Entry Requirement for Nursing
Entry Requirements for Adult Nursing Degrees
Standard Academic Requirements
Prospective nursing students typically need:
5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including:
English Language/Literature
Science (Biology/Human Biology preferred)
Plus one of the following Level 3 qualifications:
2-3 A Levels (BBB-BCC typically required)
Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers (BBBCC-BBBBB)
International Baccalaureate (28-32 points)
BTEC/CTEC Extended Diploma (DDM-DMM)
Alternative Pathways
Universities may accept:
Access to HE Diploma (Nursing/Healthcare) T Levels (Health/Healthcare Science) Apprenticeships (Level 3 Healthcare) Work Experience (2+ years in healthcare roles)
Note: Many institutions accept mixed qualifications (e.g., 1 A Level + BTEC)
Key Considerations
University Variations
60% require Biology/Chemistry at A Level
40% accept Psychology/Sociology instead
Some waive science requirements for Access course graduates
Additional Requirements
Occupational Health Check
Enhanced DBS Clearance
Vaccination Status (Hepatitis B, MMR, etc.)
Interview (Values-based selection)
International Students
IELTS 7.0 (with 6.5 in all components)
Qualification equivalency checks via UK ENIC
Application Advice
UCAS Tariff Calculator: Verify your points
University Websites: Check exact subject requirements
Nursing Open Days: Discuss alternative routes
UCAS Hub: Compare course requirements
“Many successful nurses enter via Access courses – your life experience matters as much as academic results.”
Nursing vs Healthcare Management: Career Comparison
1. Who It’s For
| Nursing | Healthcare Management |
|---|---|
| Ideal for those who enjoy direct patient care | Suited for those interested in operational leadership |
| Work with patients who are ill, injured, or disabled | Manage hospitals, GP surgeries, or community services |
| Focus on clinical skills & bedside care | Focus on budgeting, service quality, and team leadership |
2. Typical Responsibilities
| Nursing | Healthcare Management |
|---|---|
| Administering medications & treatments | Overseeing healthcare service delivery |
| Monitoring patient conditions | Managing budgets & resource allocation |
| Providing emotional support | Implementing policies & compliance standards |
| Collaborating with doctors & therapists | Leading staff & improving operational efficiency |
3. Work Schedule
| Nursing | Healthcare Management |
|---|---|
| 37.5 hrs/week (shifts incl. nights/weekends) | Office hours (Mon–Fri, 9–5 typically) |
| On-call duties for emergencies | Occasional overtime for project deadlines |
| Rotating shifts in hospitals/clinics | Hybrid/remote options in some roles |
4. Salary Expectations
| Nursing (NHS Band 5–8) | Healthcare Management (NHS Band 7–9) |
|---|---|
| Newly Qualified: £27,055–£32,934 | Entry-Level Manager: £36,302–£42,373 |
| Experienced (Specialist): £35,572–£43,772 | Senior Manager: £78,629–£99,437 |
| Advanced Practitioners: Up to £54,619 | Director-Level: £90,000+ |
5. Career Progression
| Nursing | Healthcare Management |
|---|---|
| → Staff Nurse → Senior Nurse → Matron | → Department Manager → Clinical Lead → CEO |
| Specialize in areas like ICU, Pediatrics | Focus on Finance, Policy, or Operations |
| Requires ongoing clinical training | Needs leadership/MBA qualifications |
Alternative to a nursing degree
Health and Social Care is a massive industry, with new government investment and initiatives contributing to its growth and giving it a higher profile than ever. These developments mean there is likely to be a demand for well-trained, multi-skilled people.
If you want to work in a role that makes a difference in people’s lives you have probably considered a qualification in the healthcare industry. Depending on your preference, you may be thinking about working on the business side of healthcare or the clinical, nursing side.