School of Nursing and Midwifery

BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health)

Make a difference to someone’s life when it matters most. Our degree will prepare you to care for adults with acute/long-term illness, in a multitude of healthcare settings. You will be ready to play a vital role in health promotion and disease prevention as well as nursing adults. Working closely with other healthcare professionals, patients and their families, you will gain the necessary experience, competencies and skills needed to join the 1000s of our graduates working as registered nurses.

You will distinguish yourself with a degree from one of the first institutions to offer the new Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards for nursing education and you will practice your clinical and communication skills both in the clinical environment and the safe, supervised setting of our Clinical Skills Resource Centre (CSRC). This four-year part time degree course offers an alternative pathway to gain a BSc in Nursing (Adult Health).

Your career as a healthcare professional starts here

The first-class new home for our healthcare teaching and research providing students with skills to meet the needs of 21st century careers.

InterCity Place InterCity Place
 A unique new learning space where undergraduate and postgraduate students from the largest breadth of health disciplines in the South-West learn together under one roof, with expert practitioners.

Plymouth Integrative Health and Social Care Education Centre (PIHC) Plymouth Integrative Health and Social Care Education Centre (PIHC)
 Experience an interprofessional learning environment across our health programmes that will prepare you for life as a healthcare professional.

Become a healthcare professional of the future Become a healthcare professional of the future
 Collaboration across the schools helps students to learn with, from and about each other, gaining the real-world experience employers seek.

Careers with this subject
Adult nurses provide nursing care for adults of all ages with acute or long-term illness. They prioritise the needs of the patient, building trusting relationships to play a vital role in health promotion and disease prevention.Adult nurses work closely with healthcare professionals, patients and their families, to support recovery using evidence-based practice.
Adult nurses work with a wide range of conditions to help to improve patient’s health and overall quality of life, where possible. These can be grouped into main categories:
  • Neurological
    This relates to the anatomy, functions and disorders of the nerves and nervous system. Some of these conditions include Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, and people with potential head or brain injuries. Conditions such as loss of consciousness and seizures, also known as fits, and epilepsy.
  • Cardio-respiratory
    The heart and lungs are separate systems but also closely linked to each other. Many people live with long term conditions such as: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis and asthma. Recognising and managing shortness of breath and infections like pneumonia. More invasive support such as ventilation and care of patients after organ transplants. Conditions related to the function of the heart and managing cardiac arrests.
  • Musculoskeletal
    This relates to the muscles and the skeleton. Disorders that you might see frequently are fractures, people that have fallen, managing long term conditions such as arthritis and supporting people with persistent pain conditions.
  • Long-term conditions
    Adult nurses work on a number of specialist wards to help patients with long-term conditions related to cancer, gastroenterological, sexual health, ear, nose and throat, renal and many more. You may work with people that have physical conditions, and people with a range of learning difficulties. 
 
  • Physical problems
    Some of the conditions adult nurses might treat or help patients with include burns or scalds, broken bones, spinal injuries, minor injuries, sepsis, severe bleeding, severe allergic reactions, those recovering from surgery and many more.
 
  • Mental health conditions
    You will work with people who have mental health conditions.
 
  • Gastrointestinal system, Nephrology (Renal) system, Genito-urinary system, Endocrine system and Gynaecological conditions.
Within the nursing profession there are many job opportunities across a variety of sectors. These include:
  • NHS hospitals
  • GP surgeries
  • Outpatient units
  • Specialist departments such as A&E, trauma and cancer wards
  • Care and nursing homes
  • Patients' homes
  • Public health and policy making
  • Private practice
  • Prisons
  • Armed Forces
  • Events
  • Education and academia
  • Research
  • Leadership roles
Key features
Achieve a bachelors honours degree and register as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in Adult Health enabling you to progress on to a rewarding career and work in a range of healthcare settings nationally or internationally.
  • Flexible and accessible mode of delivery.
  • Distinguish yourself with a degree from one of the first institutions to offer the new Nursing and Midwifery (NMC) standards for nursing education.
  • Ignite your passion for life-long learning with our evidence-informed modules, on a course designed to meet a diverse range of nursing career pathways.
  • Enjoy an accessible approach to your theoretical studies, with the option of studying in Plymouth, our Knowledge Spa campus in Truro or at our University of Plymouth School of Nursing in Exeter.
  • Experience nursing practice in a variety of clinical settings, whilst learning collaboratively within dynamic healthcare teams.
  • Enhance and develop your nursing skills in the safe environment of the clinical skills simulation ward under the supervision of nurse lecturers and clinical demonstrators.
  • From 2023, students in Plymouth can train and practice their professional healthcare skills in an inspiring purpose-built environment, InterCity Place.
  • Boost your employability by joining the 1000s of Adult nursing students who have realised their dreams by successfully graduating from the University of Plymouth. 
  • Learn from experienced Doctors and Professors in their field.
Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    • Being an Accountable Professional (NRS410)

      This module will introduce students to the nursing profession, professional standards, the use of evidence and the role of social media in health care practice.

    • Communication and Therapeutic Relationships (NRS411)

      This module supports students to develop basic, person-centred communication skills enabling them to engage effectively with individuals and their families/carers utilising a range of collaborative interpersonal skills and adopting therapeutic and ethical frameworks that can be applied in health and social care.

    • Assessing and Planning Nursing Care (NRS416)

      This module introduces students to assessing health and wellbeing, it explores different models of understanding health, ill health and the interconnection between physical and mental health. It enables the student to work in partnership to plan and evaluate nursing care for a variety of health conditions and needs.

    • Providing and Evaluating Care (NRS417)

      This module introduces the student to the values, knowledge and skills required for nursing practice in a range of settings.

  • Year 2

    • Applied Pathophysiology (NRS501)
    • Pharmacology and Medicines Optimisation (NRS504)
    • Developing Nursing Practice (NRS507)
    • Co-ordinating Care for Complex Health (NRS505)

    Core modules

    • Applied Human Biology Across the Lifespan (NRS414)

      This module will develop students' understanding of human development, key body systems and their relationship to nursing care.

    • Providing and Evaluating Care (NRS418)

      This module introduces the student to the values, knowledge and skills required for nursing practice in a range of settings.

    • Applied Pathophysiology (NRS501)

      Within this module, students will study the pathophysiological processes involved in commonly encountered health conditions.

    • Pharmacology and Medicines Optimisation (NRS504)

      This module will develop students' knowledge of medications, pharmacology and working to support medication adherence.

    • Developing Nursing Practice (NRS508)

      This module develops the students' values, knowledge and skills required for nursing practice in a range of settings.

  • Year 3

    • Leadership and Management (NRS604)
    • Developing Knowledge and Skills (NRS602)
    • Primary Care in Adult Nursing (ADN601)
    • Adult Acute Care (ADN602)
    • Developing Competence in Adult Health Nursing (ADN603)

  • Final year

    • Systematic Review (NRS708)
    • Primary Care in Adult Nursing (ADN701)
    • Adult Acute Care (ADN702)
    • Developing Competence in Adult Health Nursing (ADN703)

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BSc Hons Nursing Programme Specification Standard Route 2022-23 7371

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the changeable nature of the situation and any updates to government guidance, we may need to make further, last minute adjustments to how we deliver our teaching and learning on some or all of our programmes, at any time during the academic year. We want to reassure you that even if we do have to adjust the way in which we teach our programmes, we will be working to maintain the quality of the student learning experience and learning outcomes at all times.
Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

104 - 120

GCSE5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above to include Mathematics, English, and Science. Consideration may be given to Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics. Please note we do not accept Functional Skills Level 2 in English, or Key Skills in Maths or English, or Adult Literacy/Numeracy.
Plus one of the following:
A levels
104–120 Tariff points to include a minimum of two A levels. Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered. General Studies excluded.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass an Access to HE Diploma with 33 Level 3 credits at Merit and/or Distinction, including 15 in Science or Social Science.
BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DMM-DDM – Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered.
International Baccalaureate
26–30 points overall. Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered. English, Mathematics, and Science accepted within as GCSE equivalent at higher level = 4, standard level = 5
T level
Accepted pathway: Health. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.
Degrees
Previous degrees are considered at a 2:2 or above. Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
If you are unsure whether you meet this criteria, or you have qualifications not listed here, please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
 

Extended entry requirements

  • In addition to the above, evidence of academic study within the last five years is required. Ideally this should be one of the qualifications listed here, but the admissions team will assess on a case-by-case basis.
  • Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further.
  • We will require an academic reference and an employer reference as part of the application process.
  • Attend an interview
  • You must pass disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this course.
  • If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade C/4 or above you will have to achieve an IELTS (or equivalent qualification) at the grade of at least 7.0 (at least 6.5 in all elements sections). English language requirements.
All students who are aged 17 when starting the programme in September must be 18 by Christmas of that same year.
 

Further information

 

Deferred entry

 
Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please contact the admissions team who will be able to explain the application process in more detail at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
 

BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health) – sponsored students/direct entry year 2

 
Find out more about this direct routeto continue with your studies to gain a degree in the adult health field of nursing. Please contact the admissions team in the first instance who will be able to advise whether you are eligible at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Fees, costs and funding
Student 2022-2023 2023-2024
Home N/A N/A
International N/A N/A
Part time (Home) £6,930 £6,930
Full and part time fees shown are per annum. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery and more details of any additional costs associated with our courses are listed on the following page: Additional costs for nursing and midwifery students. 

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.

To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

The deadline for the receipt of international applications is 31 May 2023 for entry in September 2023.

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email international-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Deferred entry

Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please refer to an experienced admissions administrator who will be able to explain the UCAS application process in more detail admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

The School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Plymouth recognise that people may act out of character in times of trouble or distress. However, we will not tolerate inappropriate behaviour or language towards any of our staff during the admissions process. Hostile, aggressive, or otherwise inappropriate behaviour or language, whether expressed verbally or in writing, will be viewed seriously and may adversely affect the consideration of an application, appeal, or complaint. We reserve the right to reject an application from, or withdraw an offer to, an applicant who has behaved in an inappropriate manner.

Study part time

This four-year part time degree course offers an alternative pathway to gain a BSc in Nursing (Adult Health). The course is designed in three parts, with each part delivered over 16 months. Throughout the course, students engage in both theory and practice for three days a week, with the remaining days of the week free for other life commitments.

This flexible and accessible degree gives you the option to study at our Plymouth Campus, our Knowledge Spa Campus, Truro and our School of Nursing in Exeter. 

<p>Exeter School of Nursing - nursing students</p>

Why we need more men to become nurses

If someone asks you to picture a doctor, it’s likely you’ll picture a man. If someone asks you to picture a nurse, it’s more likely you’ll picture a woman.

This unconscious bias is on the way to being addressed on the medical front as female medical student numbers have escalated in recent years – with women now accounting for over half of medical professionals at a training grade. Yet the amount of men training to become nurses has plateaued for decades at between 8–11%.

Adult Nursing lecturer Kevin Hambridge explains his personal and professional experience of combating the stereotype.

Should male former soldiers consider a nursing career?

“We are trying really hard to bridge the gap and explain it is not just a job for women. Men can care just as well as women can.”

In the past few years, great effort has been made to encourage women to take more roles in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. But our aim is to increase the number of male nurses, to greater reflect the patient population and continue to meet their needs.

Former Royal Engineer and University Lecturer Danny shares his insight

<p> </p><div>Truro School of Nursing – Nursing Open Day</div> <br><p></p>
<p>Daniel Clarke</p>
<p>Nursing</p>

The moment I realised... I wanted to be a nurse

Rachael Palmer explains the moment she realised she wanted to make a difference to patients when they need it most.

“I decided to become a nurse because I wanted to be that person a patient remembers was there for them on every step of their journey and made a difference, big or small.”

Find out more about Rachael's story

What our students say

  • à “Staff are approachable, easy to contact and supportive, helpful as well as being passionate and experienced.”
  • à “My personal tutor has given excellent support when I have reached out. Help is also available from different areas of the uni for learning.”
  • à “Staff make the subjects interesting an empower you to do your best, and all are passionate about nursing.”
  • à “Good access to skills labs, that are well stocked and use lots of high quality equipment.”
  • à “Support from tutors and staff has always been great. They really do work hard to help with any problems.”
  • à “Personal tutor has been outstanding through supporting personal issues and getting me through the course.”
  • à “The course intellectually challenged me and I was able to gain in-depth knowledge.”
  • à “My lecturers have a real interest in my development. I could not have asked for a better place to study.”

Complimentary educational resources

Complimentary educational resources

To help, financially, with your transition into life as a student of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Plymouth, the University provides the following:

  • we bear the cost for Occupational Health clearance and for Disclosure and Barring Service checks, which are a condition of any offer of a place on the programme. This potentially saves applicants in the region of £195–£245 (circa £45 for DBS checks, and £150–£200 for Occupational Health) although in some cases the costs can be much higher
  • we supply e-learning resources to all students on the programme
  • we supply three tunics and three pairs of trousers, for use in the clinical environment, worth circa £60
  • the ‘Medincle’ medical spellchecker software is provided free of charge
  • books from the Skills for Health Training Package are provided for each student.

<p>Men in nursing</p>
Plymouth students working on a group project

Study sessions for students by students: Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS)

To complement your formal learning we offer regular sessions that provide the opportunity for you to learn with and from your peers. Share knowledge, discuss ideas, and ask questions in a relaxed and friendly environment
If you are a first or second year take the opportunity to study in a relaxed environment, along with other students on the same programme.
 
Nursing students working with qualified nurses and patients

Keeping the school running in troubled times

Our students have reached out to thank the teaching staff for continuing to deliver high-quality courses throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Thank you to the nursing and midwifery teaching staff for quickly turning around digital teaching and running the school at this time. We know you are working hard to do what is best and we appreciate the effort that you are all making.

We want you to know that we are proud to be student nurses and midwives of the University of Plymouth.”
- Emma, School Representative and first year Nursing (Child Health) student

Placement experience and simulated practice will work hand-in-hand to enable you to become the best professional you can be. At Plymouth, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art clinical simulation wards and equipment to allow you to develop a range of skills that are specific to the profession you are entering, in addition to a variety of basic health related skills, including: 
  • physical examinations
  • patient and family interviews
  • diagnostic skills
  • washing hands
  • manual handling
  • observing and monitoring
  • blood pressure reading
  • injections
  • medication administration.

Let our graduates inspire you

Catherine Jones – gynaecology and women’s services

“ Studying at Plymouth provided me with an amazing range of placements, with the chance to travel across the South West. 

“ The staff have been amazingly supportive and continue to do so since graduating, providing career development as well as opportunities to enhance practice further.

“ Without studying at Plymouth, I honestly, wouldn’t be the nurse I am right now.”

Find out more about Catherine's experience

<p>Catherine Jones, Adult nursing graduate<br></p>

Angela Foulds - Staff Nurse in Cardiology for the South Devon Health Care NHS Foundation Trust

"Adult nursing gave me a broad base and has been a great foundation to facilitate many different career pathways."

Read Angela's story

<p>Angie Foulds - alumni profile</p>
<p>Julie Woolman</p>
Julie Woolman - Plymouth NHS Hospital Trust
<p>Charlotte Bellhouse</p>
Charlotte Bellhouse - Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
<p>Tim Murray Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust </p>
Tim Murray - Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust
<p>scott adams</p>
Scott Adams - Registered nurse at Royal Cornwall Hospital
<p>Amie Hinton</p>
Amie Hinton - Marie Curie Rapid Response team
<p> </p><div>Keziah Hazelton -&nbsp; St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth </div> <p></p>
Keziah Hazelton -  St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth

Where can I study?

Adult Nursing students in clinical skills laboratory

Need to know

Entry interviews

Once your application has been received, we will consider your application to help us reach a decision. If successful at the initial screening stage, you will be invited to an interview. The majority of health courses interview applicants, as this is a requirement of many health regulatory bodies. This applies to all Universities and is vital to the progression of applications. 

Interviews enable:

  • you to give the best account of your skills, experience and character.
  • us to decide whether you will thrive in the University of Plymouth’s culture.
  • us to explain more about the University, programme and how we work with our students.

Find out more about interview days: pre-work tasks, what to expect on the day of the interview and what happens after.

<p>Nursing interviews<br></p>

People