Nursing (Adult) BSc

Course overview

Discover the nursing job with your name on it. We’ll help to get you there.

Our adult nursing course offers a supportive, engaging path to becoming a confident, registered adult nurse. You’ll learn from experts who are immersed in active research, ensuring the most up-to-date knowledge to help people live better lives.

This degree has a 50:50 split between academic study and practical, hands-on clinical placements. You'll develop your skills as a nurse and apply your knowledge and skills caring for adults in today’s complex and ever-changing healthcare environment.

Throughout the course we aim to prepare you for a career as a compassionate, resilient and future-focused healthcare professional who advocates for patients while providing an excellent level of care. You’ll have the skills to work with patients, families and carers, as well as members of the nursing team and other allied health professionals.

NHS funding is available for nursing students. Find out more here.

Leeds nurses who seek employment have consistently achieved a 100% success rate in securing jobs, though employment is not guaranteed.

Course highlights

• We’re ranked 6th in the UK for nursing (Complete University Guide, 2025).

• You will have access to excellent clinical skills facilities, which replicate working environments with simulated patients.

• We offer a wide variety of placements including those within the renowned Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds Community Healthcare and private, independent and voluntary organisations.

• For some students able to meet specific criteria, there’s an opportunity to undertake an international placement experience in Year 3. You could also undertake a study abroad year. Find out more in the 'Study abroad and work placements' section.

• Our curriculum is informed by the world-leading research and delivered by experts with an exciting and dynamic approach to education.

• Nursing requires heart and soul. We’re here to celebrate the good days and support you through the harder ones. You'll have your allocated personal tutor and academic supervisor from day one to help you thrive here at the University of Leeds.

• We work collaboratively with healthcare professionals, patients and their families.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council

Students who successfully complete this programme will be able to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Course details

Our Adult Nursing students receive training on the essential skills required for working in healthcare. These range from the measurement of vital signs and management of medications, to working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, handling medical emergencies and supervising others.

You’ll gain a broader view of today’s complex healthcare environment, learning how to recognise and understand health inequalities, their effect on access to services and ways to overcome these challenges. You’ll also develop an understanding about the connection between physical and mental health, and the impact that pre-existing conditions can have on us.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Nursing (Adult) BSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 2 compulsory modules

Year 3 compulsory modules

Year 1 compulsory modules

Nursing: Key Concepts of Health and Wellbeing (40 credits) – This module introduces you to a range of essential ideas like personal and patient safety, nursing across our lifespans, centring care on both families and individuals and using evidence. You’ll look at several different areas of health, ranging from skin conditions to mental wellbeing, and understand how they affect one another. A week of clinical practice will provide you with valuable first-hand nursing experience.

Adult Nursing: Applying the Key Concepts of Health and Wellbeing (40 credits) – Here, you will develop your knowledge of working with adults (and how to maximise their wellbeing) before embarking on an assessed placement. You’ll work within nursing’s professional, ethical and legal frameworks while developing your resilience and teamwork skills, learning how to manage medications and considering other factors like family systems and spiritual beliefs. You’ll also learn about how we make decisions and consider people’s experiences in the process.

Nursing: Working in Partnership to Promote Health and Wellbeing (40 credits) – This module will reinforce the importance of teamwork in nursing, and show you how to deal with issues like unconscious bias. You’ll be taught numeracy skills to make medicine calculations effectively, how to care for adults with mental health problems, and how to deal with grief, loss, death and dying. Towards the module’s end you’ll undertake guided independent work to prepare for next year’s studies.

Year 2 compulsory modules

Nursing: Providing Quality Care (40 credits) – In this module you’ll take on your second assessed practice placement, working with an awareness of nursing’s frameworks and your own limits. You’ll learn to co-ordinate with and delegate to other people, working more effectively as a team in the process. Evaluation is also a key consideration here; you’ll look at measures of quality, risks in care environments and even new technologies like artificial intelligence.

