Nursing (Adult)
B740From lectures to lifesaving care.
Begin your journey to becoming a compassionate, skilled, and confident adult nurse at Winchester. Our BN (Hons) Nursing (Adult) programme combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience in a supportive community environment. You'll benefit from early clinical placements, state-of-the-art simulation facilities, and unique opportunities to explore your special interests. With a strong focus on both technical skills and personal values, we'll prepare you to make a real difference in people's lives from day one.
Course overview
The Winchester Nursing Guarantee
We guarantee an interview opportunity for all applicants to any of the Nursing courses at the University of Winchester (T&C Apply)
What makes our Adult Nursing programme special is our genuine community feel. In our smaller university setting, lecturers know your unique strengths and provide personalised support throughout your journey here. You'll experience hands-on nursing early, with your first placement starting in November of your first year – giving you an introduction to what practice can look like in the professional world.
Our recently redesigned and NMC-validated curriculum incorporates the latest healthcare developments while maintaining our distinctive focus on humanisation, trauma-informed practice and professional values. You'll benefit from our state-of-the-art simulation facilities at West Downs Campus, which include ward spaces, GP consultation rooms, and community settings with a range of advanced mannequins.
The programme features a strong mental wellbeing thread, innovative teaching methods (including sessions led by our drama therapist), and exposure to cutting-edge healthcare technologies. You'll collaborate with students from other nursing fields in your first year, gaining valuable interdisciplinary perspectives before specialising in adult nursing.
In your second year, you'll have the opportunity to arrange a self-managed placement in an area of special interest – whether that’s abroad in countries like Nepal and Ghana or in specialised settings such as prisons, private clinics, and Great Ormond Street Hospital. Throughout your studies, you'll also hear from diverse guest speakers, including chief nursing officers, specialists in women's health, and individuals with lived healthcare experience.
Upon successful completion of your degree, you'll be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to practice as a nurse in the UK. Plus, as a Winchester graduate, you'll be pre-approved to continue your education with a Master’s degree with us, subject to eligibility.
As a nursing student at Winchester, you may also be eligible for financial assistance through the NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF). This fund provides support including a non-repayable Training Grant, additional allowances for those with dependents, and help with exceptional travel costs. For complete details about eligibility and how to apply, visit the NHS LSF site.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
Winchester campus
Course length
- 3 years full-time
Apply
B740
Typical offer
104-120 points
Fees
From £9,790 pa
Course features
- Split your learning 50/50 across theory and practice, with 2,300+ hours of experience in both, as well as unique early clinical exposure in your first year on a professional values placement
- Practice in our state-of-the-art simulation facilities with ward spaces, GP consultation rooms, advanced mannequins, virtual reality, and electronic patient records
- Develop crucial skills in supporting mental health and wellbeing through our distinctive programme thread
- Experience the personalised support of a small, community-focused learning environment
- Get first-hand placement experience with expert practitioners and NHS trusts, through our close relationships with practice partners including Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust, Oxford Health, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHSTrust, Salisbury NHS, and Rowans Hospice
- As a nursing student at Winchester, you may also be eligible for financial assistance through the NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF)
- NMC-validated curriculum and eligible to apply for registration with the NMC on successful completion of your degree.
- The course uses the NHS Leadership Academy Maximising Leadership in the Pre-Registration Healthcare Curricula Framework to build leadership skills through a spiral curriculum
Course details
Our BN (Hons) Nursing (Adult) programme delivers the perfect balance of theory and practice required by the Nursing and Midwifery Council – 2,300 hours of each over your three years of study. The recently updated curriculum incorporates the latest developments in healthcare, including changes within the NHS and social care.
While your class contact hours, independent learning and placement activities will follow a structured pattern throughout the programme, here's what you can expect during your nursing journey at Winchester:
Year 1 (Level 4): Building Foundations
Kickstart your first year by studying alongside students from other nursing fields – adult, child and mental health. You'll develop essential therapeutic communication skills and start learning clinical procedures through regular simulation sessions. What sets Winchester apart is our early clinical exposure – you'll begin your first placement around November, focusing on professional values and communication skills, building your confidence from the start of your studies.
Teaching, learning and assessment: 196 hours
Independent learning: 569 hours
Placement: 760 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Developing Expertise
As you move into your second year, you'll specialise in adult nursing with field-specific modules. This year features our unique self-managed placement opportunity, where you can arrange experience in an area of special interest – whether that's international, in countries like Nepal and Ghana, or in specialised settings, such as private fertility clinics and Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Teaching, learning and assessment: 234 hours
Independent learning: 606 hours
Placement: 770 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Professional Application
Your final year focuses on leadership development, complex care management, and preparing for your transition to registered practice. You'll undertake longer, more challenging placements where you'll develop increased autonomy in patient care. Through our peer-to-peer learning system, you'll also have the opportunity to teach clinical skills to first-year students, enhancing your leadership abilities. The programme culminates in a final project that integrates your theoretical knowledge and practical experience, enabling you to pick a topic of interest and complete a service evaluation, a literature review, or audit in practice.
