Entry requirements
Our typical offer is 112 UCAS points from a minimum of two A Levels or equivalent, which must include a Health or Science related subject. Please note we do not accept General Studies AS or A Level.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS Tariff calculator.
We also require at least five passes at GCSE grade C or above which must include Mathematics and English Language or equivalent. If you have studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade then you will need to achieve a grade 4 or above.
Please note we are unable to accept applications from outside of the EU. You can find other acceptable qualifications in our Applying help and advice articles.
Your completed application form will be reviewed by our Admissions Team to ensure that you have the required entry qualifications. If you meet these requirements, then your application will be individually assessed by the Adult Nursing Practice Admissions Tutor and if successful you will be shortlisted for interview.
The selection process will include an individual interview and a group activity which will assess you on your values, problem solving and communication skills. There will also be a numeracy and literacy test which you must pass.
Second Reference: You will be asked to provide a second written reference as part of the interview process. The reference can be from your current employer, character reference (e.g. former employer, colleague, teacher, advisor, etc.) or from a supervisor at a voluntary role. You will be asked to bring this along to your interview.
If you are currently employed in a clinical setting the reference should be from your employer. Please note this must not be the same reference you have submitted as part of your application.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL): This is available to applicants who meet the course-specific APL requirements. It may apply to applicants who wish to transfer their nursing studies from another university where they have achieved 120 credits at Level 4. Applicants who have significant healthcare experience and can demonstrate that they have achieved the learning outcomes of the first year of the course may also be eligible. Applications will only be considered for second-year entry. Please note that NHS funding is not currently transferable and student fees will be applicable.
Access: We would be looking for a combination of merit and distinctions in your level 3 units which should preferably include some units in a Health or a Science related subject. We also require a minimum of grade C in maths and English language or equivalent. If you have studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade then you will need to achieve a grade 4 or above.
Fitness to Practise: Nursing is a registered health care profession for which the ability to practise safely and effectively and professionally is essential, so all nursing applicants will be subjected to Fitness to Practise procedures.
This means you are required to complete two self-declaration forms, one about your health and the other about your conduct. For UK students you will also be required to obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If you are successful, you will also need to complete these self-declaration forms on an annual basis for the duration of the course.
A Fitness to Practise information pack containing the relevant documents will be sent to you by the University of Sunderland once you hold a conditional firm offer with us. These forms are then reviewed alongside your application, and you must meet both the academic and fitness to practise requirements before you will be given an unconditional offer.
These checks enable us to make safer recruitment decisions by identifying candidates who may be unsuitable for certain activities including the nursing practice placements. The University will take into account current NMC regulations and do all it can to accommodate the needs of undergraduate adult nursing candidates who declare a specific learning difficulty.
In addition, you will also be required to attend a full occupational health screening.
If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.
For September 2019 and April 2020 entry:
Please use one of the following UCAS codes when applying:
- Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust B7S1
- Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust B7S3
For September 2020 entry:
Please apply via UCAS using the UCAS code B7S5. At interview, you will be asked to rank your preferred Trust, which will then be confirmed once you start the course.
Fees and finance
The full-time annual fee for this course is:
- £9,250 if you are from the UK or EU
Please note we are not presently accepting international applicants to this programme.
If you are not sure whether you qualify as a UK, EU or international student, find out more in our Help and Advice article.
If you currently serve (or have recently served) within the Armed Forces, then the Ministry of Defence's ELCAS scheme may be able to help cover your funding for this course. For more information, see our Funding for Armed Forces personnel page.
Take a look at the Your Finances area to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.
This information was correct at the time of publication.
