How to Become a Nurse or Midwife in the UK

Nursing and Midwifery have always been, and continue to be, among the most popular fields of study. In the United Kingdom, as in many other countries around the world, nurses and midwives are consistently ranked among the most in-demand professionals. Therefore, if you are drawn to a career in healthcare, this pathway can be an excellent choice.

Below, I will explain what nurses and midwives study in the UK, what career opportunities this education provides, where you can study Nursing and Midwifery in Britain, and I will also present an accessible and realistic option for international students that allows you to obtain a high-quality education and successfully secure employment in the UK in your chosen field.

As in many other fields, British education in Nursing and Midwifery enjoys an outstanding international reputation. UK degrees are highly valued worldwide, so graduates generally have no difficulty finding employment either in British hospitals or abroad.
Nursing and Midwifery education in the UK is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which sets the standards for education and professional practice.

At UK universities, the structure of Nursing and Midwifery education typically includes the following stages:

• Bachelor’s Degree (3–4 years). Undergraduate programs last 3 to 4 years. Students study a broad range of subjects and are required to complete clinical placements and internships in medical institutions. In the UK, students can choose from several specializations:

1. Adult Nursing
2. Mental Health Nursing
3. Learning Disability Nursing
4. Children’s Nursing

Upon graduation, students must register with the NMC and obtain professional accreditation in order to practice.

• Master’s Degree in Nursing (1–2 years). This qualification enables career advancement and access to leadership or senior clinical roles.
• Postgraduate Diploma. This allows professionals to broaden or change their specialization, for example in intensive care, neonatal care, and other areas.
• Nursing Associate Training. Preparation programs for nursing associates.
• Doctoral Degree in Nursing. Designed for those pursuing careers in research and academia.

With a Nursing or Midwifery degree, graduates can work in:

• public hospitals;
• private practices, clinics, and hospitals;
• community health centers;
• hospices and home care services;
• educational institutions (schools and universities);
• specialized centers (mental health, pediatric, maternity centers, etc.)

They may also build careers in clinical research, public health authorities, healthcare management, medical units of the armed forces, the penitentiary system, corporate healthcare, and other sectors.

According to the Guardian University Guide 2026, the best programs in this field are offered by:

• University of Edinburgh;
• University of Northumbria;
• Oxford Brookes University;
• University of Liverpool;
• University of York, and others

The School of Health and Social Sciences at the University of Edinburgh has an outstanding reputation. For more than 70 years, it has trained highly qualified professionals. The School offers advanced programs in Nursing at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.

The School of Health and Nursing at the University of Northumbria also offers a wide range of programs, access to modern simulation centers, and strong practical training.

In UK rankings, the School is:

• ranked in the Top 10 for Nursing – Times Good University Guide 2025
• ranked 2nd for Children’s Nursing – Guardian University Guide 2025

It offers 39 Nursing and Midwifery programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and post-qualification levels.

The School of Health Sciences at the University of Liverpool is another leading center for Nursing and Midwifery education. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as a Foundation program for international students, which facilitates entry into the university.

Special attention should be given to the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Plymouth. This is a promising option for international students, offering high-quality education at a relatively affordable cost.

The School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Plymouth consistently ranks highly in UK university league tables:

• 10th for Nursing and Midwifery – Complete University Guide (2026);
• 4th for Children’s Nursing – The Guardian University Guide 2025;
• 14th for Midwifery – The Guardian University Guide 2025;
• 28th for Mental Health Nursing – The Guardian University Guide 2025;
• 13th for Nursing – Complete University Guide (2023);
• 6th for Midwifery – Guardian UK University Rankings (2021).

In addition, the university ranks 1st in South West England for graduate employability prospects in Midwifery.

SNAM offers a broad range of courses in:

• Adult Nursing
• Children’s Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing
• Nursing Associate programs
• Midwifery

All programs are designed in line with future career development and National Health Service (NHS) standards.

Students can also pursue interdisciplinary study options, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and medicine, as well as engage in research activities. After graduation, students may further advance their qualifications through specialized courses or postgraduate study, earning degrees such as MSc, MPhil, or PhD.

Programs Offered by the University of Plymouth

The range of programs includes:

• Bachelor’s programs (2–4 years), leading to professional accreditation as a nurse, midwife, or nursing associate;
• Master’s programs («Adult and Children’s Health», «Adult Health and Mental Health», «Children’s Health and Mental Health»);
• Professional development programs (for transition from Nursing to Midwifery, for graduates, postgraduates, etc.);
• Postgraduate research programs.

How Can International Students Apply to SNAM at the University of Plymouth?

As is well known, differences between CIS secondary education systems and the UK education system usually prevent applicants from entering a UK university directly after school.

If you are considering the University of Plymouth, the optimal route is the Foundation program in Health and Human Sciences.
This three-semester program includes: english language, information and communication technologies (ict), career preparation in healthcare, physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, research skills etc.

Tuition fee: £18,750.

Upon successful completion of this program, students can progress directly to a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or Midwifery.

Salary levels depend on qualifications and professional experience.

In 2026, the starting salary for a newly qualified nurse or midwife ranges from £32,000 to £39,000 per year.

Experienced professionals earn between £39,959 and £48,117 per year or more.

Salary levels also depend on the type of healthcare institution, location, holiday work, night shifts, weekend shifts, and other factors.

If you see your future in healthcare and want to study in the UK, I can help you choose the most suitable program and university, as well as prepare and submit your application.

Nursing and Midwifery are promising career paths that offer strong employment prospects, excellent opportunities for career growth, and a solid standard of living in the United Kingdom.