Study Nursing in UK: Fees & Requirements

Are you aware that Nursing is the UK’s most likely-to-be-employed type of degree? 94% of Nursing graduates get jobs within just about six months of graduating.

On basic requirements to study nursing in UK, we shall be looking at the following:

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What is a Nursing degree?

To be a Nurse, you have to obtain a Nursing degree. Becoming a Nurse isn’t just about reading a lot or having a lot of knowledge in your head. There is a lot to be involved with the patients in the community and the hospital setting.

There are different fields in Nursing which is obtainable in any of the affordable nursing schools in UK for international students.

There are Nursing degree courses that allow you to study in two of the four different fields of Nursing that are about to be listed.

They are called ‘dual field’ degrees. The four different fields of Nursing which we will talk about includes:

Adult Nursing

Adult Nursing offers you various opportunities, especially opportunities that require you to make a difference.

An adult Nurse is thought how to observe patients as well as access their needs.

Your Nursing career will entail working with adults of all ages who are suffering from long or short term health conditions.

Adult Nurses are likely to work in outpatient units, hospital wards, clinics as well as homes.

Children’s Nursing

Child Nursing is said to entail nursing a sick newborn baby.

Nursing a child is not just about caring for a young adult. As you know, children have very specific health needs, so you need to understand as a child nurse how healthy children develop.

A child may not be able to communicate effectively, therefore a child nurse has to be able to interpret the reactions and behaviour of a child.

Disability Nursing

Disability Nursing is such that will help you make a difference in the medical line.

Disability Nursing has excellent employment prospects and high flexibility in career.

Leaning the disability Nursing leaves you playing the following roles for patients:

Improving and maintaining the physical and mental health of patients.

Reducing barriers their clients have in living an independent life.

Supporting their patients in living a fulfilling life.

You are likely to work in a range of settings; people’s homes, education facilities, hospitals, residential and community centres etc.

Often, you work as part of a team that includes psychologists, social workers, teachers, occupational therapists, language therapists, and healthcare assistants. In general, disability Nursing

Mental Health Nursing

Your main role as a mental health Nurse is building effective relationships with people who use mental health services.

Part of your job also includes helping individuals understand their situation and as such get the best possible outcome.

During your period at the Nursing school or even after your Nursing school, you will be taught the legal context of your job.

Then you can identify when your patients are at risk of certain situations. You are likely to work in health centres or residential settings.

It is therefore one of the Nursing types to look out for in the affordable nursing schools in UK for international students. Now to the big question: what are the requirements to study nursing in UK?

What are the Basic requirements to study Nursing in UK?

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To become a Nurse in the UK, the main route is through a degree course of any of the universities in the UK that offer Nursing.

These degree courses as you know might have different requirements depending on the University and also depending on where and how you will like to study.

To study Nursing at the Undergraduate level, you typically need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, possibly in English language, Mathematics and science subjects such as biology or human biology.

They ask for that together with three A-Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications. Most schools will specify what the preferred A-level courses would be.

For instance, they could ask for one science( for instance biology), a social science( for example psychology).

Didn’t you meet up with those requirements? There is another option for you. Read on.

Many schools will provide a foundation year for those students who do not meet those initial requirements.

There are other routes to the Nursing career that you desire and are called Nursing degree Apprenticeships and Nursing associate apprenticeships. The Nursing Associate is a new role within the Nursing team.

Having considered these requirements and found yourself fit, you will be required to apply through the UCAS.

This is an easy way to apply to a university online and be able to track your application.

As for part-time applicants, they will need to contact the university in which they have the interest to be able to apply.

In addition, most students will need to go through an interview stage.

The student at this level has to demonstrate their understanding of the nursing career as well as all that is involved in nursing.

However, if you have an undergraduate degree, you may as well study for a postgraduate qualification.

Characteristics of successful Nursing students

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Here are some basic requirements to study nursing in UK in terms of character and habit if you must succeed as a student.

