Adult nursing provides person centred compassionate care to people in a respectful way that promotes dignity and wellbeing.
This three-year course is designed to produce nursing graduates who will have the skills to respond to the changing needs of adults who require nursing care within a variety of rapidly changing healthcare environments.
Successful students will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) which will permit them to practice as a Registered Nurse (Adult) in the United Kingdom.
We have delivered nursing programmes for 45 years and our courses provide excellence in teaching and research with innovative approaches to learning.
Career prospects for our nursing graduates are excellent, with the majority moving rapidly into posts within the NHS and independent sectors. Our graduates are working in hospitals, community settings, education and research.
Our pre-registration nursing programmes are aligned to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) UK Standards for Education and training (2018).
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
This is a full time course delivered over 3 calendar years and is designed to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards for nurse education and training (2018). Theoretical modules and practice learning are integrated in an equal balance so that learning occurs 50% of the time in practice while the other 50% occurs in university. Each year of the course must be successfully completed before a student is permitted to progress to the next year.
The course will equip the graduate nurse with the knowledge, skills, attitude and values to work in partnership with adults to respond to their holistic healthcare care needs. Throughout the course students will learn to practice person-centred, evidence-based nursing care in a compassionate and respectful way that promotes dignity and wellbeing. Students also develop invaluable transferable skills such as team working, communication and relationship management skills as well as creative thinking and critical analysis. These are skills which are highly valued by future employers. Graduate nurses will have the ability to act with professionalism and integrity and work within agreed professional, ethical and legal frameworks to lead nursing care.
Practice learning enables students to develop the knowledge and skills required to provide safe compassionate and effective person centred care. Practice learning experiences occur in a wide range of community and hospital settings across the 24 hour period, seven days per week and provide comprehensive exposure to a multitude of care experiences. Students are supported in their learning experience by clinical practitioners prepared for the role and university staff.
Our programmes will also provide you with a solid foundation for further postgraduate study. Many graduates apply to undertake further study leading to additional NMC recognised qualifications such as specialist practice nursing or apply for entry to research studies, such as MPhil/PhD.
Students on the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) programme are subject to a number of attendance regulations. These are underpinned by the University Programme Regulations and statutory requirements, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC, 2018) Standards for Education and Training.
The modular structure of our teaching, learning and assessment is designed to enable students to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of nursing in an inclusive and collaborative way. A blended approach to learning, teaching and assessment embraces both face to face teaching methods and the use of technology to enhance the student experience in learning and assessment.
The curriculum promotes enquiry based learning and critical thinking across all years and modules and creates opportunities for active learning through evolving technologies and creative approaches. Lectures introduce key themes and seminars and tutorials enable students to examine topics further in smaller groups. Students are encouraged to connect theory to practice through, practical workshops, simulation, group work, roleplay, presentations, debate and reflection that focusses on self-development and the real world examples. Learning and assessment in practice is evidenced and catalogued through the completion of a practice assessment document. Formative assessments inform students of their progress and identifies areas that require development in a structured student focussed manner and contribute to the summative assessment.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.
Enjoy student life in one of Europe's most vibrant cities.
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Our facilities in Magee cater for many sports ranging from archery to volleyball, and are open to students and members of the public all year round.
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At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.
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We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
Grades BBC
Overall BTEC National Extended Diploma (RQF) award profile DMM
Overall BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) award profile DDD
112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English, Maths and Science at H6 if studied at Higher Level or 04 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum 25 points (12 at higher level).
Overall profile of 63% (120 credit NI Access course), to include one Level 3 Science module; a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.
Overall profile of 15 D and 30 M (60 credit point GB Access course).
GCSE profile to include Grade C or 4 (or above) in English, Mathematics and Science
Pass in Level 2 Essential Skills Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English
Pass in Level 2 Essential Skills Application of Number will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE Maths
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS overall score of 7.0 with minimum 6.5 in writing and 7.0 in the reading, listening and speaking section
OR
OET Certificate confirming minimum grade C+ in writing and minimum grade B in reading, listening and speaking sections.
Satisfactory Health and Access NI checks will be required.
These will be organised by the University and you will receive the relevant information if you gain a place on the course.
Acceptable alternative qualifications include:
Pass HND with overall Merit to include 45 Distinctions in Level 5 credits/units.
Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 75 Distinctions in Level 4 credits/units.
You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University (provided subject requirements as noted above are met). Examples of acceptable combinations include:
2 A Levels and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma
OCR National Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma
2 A Levels and Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma
A Level and BTEC National Diploma
How we select our students
STAGE 1 –You must apply through UCAS by the closing date of 25 January 2023 (18:00 hours). Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
STAGE 2 -A Consent & Declaration form will be sent to you by email. If you receive this from both Ulster and Queen’s, you must complete both and return to the relevant institution.
STAGE 3 - Interview –we will invite you to complete a recorded online interview through the Modern Hire platform. Interviews will take place in February 2023.
NB: It is assumed that if you submit your video interview for assessment, that you were 'fit' to create this. If unwell a request should be made for an alternative date and this will be accommodated, where possible.
STAGE 4 - Offers: Applicants who pass the interview are ranked by interview score. Offers are normally made in April. You should note that, if you have applied to both Ulster and QUB, it is possible to receive an offer from one institution and not the other.
Those applicants who do not receive an offer in the first round are placed on a 'reserve list' in case places become available later in the summer. You should note that there is no guarantee that additional places will become available.
Please note if you are unsuccessful at any of the above stages you will be notified via UCAS.
The tuition fee is fully funded by the Department of Health for students who have been habitually resident in Northern Ireland for three years prior to the commencement of the course, and students who are Republic of Ireland nationals. Students from England, Scotland, Wales and the rest of the EU are not eligible for this funding.
A non means tested bursary is also available. The bursary is intended to assist with daily living costs incurred while on training and is awarded for each year of the three-year course (paid in monthly instalments). Students who commenced in 2022/23 will receive approximately £5,000 per year.
ENTRY TO YEAR 2
Applicants may apply to Year 2 from another HEI (via UCAS.com) if the following criteria is met:
Applicants who meet/can meet the above criteria will be required to complete an APL application form to map their previous learning against the new programme at Ulster. Only applicants who successfully complete the APL process will be invited to interview.
The final number of places available in Year 2 will not be confirmed until the end of June following the Board of Examiners. After interview applicants will be rank ordered according to interview score and offers made in accordance with the number of places available.
Registered Nurses wishing to gain a second nursing qualification may apply for admission with advanced standing and complete a shortened course. The exact length of their programme will be decided individually and will be determined by their previous academic and nursing qualifications through the APL process.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Career opportunities for graduates from this programme are excellent. Graduates are now working in many innovative posts in the field of health care, including such activities as holding their own clinics, introducing evidence-based practice, initiating practice development activities, undertaking research and holding joint appointments between service and the University. Graduates are also qualified to apply for a range of postgraduate programmes in nursing such as the Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Advanced Nursing, or MPhil/PhD. Following the relevant experience, graduates will be able to apply to undertake further study leading to additional NMC recognised qualifications such as specialist practice.
Students have the opportunity to undertake a practice learning experience outside the UK of up to 4 weeks. Students may undertake such experiences only where formalised agreements exist between the University and practice partners. All students will be prepared for such experiences and must have the essential language skills needed to participate in learning activities, and where relevant have the level of language required to safely and effectively engage in direct patient care.
Recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for the purpose of registration as a qualified nurse (adult).
Funding is available for this course - find out more
Best Performance in Year 1 Northern Health and Social Care Trust.
Best Performance in Year 2 Royal College of Nursing
Olly McGilloway Memorial Fund
Best Performance in Year 3 First Choice Selection Services Prize
Danske Bank Year 2 Team Award
Western Health & Social Care Trust Health Improvement Dept. Health Promotion Resource Award
Danske Bank Peer Nominated Award Year 3
Bank of Ireland Princess Macha Award
Western Health & Social Care Trust Management Award
Mona Grey Award for Excellence in Research (Undergraduate)
Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University
Red Cross Team Award Red Cross
The amounts below are based on 2019 costs:
Health Screening and Vaccinations: £35 - £155 dependent on vaccinations required.
Access NI Enhanced Disclosure (criminal record check): £33
Uniform: Approximately £100
Practice Learning Handbook/Professional Award Badge: £20
Immediate Life Support (Resuscitation Council UK Certified): £45 (at time of publication)
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
‘It has just been an incredible journey for me. The course genuinely focuses on patient-centred care and well-being, so I feel that this approach will shape us as exemplary professional nurses. The support from the course team has enabled me as an individual to excel. I won the Northern Trust Health & Social Care Award and have even co-authored an academic journal article.’ ( second year student BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult)
‘Magee provides such a beautiful setting for us to study nursing. We have access to modern lecture theatres, social and collaborative learning spaces within a recently refurbished library, new bespoke skills-based lab facilities which provide us with a safe learning environment.’ (second year student BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult).
‘In group settings we get to examine best practice in nursing care and patient well-being. The course is very well structured, and we have great support from the course team, within the university setting and whilst out on clinical placements.’ (second year student, BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult).
‘The three years flew in, with a mix of classroom and real-life scenario-based learning and placements spent in various clinical settings. There were also so many opportunities for us including a Mayor’s reception, RCN events, and multi-disciplinary disaster simulation events. All of my hard work paid off, as I graduated with a first class honours degree. I now have a career as a professional nurse working within the community as part of a new transformational neighbourhood nursing project.’ (Adult Nursing Graduate)