Teaching, learning and assessment: 174 hours
Independent learning: 526 hours
Placement: 800 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
The course uses the NHS Leadership Academy Maximising Leadership in the Pre-Registration Healthcare Curricula Framework to build leadership skills through a spiral curriculum.
Digital Literacy
Digital and technological literacy is a requirement for entry to all nursing programmes. In healthcare it is now seen as a vital tool and is used for managing patient records, assessment, research and education. It is also the most common and the preferred way we communicate with students on our programmes.
Applicants are required to apply through the UCAS system and all information exchange until starting the programme (such as interview arrangements, responding to offers and pre-course preparation) will be via digital platforms. The prospective student’s engagement in this activity will reflect the fundamental digital literacy requirements, which will then be developed through the programme itself. Students will be supported in the university to access learning opportunities using online and blended learning, as well as utilising digital platforms to prepare for and submit assignments.
Work placements
Work placements are a core part of this course and account for approximately 50% of the programme.
Learning and teaching
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars, you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester and the adjacent Royal Hampshire County Hospital site.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
25% coursework
23% written exams
52% practical exams
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
38% coursework
11% written exams
51% practical exams
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
35% coursework
10% written exams
55% practical exams
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures
Throughout all three years, you'll benefit from our smaller university setting where lecturers know you personally and provide tailored support – a standout feature of our course that has been specially commended by the NMC. Our teaching approach combines traditional methods with innovative techniques, and input from clinical experts and individuals with lived healthcare experiences. We understand that nursing education can be challenging, which is why we offer robust support systems, including personal tutoring, peer mentorship, and close collaboration with practice partners.
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions
Modules
This module introduces learners to the nursing profession, its underpinning values and the socio-political and economic drivers that impact on the practice landscape. It will also provide the opportunity for learners to explore their own values and beliefs and how they align to the profession they are entering. Learners will finally begin to understand the core principles of nursing care delivery as part of a multi-professional team. Learning in this module will be built upon at Level 5 (Part 2) within the Leading Self and Others in Personal & Professional Practice and Effective Nurse modules.
This module introduces students to the underpinning anatomical, physiological and behavioural science that helps the nurse to understand how the ‘well’ child or adult functions and their role in promoting a healthy lifestyle that maintains homeostasis.
Within your allocated placement areas, you will be required to achieve all the statements related to four areas of professional values: Prioritise People, Practise Effectively, Preserve Safety and Promote Professionalism and Trust. You will also be required to achieve all the ePAD Part 1 proficiencies, complete the reflection on an episode of care and demonstrate proficiency in medicines management. These will be signed as completed by your Practice and Academic Assessors.
Modules
This module builds on the profession of nursing and its values, the nursing process and external drivers in UK healthcare introduced in Leading Self in Personal and Professional Practice at Level 4. The module seeks to develop these to explore the leadership of both self and others, as well as the underpinnings of decision making in practice. This module will help to prepare the learner for undertaking The Transformational Adult/Child/Learning Disability/Mental Health Nurse at Level 6.
This module follows on from Nursing Sciences and Population Health 1, support learners to apply their knowledge of anatomical, physiological, and behavioural sciences to understand the ‘unwell’ child or adult and their role in health promotion to restore optimum wellbeing.
This module introduces you to Part 2 of the electronic Practice Assessment Document (ePAD), which requires apprentice/student nurses to more actively participate in care delivery with minimal guidance and perform with increased confidence and competence. Within your allocated placement area, you will be required to maintain achievement of all the statements related to four areas of professional values: Prioritise People, Practise Effectively, Preserve Safety and Promote Professionalism and Trust. These will be signed as completed by your Practice Assessor.
This module will develop knowledge and understanding of practice inquiry and the service improvement process, contextualised within a chosen topic area. Students will be exposed to a range of tools/approaches to systematic review of literature, change management and quality improvement used within healthcare. Students will critically appraise evidence from a range of sources to support a project proposal for their Year 3 project. This proposal will take the form of an audiovisual presentation of an academic poster.
This module provides you with an opportunity to identify an area for personal and professional development, which may be addressed through a self-managed placement experience. This module carries 120 hours of practice towards the requirements for NMC registration.
This module builds on the profession of nursing and its values, the nursing process and external drivers in UK healthcare introduced in Leading Self in Personal and Professional Practice at Level 4. The module seeks to apply these specifically to the field of Adult Nursing and prepare the learner for undertaking Transformative Adult Nursing Practice at Level 6.
Modules
This module builds on Part 2’s Leading Self and Others in Personal and Professional Practice Module and The Effective Adult Nurse modules. The aim of this module is to enable students to plan their transition towards becoming a newly qualified nurse (NQN), enhancing personal resilience, leadership, and decision-making skills. They will also prepare to become Practice Supervisors of the future. Students will also focus on the multifactorial needs of people who access services and the role of the adult nurse in supporting them in living well, as well as consider pharmacology and being ‘prescriber ready’ as a NQN.
