Nursing: University of Birmingham

Nurses work in a demanding, yet rewarding profession, combining the art of caring with the science of health attainment, maintenance and restoration. Our programme offers you the opportunity to experience different aspects of nursing before deciding on your specialism. It also offers the chance to study nursing abroad.

This Bachelor of Nursing programme prepares you to be a nurse leader of the future. The theory and practice of nursing are integrated with research-led teaching in university and placements in a variety of NHS and non-NHS health care organisations. We offer the opportunity of placements in national and international centres of excellence in child, mental health and adult nursing, as well as placements in services which provide for the health of the vibrant multicultural city that is Birmingham.

First year

In your first year you undertake a programme that provides you with an introduction to adult, mental health, child and public health nursing. The year focuses upon the concept of health through study of the biological and social sciences, professional studies and communication skills. Placements are based in both hospital and community settings.

Following the first year we give you the opportunity to choose the branch of nursing in which you wish to specialise (subject to place availability).

The branches available are:

• Mental Health Nursing
• Child Nursing
• Adult Nursing

Second and third years

During these two years you continue to develop your professional leadership and research skills, enabling you to deliver and manage evidence-based care. You will also develop skills, knowledge and understanding of your chosen branch of nursing. Support from a workplace mentor and University staff will build your competence and confidence to deliver and manage nursing care in your chosen branch of nursing.

You have the option of an elective placement, which may be taken overseas. You  complete your degree with a research-based dissertation and a Transition to Professional Practice module.

The elective placement

Between Years 2 and 3, as part of the Globalisation and Comparative Health Policy module, you have the option to study an aspect of nursing in more depth, either in the UK or overseas. The department has extensive experience in supporting students in these elective placements, with dedicated tutors and global links. As a part of the Universitas 21 network, the department is committed to promoting nursing links and learning around the world.

Career opportunities

Once qualified, you will leave the University with a highly regarded degree and registration as a nurse. Many of their graduates have stayed on in the Birmingham area, working within the NHS. Others have moved elsewhere in the UK or abroad. You may continue to develop your career in clinical practice, management, research or teaching. Extensive restructuring in nursing as a profession and within the NHS means that a good career structure is now in place.

Professional accreditation

Satisfactory completion of the programme enables you to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council

Entry requirements

• Number of A levels required: 3
• Typical offer: BBC
• Preferred subjects and grades: Biology, Psychology or Sociology A level, and two other A levels in subjects of your own choice
• GCSE requirements: English, Mathematics and Biology or Double Science are required at GCSE grade A–C if not offered at A or AS level
• General Studies: not accepted, but a good performance may be taken into account in you fail to meet the conditions of your offer
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 28–30 points including Biology

Other qualifications are considered – see the entry requirements section for full details

Additional information

1. A satisfactory health declaration, including evidence of appropriate immunisations, and a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau check (enhanced level), are required from accepted candidates before registration for the programme. All students will be required to sign the subject-specific Fitness to Practise Code of Conduct on entry, details of which will be forwarded with an offer letter.
2. There is the opportunity to complete an elective placement abroad between the second and third years.
3. All candidates offered a place will have been interviewed.

Contact details

• Admissions Tutor: Mr Duncan Randall
• Telephone enquiries: +44 (0)121 415 8602
• Email:

For general information about open days

• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3374
• Website: http://www.undergraduate.bham.ac.uk/visitsopendays/

Main University Switchboard

• Postal address: The University of Birmingham
  Edgbaston
  Birmingham
  B15 2TT
  United Kingdom
• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3344
• Fax: +44(0)121 414 3971

Admissions

• Email:
• Tel: +44 (0)121 415 8900
• Website: www.marketing.bham.ac.uk/admissions_recruitment

Student Recruitment

• Email:
• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3374
• Website: www.marketing.bham.ac.uk/recruitment

International Relations

• Email:
• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 2894
• Website: www.international.bham.ac.uk