  • Goal-Oriented

I consider this as one of the requirements to study nursing in UK because as a student, you need to be goal-oriented and must stay motivated at all times if you must succeed.

  • Optimistic

I equally consider this as one of the requirements to study nursing in UK, because you need to be optimistic about studying for exams, about your clinical hours etc.

  • Organized

You need to be organized as a nursing student, therefore I consider it as one of the essential requirements to study nursing in UK. Nursing school can be challenging.

  • Realistic

This is one of the requirements to study nursing in UK, and it means students have to be realistic and not be too hard on themselves when they make mistakes.

  • Connected

As a nursing student, you need to connect with your professors and classmates.

Therefore I consider it as one of the requirements to study nursing in UK.

  • Passionate

Passion is what drives a nursing student to be successful. Therefore I consider being passionate as one of the requirements to study nursing in UK.

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The Nurses-Salary

Nurses with their complete qualifications are very much likely to have a starting salary of £22,000 to £30,000.

For instance, in London, where living cost is expensive, nurses are expected to earn more in such places.

The mean salary of a Nurse who is fully registered is about £23,000. When you add the bonuses and some other basic compensations, a registered nurse even with experience less than 20 years can earn up to £34,000.

other things to Know

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Nursing is the most employable degree in the United Kingdom. 94% of the nurses obtain a job just within 6 months of graduation.

As a Nursing student, you are likely to fall into two categories. They are:

Home students
International students

Home students include EU students and they pay about  £9,250 in tuition per year for undergraduate degrees.

International students are students who are not from the United Kingdom. International student’s fee varies widely and can range from £10,000 to £38,000 or more.

Financial Support while studying at Nursing schools in UK

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At least £5,000 is always available for eligible students( both undergraduates and postgraduates) Nurses to fund their studies.

The most interesting part is that it won’t need to be repaid. What does this package include?

A training grant of £5,000 per year.

Parental support payment of £2,000 per student per year, for child care costs.

A regional incentive program of £1,000 per year for students studying in certain regions where recruitment is hard.

A special payment of £1,000 per year for students who are studying mental health as well as students learning disability nursing.

Hardship funds up to £3,000 per student, per academic year.

Help towards additional travel and accommodation costs.

Eligibility:

The new funding and its packages as listed above are for students ordinarily resident in the UK and studying at a university in England. Read also the Wider learning support Fund.

On the other hand, students who apply for student’s loans have to be ready to pay back such lean over a thirty-year period.

By the way, the load repayment is dependent on the student’s earnings. Interestingly, students repay their loans if they maven over £21,000 per year.

However, when income falls below that due to unemployment or part-time jobs, repayment ceases until income falls back above £21,000.

How to apply for schools

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Application for nursing schools in the UK is made through UCAS.

The UCAS explains how to apply to a university through their online system.

Through their online system, you have up to five subjects and university course choices to apply to. Sometimes you get to know the requirements to study nursing in UK, as stipulated by the universities.

However, if you are interested in part-time courses, then you have to contact the university directly.

Alternative ways to become a Nurse

Having known the basic requirements to study nursing in UK, I must let you know the alternative routes towards becoming a Nurse. Here are other routes to becoming a Nurse:

Registered nurse degree apprenticeships (RNDA)

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Registered nurse degree apprenticeships (RNDA) offers a more flexible route to becoming a Nurse that doesn’t require full-time study at the university.

The first step is securing a position as an RNDA and then your employer will allow you to study at a university part-time.

During this period, you will train in a range of practice placements, for example in hospitals and people’s homes.

To start at an RNDA, you need Level 3 and Maths & English qualifications.

However, if you have Level 5 qualifications as a nursing associate or assistant practitioner, then your apprenticeship is likely to be called a ‘top up’ RNDA.

You might be wondering how you can find vacancies for RNDA. Vacancies for ENDA are advertised on the Government’s find-an-apprenticeship website or the NHS Jobs website.

