If you’re passionate about helping people and want a career that truly makes a difference, the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) at the University of Nottingham is an ideal choice. This programme blends theory with hands-on experience, preparing you to become a skilled, compassionate adult nurse ready to work in hospitals, community care, or specialised healthcare settings.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build the foundations of nursing practice. Modules like Clinical Learning 1 & 2 give you early exposure to real healthcare settings, while Biosciences Applied to Nursing 1 & 2 link biology directly to patient care. You’ll also explore Introduction to Professional Nursing to understand the nurse’s role, and Evidence Applied to Nursing Practice, where you’ll learn how research informs high-quality care.
Year 2
Your second year develops your clinical skills and understanding of complex patient care. Modules such as Biosciences and Introduction to Pharmacology deepen your knowledge of medications, and Psychosocial Influences on Health helps you address patients’ emotional and social needs. You’ll continue placements through Clinical Learning 3 and Clinical Practice: Application of Learning, while Using Evidence to Improve Nursing Practice and Leadership for Nursing prepare you to make informed decisions and take on leadership responsibilities.
Year 3
The final year prepares you for professional practice and leadership roles. You’ll study Preparing to Prescribe for safe medication management, and Development of Management and Leadership Skills for Practice to take on advanced responsibilities. You’ll also complete an Extended Literature Review (dissertation), exploring a topic of your choice in depth. Optional modules like Advanced Clinical Learning allow you to specialise in areas such as pain management, cardiac care, cancer care, or neonatal nursing.
Focus Areas:
Clinical practice, biosciences, pharmacology, leadership, evidence-based practice, psychosocial health
Learning Outcomes:
Develop clinical competence, apply bioscientific principles to nursing, practice evidence-based care, demonstrate leadership skills, understand psychosocial influences on health
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) — graduates can register as adult nurses in the UK
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Nottingham is joint 4th in the UK and 38th in the world for Nursing according to the QS World Rankings by Subject 2024
At Nottingham, learning to be a nurse is all about doing as well as learning. From the very first year, you’ll step into real healthcare settings, caring for patients under the guidance of experienced professionals. Your practical learning is supported by state-of-the-art simulation labs, clinical skills facilities, and a wide range of digital tools, helping you build confidence before and alongside real-world placements.
Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on experience:
Clinical Placements – work in hospitals, clinics, and community settings to apply what you’ve learned in real-life situations.
Simulated Practice Learning – practice assessments, interventions, and emergency scenarios in high-fidelity simulation labs.
Clinical Skills Facilities – use modern equipment and dedicated spaces to develop and refine essential nursing skills.
Elective Placement Opportunities – choose placements that match your interests and career goals, giving you a tailored experience.
Supportive Supervision – receive guidance and mentorship from experienced faculty and clinical professionals.
Collaborative Learning Environment – learn alongside peers and healthcare teams, developing teamwork and communication skills crucial for nursing.
This combination of hands-on practice, cutting-edge facilities, and mentorship ensures that by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to step confidently into your nursing career.
Graduating from the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) programme at Nottingham opens up a world of rewarding career opportunities. You’ll leave ready to provide high-quality, compassionate care in a variety of healthcare settings, and can explore roles such as Registered Nurse, Community Health Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Nurse Educator.
Here’s how the University supports your career journey:
Graduate Employment & Salary – Around 97.9% of health sciences graduates secure work or further study within 15 months of graduation, with an average starting salary of £25,798.
Career Services – One-to-one appointments, workshops, and employer events help you build your CV, practice interviews, and make professional connections.
Industry Partnerships – Collaborations with NHS Trusts and private healthcare providers give you valuable placement opportunities and direct exposure to potential employers.
Professional Accreditation – The course is fully accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), so you can register as an adult nurse in the UK with confidence.
Further Academic Progression:
After your BSc, you can continue your studies to specialise or advance your career. Options include Master’s degrees in Nursing, Leadership in Health and Social Care, or other specialised healthcare programmes, giving you the skills to take on advanced clinical roles, leadership positions, or academic careers.
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