If you’re passionate about caring for people and making a real difference in their lives, the BNurs (Hons) Adult Nursing degree at the University of Birmingham is the perfect place to begin your journey. This programme combines hands-on clinical experience with expert teaching and the latest nursing research, helping you develop into a confident, compassionate, and highly skilled adult nurse.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your first year is all about building strong foundations for nursing practice. You’ll study core modules like Foundations of Nursing Practice, Biological and Social Sciences for Nursing, and Introduction to Health Systems and Policy. These will help you understand how the body works, what affects people’s health, and how healthcare systems support patient care. You’ll also take part in simulation-based learning and your first clinical placements, giving you a taste of real nursing from the very start.
Year 2
In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into adult nursing. Modules such as Care of the Critically Ill Adult, Pharmacology and Medicines Management, and Evidence-Based Nursing Practice will help you build the confidence to make clinical decisions and manage complex cases. You’ll spend more time in hospital and community placements, where you’ll apply what you’ve learned and begin to take on more responsibility in patient care.
Year 3
Your final year prepares you to step confidently into professional practice. Through modules like Advanced Adult Nursing Practice, Leadership, Quality and Safety in Nursing, and a Research Project in Nursing, you’ll refine your leadership and critical thinking skills. By the end of the year, you’ll be ready to qualify as a registered nurse — capable of leading teams, improving healthcare quality, and providing compassionate care across diverse healthcare settings.
Focus Areas
Adult patient care, medicines management, health systems and policy, critical and complex care, leadership and quality improvement, evidence-based nursing practice
Learning Outcomes
By graduation, you’ll be able to deliver safe and person-centred care to adults in a range of settings, apply scientific and clinical knowledge effectively, evaluate and integrate research into everyday nursing, and take the lead in improving healthcare quality. You’ll also develop the communication and teamwork skills that make great nurses stand out.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This course is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Once you complete your degree, you’ll be eligible to register as a Registered Nurse (Adult) — ready to work anywhere in the UK and beyond.
Reputation (Employability & Rankings)
The University of Birmingham is widely respected for its healthcare education, with Nursing and Midwifery ranked among the UK’s top universities (Guardian and Complete University Guide, 2025). Around 93% of Birmingham nursing graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months, earning an average salary of £28,500 (Discover Uni). Employers value Birmingham graduates for their clinical excellence, professionalism, and leadership potential.
At Birmingham, learning to be a nurse goes far beyond the classroom. From the very first year, you’ll get hands-on experience in real healthcare environments, practising the skills you’ll need in your future career. The University provides state-of-the-art simulation suites, clinical skills labs, and digital tools that let you safely practise everything from routine care to emergency procedures. Alongside this, you’ll spend plenty of time in hospital and community placements, working with real patients under the guidance of experienced professionals. You’ll also collaborate with students from medicine, pharmacy, and other health disciplines, learning how healthcare teams really function.
Your practical experience includes:
Clinical placements in hospitals and community settings – gain real-world experience caring for adult patients in diverse healthcare environments.
Simulation suites & clinical skills labs – practise assessments, interventions, and emergency scenarios using manikins and simulated patients.
Interprofessional learning – work alongside students from medicine, pharmacy, and physiotherapy to develop teamwork and communication skills.
SCRIPT eLearning module – build confidence in prescribing and medication management through interactive digital exercises.
Digital learning platforms – Canvas (VLE), online discussion boards, podcasts, and wikis give you 24/7 access to learning and collaboration tools.
Birmingham Centre for Anatomy, Surgical and Clinical Skills – a cutting-edge facility to practise surgical, clinical, and patient care skills in realistic settings.
Partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust – apply your learning directly in professional healthcare settings and benefit from expert mentorship.
Graduating from the BNurs (Hons) Adult Nursing programme opens the door to a wide range of rewarding healthcare careers. You’ll leave Birmingham ready to provide expert, compassionate care and step confidently into professional nursing roles. Typical career paths include:
Registered Nurse (Adult) – delivering hands-on care in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.
Clinical Nurse Specialist – focusing on a specific area of patient care and providing expert support.
Nurse Educator – teaching and mentoring the next generation of nurses.
Healthcare Manager – leading nursing teams and coordinating care services effectively.
To help you reach these roles, the University provides a wealth of career support:
Birmingham Career Services – personalised guidance, CV and interview workshops, and job search support.
Placement Opportunities – real-world experience across hospitals and community care settings, building both skills and professional networks.
Alumni Network – connect with graduates who can offer advice and career opportunities.
University–Industry Partnerships – strong links with NHS trusts and other healthcare providers ensure access to top-quality placements and potential employment.
Graduates enjoy strong employment outcomes:
Around 93% of nursing graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months.
Median salary three years after graduation is £27,500.
The degree carries NMC accreditation, giving your qualification long-term recognition in the UK and internationally.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BNurs, you can continue to grow your skills and career through:
Postgraduate study – pursue a Master’s in specialised nursing areas, such as Advanced Clinical Practice or Nurse Education.
Doctoral research – work toward a PhD in Nursing or related disciplines, contributing to cutting-edge healthcare knowledge.
Professional development courses – gain extra certifications and skills to enhance your expertise and open new career opportunities.
The University of Birmingham provides ongoing guidance and resources to help you achieve your career ambitions, whether in clinical practice, leadership, or research.



Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
