BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health) with Integrated Foundation Year

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 five main categories:

Within the nursing profession there are many job opportunities across a variety of sectors. These include:

What can you do with a nursing degree? 

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.

• Year 0

• This programme offers an opportunity to gain a Bachelor of Nursing starting at year zero as an Integrated Foundation Year.

  Students undertaking the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health) with Integrated Foundation Year programme will normally progress to BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health). 

  Core modules

  • Infection, Immunity and Therapeutics (BHCS001)

    This module will provide an introduction to microbiology and the human immune system. Students will learn the fundamental biology relating to bacteria, helminths, viruses and fungi. And also develop an understanding of how our immune system has evolved to combat infection. The module will also explore methods to control microbial contamination and therapeutic strategies to prevent disease.

  • Current Developments in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences (BHCS002)

    This module examines the role of science in addressing key contemporary issues in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences. The module aims to take an integrative approach, aiming to develop in students both a critical appreciation of the ways in which issues in Human Biology can be approached and resolved, and to develop an understanding of the skills and attributes needed for effective study of such issues at undergraduate level.

  • Molecules to Cells (FMD001)

    This module introduces key concepts involved in cell regulation including genetic inheritance, metabolism and protein expression. The important role of enzymes in the control of biochemical pathways will be introduced, as will an introduction to cell signalling. Cellular organisation within different tissues will also be outlined, enabling students to recognise links between structure and function. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.

  • Introduction to Human Physiology (FMD002)

    This module will provide a foundation of knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Using example systems, it will emphasise relationships between structure and function and examine homeostatic regulation in these systems. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.

  • Interdisciplinary Learning and Team Based Learning (Enquiry learning) (FMD004)

    This module is designed to enable learners to develop key skills required for working in multidisciplinary teams. Students will be encouraged to work with their colleagues to manage tasks and tailor learning according to their own particular discipline

  • Learning Skills for Health and Social Care Professions (SOHP001)

    This module is designed to enable learners to adapt to the learning environment of higher education by developing an independent, reflective and managed approach to learning and professional development.

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 Adult Integrated FY Programme Specification 2024 25 7765

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.

24 overall to include 3 at higher level science subject. English and mathematics must be included.

Consideration may be given to Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics.  

Applications from students with non-standard qualifications, including those without science qualifications at level 3, are welcomed and are assessed on an individual basis. This course is also suitable for those returning to study who can offer work or other related experience in place of formal qualifications and who have the equivalent of basic mathematical, English and science skills (i.e. the equivalent of a grade C at GCSE level).

Applicants where English is not their first language must also provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English and a minimum IELTS score of at least 7.0, with a minimum score of 6.5 in any section. English language requirements. 

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Meeting the academic minimum does not guarantee you a place, you need to make sure that you are strong across all sections of your application form. Read more about enhancing your application 

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: 

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

All offers are subject to satisfactory screening in terms of your health, welfare and disclosure and barring processes, before the start of your course.
Find out more about the screening

University pre-registration programmes for health professionals are required to select their applicants using a ‘values based’ approach. As part of this process, your UCAS personal statement should include evidence of your personal commitment to NHS values laid out in the NHS constitution. 

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. 

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.