Nursing in the UK - Top Universities, Requirements, Fees & Career Prospects

Nursing is one profession that allows you to nurture your humane side while earning money.

This is the reason several students across the world prefer to get enrolled in the Nursing program. The course allows them to learn the finer aspects of Nursing which is much more than just providing care. Students gain exposure in different clinical areas via practical learning and application in real-world settings.

The UK is one of the highly preferred study locations among international students for Nursing courses. The country has several colleges and universities where Bachelor’s and Master’s courses in Nursing are taught. This article looks into the opportunity for an Indian student to study Nursing in the UK and also throws light on the top 10 universities where you can pursue the program.

What is the Nursing Course?

The nursing course is offered at both the Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels. Those who have an earnest desire to care for humanity often opt for studying Nursing in its totality. The four-year Undergraduate course teaches you how to use your knowledge of medicine in bringing about a difference in somebody’s life.

Why Study Nursing in the UK?

When it comes to choosing the ideal study location abroad, the UK often features among the top options. There are many reasons why studying Nursing in the UK can be an extremely gratifying experience. Here we list out just a few to give you a fair idea:

• The nursing degree that UK universities provide is recognised all over the world without any hassle. Moreover, you can also work as a professional nurse in any part of the world after completing a certified degree from the UK.

• Nursing courses in the UK are highly rewarding in monetary terms. Nursing graduates from UK universities are offered hefty pay packages and other perks. The higher the degree (like Masters), the more chances you earn at being paid better.

• There is not just one but more than 500 Nursing courses in UK universities that you can choose from! This is because the country believes in expanding study opportunities for students to help them gain a diversified academic experience. For instance, you can choose to study Adult Nursing, Child Nursing, Learning Disability Nursing, or Mental Health Nursing, as per your interest and aspiration.

Top Colleges & Universities for Nursing in the UK

There is no dearth of institutions if you aspire to become a Nursing graduate in the UK. The country is proudly home to innumerable top colleges and universities, all of which offer globally recognised degrees, both at the Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels. Here we list out the top 5 universities for Nursing in the UK that you can apply to without a second thought.

Nursing in the UK

• King’s College London

• The University of Southampton

• The University of Manchester

• The University of Nottingham

• The University of Edinburgh

The table below highlights some of the top-ranked names among Nursing colleges in the UK, as per QS World University Rankings for 2023 and THE World University Rankings 2023.

Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2023
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2023/world-ranking#!/page/1/length/25/locations/GBR/sort_by/stats_pc_intl_students/sort_order/desc/cols/stats

Details of Nursing Courses in the UK for International Students

Let us now look at the specific details pertaining to the various nursing courses in the UK for international students. The section below would detail all that you need to know for your application process for nursing in the UK.

Fees for Studying Nursing in the UK

A Bachelors degree in Nursing is a three-year course in the UK and more than 50 universities in the country offer it currently. The fee structure for the same course at different universities would vary depending on several factors. The location of the college, the facilities offered, and several such reasons may bring variations in the fee charged to students of Nursing. Moreover, the cost is also different for local and international students in the UK. The average tuition fee per annum for BSc in Nursing in a UK university ranges between GBP 16,000 and GBP 30,000 (approx.) for international students, including those from India.

Eligibility Requirements for Nursing in the UK

Every applicant who registers for an undergraduate program in Nursing at a UK university is evaluated differently, based on his/her abilities, experience, and skill sets. However, most universities in the country offer a standard set of criteria which each candidate is required to qualify before being accepted for admission into Nursing:

• Good test scores in English and Mathematics, in particular, and also in some Science disciplines like Physics and Biology

• Acceptable test scores in English proficiency assessments like TOEFL and IELTS (TOEFL - 100; IELTS - 7.5)

• Considerably good marks secured in 10th and 12th grades, equivalent to the US educational system

• Proof of ID, which includes a valid passport and passport-sized recent photographs of the student

Course Details - Nursing in the UK

Here is a list of various Nursing subjects that are taught at most universities in the UK. Please note that the Nursing curriculum for every university may differ according to the course designed by the university.

