Nursing (Adult) BSc(Hons)

Start date

22 September 2025

12 January 2026

Duration

3 years full-time

Entry requirements

A Level - BBB-BBC

BTEC - DDM-DMM

See full entry requirements

Places available (subject to change)

300

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About the course

Reasons to study

Regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the course team has strong partnerships with NHS Trusts and private and voluntary organisations.
On this Nursing course, you’ll learn key clinical skills through simulated-based learning. You’ll also undertake placements in various healthcare settings.
You’ll be taught and supported by experienced lecturers, practice supervisors and assessors, who will prepare you to work with competence and confidence.

Keen to step into a rewarding career by providing care for adults in community or acute settings? If so, this innovative Nursing degree is for you. It’s been designed to provide a great foundation for your future career and will help you make a real difference to the lives of others.

On this course, you’ll learn how to respond to the physical, cognitive, and mental health needs of adult patients and service users across their lifespan. You’ll have the opportunity to gain key clinical skills and engage in simulation-based learning within a safe environment.

You’ll utilise human patient simulators to enhance your confidence, competence and understanding of patient care, and undertake clinical placements in various settings throughout the NHS, as well as in the voluntary and private sectors. Throughout your course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of nursing care and progress to understand complex needs and leadership and management. You'll develop a range of skills, including communication and decision-making, whilst maintaining professional values.

Why study Nursing (Adult) BSc(Hons)

Adult nursing is a varied field of nursing which opens doors to a range of exciting career opportunities. Regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), this course has strong partnerships with NHS Trusts and private and voluntary organisations.

During your studies, you’ll learn from the experiences of service users and carers, who are part of the Public Partnership Group. You’ll be taught and supported by experienced lecturers, who combine their knowledge, experience, and skillset to deliver high-quality teaching in line with current practice. You’ll also be guided by experienced practice supervisors and assessors within practice, helping you to develop your nursing skills. You’ll also build your confidence, to become a competent, caring, and compassionate nurse.

The University’s new Daphne Steele Building is now open on the site of the National Health Innovation campus, enabling our Adult Nursing students to benefit from specialist, clinical teaching facilities and world-leading research facilities.

This Nursing (Adult) course could be a great place to start if you’d like to take the first steps towards making a huge difference to people’s lives. After successfully completing the course, you can apply to register with the NMC and work as a registered nurse for adults in various areas.

Students on this course may be eligible to receive a non-repayable grant of at least £5,000 each year – find out more on the NHS Learning Support Fund Website.

Not quite ready to start Nursing (Adult) BSc(Hons)? Successful completion of our Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree will equip you with the foundation knowledge to study Adult Nursing.

Course detail

Year 1

Core modules:

Becoming a Professional - Adult Nursing

This module involves exploring your development as a professional, examining your personal and professional attitudes and beliefs, as well as relating these to your future professional role as an adult nurse. You’ll gain an understanding about how you can develop as a learner and maintain your physical and mental health, so you are able to promote and support people with their health. You’ll also learn how to manage the transition to university and explore ethical and professional codes underpinning adult nursing.

Introduction to Adult Nursing

This module provides the opportunity for you to develop the fundamental knowledge and skills required to care specifically for adults, as well as people of all ages from conception to end of life, with a range of physical, mental health and cognitive care needs. You’ll learn about the principles of holistic assessment and management of well and sick people of all ages. You’ll gain an understanding of development through the lifespan by exploring the principles of anatomy and physiology. You’ll also be introduced to pharmacology and medicines administration.

Nursing Practice 1

This module provides the opportunity for you to develop the fundamental skills of nursing practice including personal hygiene, infection control, undertaking observations and basic life support. You’ll complete a practice learning experience where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Nursing Practice 2

This module provides you with a further opportunity to develop the fundamental skills of nursing practice including personal hygiene, infection control, undertaking observations and basic life support. You’ll complete a practice learning experience, where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Understanding Knowledge and Evidence for Nursing

This module introduces you to the nature of knowledge and how it supports evidenced-based nursing practice. You’ll learn how to search for and read evidence to identify its value and relevance to nursing practice. You’ll explore how to evaluate published research and will be introduced to the concept of ethics within healthcare research. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop and use a variety of transferable skills including literature searching, critical appraisal of evidence and application of evidence to your own and the nursing practice of others.

