Study nursing in the UK
Where can I study nursing in the UK?
With three of the top ranked universities for nursing – King’s College London (second), the University
of Southampton (fifth) and the University of Manchester (eighth) – you won’t struggle to find world–
class teaching in the UK. In total there are almost 90 universities to choose from, with more than 470
courses between them.
With three of the top ranked universities for nursing – King’s College London (second), the University
of Southampton (fifth) and the University of Manchester (eighth) – you won’t struggle to find world–
class teaching in the UK. In total there are almost 90 universities to choose from, with more than 470
courses between them.
What is the application process?
Nursing degrees are highly competitive and applications will typically need to show you have the
required aptitude and motivation as well as strong academic credentials – usually three A–levels of
ABB or better. Your numeracy and literacy will need to be very good, as will your ability to
communicate. Working as part of a team under pressure is a critical skill for this role.
Most universities will expect 30 points for an International Baccalaureate, and an IELTS score of 7.0
overall, no lower than 6.0 in any one component.
How long does it take to graduate?
Nursing degrees in the UK typically demand four years full–time study . This includes a wide range of
compulsory courses in life sciences as well as placements in different real–world health environments
such as community and medical centres. This first–hand experience of the NHS will give you the
chance to apply the theory covered in your lectures, tutorials, practical sessions and group work with
real patients.
What qualifications do I need to be able to work in the UK?
If you want to work as a registered nurse in the UK, you’ll need to complete the Overseas Nursing
Programme (ONP). The ONP gives you the freedom to apply for roles in the NHS or the private
sector and can be integrated as part of a BSc (Hons) or MSc courses in International Nursing
Studies.
Once you have an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in International Nursing Studies, you
can apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in order to be eligible to work
in the UK.You’ll need to complete 400 hours of supervised practice placement to complete the course. You are
legally allowed to work 20 hours a week during term time, and full-time in the holidays, to make up
your quota.
Wherever you study or undergo your work placements, you’ll be learning on state-of-the-art
equipment whilst immersed in Medical English – the global language of care.
Why is the UK a good choice for nursing?
The UK has helped to shape professional nursing ever since the 1850s when Florence Nightingale
founded the first ever school dedicated to professional nursing at St Thomas’ hospital in London .
From administering vaccines to setting standards in the discipline, we’ve led the world and nursing
has played a vital role in supporting our world-leading medical research and care.
The UK is also home to a world-famous public healthcare model, the National Health Service, which
has close ties to universities across the country. Closely integrated with private practice and the wider
care system, you’ll be learning best-practice approaches to nursing first-hand from within these
modern healthcare environments, alongside leading health professionals from all disciplines.
Are there any scholarships for nursing?
There are close to 1000 nursing scholarships for international students in the UK . While some are
specific to applicants from certain countries , many are open to any nationality.
You can also choose to apply for one of the more high profile opportunities such as Chevening
Scholarships or Commonwealth Scholarships, which are both open to residents of any country.
What are my work options after I graduate?
A UK nursing qualification opens the door to all kinds of job roles directly related to your degree. From
becoming an adult or children’s nurse, a health visitor or midwife, specialising in learning disabilities
or mental health, or even becoming a paramedic, each offers a very different kind of career
experience.
The kinds of employers seeking people with nursing skills is just as diverse. You could find yourself
working for a private sector healthcare provider or a national one, a voluntary organisation, a school,
prison, nursing home, industry employer or even the army. But whatever path you take, you’ll find
doors open up anywhere in the world when you have the versatile, real-world skills provided by a UK
nursing degree.
To find out more about studying nursing in the UK and to find a course,