This module introduces you to Part 3 of the electronic Practice Assessment Document (ePAD), which requires apprentice/student nurses to take a lead in care delivery with minimal guidance and perform with increased confidence and competence. Within your allocated placement area, you will be required to maintain achievement of all the statements related to four areas of professional values: Prioritise People, Practise Effectively, Preserve Safety and Promote Professionalism and Trust. These will be signed as completed by your Practice Assessor.
This module will allow students to develop and apply their learning from the Preparation for Evidence-Based Practice Inquiry module (Year 2) by completing their own project. The inquiry project may take one of two broad forms: an audit/service evaluation or an evidence-based practice dissertation.
Entry requirements
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Merit in a T Level
Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
Study in a science or social science graded at a C (A Level) / Merit (BTEC/CTEC/Access) or above is desirable, but not essential.
Other relevant non-UK qualifications, such as Irish FETAC/QQI pre-nursing courses will be considered.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest. GCSE A*- C or 9-4 pass in English Language and Mathematics is required (certified alternatives, such as Functional Skills level 2 will be considered).
Relevant Experience
We will look for evidence within your application of a commitment to the nursing profession and that your personal values align with the NHS Constitution and the University. Also desirable is prior care experience in a paid or voluntary capacity to demonstrate an informed decision to embark on a career in nursing.
Nursing Interview
Successfully shortlisted applicants to this course are normally expected to attend an interview at the University. Applicants from outside the UK can be interviewed via Microsoft Teams if preferred. The current interview process is as follows:
- Group activity/discussion
- Situation judgement activity
- Short one-to-one interview
Applicants are expected to show some knowledge of the NHS Constitution, the 6 C’s and The Code (NMC 2018) and invites to interview will direct prospective students to read these.
Interviews will be scheduled to last 3-4 hours and applicants are asked to ensure they allow enough time for this.
Additional Requirements
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance
- Occupational health clearance
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 6.5 overall with writing at a minimum of 6.0.
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.
2026/27 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Year 1* | £9,790 | £16,700 |
Additional tuition fee information
*(UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland) £9,790 for the 26/27 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. The fee is currently subject to a governmental fee cap for each academic year. It is our policy to charge tuition fees at the level of the cap set by the Government. If the cap set by the Government changes, then we may increase our Fees in line with governmental policy.
*(International) £16,700 for the 26/27 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. We decide the annual level of increase of our Tuition Fees by taking into account a range of factors including the cost of delivering the course and change in governmental funding.
Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £81.58 and a 15 credit module is £1,223. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £7,335
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.
Additional costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Mandatory:
One uniform will be provided but you are likely to require additional uniforms. Indicative cost: £30.
The University will pay for an occupational health assessment; however, you may need to pay for immunisations if they are not covered by your GP.
You will need a pair of suitable comfortable shoes while on clinical placement. Indicative cost: £40–£60.
You will need to purchase some of your own clinical items, for instance a stethoscope and fob watch. Indicative cost: £30.
You will need to be able to travel to your placement ‐ travel costs will be associated with this. Indicative cost: £40
All students who accept an offer for this course are required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check. Please note, the cost of the check is £49.50 and covering the cost is the responsibility of the student.
In addition to the check, all students are strongly encouraged to sign up to use the DBS Update Service [https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service] for the duration of their course. Students who fail to sign up to the Update Service may be required to complete and pay for an additional check during their course which may affect their ability to engage successfully with placements.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.
CAREER PROSPECTS
A BN (Hons) Nursing (Adult) degree from the University of Winchester opens doors to diverse and rewarding career opportunities across the healthcare sector. Our graduates are highly sought after by employers, with Winchester ranking in the top 25 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024, HESA).
Upon successful completion of the programme and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council , you'll be qualified to begin your career as an adult nurse in various settings, including:
- NHS hospitals and trusts
- Private healthcare clinics and hospitals
- GP surgeries and community healthcare
- Prison healthcare services
- International healthcare organisations
- Voluntary sector and charitable organisations
- Social care
Our alumni have gone on to develop successful careers in specialised areas such as women's health, with some becoming members of prestigious organisations like the Florence Nightingale Foundation and the Royal College of Nursing Student Council.
From your first year, we focus on building your employability through:
- Close relationships with practice partners including Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust, Oxford Health, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHSTrust, Salisbury NHS, and Rowans Hospice
- Employability champions who support your professional development
- Regular employability events with potential employers
- Your choice of authentic and relevant assessments designed to prepare you for real nursing practice
- Opportunities to engage with major incident workshops and specialised training
- Digital skills development with the latest healthcare technologies and simulation training
The skills you develop during your time at Winchester – from clinical expertise and effective communication to leadership and critical thinking – are exactly what today's healthcare employers seek. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, our graduates are critical thinkers, well-positioned to adapt and thrive, making meaningful contributions to evidence-based care and the nursing profession with patient safety at the core.
PRE-APPROVED FOR A MASTERS
If you study a Bachelor Honours degrees with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
Read about the International Nurses Day event 'Why I Still Love Nursing' hosted by the University. Julie Dawes, Chief Nurse at Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust, said the best thing about being a nurse was her colleagues. "I am inspired every day by the people I work with who regularly go above and beyond."
