Nursing Schools in UK: The UK has a shortage of qualified professionals in the National Health Service (NHS), so nurses end up working silly amounts of hours. There is always too much to do and too few staff to do it. A UK nursing degree or license is highly valued by employers in the medical field, and this will boost your chances of being hired by any healthcare organization in the UK.
The UK is the best choice when it comes to the field of nursing as it’s one of the easiest ways to get a Permanent Resident Visa in the UK. The courses in nursing are focused on adult health, child health, learning disability, and mental health. Nursing is the UK’s most employable type of degree, with 94% of students getting a job within six months of finishing their course.
Are you thinking of studying nursing in the United Kingdom? Well, this article is specially made for you. Read on to know more about Nursing Schools in UK, their requirements, and Fees.
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Nursing in UK schools
In the UK, you go through a nursing education program, training, or apprenticeship to become a nurse and this can only be done at approved educational institutions (AEIs) based in health and social care settings. The UK is known to be home to lots of top nursing schools that are ranked amongst the best nursing colleges in the world. Nursing education courses usually take a minimum of three years in most Nursing Schools in UK and Nursing degrees in the UK combine theory and practical learning making the students stand out.
Fields in Nursing
For MSC, nursing is divided into four categories, hence you need to do your research well and pick the one that best suits you.
- Adult Nursing: You’ll work with adults of all ages (from 20 years upwards), with a variety of conditions.
- Mental Health Nursing: In this field, you’ll learn how to care for patients with a range of mental health needs, in many different settings, to give you flexibility in your future profession. Mental health nurses have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s recovery at this challenging time of their life
- Child Nursing: You’ll work with children of all ages (up to 19 years old), with a variety of conditions. Not only will you care for the child, but you will also provide a high level of support for families.
- Learning Disability Nursing: This field will teach you how to care for people with a range of learning disabilities, in many different settings, including where they live, learn, and have fun. This gives you the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives, as you facilitate the desired lifestyle choices for the individuals that you work with.
Benefits of Studying Nursing in the UK
- Job Opportunities: With the reputation of nursing schools in UK, graduating from a nursing school in the UK qualifies you for a job in nursing practice anywhere in the world.
- lower tuition: UK nurses have more autonomy and don’t have to pay nearly so much for schooling.
- salary expectation: good salary, above average incomes
- Extra bonuses: Paid annual leave 27 days to start + bank holidays
- Fully paid Training: Training, if it’s required for your role, will be paid by the NHS.
See Also: Top 6 schools in UK that accept HND and Third class for master’s
Top Nursing Schools in the UK
Listed below are our top 6 nursing schools in Uk with affordable tuition:
1. University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is the 5th in the world for nursing. Here you will be taught the latest theory and practice. The school will Widen your nursing expertise and employability with dual field study and combined master’s degrees. Nursing at the University of Southampton has ranked within the world’s top 10 for a third successive year according to QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021.
Please note that the undergraduate nursing courses at the University of Southampton are currently not available to EU and international students.
2. University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is ranked 5th in the world and 2nd in the UK for Nursing (QS World University Rankings 2021). The University of Manchester was home to the first degree in Nursing in England (1974), led by the first Professor of Nursing Baroness McFarlane of Llandaff. The department has a long history of excellence in teaching and research.
3. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is one of the first universities to offer a nursing degree in the UK (since 1956), the University of Edinburgh has a long tradition of preparing graduate nurses. The school offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, as well as continuing professional development courses. The undergraduate program is a four-year program that leads to a Bachelor of Nursing degree and registration as a nurse (adult branch). Ranked in the UK’s top 5 and the world’s top 30 universities for nursing in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.
4. University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham will train you in an active healthcare environment based in a Medical School within one of the UK’s largest major hospitals. Successful completion of a nursing course in this institution leads to registration with the Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC). The school is 4th in the UK for Nursing QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022
5. King’s College London
King’s College London continues to be home to the world’s second-highest-ranked nursing faculty, according to the 2022 installment of the QS World University Rankings by Subject.
