Adult Nursing BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Young female nurse looking after her patients white wearing a light blue top

Nursing is a profoundly rewarding profession, with excellent career and development prospects.

Year of entry

Location

CU Scarborough (Scarborough)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

3 years full-time

Course code

B740

Start date

September 2025

The information on this page is for 2024-25 entry and should be used as guidance for 2025-26 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.


Course overview

This course equips you with the skills, knowledge and personal development to enable you to meet the diverse professional challenges of nursing.

  • Fully accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) providing eligibility for registration as a nurse on successful completion of the course (additional costs may apply)1.
  • All eligible students on this course can apply for a minimum payment from the government of £5,000 per year, with additional payments for students incurring childcare costs6.
  • 50% practical and 50% theory structure meaning you have no traditional end-of-year exams.

Why you should study this course

Working with adults of all ages, this profession focuses on improving the quality of life for others by being highly observant and building trusting relationships.

The course aims to develop you into an adaptable, reflective and compassionate practitioner through carefully devised teaching and learning methods. It is complemented with insights into mental health, learning disability and children and young people’s nursing.

Designed to meet the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), we aim to give you as much real-world experience as possible with invaluable mentoring support meaning you get hands-on experience of working in the field.

You’ll make use of our extensive simulation facilities – from basic life support manikins to high-tech simulation manikins, which emulate patient responses and test resuscitation skills. You will also use equipment found in the real world of practice, such as medical devices to assist with all elements of care, particularly medication administrations4.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Nursing and Midwifery Council

Nursing and Midwifery Council

The course is fully accredited by the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and, providing you also meet the NMC requirements, on successful completion you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (subject to additional costs). The Nursing and Midwifery Council is the regulator for nursing and midwifery professions in the UK. The NMC maintains a register of all nurses, midwives and specialist community public health nurses eligible to practise within the UK.


How can we help?

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Every CU Scarborough nursing graduate secures local work

Each and every nursing student who graduated from CU Scarborough last year has now found work within local NHS services.

Find out more about this achievement
Two nursing students working on a mannequin

What you'll study

The first year prepares you for further study and facilitates the understanding of the core principles which underpin adult nursing. From the offset, you are introduced to the impact of social determinants, cultures and environmental factors on the nursing industry. This introductory year aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the key issues and problems in the contemporary development of adult nursing. You’ll explore biological and pharmacology principles, the industry context and nursing basics providing a solid foundation for progression into years two and three.

Modules

As the course progresses, students build on the knowledge gained in year one to cement a solid foundation of core principles. At this level, you’re working on more complex issues and advancing your capability of autonomous working. Enhancing your fundamental understanding of nursing theory, you’ll put your knowledge into practice in a number of interactive modules. You will explore different pathways of care, therapeutic approaches, and evaluate decision making established on evidence collation.

Modules

This year you are working at a professional level, taking on the perspective of an accountable practitioner and clarifying your nursing skills. You’ll be building on the culmination of knowledge gained in previous years and focusing on transferable skills such as project management, time management and prioritisation. Centring on contemporary topics, you’ll cover immediate issues, care packages, lead service, and management and leadership. You’ll be confident in your own development planning and demonstrate commitment to your continuous improvement as a skilful, accountable practitioner of adult nursing.

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

The Adult Nursing course uses a wide variety of stimulating approaches to teaching and learning to suit individual learning styles. This includes a series of interactive lectures with associated seminars, skills lab activities and practical placements5. All modules are mandatory to enable you to exit the programme with the knowledge, values and skills to be able to work within integrated care settings and enhance the delivery of care for service users, their families and carers.

Placing equal value on practice and theory, undertaking 800 hours of each per year, you’ll study a wide range of subjects, including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, psychology, sociology and research methods. You’ll become immersed in learning about the needs of populations, individuals, related health and nursing services with an emphasis on using research to enhance and improve services.

Throughout your studies, in groups and individually, you will undertake profession-specific health and social care-related projects and case studies. These may, for example, include an appraisal of the role of the nurse in ethical and legal decision-making, considering service improvement bids or complex care planning and delivery via the multi-disciplinary team.

Gaining experience using simulation across a range of care settings is aimed at building your confidence and knowledge about how to act in these situations. You can practise and develop your clinical and interpersonal skills in a safe but realistic environment. We also use actors to enhance these experiences in scenarios which include breaking bad news, demonstrating emotional resilience, conflict, aggression, teaching and child protection conferences.

The course is underpinned by an approach to professional care which is characterised by empathy, respect, dignity and kindness towards patients and their families.


Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from module to module and throughout the years of study, however, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 20 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

Assessment methods vary and include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block.

