Swansea University

What you'll study

The programme combines biological and behavioural sciences with nursing practice to develop clinical, communication and professional skills for adult nursing. Teaching includes campus-based lectures and seminars, simulated clinical skills sessions and supervised practice placements in hospitals, community services and care settings across Wales.

• Core clinical skills and simulation – fundamental nursing care, assessment, clinical procedures, infection prevention and medicines administration taught in the Clinical Skills Centre and simulated ward environments.
• Anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology – understanding the biological basis of health and disease relevant to adult populations.
• Pharmacology and therapeutics – principles of pharmacology, safe drug administration and monitoring.
• Mental health and long-term conditions – managing chronic illness, frailty, dementia and the mental health needs of adults.
• Evidence-based practice and research – introductory research methods, critical appraisal and applying evidence to clinical decision making.
• Leadership, professional practice and ethics – professional regulation, safeguarding, multidisciplinary working and leadership skills for clinical teams.
• Practice placements – progressively responsible clinical placements across acute, community, primary care and social care settings, supervised by practice assessors and practice supervisors.

The programme is designed so that theoretical modules run alongside practice learning, enabling students to apply classroom learning in real clinical environments and to develop professional behaviours required for NMC registration.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a secondary school qualification profile equivalent to standard UK A-levels or a relevant level 3 vocational qualification (for example BTEC) in a health-related subject. Typical offers reflect a range of equivalent qualifications rather than a single fixed set of grades.

• GCSEs – passes in English and mathematics (or equivalent) are usually required; acceptable grade equivalents are expected.
• Health-related experience – recent experience in caring, paid or voluntary, is highly desirable and may be discussed at interview.
• Fitness to practise checks – all students must meet occupational health requirements and obtain an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before practice placements.
• Interview and selection – applicants will typically attend a selection interview or assessment that explores motivation, values and suitability for nursing practice.
• International students – must demonstrate English language proficiency at a level acceptable to the University and the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Career prospects

On successful completion students are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Registered Nurse (Adult). Graduates commonly begin their careers as staff nurses in NHS hospitals, community nursing teams, primary care or social care organisations.

• Roles include acute ward nurse, community nurse, district nurse, specialist nurse roles (for example in long-term conditions or diabetes), and practice nurse in primary care.
• With experience and further study graduates may progress to advanced clinical roles (nurse practitioner), clinical educator, ward manager or leadership and management positions within health services.
• Other pathways include research, public health, policy roles and secondments into allied sectors such as social care management or non-governmental organisations.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea University offers a hands-on adult nursing programme with strong links to NHS Wales and health providers across the region, ensuring a wide range of placement experiences. The University provides modern clinical skills facilities and simulation suites where students rehearse clinical scenarios in a safe environment.

• Placement network – extensive clinical partnerships across hospitals, community services and nursing homes in Wales provide varied real-world learning opportunities.
• Facilities – dedicated clinical skills and simulation facilities support acquisition of practical competencies before and during placements.
• Research-informed teaching – teaching is informed by the University’s health research, helping students apply current evidence to practice.
• Support – robust student support services including academic tutors, occupational health, wellbeing services and dedicated practice learning support.
• Career support – proactive employability services and strong employer links help graduates transition into the workforce and access postgraduate development opportunities.