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!

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.
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.
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.
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.

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

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.