Nursing associate

Nursing associate open a career in Nursing to individuals from different backgrounds and subsequently offers opportunities to individuals to train and become Registered Nurses.

Nursing associates have wider opportunities and more flexibility. They are not registered Nurses but then it is very easy for Nursing associates to ‘top up’ and become registered Nurse.

The roles and responsibilities vary depending on the care setting.

But in general, they undertake clinical tasks, support individuals who face unwelcome news and life-changing diagnoses, perform and record clinical observations, discuss and share information with registered Nurses etc.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council is responsible for registering and regulating Nursing associates. The basic requirements to study nursing in the UK listed above is also necessary in case they want to “top-up”

List of affordable nursing schools in UK for international students and Domestic students

This list was generated by considering some of the universities with the cheapest tuition fees in the UK.

  • Staffordshire University
  • University of Sunderland
  • Coventry University
  • University of the West of Scotland
  • University of East London
  • Teesside University
  • Harper Adams University College
  • University of Suffolk
  • London Metropolitan University
  • University of Cumbria
  • University of Bolton
  • Plymouth Marjon University
  • Buckinghamshire New University
  • University of London
  • York St John University
  • Ravensbourne University London
  • University College Birmingham

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Staffordshire University

Tuition for Undergraduate Nursing and Paramedics: £18,000

Staffordshire University is one of the universities with the common basic requirements to study nursing in UK, which is capable of giving you the professional edge in the health care sector.

They have courses in adult and children Nursing, mental health nursing and midwifery.

University of Sunderland

Tuition: £9,250 for UK/Europe students and £12,500 for international students

The University of Sunderland is one of the affordable nursing schools in the U that offer both online and offline courses.

Their basic requirements to study nursing in UK is almost as it is listed above. However, you can contact the university to find out more about their undergraduate, postgraduate, and online courses.

Undergraduate courses:

  • BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing Practice
  • BSc (Hons) Learning Disability Nursing Practice

Postgraduate courses:

  • MSc Nursing
  • MNurse(Adult)

Coventry University

Tuition:  £9,000-12,600

Coventry University is one of the cheapest universities for international students and at the same time among the universities with the common requirements to study nursing in UK.

The university is fast growing with about 37,000 students. About 97% of their students are in employment and an extra 6 months for study after graduation.

Coventry University has a school of Nursing, Midwifery and Health that delivers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses.

Here is a list of scholarships and funding for the University.

University of the West of Scotland

Tuition: £10,600

The University of the West of Scotland is one of the affordable nursing schools in UK for international students.

It is the largest modern university in Scotland with about 16,000 students on its five campuses.

The University of the West of Scotland offers a BSc Adult Nursing programme that helps prepare graduates to begin the study of nursing as a discipline.

There are equally postgraduate courses such as Neonatal Nursing, Mental health Nursing, Midwifery etc.

University of East London

Tuition: Ranges from £13,080 ( per year) to £15,720 

The University of East London has the department of Nursing and consequently offers a BSc Nursing (Adult) degree. They have equally added FdSc Nursing Associate as well as apprenticeship routes.

The University of East London is one of the affordable nursing schools in the UK that was shortlisted in four categories at the 2020 student’s Nursing Times Award and has equally made the shortlist for the Nursing Associate Training Programme Provider of Year, Partnership of the Year and Teaching Innovation of the Year.

Teesside University

Tuition:  £9,250 for undergraduate degree courses and £6,150 a year for a full-time foundation degree, HND or other qualifications below degree level.

Teesside University is one of the affordable nursing schools that offer the Nursing Studies (Adult) BSc (Hons) degree.

This course enables you to care for adult patients who have physical, emotional and social care needs.

This course develops your emotional intelligence, clinical decision-making, and interpersonal skills and equally goes with the basic requirements to study nursing in the UK.

Harper Adams University College

Tuition for the UK and Irish national undergraduate students:

  • All courses: £9,250
  • Placement year: £1,850

Tuition for EU, EEA or Swiss nationals:

  • All courses: £11,000
  • Placement year: £3,250

Harper Adams University College offers Veterinary Nursing Degrees that are fully accredited. Harper equally offers a full year placement plus shorter periods in practice.