Adult Nursing: Health Promotion and Management of Long-Term Conditions (40 credits) – This module explores the attitudes and values that impact people with long-term conditions like asthma, heart conditions and ulcers. You’ll look at the influence of culture and diversity on health, and learn about promoting health and wellbeing amongst hard-to-reach groups. You’ll also learn how we manage long-term conditions and co-morbidities, and consider health and wellbeing issues on local, national and global scales.

Nursing: Promoting Health and Wellbeing in Challenging Situations (40 credits) – Here, you’ll develop your understanding of helping people with more serious medical conditions and how to work best with various teams and agencies. You’ll learn how to recognise the needs of vulnerable people, protect patients from bullying and coercion and how to encourage patients to express themselves creatively. You will also complete your third assessed placement during this module.

Year 3 compulsory modules

Nursing: Dissertation (40 credits) – In this module, you’ll identify an area of nursing practice that raises questions for you and produce a research question inspired by it. With this to hand you’ll search for literature, appraise evidence, present an argument, make practice recommendations and suggest areas for further research.

Adult Nursing: Providing Complex Care (40 credits) – This module will help you understand what’s best for individuals with complex needs. You’ll learn how to assess individual patients, the ethics of new technologies, how to have difficult conversations and how to deal with uncertainty. You’ll also learn how to respond to different kinds of deterioration in adults and older people (with evidence shaping your choices) and how to deal with increasing levels of responsibility. Your fourth assessed placement will take place here.

Nursing Leadership and Role Transition (40 credits) – At this point you will look back at your personal strengths and weaknesses in the run up to starting a nursing role. You’ll be able to demonstrate leadership skills and that you can provide high quality care to patients. You’ll also think about how an organisation’s culture can affect the care that a patient receives, and how you can be affected by compassion fatigue, burnout and PTSD.

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of learning and teaching approaches, including face-to-face learning and digital technology. There is a high level of participation required, with a combination of tutor-led input and support including group work and discussion, as well as individual exercises and practice.

We work closely with healthcare organisations to ensure your studies are as transferable as possible. You’ll develop specialised knowledge and skills which will help you work effectively in the workplace and the community. Our clinical skills suite will also provide real-world working environments like a hospital ward, a community flat and an intensive care unit.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use a range of assessment methods including individual and group assignments, written and oral exams and practical assessments. We’ll show you how to demonstrate your understanding of nursing concepts and techniques, and ensure your care is always person-centred.

We’ll help you to be both evaluative and creative, and carry out independent, in-depth enquiry where it’s needed. You’ll learn how to draw on various resources, and how to critique common assumptions in your profession as well.

Our end goal is to foster life-long learners, and equip you to manage any future challenges that you may face.

Entry requirements

A-level: BBC preferably including one of the following subjects: Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Physics, Psychology, or Sociology. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

GCSE: 5 GCSEs at Grade C or 4 including English (Language or Literature), Maths and a Science. Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English at a Pass are accepted as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or C.

Other course specific tests:

• In your application, you will need to show evidence of study in the last five years.
• You are also required to provide an academic reference. This should include a statement to attest to your character and good standing and suitability to enter the profession for which you have applied.

• DBS Checks: As part of the student offer for our clinical programmes, an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate is required for students to undertake clinical placements as part of their studies within the Faculty of Medicine and Health. The certification process is undertaken on entry to the programme and repeated once every three years whilst they are still undertaking the same programme of study. The Enhanced DBS certificate can only include background checks for time in the UK. Students who have been resident outside the UK will require a criminal record check from each relevant country. The University of Leeds is obliged to refuse admission to applicants for certain courses, which are regulated by national or statutory bodies, where an Enhanced DBS certificate or International Criminality check reveals prior criminal behaviour giving rise to concern for the protection of the public. Clinical placements cannot be attended by those who fail to comply with the clearance processes.

