The demand for professional nurses has greatly increased over the years. And the UK harbors some of the top nursing universities. These universities provide excellent nursing degree programs, which help students to build solid foundational knowledge and practical experience in nursing.
Further, studying nursing is an excellent way to blend your passion for healthcare with your desire for an ever-changing career. With several areas of specialization, nursing gives you career flexibility that allows you to choose a suitable path.
It also provides the flexibility to choose the type of patients to care for, your work environment, and the level of advancement you want in your career.
In this article, we will show you the best universities for nursing in the UK. We will also cover their academic reputation, career prospects, and more. If you’re an aspiring nurse or prospective student seeking colleges that offer nursing degrees, this guide will provide valuable insights into the top nursing universities in the UK.
Table of contents
- What is The Scope of a BSc in Nursing in The UK?
- What are The Requirements to Work as a Nurse in The UK?
- What Are The Benefits of Studying Nursing in The UK?
- Factors to Consider When Choosing a Nursing Degree Program
- List of The Top Universities For Nursing in the UK | 2023
- Top Universities For Nursing in the UK | 2023
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
What is The Scope of a BSc in Nursing in The UK?
You must have concerns about the BSc in Nursing salary in the UK. The average salary you can earn as a nurse in the UK is 24,214 GBP yearly. However, with experience, you can make between 60,000 and 109,000 GBP annually.
Furthermore, research states that nearly 50% of nurses make 109,000 GBP annually. Some job titles include Therapist, Trainee Nurse, Health Visitor, Staff Nurse, Mental Health Nurse, Children Nurse, and Learning Disability Nurse.
Meanwhile, after earning your BSc in Nursing in the UK, you can work there for two years. Additionally, you can seek higher education, as it will improve your employability.
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What are The Requirements to Work as a Nurse in The UK?
The following are the fundamental requirements for foreigners and UK citizens who want to work as nurses. You must have met the following:
- Completed years of nursing education, earning a nursing degree.
- Pass the required computer-based test (CBT).
- Again, the applicant must have finished the international nursing program (for foreigners only).
- The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), an organization that governs nursing professionals in the UK, requires registration. Thus, you must have registered with this council.
- If you’re a foreigner, you need a work permit.
- You must be fluent in English.
- Finally, you must provide your health statement.
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What Are The Benefits of Studying Nursing in The UK?
Finding a nursing job in the UK is simpler than you might think. Since the NHS is allegedly experiencing a nursing shortage, there is a constant demand for nurses. After the pandemic, this demand increased by a third because the NHS position is still open.
If you have the appropriate certification, you will be hired immediately. Further, some of the top hospitals in the world are located in the UK, and they provide their staff with professional opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities, making it simple and easy to pursue a nursing career there.
Also, the standard work week for nurses in the UK is 37.5 hours, making this a flexible career. So, you have the option of working full-time or part-time. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, you can also choose to work additional shifts for extra pay.
In the UK, nurses are given three-year contracts when they start working. Thus, you can confidently live in the UK, thanks to your job security. The contract will be renewed if you perform your duties well and produce positive results.
Again, the NHS provides its employees with the best pension plan in the UK, and if you work as a nurse in the UK, you are automatically eligible for pension benefits.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Nursing Degree Program
There are several things to consider when selecting a nursing degree program. These factors can aid in your decision-making and help you pick a program that is appropriate for you. Hence, you should consider the following factors:
Academic Reputation
The best nursing universities in the UK have an excellent academic reputation. Thus, it’s crucial to pick a university with a good academic standing. This will guarantee that you receive a top-notch education and that the healthcare sector highly respects your degree.
Clinical Education Possibilities
The program you choose must offer plenty of opportunities for clinical training because nursing is a practical profession. This will help you to gain real-world experience and learn the skills you need to be successful in your line of work.
Career Prospects
It’s essential to pick a program with promising career options. By doing this, you can be confident that you can find work after graduation and advance your career in the healthcare sector.
Approved by the NMC
Finally, another factor you should consider when choosing a nursing program is its approval by the NMC. Selecting a program that has been approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is essential. The recognition of your degree and your ability to practice as a registered nurse in the UK will both be assured by doing this.
