How to study nursing in the UK

Nursing is a noble and sought-after profession. In the UK, nurses receive quite high salaries and are required in all medical institutions, so there are no difficulties with employment for graduates.

Many international students choose nursing as a specialization, as it is a great opportunity to realize themselves in medicine. Studying to be a nurse is easier, quicker and simpler than studying to be a doctor, and the opportunities in the future career are no less.

Nurses are needed in hospitals, schools, public health facilities, and may also have private practice as a traveling nurse.

As they study, prospective nurses can choose a particular specialization. In the UK, the options are:

• adult nurse - involves working with patients aged 18 and over;
• pediatric nurse - working with patients from birth to 18 years of age;
• mental health nurse - working with patients with mental health problems;
• developmental disabilities nurse - working with people who cannot lead fulfilling lives.

At some institutions, students can pursue two specialties at once.

Nursing courses are offered by many universities in the UK including:

• Nottingham Trent University
• University of Essex
• University of Bradford
• Anglia Ruskin University
• University of Greenwich
• University of Surrey
• University of Nottingham
• King's College London
• Birmingham City University
• Oxford Brookes University
• Cardiff University
• Queen Mary University of London
• University of York
• Newcastle University, etc.

When choosing, it is important to take into account the content and focus of the program, the requirements for applicants, the cost of tuition and accommodation in a particular city, as well as other factors.

Entry requirements for nursing courses vary as each university sets its own admissions criteria, but you will probably need at least 2 - 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications at Level 3 such as T Level or BTEC, as well as supporting GCSEs including English, math and science (usually biology or human biology).

Courses often specify preferred or required A level subjects or equivalent subjects such as science (e.g. biology) or social science (e.g. psychology). Some universities offer courses with a foundation year for those who do not have the necessary entry qualifications.

International students should remember that it is not possible to enter a UK university immediately after leaving school. They must spend at least 1 year in preparation.

If you want to study nursing in the UK there are two ways:

• after Foundation program;
• after the A-Level program.

If a student has not completed secondary school in the UK, the first step to higher education is to complete a Foundation program. Many universities offer such courses.

A popular option is the Nursing and Healthcare Foundation program at The College, Swansea University.

Starting September 2025, the College will offer this specially designed program to prepare students for entry into the Bachelor of Science in Adult Nursing at Swansea University (subject to meeting all entry requirements).

This is a great opportunity for students seeking entry to one of the top nursing schools in the UK - Swansea University, which is ranked 12th in the UK for nursing in the Times Good University Guide 2025.
This course will provide you with an introduction to nursing and healthcare in preparation for a degree in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences at Swansea University.

Successful completion of this pathway enables progression to the following stages:

1. Bachelor of Adult Nursing.
2. Bachelor of Health and Social Care.

Students study the following modules:

• Interactive learning and communication skills;
• critical thinking;
• biology;
• introduction to health and social care;
• human development and wellbeing;
• math;
• English;
• research project.

The Foundation program is designed for two semesters. It costs £20,500.

There are both English language and academic requirements for entry to this program: students must have a minimum of 5 GCSE grades at AE level OR 28 UCAS (new) grades at AS level, and a grade C or equivalent in GCSE Mathematics. Also all students to have an English language level of IELTS 5.5 overall with no elements below 5.0.

Foundation programs for nursing studies are also offered by:

• University of Derby;
• University of West London;
• Kingston University London;
• Sheffield Hallam University and other UK universities.

Another way for international students is to complete an A-Level program. This is a compulsory stage for both English school leavers and foreigners if they have not taken the Foundation route.

You can complete the A-Level program at different schools. The following schools are popular with international students:

• Abbey DLD Group Colleges.

Abbey DLD Group Colleges includes three independent colleges located in Cambridge, London and Manchester. They offer a wide range of academic programs, including A-Level courses.

Depending on their level of preparation, students can choose between an 18-month or 2-year program.

When studying on an A-Level program, students choose a specialization - 2 - 3 core subjects and a minor. Subjects such as biology and chemistry should be chosen to prepare for the nursing program, and psychology and sociology are also useful.

At the time of admission, counselors will help you develop a list of subjects that will help you prepare for university.

Graduates of Abbey DLD Group Colleges have an excellent record of success, gaining admission to top UK universities every year.

• CATS Global Schools Group.

CATS Global Schools Group is a global network of independent boarding schools that specialize in the education of international students aged 14 - 18. Special attention is paid to preparation for university entrance to A-Level, Foundation and IB programs.Almost 100% of CATS Schools graduates successfully enter the best universities of the country and the world.

There are several branches of CATS Global Schools Group in Great Britain:

• St Michael's School;
• CATS Cambridge;
• Guildhouse School London;
• Bosworth Independent School;
• Bournemouth Collegiate School;
• The Worthgate School Canterbury.

At CATS Global Schools Group students can choose between a 3 trimester or 6 trimester A-Level program.

Students aged 1.5+ can enroll in the A-Level program. They must be in good academic standing and have an IELTS score of 4.5+ (or equivalent).

The tuition fee is £38,515 (per year).

During the two-year A-Level exam preparation, students study three subjects plus English. There is a wide range of subjects to choose from, including biology, chemistry, psychology, and sociology required for entry to the Nursing program.

If you want to study nursing in the UK, you should consider your options and choose the best program that will allow you to enter the desired university.