BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- B740
- Typical Offer
- BBB
- Contextual Offer
- BCC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
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Why you should choose us
97%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course Overview
Adult nursing is a rewarding and dynamic career for those passionate about making a tangible difference in people’s lives. If you thrive in caring for others, and you’re eager to engage with individuals across all stages of life, this BSc Adult Nursing degree is for you. What’s exciting about adult nursing is its incredible diversity—whether you choose to focus on acute care, community health, or specialised fields, your career path is what you make it. The opportunity to help others live their best lives, support people through some of their toughest times, and impact your community in a meaningful way is incredibly rewarding.
At UEA, our approach to teaching Adult Nursing is centred around a blend of rigorous academic study and practical, hands-on learning. We pride ourselves on offering a supportive and interactive environment, where you’ll be part of a dynamic cohort of students, all committed to becoming expert registered adult nurses. Our teaching philosophy is based on a collaborative, multidisciplinary model that ensures you not only become proficient in the technical aspects of nursing but also develop the critical thinking and emotional intelligence required to deliver exceptional care.
UEA’s Adult Nursing programme stands out for its real-world experience, where your learning is grounded in clinical practice. Here, you’ll not only gain knowledge of adult health and disease but will also dive into critical subjects like promoting wellbeing and supporting a while person approach. Each aspect of the course is designed to give you a holistic view of healthcare, preparing you to approach nursing with empathy, adaptability, and expertise. Our commitment to your health and wellbeing is reflected in the way we incorporate personal development into your learning journey, empowering you to care for yourself so you can care for others.
At UEA, you’ll have access to our top-tier anatomy suite, simulation rooms, and cutting-edge technology, giving you the chance to hone your skills in a realistic, supportive environment. But it’s not just the facilities that make UEA unique. With the NHS and other healthcare partners in the region, you’ll be able to gain real-world experience that will enrich your learning and career prospects.
Graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Adult Nursing from UEA means you're stepping into a world full of opportunities. Thanks to our robust partnerships with the NHS and other healthcare providers, our graduates are sought after by employers for their well-rounded skills and compassionate approach to care. The comprehensive training you receive at UEA—rooted in the NHS Constitution and endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council—will help you build a successful career. Many of our alumni have gone on to thrive in leadership roles, clinical specialties, and even global health positions.
The UEA Nursing Excellence Framework
At UEA, we are committed to developing nurses who excel in every aspect of their profession through our core values of: Collaboration, Ambition, Respect, and Empowerment (CARE).
Our Nursing Excellence Framework shapes reflective, evidence-based, and values-driven nurses - ready to make a real impact in healthcare.
Why Choose UEA Nursing?
At UEA, we believe in equipping nurses with the tools to transform lives and shape the future of healthcare. Our simulation-based learning, dynamic practice placements, and inclusive educational environment ensure that every graduate achieves their full potential.
UEA Nurses Lead the Way—Empowered, Skilled, Inspired.
Ready to start your journey?
Accreditations
This programme is validated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). All students must complete an annual declaration that they’re of Good Health and Character to meet the NMC requirements to continue on the programme.
Study and Modules
Structure
Our course is formulated to meet the requirements of the NMC Pre-registration nursing standards while allowing you flexibility to follow your interests.
In your first year, you’ll study professionalism in nursing, enabling you to deliver evidence based, safe, effective and person-centred care. Subject content will include; legal and ethical issues, professional values, professional relationships, boundaries and developing your academic skills.
Furthermore, we aim to provide you with the knowledge and skills to enable you to take a life course approach to the promotion of health, prevention of illness and management of health challenges with individuals, communities and at population level.
Alongside your integrated study of theory and practice, you’ll develop knowledge and practical skills in preparation for registration with the NMC. Encompassing core and field specific learning, these sessions centre on professional values in both practice placements and simulations in the classroom. Practical activities might include Basic Life Support, Physiological Observations and Recognition of the Unwell Patient.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Our degree programme employs a range of learning methods, designed to link the theory and practice of nursing.