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List of The Top Universities For Nursing in the UK | 2023
There are numerous universities and other higher education institutions where you can enroll in a nursing program. You can choose to specialize in various areas in this broad field. However, this list will focus on the top UK universities for studying nursing.
Meanwhile, consider your interests when selecting a university offering the best nursing program.
- University of Glasgow
- Keele University
- King’s College London
- Huddersfield University
- University of Nottingham
- University of Leeds
- University of Sunderland
- University of Edinburgh
- Liverpool University
- University of Birmingham
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Top Universities For Nursing in the UK | 2023
The UK has the best universities for studying nursing. You should consider the schools below if you’re seeking an institution to acquire a nursing degree in the United Kingdom.
1. University of Glasgow
Kickstarting our list of the top nursing universities in the UK is the University of Glasgow. Their academic nursing degrees place a strong emphasis on theoretical study and research. Further, the nursing courses available at this institution include:
- Master of Advanced Practice in Health Care
- Professional Development Continuation
- Bachelor of Nursing (Honors)
- Care Leadership, Improvement, and Transformation (Pg Certificate – Blend)
- Health & Social Care Chaplaincy (Pg Certificate)
Additionally, the school has a group of research nurses where faculty and graduate students can conduct stimulating studies.
2. Keele University
Keele University is next on our list of the best nursing universities in the UK. The Keele University School of Nursing and Midwifery provides reputable and accredited nursing programs. There’s also a low student-to-teacher ratio at university to ensure that you receive adequate attention during your theoretical and practical studies.
Additionally, you will appreciate its excellent study environment and cutting-edge facilities, which are essential for a top-notch educational experience. Meanwhile, you can take the following nursing courses at the undergraduate level:
- BSc Nursing for Learning Disabilities
- BSc Nursing for Adults
- BSc Nursing for Mental Health
- BSc Nursing for Children
Whereas the graduate level offers the following programs:
- MSc Advanced Clinical Practice
- MSc Nursing for Adults
- Graduate Certificate, Critical Care Practice
- Graduate Certificate, Advanced Critical Care Critical Practice
- MSc Advanced Professional Practice
- Nursing Clerk Postgraduate Diploma, Community Nursing Specialist
3. King’s College London
King’s College London is one of the oldest, most reputable, and top UK universities for nursing. The Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery is housed at the college. This is the world’s first nursing program permanently linked to an operational hospital and medical school.
It is also frequently referred to as the spiritual nursing home. Here, you will receive all the knowledge and instruction needed for this field, which may help you land jobs at some of the best hospitals in London that are well-known worldwide.
4. Huddersfield University
The Nursing and Midwifery Department at Huddersfield University employs the top specialists who deliver the best practice sessions, learning environments, and tutoring. This makes it stand out among the best universities for nursing in the UK.
At the same time, you will get the skills and information required to work in various medical facilities. Courses in the university’s undergraduate curriculum include:
- Nursing (Learning Disability) BSc (Hons)
- Midwifery Studies BSc (Hons)
- Nursing (Adults) BSc (Hons)
- Nursing (Mental Health) BSc (Hons)
- Nursing (Infant) BSc (Hons)
The postgraduate study programs you will get at Huddersfield University include:
- Master of Health Studies (Taught)
- Public Health, Ph.D. (Research)
- Master of Podiatry (Taught)
- Master of Advanced Clinical Practice (Taught)
- Theory of Podiatric Surgery (Taught)
- Master of Health Services Research (Taught)
- Social Work and Social Policy
- Nursing and Midwifery Ph.D. (Research)
- Nursing and Midwifery, Master of Research (Research)
- Applied Health Sciences Ph.D. (Research)
If you want to advance your academic career in nursing, the school has three research centers available. These research centers are as follows:
- Center for Applied Research in Childhood, Youth, and Family
- Center for Applied Health Research
- Institute for Skin Integrity and Infection Prevention
5. University of Nottingham
Nottingham University deserves a spot on our top UK nursing universities list. Thus, your nursing career path will be based on the caliber of education provided at Nottingham University’s School of Health Sciences.
As one of the best nursing universities in the UK, it offers various theoretical and practical courses, which is an excellent way to get you ready for any additional challenges that might confront you as a nurse in the workplace. Furthermore, the University of Nottingham’s faculty of medicine and health offers three graduate and undergraduate programs. They are as follows:
- BSc Nursing – Mental Health
- BSc Nursing – Adult
- BSc Nursing – Child
- College Entrance Nursing – Mental Health
- Graduate Entry Nursing – Adult
- College Entrance Nursing – Child
Note that undergraduate courses can last up to three years, while postgraduate courses require two years of full-time practice.
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6. University of Leeds
The Leeds University Faculty of Health and Medicine offers several study programs, including nursing courses. This is undoubtedly one of the top nursing universities in the UK. And their main objective is to improve students’ knowledge and practical abilities.
This will confirm their eligibility to work as nurses in different healthcare facilities. Additionally, it makes studying better for them. Meanwhile, the nursing degree programs listed below are available at the University of Leeds.
- BSc Nursing (Mental Health)
- BSc Nursing (Children)
- BSc Nursing (Adults)
7. University of Sunderland
Nursing programs at the University of Sunderland are flexible, allowing you to choose from various study modules. There are three undergraduate programs available at this school:
- BSc Adult Nursing Practice
- Mental Health Nursing Practice
- BSc Learning Disability Nursing Practice
Internships in postgraduate programs are also available at Sunderland University. They mainly improve your skills and prepare you for the demanding workplace.
Numerous primary healthcare settings, including top hospitals and facilities, and the University of Sunderland have close ties. Thus, you can easily have your practice sessions. So, we consider this institution among the best nursing universities in the UK.
8. Edinburgh University
One of the top UK universities for your nursing program is the School of Health Sciences at the University of Edinburgh. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available in several fields.
The Bachelor of Nursing undergraduate program will help you become recognized as a highly-skilled nursing practitioner. Because the institution offers various postgraduate programs, aspirant nurses can further their education there.
9. Liverpool University
Nursing students at this institution have access to undergraduate and graduate study programs through the School of Health Sciences. Classes are available to give students the knowledge and skills they need to handle all the difficulties that come with being a nurse.
Additionally, the learning process includes practice sessions in a real-world nursing environment. In the program, you might be required to work as a nurse overseas. And the opportunities that follow will be plentiful. Therefore, it deserves a spot on our list of top nursing universities in the UK.
10. University of Birmingham
The first year of your nursing course at Birmingham University will focus on the social, biological, and psychological sciences. Your second year will be spent on clinical modules that are relevant to your line of work.
Whereas your management, clinical, and academic skills will be developed heavily in the third year to support your success as a practitioner. Overall, you’ll get a top-notch education at the University of Birmingham. Hence, we consider it one of the best UK universities for studying nursing.
FAQs
Here are other top nursing universities in the UK:
The University of Liverpool.
University of Edinburgh.
University of Glasgow.
University of Bradford.
University of Sunderland.
University of Huddersfield.
University of East Anglia UEA.
University of Leeds.
Consider the annual tuition rates at Glasgow Caledonian University, Teesside University, and Middlesex University London, which begin at just 13,000 pounds ($14,354).
Below are the top nursing specialties in the UK:
Neonatal nurse.
Nurse midwife.
Infection control nurse.
School nurse.
Dialysis nurse.
Nurse practitioner.
Informatics nurse.
Anesthetist nurse.
Nurse educator.
Advocate nurse.
Researcher nurse.
Psychiatric nurse.
Trauma nurse.
Travel Nurse.
Pediatric nurse.
Geriatric nurse.
Oncology nurse.
Cardiac nurse.
District nurse.
Theatre nurse.
Orthopedic nurse.
Lactation nurse.
Telehealth nurse.
Case management nurse.
Home nurse.
Administrative nurse.
Preston. Hourly pay is £22.53. reported salaries for 876.
Leeds. Hourly pay is £20.36. salaries of 1.1k reported.
Sheffield; hourly rate: £19.42. reported salaries for 657. Hourly pay is £19.22. reported salaries of 15.4k.
Birmingham; hourly rate of £17.81. salaries of 2.1k reported.
Conclusion
Your success as a nurse depends on selecting the best nursing degree program. The top ten UK nursing universities mentioned above have top-notch nursing degree programs that give students a solid theoretical and practical grounding.
Furthermore, it is crucial to consider academic standing, clinical training options, and career prospects when selecting a program. So, ensure you choose a program that is appropriate for you and will help you realize your nursing goals.
References
thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk
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