To pursue a noble profession like nursing, you need to be well-prepared and dedicated. The United Kingdom has always taken extra interest in the healthcare system of its country, and it thus remains the top destination for nursing courses.

In addition, the country has nearly 80 universities that offer various courses in nursing, making it a popular study destination for international students. 

The nursing programs in the UK are valued all over the world. International students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in nursing should also study the Overseas Nursing Program, a part of the curriculum.  

Highlights of Nursing Courses in the UK 

Why Study Nursing Courses in the UK 

Individuals in healthcare should be able to work under critical and emergency medical conditions, and the universities in the UK prepare them for that. Most of the universities in the UK have world-class facilities, modern technology, and excellent faculty. Thanks to these, students obtain the best education and can work in a multispecialty hospital or even start a clinic of their own.

Let us now look at why the UK is the best destination to pursue nursing courses. 

• Growing industry – The United Kingdom is expected to witness a growth in nursing jobs due to the increase in the geriatric population. So, the course will provide good opportunities for international students. Also, the country is known as the leader in the medical science field. This is one of the reasons why UK universities witness student applications for nursing and other medical courses from more than 100 countries yearly. 

• Career Opportunities – International students who complete their Master’s in nursing in the UK can expect an average pay of GBP 80,000 to GBP 100,000 per year. Also, many universities provide campus placements. 

• Scholarships – The universities offering nursing courses also offer scholarships to international students. Most scholarships range between GBP 2,000 and 30,000 and are based on various factors. 

Best Universities for Nursing Courses in the UK 

Nursing programs in UK universities are very popular, mostly with international students. This is because the universities here have excellent infrastructure, up-to-date course curricula, and also include research work. Be it the bachelor’s or the Master’s program, both of these are recognized internationally. 

We have listed the top and the best colleges in the UK that offer various programs in nursing. In-depth details of the programs offered and the eligibility can be found on the official websites of these universities.

• King’s College London – King’s College London has won several praises for being an innovative university in the field of medical sciences. The curriculum of the courses is quite updated, and the research output is excellent. Also, the university offers scholarships for deserving international students. The university’s admission requirements are also quite basic, making it easy for students to start their journey in health and medical sciences. 

• The University of Edinburgh – The University of Edinburgh is ranked #4 regarding research and the student’s scores. The university is quite popular for the Master in nursing program and the scholarships provided to international students. The university also has various partnerships worldwide, bringing good job opportunities for the students here. The university has a good name, not just in the UK but in the medical field globally. 

• University of Liverpool – The University of Liverpool is one of the top universities in the UK that offers the best nursing program. It has also received accolades for research in nursing and health care. The university has more than 1500 students in medical science programs every year, and it is placed in the 9th rank among the top 10 health and medical science universities in the UK. 

• University of Glasgow – University of Glasgow is one of those universities in the UK known for its high research output. As a result, the university is popular not just in the UK but across the globe as well. It also has a well-planned placement system that assures an employability rate for its students. Also, as per the university data, more than 90% of university students are satisfied with the courses offered, research programs, curriculum, and faculty. 

• Manchester Metropolitan University – Manchester Metropolitan University offers international students some of the best scholarships. The university has more than 30,000 students and is known for its research projects in the field of medical sciences. The nursing department at the university offers various specialization programs for domestic and international students. The course curriculum is also designed to provide the right education and tools to the students, ensuring a successful career in nursing.

Level of Study in Nursing Courses in the UK 

Most of the nursing degrees offered by the universities in the UK have a duration of 3 or 4 years, and it depends on whether the student chooses a bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. Whatever the course they choose, students learn about the different aspects of nursing. Every course covers lectures, practicals, tutorials, research, and group work. The universities that offer nursing programs also have excellent medical facilities to enable students to practice what they learn in a live environment. 

Let us now learn about the various courses offered at each level, the eligibility, the admission process, and more. 

Bachelor's Programs

The universities in the UK offer various bachelors programs in nursing, and some of them include,

• Bachelor of Nursing
• BSc Nursing  ( Separate courses are offered for adults and children)
• BSc Nursing Mental Health
• BSc Hons in Occupational Therapy
• BN Nursing

The annual fees for the BSc Programs can range between GBP 9250 to GBP 24,000. 

