What is a nursing degree?

You’ll learn how to deliver frontline care in an effective, safe, and compassionate way. Whether you choose to specialise in mental health nursing, adult nursing, child nursing, learning disability nursing, or another nursing discipline, you’ll play a vital role in providing support for those in need.

Nursing degree entry requirements

The minimum UCAS points for a nursing degree range from 96 points (CCC at A-Level; MMM at BTEC level) to 144 (AAA at A-Level; DDD at BTEC level).

Nursing Degree Entry Requirements 2021

What subjects do you need to become a nurse?

A-Levels

Some universities need you to have studied a science course (biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, or health and social care), though for others this isn’t essential. General studies and critical thinking aren’t usually considered as part of your points total but are welcomed as an additional qualification.

BTECs

Most universities will accept applicants with BTECs or other vocational qualifications. Entry requirements range from MMM to DDD for the Level 3 Extended Diploma. In some cases, you’ll need to have studied a science-based subject or have a combination of BTECs and A-Levels.

GCSEs

Most universities will require you to have at least five GCSEs, with a grade of C/4 or higher, including English and maths. This is to prove you have the numeracy and literacy skills required to be a nurse.

International Baccalaureate

Many nursing courses ask that you have at least a 5, 5, 5 at Higher Level, with top unis asking for 6, 6, 5. Some courses prefer you to have studied a science or health-related subject.

Your grades form only a part of the entry requirements for nursing. University admissions teams will pay close attention to your personal statement, looking for evidence of relevant work experience and your desire to become a nurse.

Most nursing courses will also invite you to attend an interview, via phone or in-person, to demonstrate why you would be a good fit for the course.

Top Tip: If you have only just missed the grades you needed for your chosen university and your UCAS Track account hasn’t been updated yet, it’s worth contacting the university to see if there is still a chance they'll still accept you, based on the quality of your personal statement and interview performance.

Key Facts About Nursing 

Between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021, the number of people on our permanent register grew from 716,607 to 731,918 (2.1 percent). nurses on our permanent register grew from 669,854 to 681,527 (1.7 percent) midwives on our permanent register grew from 37,918 to 39,070 (3 percent)

How quickly do student Nurses find a job?

94% of Nursing graduates find a job within 6 months of finishing their degree.

How many Nurses work in the NHS?

There are 301,381 full-time equivalent NHS Nurses working in the UK according to the most recent NHS data.

How many NHS Nursing vacancies are there in 2021?

There are more than 36,000 NHS nursing vacancies according to the most recent data published.

How many Nurses are there per capita in the UK?

At the most recent count, there were 7.8 Nurses for every 1,000 British people – which is slightly below the average among developed nations of 8.8, and under half the number there are in Norway (17.7).

How many Nurses have left the NHS because of Brexit?

According to a survey of 88 NHS Hospital trusts, 22,600 EU nationals have left their NHS nursing positions because of Brexit.

How many people are applying to become a Nurse?

In 2020, 37,365 nursing students were accepted onto courses, which was a 23.8% increase from 2019.In February 2021 UCAS figures revealed 60,130 applicants for Nursing degrees by the January deadline

How many nurses joined the NMC register in 2021?

The NMC Register report for 2020/21 shows there were in total 34,577 first-time joiners to the Register in 2020-21, compared to 38,323 the previous year.

How many nurses left the NMC register in 2021?

The number of nursing professionals leaving the Register is the lowest in five years. 23,936 people left the register in 2020-21. This is compared to a peak of almost 35,000 in the year 2016-17.

What is the average age of a UK Nurse?

The majority of UK Nurses are over the age of 40 – but an exact average is difficult to pinpoint.

What is the average salary for a UK Nurse?

Fully qualified nurses start on salaries of £24,907 rising to £30,615 on Band 5 of the NHS Agenda for Change pay rates. Salaries in London attract a high-cost area supplement. With experience, in positions such as senior nurse on Band 6, salaries progress from £31,365 to £37,890.

How much does the NHS spend on bank and agency nurses?

The NHS spends approximately £1.5 billion on bank and agency nursing shifts, according to the most recently available data.

What percentage of Nurses are male?

11% of Registered Nurses in the UK are male.