Ranking
8th
in the UK
Book your Open Day or make an enquiry
Discover more about your chosen subject at one of our Open Days or by asking us a question.
Course overview
Launch yourself into a fulfilling career dedicated to helping patients lead happy, healthy lives. Dive into hands-on clinical placements while studying in one of the UK's largest healthcare regions.
With the rising demand for mental health nurses, start a career where your care and clinical leadership expertise can transform lives daily. Through a clinical leadership inspired, research-informed curriculum, delivered by leading subject experts, you will develop specialised skills to care for children, young people and their families. Transform into a highly skilled, confident nurse, ready to excel in a healthcare environment.
The learning you get from lectures and tutorials helps you when you start to apply your skills and knowledge in placements, but actually seeing it in practice or applying it yourself in a professional setting, really does make a difference.
Professional accreditation
Satisfactory completion of the Bachelor of Nursing programme provides you with the eligibility to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Registered Nurse. (Adult, Mental Health or Child).
Course highlights
- 8th
in the UK for Nursing
Times Good University Guide, 2026
- Top 20
in the UK for Nursing and Midwifery
Complete University Guide, 2026
- Top 100
in the world for Nursing
QS World University Rankings, 2025
Transform into a clinical leader of the future and join our global nursing community. With a patient population of over five million people, you'll have the opportunity to treat individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Our nursing simulation facilities will allow you to develop your clinical skills in a safe environment before using them in practice.
- Immerse yourself in real-world nursing during local clinical placements working across various client groups under skilled clinicians' guidance.
- Our shared first year enhances your holistic nursing education, providing exposure to various healthcare, social care and education environments.
- Make a meaningful impact in diverse communities with the opportunity to undertake civic engagement activities on a local, national, or even international scale.
- Our integrated master's study option allows you to choose to study for an extra year enhancing your skills in leadership, research, and critical engagement.
Gain real-world experience through local clinical placements
Dive into diverse and exciting clinical placements in the field of child nursing. Our strong placement partnerships with local acute NHS trusts, community NHS trusts and multiple private and voluntary organisations provide exceptional clinical training opportunities. Combined with our teaching and simulated practice, you'll be fully prepared to make the most of your placements. All clinical placements are within the local community, within 90 minutes of travel time on public transport.
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
You’ll learn from leading experts, receiving a rich diversity of academic knowledge and experience. Our modern facilities and hands-on approach to teaching fully-equips you for a successful career in Nursing.
Lecture
Seminar
Workshop
- Varied teaching methods - Teaching is led by experts in the field, combining lectures, small group teaching, e-learning self-study and peer group learning.
- Practical based learning - Undertake simulated practice in top clinical skills facilities preparing you for your placements.
- Clinical placements - You'll divide your time equally between study and practice placements, blending practical and academic learning to develop essential professional skills.
Discover our state-of-the-art clinical skills facilities
We ensure the best clinical skills and simulation practice experiences that you can take into your Nursing careers.
Support during your studies
You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start at Birmingham:
Personal academic tutors – You will be assigned your own personal academic tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.
Student Services Centre - Located within the Medical School, our Wellbeing Officers are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need advice and guidance, referrals to internal and external services, or help with extenuating circumstances, drop into our student services centre for comprehensive support.
Our Student Experience Team will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They offer research opportunities, study skills support, and help you prepare for your post-university career.
Assessment methods
You will be assessed in a variety of ways to help you transition to a new style of learning. At the start of each module, you'll receive details on your assessments and get feedback within four weeks to help you improve. Assessments may include examinations, coursework assignments, placements and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).
Contact hours
- Year 1: Approximately 30% in scheduled teaching (lectures, small group tutorials and lab practice), 20% on independent study and 50% on placement.
- Year 2: Approximately 25% in scheduled teaching (lectures, small group tutorials and lab practice), 25% on independent study and 50% on placement.
- Year 3: Approximately 20% in scheduled teaching (lectures, small group tutorials and lab practice), 30% on independent study and 50% on placement.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Year 1
Year 1
2026/27 Session
Build a foundation in holistic healthcare and evidence-based nursing practice. You'll learn alongside students from various nursing fields and participate in a range of placements and simulated scenarios. This combination of study and hands-on practice will give you valuable experience across different populations and nursing areas. The broad scope of the first year also allows for the possibility of switching your field of practice before the second year, depending on placement availability.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Nursing Care | 40 | Full Term |
| Health and Wellbeing | 40 | Full Term |
| Principles of Nursing | 40 | Full Term |
Year 2
Year 2
2027/28 Session
You will have a specialised focus on mental health nursing modules and enhance your clinical nursing, communication, health promotion, research, and leadership skills. You will also have the exciting opportunity to gain civic engagement hours. These are hours that are given for experiences such as charity, volunteer work or even can be a placement abroad which will enrich your knowledge and wider perspective of nursing.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluating Nursing Care in Mental Health | 30 | Semester 1 |
| Clinical Decision-Making | 30 | Semester 2 |
| Promoting Health and Self-Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Therapeutic Nursing in Mental Health Care | 40 | Semester 1 |
Year 3
Year 3
2028/29 Session
Collating all your knowledge, third year will prepare you for your transition from student nurse to registered nurse. Two modules will be shared with students from other nursing fields and will focus on leadership, management, and research skills. Your mental health nursing placements could be in hospitals or community settings, and you may have the chance to choose a final management placement that aligns with your first job as a registered nurse.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Leading and Managing Nursing Practice | 40 | Full Term |
| Evidence Based Nursing Practice | 40 | Full Term |
| Recognising and responding to acute deterioration within complex mental health nursing care | 40 | Full Term |
Integrated Masters
Integrated Masters
At the end of year 2, you may have the opportunity to move onto to integrated Masters course. By choosing to complete the integrated Masters, you are preparing for career progression within nursing by developing your leadership and research skills. This will also involve an additional year of tuition fees.