Eligibility Criteria – Students who wish to apply for a bachelor’s program in nursing in the UK should have a 70 % to 80% in their high school. Students should be able to submit their academic transcripts for the same. 

Another mandatory requirement for international students is the English Proficiency test. Students should provide scorecards for the English language tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. The minimum requirement of TOEFL is 7.0.

Some universities may also ask for an interview when the student’s initial application gets approved. 

Application Process – The application process isn’t as hard as one imagines. Once you have the required documents, you can apply for the program chosen at the University of your Choice online. Enter all the required details, and upload the documents. Once done, pay the application fee. Some universities may also ask for an interview. Once the online application is approved and you pass the interview, you will receive a letter of acceptance from the university. 

Cost of Studying – The cost of studying a bachelor’s program in the UK includes the tuition fees and the cost of living. The annual tuition fees for the bachelor’s program can range between GBP 9,000 to GBP 24,000, depending on the nursing program you chose and the university. The cost of living in the UK also varies based on the location; however, an international student spends about GBP 1000 to GBP 1500 on expenses every month. 

Master's Programs

The top universities in the UK offer excellent Master’s programs in nursing. These programs have updated course curricula and research output, and students also get a live experience via state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure. Some of the Master’s programs offered include,

• MSc Mental Health Nursing
• MSc Advanced Nursing Science
• MSc Nursing and Health Sciences
• MSc Nursing

The annual course fees for the Master’s nursing programs in the UK can range between GBP 20,000 to GBP 35,000. Let us also look at the eligibility and the cost of studying.

Eligibility Criteria – Students who wish to apply for a Master’s in Nursing need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. The subjects in the bachelor’s degree should be relevant to the Master’s program. Along with educational transcripts, students should also submit scorecards for the English proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. The minimum requirement for IELTS for nursing courses in the UK is 7.0. 

The students are also required to submit additional documents,

• Letter of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Proof of Funding
• Updated Resume
• Copy of the Passport

Application Process – The application process for the Master’s program is pretty straightforward, and students can apply online via the university’s official website.

• Visit the university website and submit the application form online along with the documents required. 
• Students will have to pay an application fee once the application is submitted. Wait to hear from them.
• A few universities might ask for an interview as well.
• Once you pass the interview, you will receive the letter of acceptance via email. Acknowledge the same and confirm the admission.
• You can next apply for the student visa

Cost of Studying for Nursing Courses in the UK 

Like the bachelor’s programs, the cost of studying Master’s in the UK includes tuition fees and other expenses, including books, supplies, accommodation, food, traveling, utilities, etc. The tuition fees for the Master’s programs range between GBP 20,000 to GBP 35,000. In addition, an international student spends about GBP 1200 to GBP 1500 on other expenses. 

Many universities that offer nursing programs in the UK also offer scholarships to international students. Let us have a look at them in detail. 

Scholarships for Nursing Courses in the UK 

The universities in the UK provide various scholarships for international students. Most of these scholarships are based on merit, and a few are offered to students who need financial aid.  

• Ann Hart Buchanan Student Scholarship – The scholarship can be availed by students pursuing a bachelor’s or Master’s. The students are provided GBP 600, and 1/3 of the tuition fees are also covered.

• Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship through the University of Glasgow – Students who wish to pursue an undergraduate course in nursing via the University of Glasgow can apply for this scholarship. Students are given a tuition fee discount of up to GBP 7000 annually.

• Chevening Scholarship through the University of Liverpool – Students applying for a master’s program in nursing at the University of Liverpool can obtain a scholarship based on merit. The university’s scholarship covers the tuition, traveling, and accommodation fees. 

Career Opportunities after Nursing Courses in the UK 

Students who complete their bachelor’s or master’s program in nursing via the UK can earn an average pay of GBP 25,000. Those who gain a work experience of 2 -3 years can find a plethora of job opportunities coming their way. There are various opportunities for students who pursue a course in nursing, and a few are listed below. 

• Students who have completed their bachelor’s can opt for a master’s degree, and those who complete a master’s can always choose a specialization. 
• Students can also find job opportunities in health and medical research organizations.
• Find good-paying jobs in clinics, health organizations, or hospitals.
• Pursue a career as an educator.

The United Kingdom is the most sought-after destination for bachelor’s and master’s programs in nursing. Make sure to check out the courses offered and send in your application before the due date.