Choose a career where you can make a difference every day. We will equip you to deliver exceptional care as a confident, capable and compassionate adult nurse.
This programme is a holistic learning experience, enabling students to become emotionally resilient and transformational Registered Nurses of the future. This is a full-time three year course and students will complete a range of modules to develop the fundamental knowledge and skills for safe effective nursing practice where the interests of people using or needing nursing services are put first.
Students develop an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of their chosen field of practice and recognise the principles of nursing across all fields and across the lifespan. Modules provide the foundation for students to develop a compassionate professionalism whereby they are trusted in the care they provide. Learning will be facilitated through a range of classroom-based activities, skills laboratories and by electronic means such as online learning, web-based training and technology-delivered instruction.
Join a degree accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). When you graduate, you'll be eligible to register and practise as a nurse, as long as you meet the NMC's requirements. Our nursing programmes are approved to the NMC's Future nurse: Standards of proficiency for registered nurses.
Nursing is challenging, satisfying and life-changing. This highly respected course represents your first step into a profession it is a privilege to join.
Ideal preparation for your career
We have a strong track record in providing high-quality and innovative nurse education. We help you develop an in-depth understanding of the demands and rewards of the role so that you are fully prepared to work with adult patients who have diverse, acute and chronic conditions.
Because this course is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, you will be eligible to register and practise as a nurse as soon as you graduate, as long as you meet the NMC's requirements. If you already hold a degree and are looking to qualify as a nurse, find out more about our MSc Nursing (Adult).
Specialist facilities
Both our Derby and Chesterfield sites offer outstanding including clinical skills suites built to professional standards, with replica wards, counselling rooms and treatment rooms fully equipped with the latest clinical resources.
Our state-of-the-art immersive simulated environments allow you to practise your skills in a realistic setting. These suites are the first university facilities of their kind outside London. They replicate the atmosphere and sights and sounds of, for instance, the inside of an ambulance, a busy A&E ward or an operating theatre. They will give you a greater understanding of clinical decision-making in action.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
So that you are fully prepared for your career, we ensure that your skills and knowledge match current working practices in health and social care. The practical abilities you develop on placement will be underpinned and extended by the knowledge you gain through lectures, tutorials, workshops and simulated practice activities.
We harness latest technology in all aspects of the course. Modules are linked to the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), so that you have 24-hour access to relevant resources both on and off campus. We also capture ‘live’ lectures via Panopto which you can view at times that suit you via the VLE.
In addition, our students benefit from access to a range on line resources such as Clinical Skills Net, an online resource offering video tutorials in essential clinical skills. The anatomy and physiology content of the programme is supported in a similar way through WhileyPLUS.
How you’re assessed
There are a diverse range of authentic assessments within the programme. Assessments are aligned to module learning outcomes and support students to build academic skill and professional development. Assessment feedback and feedforward mechanisms encourage dialogue, provide action plans, and utilise academic, student, and practice support staff where required. This ensures that students are fit for practice, purpose, award, and professional standing on completion of the award.
Each assessment within the programme has the following underpinning characteristics:
- Each assessment has value and distinct relevance to professional nursing practice.
- They support development and progression through the programme.
- Each assessment focuses on supporting students to meet the NMC standards for registration.
- They support the application of theory to practice.
- The assessment process is transparent, and students receive timely and constructive feedback to support their success.
Assessment of practice learning is recorded in the Practice Assessment Document (MYEPAD), which is designed to support and guide students towards successfully achieving the criteria set out in the Future nurse: Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses and Standards for Education and Training (NMC 2018). The MYEPAD is a regionally validated document developed collaboratively with other local universities. The University of Derby continues to work in partnership to support a consistent approach to student supervision and assessment.
Who you will meet
You will be taught by qualified health professionals with extensive experience of nursing and leadership roles. They have proven, sustained track records in higher education teaching, with most holding Fellowships of the Higher Education Academy.
Our staff keep up to date with latest developments in the sector by undertaking continuing professional development as part of their registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Research is an integral part of our work and we make key contributions to the University’s Health and Social Care Research Centre. There may even be opportunities for you to work alongside our researchers to gain an insight into the value of research.
The teaching team is supported by ‘experts by experience’ – leading practitioners who regularly share their knowledge in teaching sessions at the University, together with clinical staff from our placement providers.
On completion of the programme, students are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC link) in their field of practice. Students have five years to register their award with the Nursing and Midwifery Council following completion of the programme. A variety of careers and career pathways are open to Registered Nurses and may choose to work in hospitals, community services, primary care services, mental health services, children’s services, learning disability services, general practice, and private, voluntary, and independent services across the NHS or other health and care organisations.
Graduates of the programme may wish to return to academic study, further developing their skills and knowledge to undertake a range of specialist or advanced roles. There is a wide offer of post-registration provision within the College of Health, Psychology, and Social Care, and many students chose to return to the University of Derby for postgraduate study; at masters and doctoral level and for continuing professional development.
2025 entry
These are the typical qualification requirements for the 2025-26 academic year which includes September 2025 and January 2026 entry.
may apply to students who meet certain criteria.
| Requirement | What we're looking for | | UCAS points | 112 |
| A Level | BBC |
| T Level | Merit |
| BTEC | DMM |
| GCSE | GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification |
| Access to HE | Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with the equivalent of 112 UCAS points. |
| English language requirements | IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each skills area) |
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course, our admissions team may offer you an alternative course that will enable you to continue in your aspirations towards becoming a registered nurse.
*The University will accept the Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship in lieu of UCAS points or level 3 qualification requirements.*
Students should apply for the full degree programme and our admissions team will get in touch with you after the interview stage if this pathway is suitable for you.
Health or care experience that demonstrates insight into the professional values and behaviours associated with health and care environments is desirable.
Additional entry requirements
2025/26
| | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £9,535 per year | N/A |
| International | £16,900 per year | N/A |
Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Course updates
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
Minimum numbers
Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.
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