Your third year will then provide the unique opportunity to further develop your leadership, research and pathophysiology skills. You will have the opportunity negotiate a placement based on your own learning requirements to build on your leadership, research interests and critical thinking.
Collating all your knowledge, your fourth year will prepare you for your transition from student nurse to registered nurse. This year includes practice placements and three level 7 modules. Two of these modules, shared with students from other nursing fields, will focus on leadership, management, and research skills. Your children's nursing placements could be in hospitals or community settings, and you may have the chance to choose a final management placement that aligns with your first job as a registered nurse.
Entry requirements
- A Level
BBB you must also meet in full the GCSE entry requirements
- IB
5,5,5 at higher level with three subjects. 32 points overall
- BTEC
BTEC options are considered
Number of A levels required: 3
Preferred subjects and grades
Biology, Psychology or Sociology A level, and two others. Welsh Baccalaureate at grade B can substitute one of the A Levels. General Studies not accepted, but a good performance may be taken into account if you fail to meet the conditions of your offer.
GCSE requirements
Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above which must include English, Mathematics and a Science subject. We do not accept level 2 equivalents e.g. BTEC, Key skills. You must meet in full both the GCSE and Level 3/higher qualification entry requirements. The only exception to meeting the GCSE requirements in full applies to some Access applicants.
T Levels
You must also meet in full the GCSE entry requirements and achieve merit overall with B in the Core in the below T Levels.
- Health
- Healthcare Science
- Science
BTEC qualifications
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care or Applied Science accepted at grades DDD
- BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Health and Social Care or Applied Science considered on a case by case basis when combined with an A level (typical offer DD plus B)
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate considered on a case by case basis when combined with an A level (typical offer D plus BB)
CACHE (Technical) Level 3 Extended Diploma
A CACHE (Technical) Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is accepted with a minimum of grade B overall.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
32 points with 3 subjects at higher level graded 5, 5, 5. You must also meet in full the GCSE entry requirements.
Access to Higher Education (Health or Science)
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3 including 30 at distinction, 15 at merit (to include study of Physiology or Biology) and 15 credits at level 2. Access courses must have been completed within the last two years to be valid. You must also meet the GCSE entry requirements. However, if it is more than five years since you took your GCSE’s and you also have two years full time paid work experience in health and social care, you are only required to have GCSE English, Mathematics and Science at grade C or above.
Graduate entry requirements
Bachelor degree minimum 2:2 or Masters or PhD. You must also meet in full the GCSE entry requirements.
Minimum age requirement
As this programme has a mandatory clinical placement, every applicant for admission to the University must have reached the age of 18 years on 1 October of the year of entry.
Core Maths qualification
Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
- TOEFL: 95 overall with no less than 23 in any band.
- IELTS*: 7.0 overall with no less than 7.0 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 67 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015)***: Cambridge English: Advanced or Cambridge English: Proficiency Minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 185 in any component.
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): Not applicable.
- Trinity ISE II: Not applicable.
- Trinity ISE III: ISE IV: Pass in each Skill.
*Further information on can be found at the IELTS website. IELTS tests must be the Academic version, we cannot accept the General test.
** For more information on the Pearson Test of English visit their website.
*** For more information on Cambridge English exams, please visit their website. For Cambridge English exams taken before 2015, please see under Alternative Qualifications for the accepted grades.
**** Business School programmes require one of the following scores: A TOEFL score of 88 overall with a minimum of 22 in Writing and Speaking, an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with minimum of 6.5 in Writing and Speaking, a Pearson Test of English score of 67 overall, with 67 in Writing and Speaking, a Cambridge English score of 176 overall with 176 in Writing and Speaking, a Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI) score of B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in Listening and Reading and 38 in Speaking and Writing, or a Trinity ISE III score of Merit in Speaking and Writing, Pass in other skills.
Presessional English courses
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Am I likely to receive an offer for 2026?
Stay up-to-date with news and updates from the University of Birmingham including events, our courses and studying with us by registering your details. If you do so, you will be able to use our Offer Calculator.
Alternative Offers
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
- Pathways to Birmingham
BCC you must also meet in full the GCSE entry requirements
- Contextual Offer
BBC you must also meet in full the GCSE entry requirements
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
- £9,535*
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2025 entry was £9,535 for UK students. If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
The NHS Learning Support Fund
The NHS Learning Support Fund offers nursing students at least £5,000 a year in financial aid whilst you train and gain professional registration. Check out their website for eligibility criteria and further information.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Financial support for Home students
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2026, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
Financial support for International students
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
- 14 January 2026
Application deadline for September 2026 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
Applying to Nursing
Following the submission of your UCAS application, your application will be considered, and all suitable candidates are shortlisted and invited to interview. If you do decide to accept a place you are required to comply with some non-academic conditions. Visit our dedicated applying to Nursing webpages for interview preparation tips and information on offer conditions for successful applicants.
Career opportunities
Ranked as the top University for the UK's major graduate employers (The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report) our BNurs Nursing degree will propel you into a successful and rewarding career within the healthcare industry.
Our graduates are highly valued and the majority seeking nursing positions have secured employment or pursued further career-related training on completing the programme. Many of our graduates stay in the local area and work in the NHS. Top employers of our Nursing graduates include University Hospitals Birmingham and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Other graduates move on to take up appointments in the UK and overseas. There are many varied career opportunities for nursing in clinical and medical practice, management, research and education.
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Upcoming events
There are currently no upcoming events
Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Flexible programmes to suit you
Not sure what you want to study?
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
Student stories
Find new perspectives. Hear first-hand about life at Birmingham from our students, past and present.