible to undertake practice placements in the UK; right-to-work and other local eligibility requirements apply.

Swansea University considers applications holistically, including non-traditional and mature students. Specific entry criteria and required documentation should be checked with the admissions team.

Career prospects

Graduates who successfully complete the programme are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Registered Nurse (Adult). Career paths commonly followed include:

• Staff nurse roles in acute hospital wards, community nursing teams and specialist clinics.
• Community and district nursing, including long-term condition management and home-based care.
• Specialist practice areas such as critical care, surgical care, respiratory, cardiology or oncology, often following post-registration training.
• Advanced clinical practice, nurse prescribing and specialist practitioner roles developed through postgraduate study and experience.
• Leadership, management, education and research roles within NHS organisations, independent sector and third-sector health services.

Employers value the combination of academic learning and supervised practice this degree provides; many graduates progress into substantive NHS posts or further postgraduate study.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea's School of Health and Social Care provides practice-focused nursing education underpinned by research and strong clinical partnerships across NHS Wales and local care providers. Students benefit from dedicated clinical skills facilities, simulation-based learning and small-group teaching that supports applied learning.

• Established links with local health boards and a wide range of placement opportunities across hospital and community settings.
• Interprofessional learning with allied health and social care disciplines, preparing students for collaborative practice.
• Support services for part-time and mature students, including academic skills, placement coordination and career guidance.
• Teaching informed by active research in nursing practice, public health and health services which helps ensure curriculum relevance to contemporary practice challenges.

The part-time format is designed to be flexible for students who are working or have other commitments while pursuing a professional nursing qualification.