Nursing in the UK: Eligibility, Cost, Top Universities & Admission Process

According to a new House of Commons report on health and social care, there is an urgent need for 475,000 more personnel in the National Health Service (NHS).

Obviously, you must admit that is an astounding sum.

This makes nursing in the UK a great choice! Be it Bsc in Nursing or a Master's in Nursing, this country has plenty of opportunities for nurses.

We will cover every aspect of nursing programmes in the UK for overseas students in this blog. 

Nursing degrees in the UK:

There are various nursing degrees available to fit your goals, whether you're a student trying to start a career in nursing or a registered nurse looking to improve your knowledge and skills. The Nursing and Midwifery Council regulates nursing degrees in the UK, making sure they adhere to the criteria necessary to qualify you for a rewarding profession in nursing.

Let's explore your best possibilities and see what's out there!

1. Associate of Science in Nursing: Students who complete this two-year foundation degree are ready to work as nursing associates. Patients receive basic care from nursing associates who collaborate with registered nurses.
2. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Nursing: This is a three-year undergraduate course that will prepare students for employment as registered nurses. Graduates of the course acquire the expertise and skills needed to manage teams, provide patient care, and work in a healthcare setting.
3. Master of Science (MSc) in Nursing: A master's degree in nursing equips nurses with increased knowledge and abilities in nursing practice, theory, and research. Registered nurses who desire to specialise in a particular branch of nursing should consider this degree.
4. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing: This degree in research enables nurses to carry out further research and advanced nursing science. Registered nurses who desire to work in nursing research or education might consider this degree. 

Why study in the UK?

International students can pursue a very competitive academic experience in the UK. From renowned universities to cutting-edge teaching methods and the brilliant faculty that provide them, the country has everything you need to realise your full potential. 

 Here are the top 3 reasons why the UK is a perfect destination for international students:

1. Internationally recognized academic excellence and quality of teaching

2. Promising employability and career opportunities

3. Flexible geographical mobility and stay in the UK after graduation 

Related Article: Advantages of Studying in the UK for Nepalese Students

Why study nursing in the UK?

1. When it comes to world-class universities for nursing, few countries can match what Britain has to offer. At three of its top institutions

1. King's College London,
2. The University of Southampton, and
3. The University of Manchester

1. Students have access to numerous high-calibre degrees in this field. And with approximately 90 universities offering an excess of 500 courses related to nursing, those seeking a career in this sector are spoilt for choice.
2. When it comes to your education at UK institutions, you can modify the programmes to better fit your particular interests. 
3. There are plenty of tools and information available to help you make an informed decision and pursue your perfect path, whether you're inspired to help those with learning impairments or have a dream of becoming a midwife. 

Related Article: 5 benefits of Studying bsc Nursing in UK

Eligibility criteria to study nursing in the UK:

Students who wish to enrol in a BSc Nursing programme at a UK university must first complete the requirements set forth by that institution. The following is a summary of the minimal requirements for admission to the UK's BSc Nursing curriculum.

• Good scores in biology, chemistry, and physics in the 10th and 12th grades from an accredited board.
• English Language Proficiency: IELTS score of 7.0 overall with no score lower than 6.0 in any component
• A current passport, two passport-size pictures, and an updated CV.

List of documents required for pursuing nursing in the UK:

• All academic transcripts
• Previously cleared exam scores
• All the necessary qualification certificates
• Passport photocopy
• Letters of recommendation
• Bank statement (personal or parental)
• Passport copy
• English proficiency test scores

Admission process to pursue a nursing degree in the UK:

It is quick and simple to apply to a UK university to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, through the UCAS portal. The procedure is outlined below in detail:

• Visit the UCAS portal.
• Examine the course syllabus and the eligibility requirements.
• Click on the application form of the respective university.
• To begin, you must create an account with your mobile phone number or email address.
• You will receive an email or SMS on your registered contact number with login details and verification.
• Enter your personal information (name, gender, and date of birth) using the login information provided.
• Enter your academic qualifications and upload the required documents.
• Choose a course and pay the application fee.
• The application fee varies by university and can be paid with a debit/credit card or through internet banking.
• You can also track your application form through your account.
• Some universities will require selected students to attend a virtual interview.

Subject and Syllabus:

Anyone wanting to know more about nursing degrees in the UK should familiarise themselves with what the curriculum involves. Here is an overview of what one could expect to find in such a program:

• Nursing practises related to patient care for acute and short-term needs
• Nursing practises related to patient care for long-term and complex care
• Nursing and Health
• Transitions to Professional Practise

Top universities to Study Nursing in the UK:

Here is the list of top UK universities to pursue nursing in 2023. These are calculated from a survey that assesses everything from course and teacher satisfaction to student-to-staff ratios and ongoing career success.

1. University of Edinburgh

2. University of Glasgow

3. University of Liverpool

4. University of Southampton

5. University of Northampton

6. Coventry University

7. Ulster University

8. University of York

9. Queen's University Belfast

10. University of West London 

Scholarships to Study Nursing in the UK:

Studying abroad, while costly, is an experience that many individuals across the globe strive to have. To help make this dream a reality, numerous scholarships are available to support those who excel academically and wish to pursue their studies overseas.

Here is a list of the top nursing scholarships available to Nepalese students studying in the United Kingdom: 

The numerous scholarships offered by organisations like the Florence Nightingale Foundation and the Royal College of Nursing are available to nursing students. These institutions frequently offer financial aid for tuition, living expenses, and even travel expenses. These scholarships offer a fantastic option for anyone who wants to become nurse to have their financial needs covered. 

Related Article: Scholarship in the UK

Scope after Nursing in the UK:

The UK NHS is reportedly dealing with a staggering shortage of around 50,000 nurses as of 2022. As a result, the UK government is conducting a large recruitment drive in order to address this problem, and the majority of their sources are foreign markets.

The essential point is that the nurses in the United Kingdom gain excellent opportunities with exciting perks.

Students will have a wide-range of career options available after finishing their nursing degrees in the UK, such as:

• Trainee nurse
• Children nurse
• Staff nurse
• Mental health nurse
• Learning disability nurse
• Health visitor
• Therapist

Nursing salary in the UK:

The remuneration of nurses in the United Kingdom may differ depending on whether they are employed by the National Health Service (NHS) or by a private organisation. Furthermore, within the NHS, pay is adjusted based on level of experience and additional training.According to the UK nursing pay guide 2023, most nurse salaries in the UK range between £33,000 and £35,000 per year.