• Occupational Health Clearance: All students will complete a pre-registration screening questionnaire which allows our occupational health team at the University support you to meet your true potential on the programme despite any pre-existing health concerns you may have. It is important that you notify us even if your symptoms are currently under control as we can ensure that you continue to be supported even if you are moving from different areas of the country.The process also allows our occupational health team to check your immunity requirements so we can ensure that both patients and you are protected and kept safe. This will involve understanding your immunisation record to date. Further details can be found here.

• HEOPS offers guidance on occupational health resources and health surveillance.

You can find out more about our application and interview process on our Applicant Journey page.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

A level: CCC

GCSE: At least 5 GCSEs at grade 5 (C) or above/ 4 or 5 (if taken after 2016) including Maths and English Language or English Literature. Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English at a Pass are accepted as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or C

Access to Leeds: Pass

Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants

If you are a mature applicant and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
The fee for UK undergraduate students is decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 will be £9,535.

The tuition fee for the following programmes with an integrated foundation year is £5,760 for the foundation year, and £9,535 for subsequent years of study:
•    Business Studies with Foundation Year BSC
•    Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
•    Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
•    Social Science (foundation year) BA
 

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.
 

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional costs

All applicants need to ensure cognisance of the financial implications before applying to the School of Healthcare and that there may be a requirement to provide a financial guarantee of funding for three years. The status of a student as being a home or overseas student is based upon residential status and not nationality.

Where a prospective student is an overseas citizen living within the UK they should contact the Admissions Team at the School of Healthcare, admissions@healthcare.leeds.ac.uk regardless of their residential status, to verify their fees status.

Other additional costs associated with the programme, which require consideration include visas and travel to and from placement. Applicants for all Undergraduate programmes at the School of Healthcare require a Criminal Record check, which will be undertaken as part of the visa application.

Additional cost information

All students

You will be provided with 3 sets of uniforms. Additional uniforms, if required, can be purchased at a cost of £25 per uniform (subject to change).

Additional costs for all students

• Students may wish to purchase recommended text books and digital devices/laptops.

• Students will need to purchase black shoes for placement.

• Students will be required to pay for printing of assessment work and photocopying of articles if needed.

• Students will have to pay for travel costs to and from placement.

• If a study abroad module is chosen, there will be additional costs for travel, visas and accommodation whilst abroad.

Additional costs for home students

• Signing up to the DBS update service (currently £13 per year).

Additional costs for international students

• After accepting a place on the programme international students will have to do a police check in their country of origin.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

NHS Learning Support Fund

The Learning Support Fund includes a non-repayable grant of £5,000 per year plus additional financial support for students with parental responsibility (for a child under the age of 15 years or under 17 years if they are registered with special educational needs). There is also support for practice placements travel expenses and students who find themselves in unforeseen financial hardship. Find out more and check your eligibility here.

International Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship

The International Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship includes an automatic £6,000 fee reduction scholarship (per year of study) for international students. Find out more and check your eligibility here.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

For a guide on how to apply for a place and what to expect, please read our Applicant journey page.

The School of Healthcare does not normally participate in the UCAS Extra scheme for entry onto the Nursing (Adult) BSc degree course. You must tell us in your UCAS application if you want to defer entry and if you have any prior criminal convictions.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Selection

We shortlist applicants against agreed criteria, using the information you submit on your UCAS form only. You must meet the academic entry requirement for the programme. Your academic background and personal statement help us to assess your interest in the academic subject and are an important part of the process.

Personal statement

Your personal statement is an important part of the shortlisting process, as it helps us to assess your interest in adult nursing, and gives us an idea of the transferable skills which you will bring to our nursing programme. The reference you provide on the UCAS form must also support your application, this should be an academic reference, which also includes a statement which attests to (your) character and good standing.

Interviews

If your UCAS application meets our shortlisting criteria, you will be invited to undertake a virtual interview. This may take place via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Blackboard Collaborate.

Interviews are scheduled from November to April.

You’ll be allocated to one of the events; if the date is not suitable you need to contact the student education support officer (details given within the invite) and request an alternative date.