Throughout the course you’ll cultivate your ability to learn autonomously and in partnership with others, including wider healthcare teams. In academic modules, you’ll learn through small-group teaching, lectures (in person and online) and self-directed study. In your clinical practice placements, you’ll gain hands-on experience working alongside registered nurses and members of the multi-disciplinary team. Your clinical practice placements are designed to reflect the typical working patterns of a qualified nurse.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed using a range of methods, carefully chosen to reflect your ability to apply the relevant theory to practice.
Year one assessments include a range of contemporary approaches including written assignments, presentations and posters.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll study the application of life and social sciences to contemporary nursing practice. In addition, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills to assess, plan, deliver and evaluate safe and effective person-centred care pathways across service delivery settings. You’ll learn to link theory to practice and manage evidence-based care.
You’ll build on core nursing concepts and learning specific to your chosen field of nursing with increasing complexity, centring on professional values in both practice placements and simulation sessions in school. Practical activities might include cardio-respiratory assessment, wound closure and catheterisation.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll have access to educational resources including presentations, workbooks and posters, as well as digital platforms such as virtual classrooms and online learning resources. You’ll also be able to learn directly from people who have experienced healthcare services.
In clinical practice placements, you’ll be learning with the support of registered nurses, members of the healthcare team and those using healthcare services. Your theoretical learning will enhance your clinical practice learning so that you develop the necessary evidence-based practice to deliver safe and effective nursing care.
Assessment
In your second year, you’ll be challenged with assessments aimed at linking theory and practice, including examinations, case studies and written assignments.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll study the complexities and innovations in nursing practice, building on your existing knowledge, understanding and experiences to develop higher academic skills. You’ll further your independent learning skills and develop a reflective practice which is both ambitious and creative. You’ll focus on complex care, leadership and management skills and service improvement to prepare you for transition into the role of registered nurse.
You’ll choose one option module to study which will provide you with insight into a specific area of nursing. You’ll continue to build on nursing concepts and learning specific to your chosen field of nursing with increasing complexity, focusing on professional values in both practice placements and simulation sessions in school. You’ll have the exciting opportunity to take part in a simulated critical incident day and demonstrate your leadership and management skills as well as your clinical assessment skills.
Furthermore, you’ll be able to select a five-week professional development placement during your final year. Our expanding portfolio offers a range of local and international placement options, providing diverse and enriching experiences that contribute to your professional growth and development.
In addition to these modules, you’ll engage in Interprofessional Learning activities exploring collaboration and teamworking with other healthcare students across the faculty, a skill which is essential to effective person-centred care.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll be able to use and develop your skills and knowledge under professional supervision. You’ll work closely with adults using health services, and their wider support networks.
You’ll be encouraged to read and engage with a wide range of sources to inform your development. Additionally, you’ll have access to resources to support your learning and help you develop an effective approach to independent study and life-long learning.
By the end of your studies, you’ll have built up an individual learning profile, which will demonstrate that you’ve completed the requirements for professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Assessment
In the final year, you’ll complete a project which will illustrate your deeper understanding of the relationship between the theory and practice of nursing. Alongside this, you’ll create a poster and short explanation related to the optional module of your choice. Additionally, you’ll keep an audio diary to show professional growth and learning.
Each year you’ll be assessed in practice during your placement, and you’ll complete an online medicines calculation exam.
Employability
After the Course
As a UEA Adult Nursing graduate, you’ll be a highly sought-after healthcare professional. On graduation and subsequent registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, you’ll be ready to start your career in a series of demanding yet rewarding environments, such as community and residential settings, traditional healthcare settings such as primary care and emergency, specialist nursing roles, outpatient clinics, the Armed Forces, or public health. No matter where your future takes you, you’ll graduate with the requisite knowledge, experience, and personal qualities necessary to have an exciting and fulfilling career.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- UK NHS or private healthcare providers
- Community settings
- Nursing homes and hospices
- Schools and higher education
- Nursing Research
- International nursing
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider:
- Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics
- Essential Skills Wales L2 Application of Number
- Essential Skills Northern Ireland L2 Application of Number
In place of English Language GCSE we can also consider:
- Functional Skills Level 2 English
- Essential Skills Wales L2 Communication
- Essential Skills Northern Ireland L2 Communication
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB.
