BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult)

Blend theory with hands-on adult nursing experience in our state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Centre, hospitals and communities. Develop the skills and confidence to bring comfort, promote health and save lives. Be proud of becoming an adult nurse.

Typical offer: 112–120
Entry requirements
Fees: £9,790 per year (UK)
Full details
UCAS code: B700
Course length: Full time: three years
Find out more
Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
Institute code: H36

NHS Learning Support Fund
Training grants of at least £5,000 a year are available for eligible healthcare students which you will not have to pay back. You may also be eligible for an additional £2,000 towards childcare costs to help balance your studies with family life and £3,000 for students who find themselves in unforeseen financial hardship. Find out more about the NHS Learning Support Fund

NHS Funding for UK/EU Students
Students studying on nursing, midwifery or allied health professional courses funded by Health Education England will have access to the same student loans support package and support for living costs as other students.

You could also benefit from the NHS learning support fund if you study an eligible nursing, midwifery, or allied health course. If eligible, the different kinds of support you could get include a training grant, parental support, money back for travel and temporary accommodation whilst on placement, and financial hardship (which you won’t need to pay back).

Gittins Family Bursaries
£3,000 (£1,000 in each academic year) is awarded every year to three first year students studying on this course. Students eligible are those full-time Home students with a household income below £40,000 p.a. at commencement of their first year of study. Students will be invited to fill out a short application form and winning students will be identified by a panel of academics.

PJE Foundation Scholarship
£3,600 (£1,200 in each academic year) is awarded on the conclusion of the previous scholarship to a first year, full time Health and Social Work student with a declared disability, who is returning to study after at minimum break of three years from formal education. Applications for this scholarship open in the first year of study.

The Janice Ann McNaughton Bursary

£3,000 (paid in the first year of study) is awarded every year to two first year students studying on this course. Students are eligible to apply if they are care-leavers or care-experienced students aged 18-24. If the cohort does not include two students who meet the above criteria, students under the age of 25 who are the first in their family to attend university may be considered. Applicants must fill in a short application form.

Find out more about scholarships, grants and bursaries

1^st in the East of England for nursing and midwifery (Complete University Guide, 2026)

4th in the UK for general nursing (Guardian University Guide, 2025)

98% of Herts health and social care undergraduates are in work/study (Graduate Outcomes, 2024)¹

Heather's story

Course overview

From the day you start, we’ll blend your theory with practical experience. Half the course will be spent at the University. The other half of your time, you will gain hands-on skills in a variety of adult nursing clinical settings. You’ll learn about ‘normal’ adult development then recognise to manage deviations from the norm. You’ll promote health and provide real patient care in hospitals and the community.

Why choose this course?

State-of-the-art facilities: Training to become an adult nurse, you’ll build essential skills through hands-on experience in our Clinical Simulation Centre, which replicates real hospital and community settings. Practise your nursing skills in realistic environments, including simulated hospital wards and community or GP consultation rooms, so you can safely develop confidence before progressing into clinical practice.

Strong employment prospects: You can take your newly acquired theory and practical confidence to gain real experience on placement in a hospital or community setting and continue this after completing the course. 98% of Herts health and social care undergraduates are in work or study (Graduate Outcomes, 2024)¹.

Have a rewarding career: Be the one to reassure that nervous patient before an operation. Be the person who aids their recovery. Be the one who helps save lives. Our nation is proud of the work our NHS does, let us be proud of you too.

Receive a support fund: You could get at least £5,000 each year that you won't even need to pay back. Find out more about the NHS Learning Support Fund.

Professional accreditations

Once you qualify, you will be entitled to apply to enter the professional register of the Nursing and Midwifery Council in the Adult Nursing field, so that you can work in the UK.

Your future career

Following successful completion of the programme, you will be entitled to apply for registration as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in the Branch of Nursing in which you have specialised. You can now take advantage of the varied opportunities available to you, to put into practice all you have learned and make a positive contribution to the lives of individuals, and their families.

Areas in which you work in as an adult nursing graduate:

acute services within the NHS
a range of community settings including general or specialised community nursing
private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI) Sectors e.g. hospices.

You will meet many interesting people and each day will be different. You will always be learning, developing new and innovative skills through experience and education that will enable you to diversify or specialise in a particular area of adult nursing, giving the opportunity for promotion and job satisfaction.

This adult nursing course entitles you to apply for registration as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. It opens up a wide range of career options, typically within hospitals or community-based services which can take you in several different directions. For example, you may discover you have talents in leadership and management and pursue this route or you may prefer to learn more about a specialist area of practice so you can work as a specialist or consultant nurse.

See what recent graduates are up to

What you'll study

Below you can see the modules that you will study on this adult nursing degree.

You’ll spend 50% of your time at the University. You’ll attend lectures building your knowledge on things like how you will provide a holistic assessment care plan, considering a person’s mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. You can then share your learnings in smaller groups in seminars and tutorials. You will be asked to look at case studies, individually or in a small group. Plus, you can put what you have learnt into practise, using our simulation laboratories.

You’ll spend 50% of your time in a range of placements across the three years of your study and will work alongside qualified health care practitioners.

Practice placements are organised within neighbouring NHS Trusts in Hertfordshire, and North London and in other settings including the private and voluntary sectors. There is the opportunity to learn with and from people in the community and in hospitals where nursing is experienced. The placement experiences are wide and varied, emphasising the chosen field of practice - adult nursing. During the first year, experiences may also include caring for children, service users with learning disabilities or those with mental health problems.

A student-led placement is offered at the end of the second year which gives you the opportunity to gain clinical experience in an area of practice you are interested in.

COVID-19 conditions permitting, a student-led placement is offered at the end of the second year which gives you the opportunity to gain clinical experience in an area of practice you are interested in.

In your first year, we will introduce you to the profession, right from basics. You’ll explore health and wellbeing clinically and within social, political and economic contexts. You’ll practice, challenge, question, and refine current nursing skills through simulation and practical exercises.

In your second year, you’ll further advance your knowledge. You’ll look at bioscience changes and pharmacological aspects of health and wellbeing. You’ll discuss, interpret and plan care for patients who may be experiencing different physical and psychological symptoms.

In your final year, you’ll find that you have grown to love certain topics. In this year you can delve deeper in these areas. This could be socio-political issues that impact effective nursing practises. Or this could be how spiritual, psychosocial, cultural and emotional aspects can affect how patients receive care. It’s entirely up to you.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Promoting Health and Preventing Ill Health	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is designed to provide the foundations that will enable students to actively participate in promoting health and preventing ill health, within the context of adult nursing and in a variety of care settings.
Communication and Relationship Management Skills for Nursing	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will develop students' existing communication skills in line with the relevant nursing standards. It will enable students to develop their skills in searching and evaluating the literature, critical reading and writing skills aiding students to formulate and communicate scholarly arguments and ideas.
Enhancing Communication in Adult Care Settings	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will equip students with knowledge of contemporary communication theories enabling them to communicate effectively with adults accessing healthcare services. Students will explore barriers to communication and investigate possible strategies to reduce these barriers and enhance holistic nurse-patient interaction.
Foundations of Health and Wellbeing	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will examine bioscientific and professional concepts that underpin nursing practice. It will address how these inform nursing care and health and wellbeing. It will also consider wider social, political and economic issues and their impact on health and care delivery.
Adult Nursing: Professional Practice 1	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module has an emphasis on simulated practice learning (SPL), supporting the development of holistic nursing assessment and practical care-delivery skills, whilst developing empathy and resilience. The module supports student safety, encouraging them to challenge, question and reflect on evidence-based practice and their own experiences from placement.
Skills for Professional and Academic Development	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module is designed to develop the academic skills required for higher education and equip students with the ability to identify their learning and development needs. It will facilitate the acquisition of values, knowledge and skills that are essential for learning and effective independent study.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Developing Health and Wellbeing	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module builds on the knowledge acquired in Fundamentals of Health and Wellbeing. While the focus on the professional aspects of nursing practice continues, ideas of health and wellbeing alongside the social and political context of health and wellbeing are further examined. The focus on bioscience shifts to the pharmacological aspects of health and wellbeing.
Integrated Adult Nursing Care	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will develop the students' ability to use evidence to underpin a holistic assessment to plan care for adults to meet health needs with focus on pathophysiology to discuss, interpret and plan care for patients experiencing, physical and psychological symptoms. Care will consider the spiritual, psychosocial, cultural, and emotional aspects with attitudes and beliefs.
The Evidence Base for Adult Nursing Practice	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module equips students with knowledge of the evidence-based model of nursing practice that underpins practice. Students will explore the available evidence and the need for different types of evidence for differing practice-based issues. Students will become familiar with practice-based question setting and how to create a focussed literature search.
Advancing Adult Nursing Practice	30 Credits	Compulsory
This interactive module has a strong emphasis on simulated learning. Authentic case scenarios are utilised to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of current best, evidence-based practice, whilst providing an opportunity to practice, challenge, question, refine and enhance their nursing skills in a safe environment.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Final Numeracy Exam	0 Credits	Compulsory
Using both lecture based teaching and online resources this module intends to enable the student to develop knowledge of the formulae used for calculating medication dosages for both enteral and parenteral medicine administration.
Adult Nursing: Professional Practice 3	30 Credits	Compulsory
This interactive and practical Level 6 30-credit module has a strong emphasis on simulated practice learning (SPL). Teaching and simulation activities allow learners the opportunity to prepare for their role as a newly qualified nurse – to practice, challenge, reflect, question, critically discuss, refine, and enhance their nursing skills for safe clinical practice.
Clinical Decision Making in Adult Nursing Care	30 Credits	Compulsory
This 30-credit level 6 module will build on prior learning and enhance independence in clinical decision making. Students will develop their research skills in sourcing and applying evidence to nursing decisions and apply their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to better understand the pathophysiological changes that occur in their patients.
Leading and Managing Effective Adult Nursing Care	30 Credits	Compulsory
The aim of this 30-credit, level 6 module, is to develop registered nurses capable of using leading and managing skills to make significant contributions to patient safety. It also encourages reflective practice and seeks to promote self-awareness, particularly in regard to the leading and managing of others.
Quality Improvement and Innovation in Nursing Practice	30 Credits	Compulsory
Students on this module will be supported to create a quality improvement initiative to effect positive change in service delivery, relevant to nursing practice. It represents an exciting opportunity for students to engage in a negotiated quality improvement proposal that will encourage them to focus on a practice issue of personal and professional interest.

What if I need support?

You’ll get a personal tutor to guide you through your course, all the way to graduation.

You might also want or need extra support during your time with us. Rest assured, no matter what you study, we’ve got you covered. For help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you’ll have access to our academic support services. You can attend workshops, one-to-one sessions and online tutorials. Both our LRCs run drop-in study skills sessions and during your placement you will be supported and assessed by appropriately prepared practitioners.

Where you'll study

Your main campus is College Lane. This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, doctors, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus bar or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.

Check out our student blogs

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Find out more about support and wellbeing

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Typical offer (UCAS points)	112–120
Typical A Level offer	BBC–BBB
Typical IB offer	112–120 points Mandatory subjects: A minimum of two HL subjects at grade 4 or above (the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core)
Typical BTEC offer	DMM–DDM Mandatory subjects: health and social care or other health related subject
Accepted T Levels	Accepted T levels: Healthcare Science; Health; Science.
Access courses	45 credits at level 3, which must equate to a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Additional information	All offers will be subject to the applicants demonstration of the NHS constitution’s “Values and Behaviours”, satisfactory interviews, functional Skills level 2 in Maths and English also acceptable, health screening and the Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) checks. You can view the full NHS Constitution for England on the Government website. Once you have applied via UCAS, you may then be invited for an interview. The interview, either in-person or online, will consist of four core questions asked by two people and involves a group workshop and multiple mini interviews over the course of half a day. Tutors want to see your passion and enthusiasm for the career and an understanding of what being a nurse entails. Transferring your existing/previous studies to Herts If you are looking to transfer your existing/previous studies to the University of Hertfordshire, then please be aware that we can only look to Accredit Prior Learning (APL) for the first year of any prior BSc nursing studies. This means that you would start at the beginning of the second year. We have one intake per year and this is in September. You would therefore need to complete all of your second and third year of study at the University of Hertfordshire. If you would like to apply, you will need to do so through UCAS and provide evidence for all of the following requirements: transcript showing fully completed and passed first year of study, including all theory modules and required practice hours. If you are awaiting final module grades, this will be considered on a case by case basis an academic reference from your previous Higher Education institution a personal statement of no more than 500 words, explaining why you wish to transfer universities. Find out more about our Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language	All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in each band. If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Typical offer (UCAS points)	112
Typical A Level offer	BBC
Typical IB offer	112 points Mandatory subjects: A minimum of two HL subjects at grade 4 or above (the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core).
Typical BTEC offer	DMM Mandatory subjects: Health and social care or other health related subject
Accepted T Levels	Healthcare Science; Health; Science.
Access courses	45 credits at level 3, which must equate to a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Additional information	Applicants must be over 18 years of age before November of Year 1. All offers will be subject to the applicants demonstration of the NHS constitution’s “Values and Behaviours”, satisfactory interviews, functional Skills level 2 in Maths and English also acceptable, health screening and the Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) checks. You can view the full NHS Constitution for England on the Government website. Once you have applied via UCAS, you may then be invited for an interview. The interview, either in-person or online, will consist of four core questions asked by two people and involves a group workshop and multiple mini interviews over the course of half a day. Tutors want to see your passion and enthusiasm for the career and an understanding of what being a nurse entails. Transferring your existing/previous studies to Herts If you are looking to transfer your existing/previous studies to the University of Hertfordshire, then please be aware that we can only look to Accredit Prior Learning (APL) for the first year of any prior BSc nursing studies. This means that you would start at the beginning of the second year. We have one intake per year and this is in September. You would therefore need to complete all of your second and third year of study at the University of Hertfordshire. If you would like to apply, you will need to do so through UCAS and provide evidence for all of the following requirements: transcript showing fully completed and passed first year of study, including all theory modules and required practice hours. If you are awaiting final module grades, this will be considered on a case by case basis an academic reference from your previous Higher Education institution a personal statement of no more than 500 words, explaining why you wish to transfer universities. Find out more about our Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language	All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in each band. If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Start date	Study type	Apply
September 2026	Full time	Apply via UCAS
September 2027	Full time	Apply via UCAS

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Apply through Clearing

Make sure you've got your UCAS number, if you've got one (you can find this on your UCAS Hub), your results (including GCSEs, A levels, BTECs or equivalent) and the course(s) you'd like to apply for.

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Our Clearing hotline is open for support, Monday - Thursday 9.00-16.45 and Friday 9.00-15.45. You can apply online at any time.

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

	Study type	Fees
UK students	Full time	£9,790 for the 2026/2027 academic year
EU students	Full time	£19,450 for the 2026/2027 academic year
International students	Full time	£19,450 for the 2026/2027 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries	Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.
Disabled Students' Allowance	The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.
Student loans	Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.
Accommodation costs	We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget. Due to the nature of your programme, your studies are likely to continue over the summer period, requiring an extended period of accommodation on campus. There are 2 accommodation options available to you: Option 1–42 week accommodation: if you opt for this accommodation contract but need to stay on campus for up to 50 weeks, this will mean that you will have to move accommodation and we cannot guarantee that this will be at the same cost, and may be higher. Option 2–50 week accommodation: if you opt for this accommodation contract, which is recommended, this will allow you to complete your studies over the summer period without having to move accommodation. If you choose this option you cannot change to a 42 week contract at a later stage.
Additional course fees	Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet.

More about the course

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult)	Download PDF
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) - Full Time, Sem A	Download PDF

Additional information
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years

BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult)

Blend theory with hands-on adult nursing experience in our state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Centre, hospitals and communities. Develop the skills and confidence to bring comfort, promote health and save lives. Be proud of becoming an adult nurse.

What type of applicant are you?

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Typical offer: 112–120

Fees: £9,790 per year (UK)

UCAS code: B700

Course length: Full time: three years

Location: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Institute code: H36

Grants available on this course

Scholarships available on this course

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Professional accreditations

Your future career

See what recent graduates are up to

Helen Scholes

Sarah Sesay

Helen Scholes

A career change

Conquering unexpected challenges

Proudest moment and future aspirations

Sarah Sesay

Pathway into nursing

Nursing at Herts

What you'll study

What if I need support?

Where you'll study

Check out our student blogs

Wing Yan Graces - University support for nursing students during placement

Wing Yan Graces - An exciting employment opportunity for nursing students

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

Student Blogs

University support for nursing students during placement

Student Blogs

An exciting employment opportunity for nursing students

Entry requirements

UK applicants

International applicants

UK applicants

International applicants

Ready to apply?

UK applicants

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

International applicants

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through Clearing

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Additional information

More about the course

Further information

Not ready to apply?

Undergraduate courses and degrees

Experience

Chat with students and staff

Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield