BSc Nursing Adult

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Stirling

Program Overview

The BSc Nursing – Adult at the University of Stirling is designed for students who want to make a real difference in people’s lives. You’ll gain both the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to provide compassionate, high-quality care to adults in a variety of healthcare settings.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Foundations of Nursing Practice

In your first year, you’ll get to grips with the basics of nursing, learning essential skills like communication, anatomy, and patient care. Modules such as Anatomy and Physiology, Communication in Healthcare, and Introduction to Professional Practice help you build a solid foundation, while practical placements give you a real taste of working with patients.

Year 2: Advancing Clinical Skills

Year two is all about taking your skills to the next level. You’ll study modules like Clinical Skills Development, Pathophysiology, and Evidence-Based Practice to deepen your understanding of patient care. Clinical placements continue to be a big part of your learning, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in real healthcare settings.

Year 3: Specialization and Professional Development

In your final year, you can start to focus on areas that interest you, whether that’s medical-surgical nursing, rehabilitation, or community health. Modules such as Advanced Clinical Practice, Leadership in Nursing, and Research Methods prepare you for leadership roles and advanced practice. If you’re on the BSc (Hons) path, you’ll also complete a dissertation and an extra placement to explore your chosen specialty in depth.

Focus Areas

Clinical skills, evidence-based practice, leadership, advanced nursing practice, research.

Learning Outcomes

Deliver safe and effective patient care, communicate confidently with healthcare teams, apply evidence-based approaches, lead and manage nursing teams, and conduct meaningful research in nursing.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

BSc Adult Nursing degrees are accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), so you’ll be eligible to register and practice as a professional nurse in the UK after graduation.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 5 in Scotland for Nursing by The Guardian University Guide 2025, reflecting the quality of teaching and strong graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Stirling, learning to be a great nurse goes far beyond the classroom. You’ll spend plenty of time in real healthcare settings, gaining hands-on experience that builds confidence and practical skills. The program is designed so you can practice, make mistakes safely, and grow under the guidance of experienced professionals. You’ll also have access to innovative facilities and digital tools that help bridge theory with real-world practice, preparing you for the variety of situations you’ll encounter as a professional nurse.

Here’s how you’ll get that hands-on experience:

  • Clinical Skills Lab: Practice essential nursing procedures in a fully equipped, safe environment before heading out on placements.

  • Virtual Practice Learning (VPL): Explore uncommon scenarios through digital simulations, helping you feel prepared for anything.

  • Simulation and VR Room: Immerse yourself in realistic patient situations using cutting-edge technology, building confidence and decision-making skills.

  • Diverse Clinical Placements: Gain real-world experience across hospitals, rehabilitation centers, community health services, and more, including intensive care and district nursing.

  • Study Abroad Opportunities: Broaden your perspective by learning about healthcare systems and practices in other countries.

  • Supportive Mentorship: Receive guidance and feedback from practice assessors, supervisors, and academic staff throughout your placements.

  • Mental Health and Wellbeing Focus: Modules and support systems help you manage stress and build resilience for a long, fulfilling career in nursing.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Stirling’s Adult Nursing program opens the door to a wide range of exciting and meaningful careers in healthcare. You’ll leave ready to step into professional nursing roles with confidence, thanks to the mix of hands-on clinical placements and the support of experienced staff. The skills, experience, and professional connections you gain will make you highly employable in diverse healthcare settings:

Typical career paths include:

  • Registered Nurse – Deliver compassionate care in hospitals, clinics, or community health services.

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist – Focus on a particular area, such as wound care, diabetes, or rehabilitation.

  • Nurse Educator – Teach and mentor the next generation of nurses in clinical or academic settings.

  • Healthcare Manager – Lead nursing teams or manage healthcare facilities, ensuring quality care and smooth operations.

Here’s how Stirling supports your career journey:

  • Career Development Centre – Personalized advice, CV workshops, and interview prep to help you land your first job.

  • Graduate Success – Around 96% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating.

  • Industry Connections – Partnerships with NHS Forth Valley and third-sector organizations provide placements, networking, and real-world experience.

  • Professional Accreditation – Approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, so you’ll be ready to register and practice anywhere in the UK.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing your degree, there are plenty of ways to take your studies further:

  • Postgraduate Study – Master’s programs in specialized nursing areas, such as Advanced Clinical Practice or Nurse Education.

  • Clinical Doctorate – Stirling offers a unique Clinical Doctorate in Nursing, perfect for those wanting to combine practice and research.

  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – Short courses and certifications in areas like palliative care, dementia, or leadership to keep your skills sharp and open new career doors.

With these opportunities, you can shape your career to suit your interests—whether that’s becoming a specialist nurse, a leader in healthcare, or contributing to nursing research.

Program Key Stats

£23,700
£
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


Eligibility Criteria

CCC
3.0
28
60

N/A
N/A
7.0
95

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Registered Nurse
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Nurse Educator
  • Healthcare Manager
  • Community Health Nurse
  • Research Nurse

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