Course breakdown:

  • Coursework
  • Practical placement
  • Formal examinations

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 112
A level BBC. Excludes General Studies.
GCSE 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above including English, Mathematics and Science.
BTEC DMM in a Health, Sport or Science based subject.
IB Diploma 27 points to include 14 points at Higher level.
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma in Health or Science subject to include 24 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Health units. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

Additional information

Caring experience, either paid or voluntary is essential. Applicants are expected to show academic attainment at the required level within 3 years of the course proposed start date.

In line with the National Health Service Constitution we use a values-based recruitment approach in seeking candidates with the appropriate values to support effective teamworking in delivering excellent patient care. That’s why you will also be required to attend a selection event, which provides detailed information about the course and assesses numeracy, literacy and aptitude as part of the selection process.

All offers are subject to satisfactory health clearance, enhanced disclosure and barring service/criminal conviction checks5 and a successful interview.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed.

You may also want to consider studying a Nursing Associate Foundation Degree. We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Additional information

Caring experience, either paid or voluntary is essential. Applicants are expected to show academic attainment at the required level within 3 years of the course proposed start date.

In line with the National Health Service Constitution we use a values-based recruitment approach in seeking candidates with the appropriate values to support effective teamworking in delivering excellent patient care. That’s why you will also be required to attend a selection event, which provides detailed information about the course and assesses numeracy, literacy and aptitude as part of the selection process.

All offers are subject to satisfactory health clearance, enhanced disclosure and barring service/criminal conviction checks5 and a successful interview.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees -£9,250 per year
Not available
EU 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - as UK per year with EU Support Bursary**
2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees -£19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International 2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees -£19,850 per year
Not available

All eligible home students on this course can apply for a minimum payment from the Government of £5,000 per year, with additional payments for students incurring childcare costs6.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home students), if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

Our campus building is designed with your needs in mind. You’ll be able to make use of our simulation facilities4. You will use equipment found in the real world of practice, such as medical devices to assist with all elements of care including medication administration, to help build confidence before you go on placement.

Mock hospital ward

Gaining experience using simulation across a range of care settings is aimed at building your confidence and knowledge about how to act in these situations. You can practise and develop your clinical and interpersonal skills in a safe but realistic environment.

Realistic scenarios

We may use actors to enhance your experience, giving you the opportunity to replicate real-life situations including breaking bad news, demonstrating emotional resilience, conflict and aggression.


Careers and opportunities

On successful completion, you should have knowledge of:

  • The implications of current legislation, professional regulation, standards of performance and the NMC Code.
  • The nurses’ role in the enhancement of public health and biological, psychological and social wellbeing of service users.
  • The biological, physiological, pharmacological, psychological and sociological knowledge which underpins all nursing practice across the lifespan.

You should be able to:

  • Demonstrate effective individual and team leadership skills and apply quality monitoring initiatives.
  • Discuss service user and carer needs in respect of equity, fairness, antidiscrimination, rights, values, customs, culture, beliefs, sensitivity, diversity, lifestyle and environment.
  • Utilise and disseminate current research findings and other forms of evidence that underpin nursing practice.
  • Transfer knowledge and skills to a variety of settings and adapt practice to meet varying, unpredictable and complex circumstances.
  • Seek clinical supervision to develop safe and effective nursing practice.
  • Critically evaluate relevant research, possible interventions and the most up-to-date technology to support quality care delivery.
  • Critically analyse situations and incidents through reflective practice activities.
  • Conduct a comprehensive and systematic health assessment of service users’ needs across the lifespan using a range of appropriate assessment tools.
  • Plan, implement and monitor nursing care, involving service users and carers.
  • Evaluate and revise expected outcomes, nursing interventions and priorities in accordance with changes in the individual’s condition, needs or circumstances across the lifespan.
  • Demonstrate a range of essential nursing skills and seek supervision to develop safe, compassionate, skilful and autonomous nursing practice.
  • Consult with service users and carers to identify and respond to their need and desire for health promotion advice, education, support and the development of services.
  • Co-ordinate the delivery of nursing and healthcare within one’s sphere of professional accountability, including people with complex and co-existing needs.
  • Provide safe and effective immediate care to all people.

On graduating successfully from this course, and providing you also meet the NMC requirements, you can apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). This enables you to practise as a Registered Nurse.

As the health industry is one of the strongest sectors in terms of growth and employment opportunities, a degree in adult nursing will give you the opportunity to move into a wealth of nursing careers.

There is a real shortage of qualified nurses across the North Yorkshire Coast and nationally, meaning that there is a demand for graduates in the industry.

Where our graduates work

There are many options for graduates, such as qualified nurses in the NHS, acute hospitals, military nursing, in the private and independent healthcare sector, in private hospitals, nursing or care homes.

As your career progresses a number of options may open to you for example as a lecturer or specialist practitioner, advanced nurse practitioner, consultant nurse or manager.


How to apply

Applications open for this course in May 2024. Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.


If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

International codes:
HLSU195B

International students should apply directly to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.


If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

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