Here are the major subjects covered in the curriculum for Nursing in a UK university:

• Foundation in Nursing and Health

• Developing Nursing Practices for Patient Care for Acute and Short-Term Needs

• Developing Nursing Practices for Patient Care for Long-Term and Complex Care

• Transitioning to Professional Practice

Scholarships to Study Nursing in the UK

Due to the higher cost of tuition for a nursing program in the UK, many students choose to apply for scholarships to help cover the expenses Several universities in the country offer scholarships based on student merit. Some of them are listed below:

• Glasgow International College Achievement Award: Partial funding available for both Bachelors and Masters programs

• Global Excellence Scholarships at the University of Dundee: Full funding available for both Bachelors and Masters programs

• Durham University Postgraduate Student Support Scholarships: Partial funding available for only Masters program

• The University of Salford Year of the Nurse and Midwife International Scholarship: Full funding available for both Bachelors and Masters programs

Duration of Nursing Courses in the UK

The average nursing course time in the UK ranges between 3 and 4 years. Some undergraduate courses may complete in 3 years while some may last even 4 years. This primarily depends on the course design and structure, created differently by different universities.

Career Scope Jobs after Graduating in Nursing in the UK

The whole charm of pursuing any course abroad is the lucrative job that follows completing the program. The field of Nursing is no different and provides graduates in the domain with a multitude of job prospects. Some of the most common job positions that may become available after graduating in Nursing from a UK university are listed below.

• Children’s Nurse

• Adult Nurse

• High-Intensity Therapist

• Midwife

• Mental Health Nurse

• Physician Associate

• Health Play Specialist

It’s also helpful to know the average salary of a nurse in the UK to understand how rewarding it may or may not be to work in the country. A professionally certified nurse is eligible to earn anywhere between GBP 33,000 and GBP 35,000 in the UK in the profession.

Want more guidance on which college or university to opt for Nursing in the UK in 2023? Allow IDP’s International Education experts to assist you in making the most critical decision of your career with ease.

Big News for Indian Students: The UK Is Ready to Welcome You!

Frequently Answered Questions

1. Is Nursing a good career in the UK?

There are several reasons why you may like to consider pursuing a career in Nursing in the UK:

A degree in Nursing from a UK university broadens the scope of career avenues for graduates. A certified Nursing professional is qualified to work in a variety of settings like clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers, or even schools.

Students of Nursing are offered grants as an encouragement to complete their degree in the area.

Assured job security is another reason why most international students consider pursuing a degree in Nursing from the UK.

2. What are the qualifications required to be a nurse in the UK?

The prerequisites for practicing as a professionally qualified nurse in the UK, you must:

Possess a degree or diploma in nursing

Possess a Registered Nurse License

Possess IELTS score of 6.5 (in writing) and 7 (in others)

3. What is the cost to study nursing in the UK?

The average cost of pursuing a Nursing degree in the UK is somewhere in the range of GBP 16,000 and GBP 30,000 approximately. This may vary from one university to another.

4. Which Nursing course in the UK is the best?

The discipline of Nursing opens up a whole new world of options to students. It allows them to choose from a wide array of options, such as Children’s Nursing, Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Midwife, DIalysis Nursing, and the like. Among these, Neonatal nurses are generally in high demand in the country.

5. Can I work in the UK while studying nursing?

Yes, the UK allows its international students to work in parallel with studying Nursing at the university. All Nursing students are authorised to work 20 hours every week and full-time during school holidays.

6. How long does it take to become a nurse in the UK?

A degree in Nursing from a UK university would generally take about 3-4 hours to complete. Upon completion of the program, you may start practicing as a certified Nurse in the country.

7. How much do nurses earn in the UK?

The average annual salary of a professionally registered nurse eligible to work in the UK is around GBP 33,000. This varies as per the changes in academic qualifications and professional experience of the individual. The higher the degree and the more yearsmore number of years in experience, the better paid he/she is in the field of Nursing.

8. Do I need Math for nursing in the UK?

Most universities in the UK that offer courses in Nursing demand good scores in both Math and English at the 10+2 level. This is the basic minimum requirement for applying to a BSc in Nursing program in the country.

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