Upon graduation, you are eligible to register as a veterinary nurse.

This course is taught by a large and supportive team with individual attention tailored to your needs.

University of Suffolk

Tuition: Ranges from £10,080 to  £16,895 with a grant of £5,000 grant a year available for Nursing students.

The University of Suffolk offers the following courses in Nursing and midwifery. The University of Suffolk is therefore one of the nursing schools in the UK, that will help you develop your practical skills and experience guarantee excellent general links with the NHS.

University of Bolton

Tuition fees: £12,450 per annum

The University of Bolton can be considered affordable because it is cheap and as a result offer Nursing and Midwifery courses to students.

Nursing at the University of Bolton is ranked as number one in England in terms of students satisfaction.

Therefore the University of Bolton is a place to be to gain relevant skills towards becoming a.

Interestingly their requirements are just the basic requirements to study nursing in UK.

Plymouth Marjon University

Tuition: £9250

Plymouth Marjon University offer courses in the fields of adult, child, mental health nursing and midwifery.

They offer support for your career and professional development in fields like healthcare, surgical care practice, emergency care and general practice nursing.

Their school of Nursing scored 82% for overall students satisfaction in the 2020 National Student Survey.

7 steps to study nursing in the UK

  • Know what it takes to be a Nurse in the United Kingdom
  • Do your research on Nursing Schools in the UK
  • Fulfil the English Requirements
  • Know the Tuition for Studying Nursing in the UK
  • Prepare the requirements for Application
  • Submit your application to Nursing Schools in the United Kingdom
  • Submit Student Visa Application

Know what it takes to be a Nurse in the United Kingdom

If you wish to study nursing in the UK as a foreign student, you must complete the Overseas Nursing Programme (ONP).

With ONP, you can become a licensed nurse in the country which enables you to work in a private hospital or National Health Service (NHS).

Before the ONP, you must study for a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Most universities offer a bachelor’s, master’s and PhD program.

For example, you can study Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) and Masters in Advanced Practice in Health Care at the University of Glasgow.

Whereas, at the University of Bradford, you can study several bachelor’s and master’s programs such as BSc Clinical Nursing Practice and Masters in Advanced Care of the Older Person.

To study for a nursing degree in the UK, it is commonly asked to obtain at least two A-levels or equivalent criteria at level three and an IELTS score of 7.0.

However, keep in mind that each university has its own entry requirements. For example, at King’s College London, they require A-Level Required grades of BBB, International Baccalaureate: 32 points, and five GCSEs grade 4/C including English, Maths and Science.

Aside from undergraduate and graduate programs, you also have the option to take nursing degree apprenticeships where you study at an approved education institution of the hospital.

Do your research on Nursing Schools in the UK

Before stepping into foreign soil for studies, you have to do a thorough research of the school you are applying for.

Keep in mind that only approved educational institutions (AEIs) are allowed to offer nursing degrees.

The UK is known for having top nursing schools and having prominent nurses because of the demand.

When choosing a school to study nursing in the United Kingdom, pick the one that has many suitable facilities, several courses to choose from, and a good social environment.

You will be studying for many years at the university, so it is best to choose a school you are comfortable with.

If you don’t mind living anywhere in the UK, it will be quite easy for you to choose one.

Moreover, pick a school that fits your budget and is more affordable for financial ease.

Fulfill the English Requirements

The UK is an English-speaking country. Thus, all classes in the country are English-medium.

If you are an international student, you have to present an English proficiency certificate that requires a certain level of scores such as IELTS or OET.

For example, at the University of Glasgow, they require an IELTS score of 7.0, a minimum of 6.5 in writing, and 7 in reading, listening and speaking parts.

You can also present an Occupational English Test (OET) with a minimum of a B grade in all sections.

However, take note that these English tests have an expiration date and some schools ask for a test result that is not expired or not more than a number of years.