Year 2

Core modules:

Developing as a Professional

This module builds on the Becoming a Professional module in Year 1 and provides the opportunity for you to develop the professional and transferable knowledge and skills required to become a Registered Nurse. You’ll gain an understanding of professional, legal and ethical knowledge and frameworks, and their role in your clinical decision-making. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your understanding and skills for effective team working, leadership and management to enable you to positively influence care delivery, decisions and management for people in your care.

Developing Critical Knowledge and Skills in Adult Nursing

This module builds on the knowledge and skills you developed in Year 1. You’ll expand your range of assessment skills and apply them to more complex adult care encounters, using your knowledge to recognise deterioration and begin to identify appropriate interventions to meet the care needs for people with a range of complex physical, mental health and cognitive care needs. You’ll plan care needs and begin to formulate care plans to meet the needs of individuals and groups of people in your care.

Developing Research Knowledge and Evidence for Adult Nursing Practice

This module builds on the Understanding Knowledge and Evidence for Nursing module in Year 1, by introducing you to the design of research studies, including literature reviews and empirical studies. You’ll have the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills of research methods and design, preparing you to undertake a study relevant to adult nursing in Year 3. You’ll learn about research ethics, data collection, analysis and research approaches including qualitative, qualitative and mixed method studies, literature reviews undertaken systematically, systematic reviews and audits. For those apprentices with a Nursing Associate qualification, this module may not be required. If so, you would spend this time back on base with your employer.

Nursing Practice 3

This module provides you with the opportunity to develop a wider range of skills of nursing practice including cannulation and phlebotomy. You’ll complete a practice learning experience, where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Nursing Practice 4

This module provides you with the opportunity to further develop your skills of nursing practice including cannulation and phlebotomy. You’ll complete a practice learning experience, where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Year 3

Core modules:

Being a Professional

This module builds on professionally themed modules in Year 1 and 2 to consolidate your preparation to become a qualified nurse. You’ll have the opportunity to develop future nurse leader skills to prepare you to positively influence care, undertake the role of teacher to individuals and groups, as well as the role of practice supervisor for future nurses.

Enhancing Knowledge and Skills in Adult Nursing

This module builds on the knowledge and skills developed in Year 1 and 2, enabling you to further develop your critical understanding of assessment skills to recognise and respond appropriately to the deteriorating patient. You’ll have the opportunity to expand your skills and apply them to managing and coordinating the care of adults with a range of conditions varying in complexity and in a range of settings under minimal supervision. The module also assists you to develop skills in advanced care management and complex discharge or transfer planning.

Nursing Practice 5

This module provides the opportunity for you to gain fundamental skills of nursing practice including intravenous medicine administration. You’ll complete a practice learning experience where you’ll put the theory you’ve learnt into practice.

Nursing Practice 6

You’ll be supported in supervised practice in placement areas to develop your knowledge and skills related to practice. Simulated placement learning will focus on preparation for placement; mandatory skills and transition to registered nurse. Both formative and summative assessment will be provided with initial, intermediate, and final interviews in practice. Lectures will provide opportunities for preparation and support before and during placement.

Using Evidence and Research to Enhance Adult Nursing Practice

This module builds on the evidence and research modules in Year 1 and 2, enabling you to systematically undertake a literature review or a small scale research project based on the research proposal developed in Year 2. You’ll have the opportunity to develop a detailed literature review report or research study report. You’ll use one of a variety of approaches including qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods or a review of literature undertaken in a systematic way, within the adult nursing field. You’ll also be involved in data collection and analysis.

Teaching and assessment

An average of 7% of the study time on this course is spent with your tutors (either face to face or online) in lectures, seminars, tutorials etc and 50% is spent on placement. You'll be taught by a team who really understand what it is like be an adult nurse and are able to demonstrate the latest techniques and procedures, whilst supporting you to put these skills and qualities into practice.

Learning and teaching on this course is delivered through seminars, lectures, group work, simulation and practical skills experience. The modules have been designed to embed transferable skills and enable you to progressively increase your knowledge and confidence. Your studies will also be supported by the University's virtual learning environment.