6. Glasgow Caledonian University
The nursing programs at universities like Glasgow Caledonian University will allow you to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. So your plans of staying and working in the UK after graduation is guaranteed.
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Admission Requirements for Nursing Schools in UK For Undergraduate Applicants
- Educational requirements: You are to submit a high school diploma or equivalent qualification. Some universities may require certain high school courses, such as biology or chemistry, as prerequisites.
- English Language proficiency: Universities may require students to provide an English language proficiency, such as a TOEFL or IELTS score, some schools may demand a (MOI) medium of instruction in place of an IELTS.
- Standardized tests: Some schools demand that applicants take some test, such as the SAT or ACT, as part of the admission process.
- Letters of recommendation (LOR): Most schools demand applicants to submit a letter of recommendation from teachers or other professionals who can attest to their academic abilities.
Admission Requirements for Nursing Schools in UK for Postgraduate Applicants
- Applicants must hold a UK honors degree 2:2 or international equivalent and A nursing qualification.
- Applicant must be a registered nurse.
- IELTS – 7.0 (with 7.0 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
- PTE Academic: 62 overall with at least 59 in each component
- Personal statement
- Reference letter
These are general requirements and may vary slightly with school because each university sets its own criteria.
Top Nursing Schools in UK, Fees, and Rankings
| University | Postgraduate Tuition fee (annual fee) | Rankings by subject |
| University of Southampton | £25,000 | 7th |
| University of Manchester | £24,500. | 5th |
| University of Edinburgh | £27,100 | 2nd |
| University of Nottingham | £27,200 | 4th |
| King’s College London | £31,840 | 10th |
| Glasgow Caledonian University | £18,450 | 1st |
See Also: Visa Application Fees for Canada and the UK
Steps to Apply to Nursing Schools in the UK
Once you’ve found the right school and course for you, the next step is to apply:
- Check academic requirements: Before you commence your application, you must first check out the institution and its admission requirements as many schools have different admission requirements.
- Look out for the application deadlines: International applicants should apply as early as possible to ensure that they have enough time to apply for a student visa. If you are successful in receiving an offer, you will need to accept it and meet any outstanding conditions as advised by the admissions team.
- Gather the necessary documents: You have to arrange all your necessary documents such as transcripts, test scores, statement of purpose, English language proficiency scores (If your school requires them), and letters of recommendation.
- Submit your application: After you must have filled in all the required details you submit your application to the school for review.
- Application fee: Some schools demand you pay the application fee while some don’t. For schools that demand an application fee, your application will not be assessed until the application fee has been paid.
- Await Response: When the school has finalized your application, an email will be sent to let you know what you need to do next. You may also be contacted by the school asking you to provide further information to help them assess your application.
How to move from a Non-Nursing Undergraduate Background to Nursing in UK
Transitioning from a non-nursing background to nursing in the UK is achievable, all you have to do is to follow the steps below:
- Undergraduate Degree: For someone with zero background in nursing the best way to transition to nursing in the UK is by enrolling for an undergraduate degree as that’s the only degree type that does not require a nursing background.
- Carry out your research: Search for UK schools that accept international nursing undergraduates, their available nursing degree programs, career pathways and their respective field’s requirements, including educational and training qualifications, registration, and professional bodies. Make sure the program of your choice is accredited by the NMC.
- Make available the necessary credentials: After you must have chosen your program the next thing is to gather the required documents.
- Send out your application: You may choose to apply for your nursing program through UCAS or send you application directly to the school of your choosing. In this stage you get to send the required documents together with your application. If the school you chose to apply to demands for an application fee, its of your best interest to forward the fee after you must have sent the application.
- Await their response: Once your application is deemed successful the school will send you information on the next step to take.
- Register with nursing body in the UK: After successful completion of your nursing program, you will have to register with the NMC to be able to practice as a registered nurse in the UK
Your quest to be a UK nurse is achievable with just a little hard work. Follow the guidelines above to become a UK registered nurse and enjoy the nursing benefits in UK. For more inquiries and guidelines do Contact Us.