Know the Tuition for Studying Nursing in the UK

Studying nursing in the United Kingdom requires financial preparation.

You have to be financially capable of sustaining your daily needs, school fees, and also for emergencies.

Going on a tight budget can be difficult and worrisome for living in the UK can be quite expensive.

The average cost of living in the UK is approximately USD 17,579.

The range of tuition fees in the UK can be around USD 13,522 to USD 51,385, depending on the university and if you are an EU or an international student.

To give an overview, King’s College London tuition fees for the UK is USD 12,508 per academic year, whereas for international students it costs USD 42,190 per academic year.

Moreover, they require a deposit of USD 2,704 for international students in the first year of the bachelor’s program.

Prepare the requirements for Application

Once you have chosen the universities you want to apply for, you can prepare your application requirements.

Each nursing school has its own criteria to follow for you to get accepted in the program.

For example, at the University of Edinburgh, they require documents that include your grades that meet a certain level such as A-Levels: AAB – ABB, IB: 34 points with 655 at HL, English proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge.

Aside from grades, it is also required to present a certificate that shows that you are fit and healthy to study nursing in the UK.

Nursing demands a lot of physical work and a strong immune system for you are dealing with different illnesses every day.

You can check out the Higher Educational Occupational Physicians/Practitioners (HEOPS) for guidelines.

Moreover, professionals with working experience are also preferred. Once the documents have been reviewed, you can be shortlisted for an interview and offered the program.

Submit your application to Nursing Schools in the United Kingdom

When you have prepared your documents, start applying, filling out the form and submitting them.

You will send your educational qualifications, a motivational letter, reference, and others, just make sure to submit them before the deadline.

It will be reviewed thoroughly whether you are fit for the program or not. When you are accepted, you will be interviewed and offered the degree program.

If you accept their offer, you will have to go through their acceptance process on what to do upon accepting offers.

You can expect some schools to ask candidates to take an examination as well.

This is also the time to consider the tuition fees, scholarships if needed, and housing accommodation.

Moreover, you may be asked to have a criminal record check.

After getting accepted, the universities usually do a certificate check to see if your documents are legitimate.

Of course, do make sure that you are submitting real and authentic documents to avoid future problems.

Submit Student Visa Application

Getting accepted into a university is only the beginning. Obtaining a student visa is the most crucial part of studying nursing in the United Kingdom.

Even if you have a university already, you may still get rejected from having a visa.

Thus, always be prepared with the necessary requirements in obtaining a visa, especially financial requirements.

According to Gov.uk, you can apply for a student visa online.

If you are an international student outside the UK, you need to give your fingerprints and photographs.

To apply, it is required to present your current passport, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider, proof of income, a valid ATAS certificate depending on nationality.

You may be wondering how much money you should have for your proof of income.

As a rule of thumb, your bank account should show enough money to pay for one academic year, which will be shown on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), and enough money for your daily needs.

For example, if you are studying in London it is recommended to have an allowance of USD 1,803 a month, whereas if you are outside London you should have USD 1,383 a month.

Conclusion on requirements to study Nursing in UK

Deciding what to study and where to study can be a little daunting. It is something that takes months of planning.

For students who are interested in obtaining a Nursing degree, you must equally consider the cost of living in the part of UK you are interested in.

Nonetheless, nursing is an incredible and rewarding career.

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2 comments

  1. what diploma course will you recommend as a pathway to study nursing in Uk

  2. Nursing Diploma Programs are two or three-year program that are primarily accomplished in a medical setting.

    Diploma program graduates receive just a diploma and not a college degree.

    A few of them to consider are:

    1. PgD in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing

    2. Diploma in Auxiliary Nursing Sciences

    3. Diploma in Practical Nursing (PNRS)

    4. Post Graduate Diploma in Nursing Practice

    5. Technical Diploma in Nursing Assistant

    6. Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing

    7. Diploma In Clinical and Pastoral Counselling

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