The assessment methods on the course are varied and involve a combination of coursework, practice/proficiency based learning, reports, presentations and examinations. The nature of the assessment varies from module to module, and mirrors the modes of communication expected of graduates in this field, such as the ability to present to a range of audiences and provide reports to enhance the quality of care.

Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

Laboratory sessions, classroom based learning and the use of simulated patients enable you to practice your skills in a safe and controlled environment. You’ll undertake practice placement experiences, where you’ll learn and be assessed in a real practice setting, under the supervision of appropriately qualified practice supervisors and practice assessors. You’ll be assessed whilst on placement through a Practice Assessment Document (PAD).

Throughout the course you’ll also have access to a Personal Development Plan, where you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, construct a record of achievement documenting the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competencies, as well as reflect and act upon your personal, professional, academic and long-term career goals.

Further information

Once you’ve submitted your application form to UCAS you may be invited to attend an interview.

Whether you are starting the course in September or January, your breaks will be interspersed throughout the year depending on what stage you have reached in the three year course. Timetables are normally available one month before registration. This is a full-time course, so you may have to attend every day of the week.

Your course is made up of modules and each module is worth a number of credits. Each year you study core modules to the value of 120 credits, adding up to 360 credits in total for a bachelor’s qualification.

If you achieve 120 credits for the current stage you are at, you may progress to the next stage of your course, subject to any professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

Teaching excellence

The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.
Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.
We are joint first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 23 since 2008 (2024 data).
We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

*full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

Entry requirements

BBB-BBCat A Level . If you are studying A Level Science, the endorsement for practical work is essential and a requirement for entry to our degree course.

120-112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications. If you are studying A Level Science, the endorsement for practical work is essential and a requirement for entry to our degree course.

Merit at T Level

DDM-DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.

NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma/Level 3 Extended Diploma at grade B.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits, 15 at Distinction, 30 at Merit.
120-112 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

In addition, you must have GCSE English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme, or Ofqual regulated Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English.

If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree.

You must demonstrate that you have a broad understanding of adult nursing, as well as relevant work experience (employment or voluntary) highlighting your transferable skills.

Offers will be subject to an interview and references. Please note all the information provided in support of your application may be checked and must be verifiable as a true record.

You also need satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and occupational health clearances prior to registration on the course. We arrange these as part of the application process. You'll be required to sign a self-declaration at the start of each year and at the end of the course. All police contact during the course must be reported to the course leader as a matter of urgency and may lead to suspension or termination. We will request an Overseas Police Check if you have lived in a country outside of the UK for 6 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years before applying to us and whilst aged 18 or over.

You may be eligible to gain accreditation for your prior learning towards this course. Please note that the course you are applying for is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) which allows a maximum of 50% of credits for the award to be conferred through accreditation of prior learning.

If you have alternative qualifications, including the nursing associate foundation degree, you may wish to contact us for advice before applying.

Placement providers for this course may require you to have received a number of vaccinations, unless medically exempt, and provide evidence of these. As a student on a course with a clinical or healthcare placement, we strongly recommend that you complete any courses of vaccinations required under current guidelines for your future profession. Failure to do so may result in your inability to undertake a placement in certain clinical settings, therefore impacting upon your academic progression, and may result in academic failure of your course.

Please note places are limited and attainment of the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an interview or offer. You must include details of any previous study.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Applications are reviewed on merit and other suitable experience and qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

Daphne Steele Building

The University of Huddersfield has officially opened the Daphne Steele Building, the first development on its National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC). Named after Daphne Steele, the trailblazing Guyana-born nurse and the first Black matron in the NHS in 1964, the six-storey building marks a major investment in healthcare education and innovation. This advanced facility aims to improve health outcomes and drive healthcare innovation across the North of England.

The Daphne Steele Building supports the University’s health professional degree programs with cutting-edge facilities, including high-fidelity skills labs and an award-winning podiatry clinic. It also offers quiet study spaces, a student lounge, social areas, and a café. Hosting courses in midwifery, nursing, physiotherapy, paramedic science, occupational therapy, podiatry, and more, the building provides exceptional support for workforce development in the health sector. It serves as a hub for education and innovation, benefiting both regional and wider health economies.

