Nursing Courses in UK: Costs, Requirements & Job Opportunities

A noble career, nursing is one such field without which the healthcare sector is incomplete. Not only do nursing professionals make good money but the profoundly rewarding domain gifts a great sense of satisfaction for helping people. Let us dive deep into the nursing courses in the UK, its tuition fees, and admission requirements and also check out the top colleges for nursing in the UK.
As a nursing professional or a nurse, you will be responsible for taking care of people of all age groups, from adults to infants. Patience and compassion are two major qualities which should stick naturally to a nurse’s personality. You will accompany people in their healing process as well as during the critical times in their lives as well. You will not only be involved in their treatment but also in motivating them to feel positive and lively. This career is great for you if you wish to help people and care about the well-being of others. You need to possess a good base in science for this career. It will offer you a chance to enhance your growth both professionally and personally. Be aware of what all are the other requirements to study in the UK.
In the UK adult nurses work for a duration of atleast 37.5 hours every week. Nurses co-work with other medical professionals such as doctors, therapists, etc. In the UK you can get employed in clinics, hospitals, outpatient units, etc. You may also pick up freelancing employment with the help of organisations or as a private nurse. Although the profession maintains a hectic and tiring schedule, the satisfaction that one gets after being involved in someone’s health-related improvement or healing is incomparable.
- Nursing Courses in UK Highlights
- Top 5 Nursing Universities in UK
- Nursing in UK Eligibility
- Nursing Admission Documents Required
- Nursing Salary in UK
Nursing Courses in UK Highlights
Types of Courses | Nursing (Hons), MSc Nursing, Certificate Course, BSc (Hons), Advanced |
Duration | UG: 3-4 Years PG: 1 Year Full-Time, 2-3 Years Part Time |
Average Tuition Fees | UG: 14,000 to 30,000 Pounds PG: 10,000 to 40,000 Pounds |
Average Salary | 35,000 to 38,000 Pounds |
Specialisations | Pediatric Nursing, Nurse Anesthetist, Midwife, Oncology Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Critical Care Nursing |
Top 3 Colleges | University of Sheffield, University of Glasgow, The University of Edinburgh |
Top Jobs | Staff Nurse, Research Nurse, Day Care Nurse, Outpatients Staff Nurse, Night Senior Care Assistant |
Top 5 Nursing Universities in UK
The UK has many universities and schools which offer rewarding nursing courses. In the table given below we have highlighted the top 5 universities in UK for Nursing as per the Complete University Guide 2024, Nursing Ranking. Along with the university name and rank, you can also find the bachelor’s and master’s courses offered in Nursing over there.
University | Complete University Guide 2024 Nursing Ranking | Nursing Courses Offered |
---|---|---|
University of Sheffield | #1 |
|
University of Glasgow | #2 |
|
The University of Edinburgh | #3 |
|
University of Manchester | #4 |
|
University of Liverpool | #5 |
|
Nursing in UK Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for a nursing course may differ for every university or college. Generally speaking, in the UK, you may be expected to possess a minimum of two or three, A-levels or similar level three qualifications. Supporting GCSEs will be required such as Math, English, and science. Some of the institutes may enumerate the A-level courses required or equivalent subjects. In case you don't meet these requirements you may enroll into a foundation year which many universities provide. Your performance in Math as well as English should be remarkable. You may also have to appear for an interview for admission at most of the universities as an international candidate.
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Nursing Admission Documents Required
An application process cannot be completed without the submission or attachment of relevant documents along with it. These documents serve as evidence of one's candidature's suitability for an undergraduate or a graduate programme. Listed below are the UK's top five nursing universities along with their courses offered and admission documents required. The tuition fee for each of the mentioned courses can also be found.
Colleges | Courses Offered | International Student Admission Requirement | Tuition Fees |
---|---|---|---|
University of Sheffield | Nursing (Adult) BMedSci – Undergraduate |
IELTS: 7.0 overall OET: 350 + in every component PTE Academic: 67 overall TOEFL: 95 overall Virtual Interview |
£9,250 (Home students) |
Nursing Studies MMedSci (Postgraduate) | IELTS: 7.0 overall OET: 400 + in every component TOEFL: 103 overall Atleast 2.2 UG (hons) degree in a relevant subject Minimum 650 hours of work experience Personal Statement Interview References Degree certificates |
£22,000 (International Students) | |
University of Glasgow | Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) |
Interview IELTS Academic: 7.0 minimum High School degree GPA: 3.5 or above CAS Academic Transcripts Academic Documents |
£30,240 |
MSc Advanced Nursing Science | Graduate Nurse Good hons degree or equivalent 1 year of experience 2 References Full degree transcript Academic Transcripts English Language Proficiency Proof Passport Copy |
£28,260 |
|
The University of Edinburgh | Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) |
IELTS: 7.0 minimum TOEFL iBT: 100 overall PTE Academic: 70 overall Academic Transcripts Personal Statement Reference |
£34,800 |
MSc Advanced Nursing | IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall TOEFL iBT: 92 overall PTE Academic: 62 overall Registered Nurse UK 2:1 (hons) degree or its international equivalent |
£28,800 |
|
University of Manchester | Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) |
IELTS: 7.0 overall Or equivalent GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade: C/4 Personal Statement Interview |
£29,000 |
Master of Nursing | UG degree Personal Statement Interview |
£24,500 |
|
University of Liverpool | Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) |
Reference Strong academic background Health Screening IELTS: 7.0 overall |
£25,450 |
Nursing MSc | IELTS: 7.0 overall 2:1 Hons degree or equivalent |
£24,400 |
Nursing Salary in UK
Also, among the highest-paid nursing roles are those of modern matron and nurse consultant. These two positions yield a starting salary in Band 8a, i.e. £50,952 to £57,349.
The table below displays the salaries of nurses in the UK as per their years of experience, band-wise.
Years of Experience | Salary |
---|---|
Band 1: 0-1 and above | £22,383 |
Band 2: 0-6 and above | £22,383 |
Band 3: 0-6 and above | £24,336 |
Band 4: 0-3 3-6 and above |
£25,147 £27,596 |
Band 5: 0-2 2-4 4-7 and above |
£28,407 £30,639 £34,581 |
Band 6: 0-1 2-5 5-8 and above |
£35,392 £37,350 £42,618 |
Band 7: 0-2 2-5 5-8 and above |
£43,742 £45,996 £50,056 |
Band 8a: 0-5 5 and above
|
£50,952 £57,349 |
Band 8b: 0-5 5 and above |
£58,972 £68,525 |
Band 8c: 0-5 5 and above
|
£70,417 £81,138 |
Band 8d: 0-5 5 and above |
£83,571 £96,376 |
Band 9: 0-5 5 and above
|
£99,891 £114,949 |
Source: nurses.co.uk
As per some recruitment portals and employment boards which maintain a record of the salaries of different professions, in the UK, the average salary of a nurse with a five-year experience is nearly £35,000 to £38,000 per annum.
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The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.
International students whose first language is not English must meet the English language requirements. Students can submit their IELTS/TOEFL/PTE test score to meet the English language proficiency. Bedfordshire accepts overall IELTS score of 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each element.
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The application process at the University of Manchester can change depending on course chosen and level of study. The steps to apply for undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the university are given as follows:
UG Application Process:
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PG application process:
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.