During your interview you’ll have the opportunity to talk to and ask questions of members of academic staff and existing students during the event. Qualified nurses are also involved in our selection events (depending on their availability) and thus you may also talk to them and ask them questions if they are present.

Non-attendance at an event without explanation will result in your application being automatically rejected, so it is important to regularly check the e mail address you supplied on your UCAS form.

International admissions process

All applicants for nursing programmes must meet the entry requirements, are required to be interviewed. Interviews may take place via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Blackboard Collaborate and will be arranged with the applicant for a specific date and time.

Following applicant shortlisting by the School of Healthcare Admissions Team, applicants will be invited to undertake an interview subject to relevant entry criteria attainment as identified below.

Information pertaining to the International English Language Testing System qualification “IELTS” is available above.

Admissions policy

School of Healthcare Undergraduate School Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Healthcare

Contact us

School of Healthcare Admissions Team

Email: admissions@healthcare.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

Find the path that's right for you.

Once you’re qualified as a nurse, you could work in healthcare environments in the NHS or private sector, hospital, community settings or public health. You could also choose to work abroad.

As a clinical nurse you could progress to become a ward or department manager, a clinical nurse specialist or eventually a consultant nurse. You could move into nursing management or education, pursue further academic study in nursing research or undertake a PhD.

For advice on nursing as a career choice visit NHS careers.

Prepare for your career as you study

Learning and development opportunities can also present during the Adult Nursing programme, as one of our 2023 nurse graduates discovered.

Kimberley Guy, who recently graduated from the School of Healthcare and now works as a nurse in A&E at St James's Hospital in Leeds, gained a place on the Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme during her studies. This allowed her to offer mentorship to young people in disadvantaged schools across Leeds.

Recognised with a LUU Partnerships Award and shortlisted at the Student Nursing Times Awards alongside fellow nurse graduate Rachael Blackmore for her contribution to student experience, Kimberley credits the Laidlaw scholarship for opening a range of opportunities to her as a student nurse.

Read more about Kimberley and Rachael's achievements.

Current student, Adrianna Montgomery also has a place on the Laidlaw Scholarship. Alongside this she has taken up the opportunity to complete the research internship offered in the school. Adrianna has written about her placement experiences and she is also the co-chair of the School of Healthcare’s Student and Staff Partnership Forum.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

For some students able to meet specific criteria, there’s an opportunity to undertake an international placement experience in Year 3.

Horizion study abroad year: think outside the box

There’s also the option to undertake a year out of the programme (Year 3) and study in another country as part of the Horizon programme.

The Horizon study abroad year is a unique University of Leeds programme that allows you to develop key employability skills, such as linguistic and intercultural competencies at selected partner institutions in Morocco, Israel, South Korea, Japan and China. The year abroad does not count towards any of the NMC requirements for registration. The fourth year of your programme would be equivalent to the third year of the three-year programme.

These optional, self-funded, experiences could help you to build on your awareness of cultural competence and consider the global issues in healthcare.

Visit Horizon year abroad to find out more.

Clinical placements

Our hospital partners support the health and wellbeing of Yorkshire. We’ll make sure you’re allocated placements to suit your learning needs, interests and nursing career goals without taking you miles away from home.

50% of the course is undertaken in practice and students undertake a range of clinical placements working with adults both in hospital and in the community. Your final practice placement enables you to consolidate your knowledge and clinical skills and to prepare for your transition to a Registered Adult Nurse.

With services spanning emergency, surgical and medical care, the specialist teams at Leeds Teaching Hospitals cover neuroscience and major trauma to specialist children’s services and surgery. Immerse yourself in placements across a range of specialisms and watch your nursing opportunities grow.

Nursing requires heart and soul

A nurse cares for their patients. But who cares for the nurse? At the University of Leeds, we know the combination of academic learning and clinical placements can be challenging. That’s why we offer every Adult Nursing student a personal tutor and an academic supervisor to support them during their time with us. We care for you, keeping you caring for longer.