Placements

Nothing can really replicate working in the real-world, which is why practice placements are essential and a compulsory part of the course. The Nursing and Midwifery Council require you to complete the minimum of 2300 hours over the three years in order to obtain registration. Each year you'll complete two blocks of placement.

You'll have the opportunity to complete your practice learning experiences in a range of healthcare environments including NHS Trusts, private and voluntary organisations such as hospices, nursing homes and community settings. You'll be supervised throughout your practical experiences by a qualified professional who will provide you with any required help and advice. In order to provide you with the broadest professional experience possible, practice experiences are generally offered across West Yorkshire and occasionally beyond, covering 24 hour care including evening, weekend and night shifts.

Please note that you will be required to travel to and during your placements. Your placement areas could be anywhere within the wider Calderdale, Kirklees, and Wakefield metropolitan districts of West Yorkshire and include both hospital and community-based placements. You need to think very carefully about how you’ll travel across this region for your placements with awareness that when in placement you’ll often be required to start a shift at 7.00am and may not finish until 8.00pm. Your placements will also incorporate night-shift and weekend working.

"I have undertaken a great variety of placements in acute, specialist and general settings. I have loved every placement, each one has given me different skills and knowledge to take forward into my nursing career."

Tracy McCrudden, current Nursing (Adult) BSc(Hons) student

Facilities

Students linking findings to disease processes

Student response to a deteriorating patient

Students linking chest sounds to patient symptoms

Our manikins enable learning in a safe environment

Equipment used reflects clinical practice

Students practising skills on simulation mannequin

Learning about safe administration of medication.

Your career

Our graduates have gone on to work within the National Health Service.** You could also work in private or voluntary sectors.**

After further training future career development opportunities involve working in specialist roles in acute and primary care such as advanced clinical practice, as well as specialist roles in respiratory, breast care, diabetes, end of life care, health visiting, school nursing, district nursing and many others. There is also the opportunity to develop in management, education and research roles.

* 88% of graduates from this course were in work or further study 15 months after graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes 21/22, UK Domiciled)

** LinkedIn.

88% Graduates employed*

Professional links and accreditations

This course is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Whilst studying this course you're currently not required to register as a member with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), however you must follow their code of conduct.

Career support

We know you’re coming to university to undertake your course, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

So while you’re here (and even after you graduate) the Careers and Employability Service offer professional help, support and guidance, including industry-supported workshops, careers fairs and one-to-one guidance sessions. Find out more about the Service.

Further study

Progression to one of our Workforce Development courses could include studying a specialist short course, Postgraduate Certificate, Master’s or Master’s by Research. Our courses are designed to assist you in developing your career and skills in specialist areas of clinical practice.

Health Professional Education PgCert

Take on a new challenge by gaining a recognised teaching qualification and learn how to teach the health professionals of the future.

Start date

Duration

Entry requirements

Places available (subject to change)

About the course

Reasons to study

Why study Nursing (Adult) BSc(Hons)

Course detail

Becoming a Professional - Adult Nursing

Introduction to Adult Nursing

Nursing Practice 1

Nursing Practice 2

Understanding Knowledge and Evidence for Nursing

Developing as a Professional

Developing Critical Knowledge and Skills in Adult Nursing

Developing Research Knowledge and Evidence for Adult Nursing Practice

Nursing Practice 3

Nursing Practice 4

Being a Professional

Enhancing Knowledge and Skills in Adult Nursing

Nursing Practice 5

Nursing Practice 6

Using Evidence and Research to Enhance Adult Nursing Practice

Entry requirements

Daphne Steele Building

Placements

Facilities

Your career

Health Professional Education PgCert

Health Studies MSc

Independent and Supplementary Prescribing

Long Term Conditions PgCert

Managing Minor Illness

Managing Minor Injuries

Nursing and Midwifery (MSc by Research)

Career support

Health Professional Education PgCert

Health Studies MSc

Independent and Supplementary Prescribing

Long Term Conditions PgCert

Managing Minor Illness

Managing Minor Injuries

Nursing and Midwifery (MSc by Research)

Student support

Fees and Finance

Fees and Finance

Important information

Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

Changes to option modules:

Major changes:

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