Contextual offer: BCC.
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM.
Contextual offer: DMM.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
See BTEC / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 section below for further information on accepted subjects.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3 in a Health, Care or Science subject.
Contextual offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and Pass in 15 credits at Level 3, in a Health, Care or Science subject.T levels
Obtain an overall Merit. Accepted subjects: Health, Healthcare Science, Science.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
- Non-Academic Entry Requirements
Offers will be made to applicants after completion of successful interviews, and will be subject to a satisfactory occupational health check (including evidence of appropriate immunisations), an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Where applicable, an Overseas Police Check may be required. We will let you know what you need to do (and when) to meet these conditions if you are successful in gaining an offer.
If you have previously studied at degree level in a health based subject, we will want to see that you have passed all of the study that you have undertaken. We’ll be unable to consider you for this course if you’ve obtained an academic fail from a previous health based degree programme, including where an exit award has been achieved.
- Interviews
The strongest applicants will be invited to interview. Please note that meeting (or being predicted to meet) the minimum academic entry requirements will not guarantee that you will be selected for interview.
Interview invitations will be sent by email. Please keep a close eye on all emails from UEA after you submit your UCAS application. For more information on the application process and what to expect at each step, take a look at our handy Applying to HSC infographic, which explains the application journey from start to finish.
- Placements
During the course, no less than 50% of your time will be spent on practice placement. This might be in a variety of settings that include hospitals, community services, general practice, social services and voluntary or private organisations. Placement allocation occurs throughout the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.
As this course includes patient facing placements in health or social care settings, and these are a mandatory component of the course, you will need to comply with the placement vaccination policy. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Future employment may also be subject to this condition.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- Age on Entry
Applicants for this course need to be aged 18 or over by 31 December 2026. This is owing to the integrated nature of placements within the first year of the course and safeguarding implications. In view of this, applicants who will not be 18 years old or over by this date, should consider applying for deferred entry.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider:
- Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics
- Essential Skills Wales L2 Application of Number
- Essential Skills Northern Ireland L2 Application of Number
In place of English Language GCSE we can also consider:
- Functional Skills Level 2 English
- Essential Skills Wales L2 Communication
- Essential Skills Northern Ireland L2 Communication
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB.
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall.
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 7.0 in reading, speaking and listening, and 6.5 in writing)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
English language at UEA International Study Centre
-
- Non-Academic Entry Requirements
Offers will be made to applicants after completion of successful interviews, and will be subject to a satisfactory occupational health check (including evidence of appropriate immunisations), an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Where applicable, an Overseas Police Check may be required. We will let you know what you need to do (and when) to meet these conditions if you are successful in gaining an offer.
If you have previously studied at degree level in a health based subject, we will want to see that you have passed all of the study that you have undertaken. We’ll be unable to consider you for this course if you’ve obtained an academic fail from a previous health based degree programme, including where an exit award has been achieved.
- Interviews
The strongest applicants will be invited to interview. Please note that meeting (or being predicted to meet) the minimum academic entry requirements will not guarantee that you will be selected for interview.
Interview invitations will be sent by email. Please keep a close eye on all emails from UEA after you submit your UCAS application. For more information on the application process and what to expect at each step, take a look at our handy Applying to HSC infographic, which explains the application journey from start to finish.
- Placements
During the course, no less than 50% of your time will be spent on practice placement. This might be in a variety of settings that include hospitals, community services, general practice, social services and voluntary or private organisations. Placement allocation occurs throughout the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.
As this course includes patient facing placements in health or social care settings, and these are a mandatory component of the course, you will need to comply with the placement vaccination policy. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Future employment may also be subject to this condition.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- Age on Entry
Applicants for this course need to be aged 18 or over by 31 December 2026. This is owing to the integrated nature of placements within the first year of the course and safeguarding implications. In view of this, applicants who will not be 18 years old or over by this date, should consider applying for deferred entry.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You can find information regarding additional costs associated on our Fees and finance webpages.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: