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Nursing & Midwifery

Apply now for September 2024 entry

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100% of our undergraduate students and 100% of our postgraduate students are in work or further study 15 months after graduation HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20

We are one of the largest providers of Nursing and Midwifery education in Scotland, and the only university to offer all four Nursing specialism as well as Midwifery. Our state-of-the-art Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre has some of the best training facilities and specialist equipment in the country.

• Midwifery - BM Full-time
• Epilepsy Studies - PgCert Part-time
• Master of Public Health - MPH Full-time | Online learning
• Neonatal Care Qualified in Speciality - PgCert Part-time
• Nursing Adult - BN Full-time
• Nursing (Child Health) - BN Full-time
• Nursing Learning Disabilities - BN Full-time
• Nursing Mental Health - BN Full-time
• Nursing Studies Global Online - BSc Online learning
• Advanced Clinical Practice (named speciality) - MSc Part-time
• Healthcare Management - MSc Full-time | Part-time
• Midwifery (Long) FT - MM Full-time
• Nursing (Pre-Registration) Adult Health - MSc Full-time
• Nursing (Pre-Registration) Mental Health - MSc Full-time
• Practice Learning (Social Services) - Graduate Certificate Part-time
• Midwifery " class="text-underline">Full-time
• Epilepsy Studies " class="text-underline">Part-time
• Master of Public Health " class="text-underline" target="|Custom">Full-time | " class="text-underline" target="|Custom">Online learning
• Neonatal Care Qualified in Speciality " class="text-underline" target="|Custom">Part-time
• Nursing Adult " class="text-underline">Full-time
• Nursing (Child Health) " class="text-underline">Full-time
• Nursing Learning Disabilities - BN " class="text-underline">Full-time
• Nursing Mental Health " class="text-underline">Full-time
• Nursing Studies Global Online " class="text-underline">Online learning
• Advanced Clinical Practice (named speciality) " class="text-underline">Part-time
• Healthcare Management " class="text-underline">Full-time | " class="text-underline" target="_blank">Part-time
• Midwifery (Long) FT " class="text-underline">Full-time
• Nursing (Pre-Registration) Adult Health " class="text-underline">Full-time
• Nursing (Pre-Registration) Mental Health " class="text-underline">Full-time
• Practice Learning (Social Services) " class="text-underline">Part-time

• Our students have undertaken placements in Australia and Zambia and various countries in between
• Long summer holiday to allow for volunteering opportunities  in Year 2
• Mobility placements outwith Lothian and Borders, or with international organisations, in Year 3.

Using your new-found skills in the workplace is a core part of our nursing and midwifery courses. We work closely with local healthcare providers to organise placements which allow you to put theory into practice, and you’ll get to prepare in advance in our simulated clinical environments.

• Charge Nurse
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• Delivery Suite Co-ordinator
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• Clinical Operations Manager
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Postgraduate Courses in Nursing in Scotland - 94 Courses

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University of Aberdeen School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition

• Physician Associate Studies MSc

The University of Edinburgh School of Clinical Sciences

• Child Life and Health Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
• Reproductive Health Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

The University of Edinburgh School of Engineering

• Advanced Care PhD with Integrated Study

The University of Edinburgh School of Health in Social Science

• Advanced Nursing MSc
• Advanced Nursing (Online Learning) MSc
• Nursing Studies Doctor of Philosophy - PhD MSc (Res)
• Nursing with Pre-Registration (Adult) Master of Nursing - MN

University of Glasgow School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine

• Advanced Practice in Veterinary Nursing MSc PgCert PgDip

University of Glasgow School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing

• Advanced Nursing Science MSc

University of St Andrews Psychology

• The Psychology of Dementia Care Postgraduate Certificate - PgCert
• The Psychology of Dementia Care – Distance Learning Postgraduate Certificate - PgCert

University of Stirling Nursing, Midwifery and Health

• Public Health Nurse (Health Visiting) MSc

University of Dundee Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design

• Design for Healthcare [part-time] MSc MSc

University of Dundee School of Health Sciences

• Advanced Practice MSc MSc
• Advanced Practice PgCert Postgraduate Certificate - PgCert
• Advanced Practice PgDip Professional Diploma - Prof Dip
• BSc Health Sciences Bachelor of Science - BSc
• BSc Infection Prevention & Control Bachelor of Science - BSc
• BSc Midwifery Bachelor of Science - BSc
• BSc Nursing Bachelor of Science - BSc
• Health Studies MSc MSc
• Health Studies PgCert Postgraduate Certificate - PgCert
• Health Studies PgDip Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip
• Individual BSc Module in Nursing and Health Studies Postgraduate Credits
• Individual MSc Module in Nursing and Health Studies Postgraduate Credits
• Infection Prevention and Control PgCert Postgraduate Certificate - PgCert
• Infection Prevention and Control PgDip Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip
• Leadership in Healthcare MSc MSc
• Leadership in Healthcare PgCert Postgraduate Certificate - PgCert
• Leadership in Healthcare PgDip Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip
• MSc Quality Improvement and Patient Safety MSc
• Nursing & Health Sciences (non-graduating) (research) Postgraduate Credits
• Nursing & Health Sciences MPhil (Res) MPhil (Res)
• Nursing & Health Sciences PhD (3 Year) (Part-Time) Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
• Nursing & Health Sciences PhD (3 years) Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
• Nursing & Health Sciences PhD (4 years) Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
• Nursing MSc MSc
• Nursing PgCert Postgraduate Certificate - PgCert
• Nursing PgDip Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip
• Nursing and Health (MSc) MSc
• PGDip Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip
• Quality Improvement and Patient Safety PgCert Postgraduate Certificate - PgCert

University of Dundee School of Medicine

• Public Health (Palliative Care Research) MPH MPH
• Public Health (Palliative Care Research) [part-time] MPH MPH

Glasgow Caledonian University Department of Nursing and Community Health

• Advanced Practice MSc
• Nursing Studies Adult (Pre-registration) MSc
• Nursing: Advancing Professional Practice MSc

University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Applied Life Studies

• Advanced Nurse Practitioner/Professional Practice MSc
• Rural Advanced Practice MSc

Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh Institute for Global Health and Development

• Sexual and Reproductive Health MSc

Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh School of Health Sciences

• Advancing Practice in Health (Framework) MSc
• Advancing Practice in Health (Framework) Pathways MSc
• Person-Centred Practice MSc

Robert Gordon University School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Practice

• Advancing Practice MSc

University of the West of Scotland Health and Life Sciences

• Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Neonatal/Child/Adult/Mental Health) MSc
• Mental Health Practice MSc
• Neonatal Nursing Graduate Certificate
• Nursing MSc
• Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (Health Visiting) Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip
• Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (School Nursing) Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip

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We have 306 PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Edinburgh

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PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Edinburgh

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Edinburgh Law School

Funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Law Research Programme

Law Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Geotechnical Seismic Isolation Technology for Global Earthquake Resilience and Environmental Sustainability

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Self-Funded PhD Students Only

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Study History, Classics and Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh - funding opportunities available

Humanities research programme.

Humanities Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Choose from 20 PhDs in literatures, languages and cultures at Edinburgh

Social sciences research programme.

Social Sciences Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Barocaloric organic ionic plastic crystals and prototype development

Competition funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Combined experimental and computational study of high-pressure order-disorder transitions in soft crystalline materials

Funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Unlocking Organic Chemical Reaction Prediction with Limited-Data Machine Learning

The dr david summers trust scholarship in scottish literary culture, synergistic experimental and data-driven catalyst development for sustainable synthesis, modular power electronics for mega-pto, funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Spatial decision support analysis for sustainable mobility policies

Make your phd extraordinary, phd opportunities.

PhD Opportunities highlight some of the specific PhD projects, programmes or other information currently available from a university.

Elucidating molecular transport mechanisms through atomistic simulations

Awaiting funding decision/possible external funding.

This supervisor does not yet know if funding is available for this project, or they intend to apply for external funding once a suitable candidate is selected. Applications are welcome - please see project details for further information.

Design of microflyers for environmental monitoring

Funded phd project (european/uk students only).

This project has funding attached for UK and EU students, though the amount may depend on your nationality. Non-EU students may still be able to apply for the project provided they can find separate funding. You should check the project and department details for more information.

School of Divinity

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Course type

Qualification, university name, postgraduate nursing in edinburgh.

19 degrees at 2 universities in Edinburgh.

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• Mental Health and Addiction Nursing
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• Nursing: Specific Conditions

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Advanced Clinical Practice (Online Learning) PgDip (ICL)

The university of edinburgh.

Veterinary medicine is a rapidly evolving discipline, comprising a wide range of specialist areas. Research in veterinary medicine is Read more...

• 4 years Online degree: £12,735 per year (UK)

MSc Nursing (Pre-registration) Adult Health

Edinburgh napier university.

Qualify in two years as an Adult Health Nurse registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and enjoy a flexible study Read more...

• 2 years Full time degree: £9,250 per year (UK)

Advanced Nursing (Online Learning) MSc

Programme description Our innovative part-time programme offers advanced study for nurses working within an international and UK health Read more...

• 2 years Online degree: £15,200 per year (UK)

MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Named Speciality)

The MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (named speciality) provides a contemporary pathway to your career development. As a practitioner in Read more...

• 3 years Part time degree

Nursing Studies PhD

Our Nursing Studies postgraduate students have an outstanding record of contributing to the knowledge and evidence base in nursing. The Read more...

• 3 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,393 per year (UK)
• 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

MSc Nursing (Pre-registration) Mental Health

Qualify in two years as a Mental Health Nurse registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and enjoy a flexible study Read more...

• 2 years Full time degree: £1,820 per year (UK)

Advanced Clinical Practice (Online Learning) PgProfDev

• 1 year Online degree: £5,325 per year (UK)

MM Masters of Midwifery

Equip yourself with the requisite knowledge of evidence-based midwifery practice and skills. Midwives are recognised as experts in Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £9,250 per year (UK)

Cardiovascular Science MScR

Research profile The Centre for Cardiovascular Science aims to foster and deliver research into the causes, consequences and therapy of Read more...

• 1 year Full time degree: £10,400 per year (UK)
• 2 years Part time degree: £5,200 per year (UK)

Nursing with Pre-Registration (Adult) MN

Programme description The University of Edinburgh has been providing undergraduate nursing education for more than 60 years. This programme Read more...

Advanced Clinical Practice (Online Learning) PgCert (ICL)

• 2 years Online degree: £6,370 per year (UK)

Nursing Studies MScR

Cardiovascular science phd, mscr, advanced nursing msc.

Programme description This innovative programme offers advanced study for nurses working within a global context to enhance practice at Read more...

• 1 year Full time degree: £13,000 per year (UK)
• 2 years Part time degree: £6,500 per year (UK)
• 3 years Part time degree: £3,470 per year (UK)

Critical Care (Online Learning) MSc

We have designed the MSc Critical Care (online) programme for health care professionals who encounter critically ill adults in their daily Read more...

• 3 years Online degree: £6,370 per year (UK)

Critical Care (Online Learning) PgDip

• 1 year Online degree: £6,370 per year (UK)

Critical Care (Online Learning) PgCert

Cardiovascular biology mscr.

The aim of this programme is to give you a broad-based training in biomedical research, with a focus on cardiovascular science. This Read more...

• 12 months Full time degree: £10,400 per year (UK)

Advanced Clinical Practice (Online Learning) MVetSci

• 6 years Online degree: £19,100 per year (UK)

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BN (Hons) Nursing

As one of the first universities to offer a nursing degree in the UK, the University of Edinburgh has a long tradition of preparing graduate nurses. Our graduates are highly regarded both nationally and internationally in the nursing profession.

Please check the Undergraduate Degree Finder  to see the specific entry requirements, start date and application deadlines.

Our innovative four-year programme integrates theory, practice and clinical experience. Years 1 and 2 serve as an introduction to the evidence base for nursing, encompassing various aspects of healthcare and research. 

In Years 3 and 4 (Honours years) you will develop leadership skills, deepen your understanding of the evidence base for nursing, and sharpen your critical thinking and clinical decision-making abilities. You can also customize your experience of the programme by undertaking an elective clinical placement, either abroad or elsewhere in the UK. As well as choosing from a range of Honours option courses that align with your disciplinary interests. 

In your final year, you will receive dedicated academic supervision for your dissertation work from our supportive and highly experienced academics. 

The BN  (Hons) Nursing programme leads to eligibility to register as an adult nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). To register as an adult nurse students must have successfully completed the core courses and practice placements from the Foundation, Branch and Honours years of the programme.

Why choose this programme?

Our BN  (Hons) Nursing programme stands out for its unparalleled integration of theory and practice, consisting of 50% theory and 50% clinical practice experience throughout the course.  

The programme has consistently topped the Guardian League Table for Nursing and Midwifery for the past 5 years, coming 1st again in 2023.

Join our extraordinary Nursing Community

Nursing offers a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment as it involves caring for and making a positive difference in the lives of others. We are one of the top ten universities in the UK to offer Nursing, and our students' experience is second to none. Find out what it's like to join our close-knit community of international students and staff at the University of Edinburgh.

Find out more about our Nursing Community

Find out what our students think:

Preparation for the future.

The healthcare landscape is constantly changing, presenting new challenges and opportunities for nursing professionals. Clinical skills are taught in small groups and are focused on experiential learning using a range of simulation-based education (part task training models, high fidelity simulation and with simulated patients). We also share some of the state-of-the-art facilities with medical colleagues, providing a collaborative and immersive experience. 

The programme also offers a well-established inter-professional learning framework that spans across all four years. You will be able to collaborate with a diverse range of healthcare students, including those from medical, pharmacy, and paramedic backgrounds and experience a collaborative approach to the learning experiences, preparing you for the complexities of clinical practice.

Innovative Opportunities

The clinical elective experience is an integral and important part of our programme, designed to foster a sense of personal accountability among our students. Towards the end of your third year you will embark on a four-week clinical elective placement in the UK or abroad. This invaluable opportunity allows students to obtain experience in an area of particular interest and to further develop your capacity for personal and professional development. There is an additional opportunity for two students in Year 3 to undertake a single semester exchange with La Trobe University, Australia. These unique elements of the programme expose students to diverse nursing practices and global perspectives. It's a chance to broaden cultural horizons and gain invaluable hands-on experience. 

Each year we offer innovative new inter-professional opportunities with psychology, social work and medical students. Learners from other subject areas such as Social Work, Childhood Practice and Psychology elect to study on some of the Nursing Studies courses, enabling a interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to learning.  

Beyond the programme

A degree from our BN  (Hons) Nursing programme opens doors to a wide range of employment opportunities. The employment prospects for a graduate nurse are excellent and opportunities are wide-ranging. Most students who complete a nursing degree at the University of Edinburgh go on to practice as nurses, and many pursue further professional education to become specialists in their chosen clinical areas. Some graduates work overseas, contributing to healthcare in both developed and developing countries. 

Further Study Opportunities

For those seeking to advance their education, the University offers many postgraduate options, including Masters and PhD programmes. 

Find out more about our postgraduate Nursing Studies options

• Current Students
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PhD—Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science

A Holistic View of Nursing Science

The UW School of Nursing Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (PhD) program faculty are global leaders in nursing science. Students from all over the world create a community of scholars and learn from expert researchers. Our expert nursing scientists provide mentorship tailored to student needs using technology-driven instruction.

The UW PhD program is ideal for students with diverse backgrounds who want to become premier leaders in nursing research.

We maintain a holistic view of nursing science and our faculty’s scholarship represents a broad array of research projects and innovative methodologies. Some examples include:

• Symptom science
• Laboratory sciences
• Health promotion and disease management across the lifespan
• Policy analysis and advancement of cost-effective health care systems
• Health equity
• Innovative methodologies

Hear from #HuskyNurse Sarah McKiddy and her experience with the PhD program.

A Community of Scholars

We welcome applicants with a baccalaureate degree in any field. We encourage post-baccalaureate students, as well as most master’s and DNP students who are ready to begin intensive study of nursing science, to apply.

UW PhD students have a wide range of academic backgrounds, including:

• Public health
• Complementary and alternative medicine
• Healthcare systems and policy
• Music therapy

Our PhD program is highly individualized to create independent thinkers with demonstrated ability to articulate, investigate, and report on original research that substantially contributes to health care knowledge.

The flexible program reflects the enormous scope and impact of the latest nursing research and policymaking. Although the PhD curriculum can be completed in three years of full-time study, individual student program lengths are expected to vary.

Once offered admission as a PhD student, you are matched with a faculty adviser. Your adviser provides guidance and helps answer questions until you select a supervisory committee chair (between years one and three). Your chair then serves in an advisory capacity and as the supervisor for your dissertation.

View the PhD Sample Curriculum Grid PhD Required and Elective Courses

• Optional: Statistics Concentration

The first year of the full-time PhD program and the first two years of part-time focus on required core courses emphasizing nursing philosophy, conceptual frameworks, theory, and research methodologies.

In addition, students complete their statistics sequence and may take selected electives or engage in research or teaching practicum. Students complete the preliminary exam at the end of the first year of full-time study and the end of two years of part-time study.

Students who enter the PhD program with a BSN can earn an MS in Nursing Science during the program following successful completion of the first year of the PhD program and the preliminary examination.

After the first year of full-time study and the first two years of part-time study, courses and other scholarly activities are determined by you and your supervisory committee to comprise your individual program of study. The supervisory chair is a School of Nursing graduate faculty member whose research approach, interest, or research methods align with your proposed dissertation project.

You and your chair complete the supervisory committee by selecting faculty members from the School of Nursing, the UW at large, and other appropriate experts outside the University. This committee approves your program of study and guides you through the general examinations, dissertation research, and final defense.

The Nursing Science Statistics Area of Concentration requires a minimum of 14 credits of advanced statistical methods coursework above and beyond the 10 credits of statistics required for the PhD degree. Of these, two credits are fulfilled by the CSSS Seminar, and a minimum of 12 credits are fulfilled by at least four advanced statistics courses, three of which must come from the list of CSSS courses approved for the concentration.

All courses taken as part of the statistics concentration must be graded.

However, a 500-level course that is graded credit/no credit may be considered for inclusion in your Area of Concentration proposal if:

• In the course, you submit an individual project (i.e., not a group project); and
• Major course assignments are submitted to your Supervisory Committee for review

CSSS seminar: minimum two credits

A minimum of two quarters in CS&SS is required. The most up-to-date course descriptions for statistics course options can be found on the CSSS website .

Approved CSSS advanced statistics course options

The most up-to-date course descriptions for statistics course options can be found on the CSSS website .

Variation in area of concentration coursework

One advanced methodological course in nursing, political science, psychology, public health, sociology, statistics, economics, educational psychology, social welfare, and other related fields may be considered as part of the Nursing Science Statistics Area of Concentration four course requirements if it contributes to the overall coherence of the student’s program of study and is consistent with the student’s research goals.

This course would be in addition to the ten credits of statistics courses required for the PhD in nursing.

Admissions Requirements

• An in-process or earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in any discipline
• A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0, or a 3.0 GPA for the last  60 semester/90 quarter graded college/university credits
• Meet the  Essential Behaviors for PhD Students
• International applicants   who plan on taking clinical nursing courses  must have an active, unrestricted U.S. RN license  at the time of application
• If your native language is not English,  proof of proficiency in English  (reading, writing, and comprehension)

• Schools & departments

BN Nursing Studies

UCAS code: B700

Duration: 4 years

Delivery: Full-time

School: Health in Social Science

College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Introducing BN Nursing Studies

The Bachelor of Nursing (BN) with honours programme reflects global, UK and Scottish perspectives of healthcare.

Throughout the programme, students engage in practice learning and experience placement time in a range of community and inpatient settings.

Furthermore, you are able to explore community nursing and third sector organisations, as well as undertaking a virtual placement which allows you the opportunity to explore a community and profile the health needs of a locality.

Within the hospital setting, students engage with varied learning environments. This can include:

• admission to hospital
• emergency care
• critical care
• rehabilitation
• surgical and medical wards or services

As students develop, they also enjoy time attached to specialist services such as research teams, advanced practitioners, education team and hospital outreach services.

