The nursing program is one of the most evergreen and demanded courses worldwide, with vast opportunities and career prospects.
The UK is of the best countries in the world to pursue a nursing degree concerning universities, specializations, scholarships, placements and post-study work opportunities, respect and salary.
Many Bachelor of Nursing courses offered by Top Nursing Universities in the UK is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). As a result, they can pursue a nursing career right after graduation with a bachelor's degree.
Some of the sectors where nurses are seen working after graduation in the UK are-
- Patient safety and infection
- Mental health
- Midwifery and family health
- Learning disability
- Healthcare management and service improvement
The universities in the UK offer many specializations and nursing courses at bachelor, master and PhD levels. According to QS World University Rankings for the nursing program, 8 of the top 100 nursing universities are from the UK.
Top Universities for Nursing in the UK
According to QS World University Ranking by subjects, these are the best nursing universities in the UK for 2020.
Universities in the UK |
World Ranking |
King’s College London |
2 |
The University of Manchester |
=7 |
University of Edinburgh |
=28 |
University of Nottingham |
31 |
Ulster University |
51-100 |
The University of Glasgow |
51-100 |
Queen’s University Belfast |
51-100 |
The University of Sheffield |
51-100 |
University of Liverpool |
51-100 |
University of Surrey |
51-100 |
|
Top Nursing Universities in the UK: Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Nursing Programs
University |
Bachelor of Nursing courses |
University of Manchester |
BNurs in Adult Nursing |
BMidwif in Midwifery |
|
BNurs in Nursing (Children’s) |
|
BNurs in Nursing (Mental Health) |
|
King’s College London |
BSc in Midwifery with Registration as a Midwife |
BSc in Nursing with Registration as a Children’s Nurse |
|
BSc in Nursing with Registration as an Adult Nurse |
|
University of Glasgow |
Bachelor of Nursing |
BSc Nursing (Jointly Offered With SIT) |
|
University of Leeds |
Midwifery BSc |
Nursing (Adult) BSc |
|
University of Edinburgh |
BN Nursing Studies |
University of Nottingham |
BSc Nursing (Adult) |
Midwifery BSc |
|
Coventry University |
Learning Disabilities Nursing BSc (Hons) |
Occupational Therapy BSc |
|
Paramedic Science BSc |
Eligibility for Bachelor of Nursing
Document Checklist
These documents listed below are part of the application requirements if you wish to apply for a Bachelor of Nursing in UK.
- The academic document includes transcripts, character certificates and provisional certificates of +2 and class 10.
- Up-to-date CV
- Valid English Language Scores
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation if asked by the university
- Identification documents like passport
- Proof of funds (Financial documents from sponsor letter to tuition fee payment receipt to property papers )
Academic Requirements
Applicants must complete an International Baccalaureate diploma or A level or intermediate level within Science with Biology, Chemistry and Physics as major subjects with a minimum of UK 2:1 degree or its international equivalent. Some of the best universities ask for a minimum of A in each science component.
English test scores
If you are an international student from an English-non-speaking country, English test scores are mandatory to apply for this course in the UK.
The English test cut-off score is higher for the UK bachelor of nursing program than other bachelor programs. For almost every bachelor of nursing program in the UK, applicants need to bring minimum scores of:
- IELTS: 7.0, with a minimum of 7.0 in each band
- TOEFL: 92-100, with a minimum subscore of 22
- PTE: 68-75, with a minimum subscore of 68
Top Nursing Universities in the UK: Bachelor of Nursing Fees
University |
Course duration |
Annual tuition fees per year (GBP) |
University of Manchester |
3 years 4 years for MNurs |
25,000 |
Middlesex University London |
3 years |
14,700 |
University of Bradford |
3 years |
21,886 |
University of West London |
3 years |
13,250 |
Birmingham City University |
3 years |
13,200 |
Kingston University London |
3 years |
15,450 |
Teesside University |
3 years |
14,000 |
University of York |
3 years |
24,000 |
University of Essex |
3 years |
20,050 |
University of Sunderland |
3 years |
13,000 |
University of Northhampton |
3 years |
16,900 |
Top Nursing Universities in the UK: Master of Nursing
The UK offers many courses on adult health, mental health, child health etc., for Master of Nursing.
Master of Nursing Programs
University |
Annual fees in GBP |
Coventry University |
Children and Young People's Nursing (Pre-registration) MSc |
Nursing MSc |
|
Learning Disabilities Nursing (pre-registration) MSc |
|
Mental Health Nursing MSc (Pre-registration) |
|
Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) MSc |
|
Kingston University London |
MSc in Adult Nursing |
University of Manchester |
MSc in Adult Nursing |
MSc in Advanced Leadership for Professional Practice (Nursing) |
|
MPhil in Midwifery |
|
MPhil in Nursing |
|
University of Glasgow |
Advanced Nursing Science MSc |
Nursing & Health Sciences PhD/PhD/MSc (Research) |
|
University of Edinburgh |
MSc Advanced Nursing |
King’s College London |
Psychiatric Research MSc |
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry MPhil/PhD/MD(Res) |
|
Old Age Psychiatry Research MPhil/PhD/MD(Res) |
|
Nursing Studies (for qualified healthcare professionals) BSc |
|
Gerontology & Ageing MSc |
|
Nursing with Registration as a Mental Health Nurse MSc |
|
Nursing with Registration as a Children's Nurse MSc |
|
Nursing with Registration as an Adult Nurse MSc |
|
University of Hertfordshire |
MSc Cancer Immunotherapy |
MSc Nursing (Mental Health) |
|
MSc Cancer Immunotherapy with Placement Year |
|
MSc Nursing (Adult) |
Eligibility for Master of Nursing
Document Checklist
- Academic documents of all the schools and colleges attended before (Bachelor, High school and class 10). The academic documents need to meet the requirements listed below. The academic document includes transcripts, character certificates and provisional certificates.
- English Langauge Scores- Should be valid
- Statement of Purpose
- Experience letter for gap
- 1-3 Letters of Recommendation if asked by the university
- Identification documents like passport
- Proof of funds (Financial documents from sponsor letter to tuition fee payment receipt to property papers )
Academic Requirements
Generally, the minimum requirement to study Master of Nursing in the UK is a 2:2 UK Bachelor's degree/ 50% in a bachelor's degree in nursing, health sciences or other closely related degrees.
However, to study MSc in nursing in top universities, applicants must pass a bachelor's degree in nursing with a minimum of 60%.
English test scores
Non-native English speakers must take proficiency tests and bring minimum scores of the following to prove sound knowledge of English.
- IELTS: 6.5- 7.0, with a minimum of 6.5- 7.0 in each band
- TOEFL: 82- 92, with a minimum subscore of 21
- PTE: 68-72, with a minimum subscore of 68
Top Nursing Universities in the UK: Master of Nursing Fees
University |
Course duration |
Annual tuition fees in GBP |
University of Sunderland |
1-2 years |
14,250 |
Sheffield Hallam University |
2 years |
33,790 |
King’s College London |
1-2 years |
Not available |
University of Manchester |
2 years |
20,500 |
University of Birmingham |
2 years |
Yet to be confirmed |
University of Plymouth |
2 years |
15,700 |
Coventry University |
1 year |
16,600 |
University of Nottingham |
2 years |
26,500 |
Kinston University London |
2 years |
15,450 |
University of York |
1-2 years |
24,000 |
|
Top Nursing Universities in the UK: PhD in Nursing
PhD of Nursing Programs
University |
Courses |
University of Nottingham |
Nursing Studies PhD |
London South Bank University |
PhD Nursing |
University of Hertfordshire |
PhD Nursing |
University of Edinburgh |
Nursing Studies PhD |
University of Essex |
PhD Nursing Studies |
University of Birmingham |
Nursing- PhD by Research |
Oxford Brookes University |
Professional Doctorate in Nursing |
University of Huddersfield |
Nursing and Midwifery (PhD) |
Eligibility for PhD in Nursing
Document Checklist
- Academic documents such as transcripts, character certificates and provisional certificates of master, bachelor, and intermediate levels
- English Langauge Scores- Should be valid
- Statement of Purpose
- Experience letter for gap
- Letter of Recommendation if asked by the university
- Identification documents like passport
- Proof of funds (Financial documents from sponsor letter to tuition fee payment receipt to property papers )
Academic Requirements
- Applicants need to hold a bachelor's degree with upper second class/ A UK 2:1 or 2:2 honours degree in nursing or its international equivalent in nursing.
- Applicants need to complete a thesis-based master's degree or master's degree (minimum 60%) with a research component or equivalent and also complete a thesis.
- Candidates must find and finalize the supervisor for some doctors in the nursing program.
- For some universities, appropriate research or professional experience at the postgraduate level, which has resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment, is also required.
English test scores
International students who are non-native English speakers need to appear on the English proficiency test and bring minimum scores of:
- IELTS: IELTS Academic of 6.5 to 7.0, with a minimum of 6.0 in each band
- TOEFL: 79, with a minimum subscore of 19 in each band
- PTE: 58, with a minimum subscore of 58
Top Nursing Universities in the UK: PhD of Nursing Fees
University |
Course duration |
Annual fees in GBP |
University of Nottingham |
3 to 4 years |
20,000 |
London South Bank University |
4 years |
18,000 |
University of Edinburgh |
3 years |
23,350 |
University of Birmingham |
3 years |
19,380 |
University of Essex |
3 years |
16,230 |
Top Universities for Nursing in the UK: Scholarships Available
University |
Scholarship |
Scholarship Information |
University of Plymouth |
Alumnus Loyalty Reward for Postgraduate Study |
£2,000 discount on international tuition fees. |
Postgraduate Merit Scholarship for international students |
£2000 off your tuition fees in year one. You may also receive the following:
|
|
University of Glasgow |
Chevening Scholarship |
Value: Living expenses and tuition fees. |
Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme |
Value: covers tuition fee, travel expenses and a stipend. |
|
University of Glasglow International Leadership Scholarship |
Value: £10,000 Non-EU students with excellent academic profiles can apply |
|
University of Edinburgh |
Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship |
Tuition fees waiver and a stipend of £15,609p.a. |
John Fisher High Performance (HPC) Scholarships |
Value: 50% to 100% tuition fee waiver |
|
University of Sheffield |
Sheffield Postgraduate Doctoralships |
Full tuition fee waiver |
University of Sterling |
Postgraduate Merit Scholarship |
Value: £2,000 |
Postgraduate International Merit Excellence Scholarship |
Value: £4,000 Tuition fee waiver |
Top Nursing University in the UK: Scope and Career Opportunities
Depending on your nursing field, it’s pretty much certain that your professional prospects will be excellent.
The nursing graduates of the UK are working in the UK as well as overseas in several fields, including:
- Acute medical and surgical areas
- Oncology
- Haematology
- Research
- Critical care
- Emotions and care
- Mental health
- Addictions, rehabilitation and substance misuse
- Public health
- Community care and leadership
- Pain management
- Cancer care
- Nursing Education
- Patient safety and quality issues
Nurses are likely to find employment opportunities in the following areas:
- Hospitals
- GP/Private practice
- Residential/Nursing homes
- Hospices
- Rehabilitation centres
- Nursing agencies
- Public health and outreach organisations
- Research
This is the average salary you can expect in nursing roles in several healthcare settings mentioned above.
Career Options |
Average Annual Salaries (in AUD) |
Nurse Midwife |
48,400 |
Acute Care Nurse |
36,800 |
Critical Care Nurse |
40,800 |
Head Nurse |
50,300 |
Staff Nurse |
40,500 |
Psychiatric Nurse |
56,300 |
Nursing Services Instructor |
60,900 |
Nursing Supervisor |
74,600 |