UEA first in UK to give nursing students a degree and leadership diploma
By: Communications
Student nurses at the University of East Anglia (UEA) will be the first in the country to graduate with both a nursing degree and a professional leadership and management qualification.
From September 2026, students joining UEA's BSc Nursing courses will work towards a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership alongside their degree studies.
Study Nursing at UEA and gain a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) diploma
The qualification has been fully integrated into the curriculum, meaning students gain the additional professional award without undertaking extra study outside their course, enhancing their professional credentials and employability alongside their nursing degree.
The revised programme has recently received approval from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and reflects the increasingly complex and leadership-focused role nurses play across modern healthcare settings.
A Nursing degree designed for the future of the NHS
Developed in response to feedback from students, healthcare providers and service stakeholders, the enhanced curriculum aims to equip graduates with the leadership, management and quality improvement skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving NHS.
The changes also align with the NHS Fit for the Future: 10 Year Health Plan for England, which calls for a highly skilled, adaptable workforce capable of leading improvements in patient care and service delivery.
Enhanced Nursing training for modern healthcare careers
Alongside the integrated CMI qualification, the revised programme features strengthened simulation-based learning, updated assessment methods, enhanced quality improvement training and a greater focus on preparing students to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive positive change in healthcare settings.
Prof Christopher Burton, Dean of the School of Health Sciences, said: “Nursing today is about much more than clinical expertise alone. Nurses are increasingly expected to lead teams, manage services and help shape improvements across healthcare organisations.
"We are incredibly proud to be the first university in the UK to partner with the Chartered Management Institute in this way for nursing education.
“By embedding leadership and management development directly into our nursing programmes, we are ensuring our graduates leave with the skills, confidence and professional credentials to make an immediate impact in the NHS and beyond.
"Importantly, this enhancement has been shaped by feedback from our students and healthcare partners, helping us create a programme that reflects the realities of modern nursing practice and the needs of the future workforce.”
The enhanced curriculum has been designed in collaboration with regional healthcare partners, helping to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills most needed across the NHS and local health services.
Student feedback also played a central role in shaping the programme's assessment strategy.
Students told the School they wanted assessments that more closely reflected the realities of nursing practice, leading to a redesign that reduces reliance on traditional written coursework and places greater emphasis on applied learning.
The revised approach includes more clinical examinations, quality improvement projects and practice-focused assessment methods, enabling students to demonstrate the skills, judgement and leadership capabilities they will need as future registered nurses.
Career benefits for future nursing graduates
Matt Overy, Director of Admissions, Recruitment and Marketing for School of Health Sciences said: “This is a real benefit for our students. They will graduate with an internationally recognised nursing degree and a respected leadership qualification that employers value, all as part of their existing programme of study.
“It gives our graduates an additional edge as they begin their careers and supports the NHS by developing nurses who are ready not only to deliver outstanding care but also to lead and improve services.”
The revised programme will welcome its first intake in September, subject to Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) approval, which is expected, and is anticipated to be available through Clearing.
Clearing is just around the corner
Stay one step ahead of results day and see which courses you can apply for. Find Clearing courses.
Related Articles
UEA journalism team recognised with national teaching excellence award
A University of East Anglia (UEA) journalism team helping students build real-world skills has been recognised with a prestigious national award.
Read more
The digital therapy helping dementia carers
A University of East Anglia (UEA) project to help carers looking after people with dementia has been hailed a success.
Read more
UEA beats the heat to wow crowds at the Royal Norfolk Show
Staff from the University of East Anglia (UEA) returned to the Royal Norfolk Show for 2026 to showcase its research, expertise and partnerships at one of the region’s biggest events.
Read more