Unique placement opportunities

Towards the end of Year 3, you will have the opportunity to embark on a four-week clinical elective placement in the UK or abroad. This opportunity will allow you to either explore global perspectives or develop your understandings of diverse nursing practices in the UK.

There is an additional opportunity for two students in Year 3 to undertake a single semester exchange with La Trobe University in Australia.

Nursing and Midwifery Council education standards

This programme adheres to the Nursing and Midwifery Council ( NMC ) education standards. These standards are designed to embrace the range of nursing practice, and will help prepare you for the dynamic healthcare environment of the present.

The Bachelor of Nursing with honours degree prepares you for the evolving healthcare landscape. You will gain key skills in:

• critical thinking
• teamwork and leadership
• the ability to innovate and adapt
• clinical skills and proficiency

Upon graduation, and meeting the necessary requirements, you will be eligible for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council ( NMC ) as an adult nurse.

The programme combines theoretical and skills learning within the University with practice learning experiences. The equal weighting of theory and practice is a defining feature of this degree structure and is required by the NMC .

Life sciences, research skills, and social sciences are the three core strands of your studies. Between Year 1 and Year 4, you will build upon these as part of a spiral curriculum.

The honours option courses in Years 3 and 4 allow you to personalise the programme by allowing you to follow your particular interests in different care contexts, approaches or conditions.

You will develop clinical skills working in the clinical skills laboratory, in nurse-led groups. The programme consists of inter-professional learning with medical students and those in other professions.

Practice learning is integral to the programme. You will learn in a range of practice settings including:

• acute hospital and specialist services

Student Support at the University of Edinburgh

As a student with us, you will have a named Student Adviser. They will be your first point of contact for advice and support, including general questions about your studies, student life, wellbeing and challenging circumstances.

We have a number of specialist health and wellbeing services and resources for students. Course organisers and teaching teams provide specialist subject-related guidance.

Accreditation

This programme is validated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council ( NMC ).

All students must complete annual declarations that they are of Good Health and Character to meet NMC requirements to continue on programme.

Achievement of the required clinical and academic outcomes leads to eligibility for registration with the NMC as an adult nurse.

What you will study

The description of content provided below is for guidance only; course names and content may be updated.

Year 1 provides an introduction to the evidence base for nursing. This includes:

• anatomy and physiology
• nursing care
• sociological and psychological aspects of healthcare
• familiarisation with academic skills, literature searching and referencing

In addition to the compulsory courses, you will also choose two option courses from subjects across the University during Year 1.

You will undertake your first practice learning both virtually and in person over the summer period.

Year 2 continues the introduction to the evidence base for nursing, adding complexity to the understandings. This includes:

• mental health
• technical innovations in healthcare
• approaches to research

You will undertake practice learning in mental health and adult services during Year 2.

Year 3 allows you to develop leadership skills and deepen understandings of the evidence base for nursing. Core and option courses enhance critical thinking abilities and clinical decision making.

You will choose two honours option courses in each honours year, learning as a mixed group of Year 3 and 4 students. This allows you to personalise programmes of study and pursue nursing courses which address personal disciplinary interests.

Skills teaching continues and you will learn how to supervise and give feedback to learners in preparation for nursing roles post registration. Practice learning continues with a specialist attachment, further clinical placement and an individually organised elective.

The final year is the culmination of the your learning. Clinical skills learning is complete and you will spend the year adding value with interprofessional experiences in simulation and preparations for registration and future employment.

You will again choose two honours option courses addressing personal disciplinary interests.

The Dissertation course allows you to work on a topic of your choice to produce an honours dissertation. This is supported by close academic supervision.

Practice learning continues with a virtual placement focusing on supervision skills and an extended period in final placement.

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2024/25)

Where you will study

Our facilities.

Teaching takes place in the Central Campus area of the University. You will have access to:

• teaching and learning facilities
• computer labs

Clinical skills teaching takes place at the Chancellor's Building Clinical Skills Centre, at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Placement will provide you with the invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in an area of particular interest and further develop your capacity for personal and professional development.

Clinical practice placements are provided by NHS Lothian and NHS Borders. You will be placed across these two health boards during your programme. You will work with a suitably prepared supervisor and assessor on your placement.

Clinical practice placements are an integral and compulsory part of the programme. As such, they extend the academic year beyond the typical university calendar.

Towards the end of Year 3, you have the opportunity to embark on a four-week clinical elective placement in the UK or abroad.

There is an additional opportunity for two students in Year 3 to undertake a single semester exchange with La Trobe University in Australia. 

These unique elements of the programme will enable you to broaden your cultural horizons by developing your understandings of diverse nursing practices and global perspectives.

Study abroad

There are potential opportunities to complete a clinical placement abroad in Year 3. There is also an opportunity for two students to take part in a semester-long exchange with an Australian university in Year 3. There is an application process for this opportunity.

• What are my choices for going abroad?

Learning and assessment

How will i learn.

All nursing programmes in the UK are 50% theory and 50% practice. The courses you take in this programme have both theoretical and clinical practice elements.

You will learn through a combination of:

• clinical skills sessions
• problem-based learning
• reflective diaries
• computer-assisted learning

You will also undertake learning in practice learning environments during clinical placements in each year.

How will I be assessed?

We use a range of assessments including:

• multimedia presentations
• group presentations
• clinical practice assessments

This programme has progression points at the end of each academic year where you must demonstrate clinical competence as well as academic excellence.

This is jointly assessed by a Practice Assessor and an Academic Assessor in line with the Nursing and Midwifery Council Standards for Nurse Education and the Standards for Students Supervision and Assessment (2018).

Career opportunities

Career prospects are excellent for nursing studies graduates from the University of Edinburgh.

Our graduates have gone onto a range of clinical settings in both community and hospital contexts, specialising in areas such as:

• intensive care
• accident and emergency
• voluntary sector organisations

You may choose to undertake further study for a Master's degree or PhD and go on to develop your career in areas such as:

• higher education
• policy development

Entry requirements

Standard entry requirement.

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB : 34 points with 655 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA : Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: English and Mathematics or Applications of Mathematics at C.
• A Levels: no specific A Level subjects required. GCSEs: Mathematics and English at C or 4.
• IB : HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at 5 and Mathematics at 4.

Additional requirements

Some prior experience of working with people is advisable. Admission to this degree includes an interview process. Further details on the process will be sent to candidates shortlisted for interview.

Fitness to practice

There is fitness to practice guidance for people who wish to become nurses, we strongly advise you to make yourself aware of this before you apply. Please consult the Higher Educational Occupational Physicians/Practitioners ( HEOPS ) website for fitness to practice guidelines for this degree.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

SQA , GCSE and IB

For SQA , GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 7.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 25 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 185 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 73 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT : 8 overall with at least 8 in each component.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS , PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT , or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 70 with at least 70 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)

Protecting Vulnerable Groups

All successful applicants will be required to join Disclosure Scotland's Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme before starting the programme. In addition, all applicants who don't live in the UK, or who have spent more than a year abroad, will need to provide equivalent verification from the relevant national authority.

Health check

All students must undergo hepatitis B immunisation, TB status and occupational health check before starting the degree. Students will also need to meet any NHS Scotland vaccination requirements.

Discover Uni data

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Please note that some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees.

Tuition fees for BN Nursing Studies

Additional costs

If you are eligible for a SAAS bursary, you should be able to reclaim travel expenses incurred during clinical placements. Those who are ineligible will have to pay travel and accommodation costs related to clinical placement.

Check if you are eligible for a SAAS bursary

In Year 3, there is usually an opportunity to undertake a single semester exchange with La Trobe University, Australia. Exchange students may be responsible for additional costs such as:

• immunisation
• travel costs
• living costs

In Year 3, you may also undertake an elective clinical placement, either abroad or elsewhere in the UK. Students are responsible for any costs associated with undertaking the elective placement. This can include:

Students from the rest of the UK and overseas, whose fees are not paid by the Scottish Government, will be liable for the cost of the following mandatory items:

• occupational health appointments
• membership fee for the Protection of Vulnerable Groups scheme

For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.

Fees and funding

• Have a query about undergraduate study?
• Send an enquiry

Degrees in Nursing Studies

1 degree in nursing studies.

• Nursing Studies (BN) B700

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