UCAS Applications
You apply for nursing courses, whether at diploma or degree level, through UCAS. You can choose up to five courses and can select a combination of degrees and diplomas. Use the 'Course Search' to find available courses.
Check the 'when to apply' page to make sure that you apply by the relevant deadline. Some courses have earlier start dates than others, for example, some diploma courses can start as early as January. If you want to apply for a course that starts before September, you must check with the universities and colleges if you need to apply before the 15 January deadline.
(If you're applying for January to May start dates its best to apply very early in September - November if you want to get a place)
Entry Requirements
There are currently no national minimum academic entry requirements for entry into nursing courses. As a consequence, each higher education institution (HEI) running courses sets it’s own criteria. All applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of literacy and numeracy. It is therefore essential that applicants check with each University directly before applying to see if their qualifications meet its entry standard.
However as a general guide, Universities look for the following qualifications or their equivalent:
Diploma in higher education (Dip HE) courses
For entry onto a Dip HE programme, you will usually need a minimum of around five GCSEs or equivalent at grade C or above. These would typically need to include English language or literature and a science subject.
New entrants to the nursing profession from September 2013 will have to study a degree. However, diploma courses will be phased out between September 2011 and early 2013. For example, some universities will only offer the new degree programme from September 2011, where others will continue to offer the diploma and current degree programmes throughout 2011 and 2012. By September 2013, all nursing programmes will be degree-only. (Which is already the case in Wales)
Universities are currently working with their placement providers to decide when they will move over to the new programme and applicants will need to contact their local universities nearer the time of their application to see which programmes they are offering. This announcement does not affect those currently undertaking nursing courses or those applying for courses for 2010.
Degree courses
For entry onto a degree programme, you will usually need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above (typically including English language or literature and a science subject), plus two/three A’ levels or equivalent.
Accelerated programmes for graduates
Applicants will typically be expected to hold a first or second class honours degree in a subject that is relevant to nursing. Examples of relevant subjects are biological sciences, social sciences, psychology, behavioural sciences, and health studies. Other degree subjects will be considered by the individual HEI, based on the amount of relevant content.
Alternatives to GCSEs and A levels
The NHS and education sector encourages applications from people with a wide range of academic and vocational qualifications.
Examples of qualifications that may be accepted for entry for diploma programmes include five CSE's grade 1; five SCE Standard grade 1's (Scotland); NVQ level 3; GNVQ intermediate level plus one GCSE/GCE O level, grades A-C.
Examples of qualifications that may be accepted for entry for degree programmes include GNVQ advanced level or NVQ level 3; SVQ level 3; GSVQ level 3 (Scotland); EDEXCEL Foundation (BTEC) National or higher national diploma.
Applicants who left full-time education some time ago may be required to give evidence of successful recent academic study, such as a QAA accredited access to higher education course or equivalent.
Support Workers
Staff working in more advanced support roles - such as those at assistant practitioner level, might be able to gain secondment from their employer onto a pre-registration programme.
Cadet schemes and apprenticeships
Some trusts run cadet schemes, which can lead to entry onto a pre-registration programme in nursing. Increasingly, cadet schemes are being replaced by apprenticeships – such as those in health and social care. For more information check the NHS website.
Age
There is no legal minimum age requirement or upper age limit for entry onto pre-registration nursing programmes.
Criminal convictions
If you take up a place on a pre-registration nursing programme, the NMC requires you to have a criminal records check. The Criminal Records Bureau carries out these checks. You must confirm on your application that you agree to a Criminal Records Bureau check, because the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act do not apply. If your programme 'involves regularly caring for or being in sole charge of children', you are also required to have a Protection of Children Act List check before you begin your clinical placement.
If you have a criminal conviction or a police caution, this will not automatically bar you from working in the NHS, as each conviction is considered in the light of all relevant circumstances.
Other criteria
All Universities must satisfy themselves that applicants to pre-registration programmes are of good health and good character sufficient for safe and effective practice as a nurse. A satisfactory health clearance for all applicants will be required. If you have a particular problem that you think may affect your ability to work or study, or if you have any questions about health requirements, contact the University to which you plan to apply.
Anyone have any other questions feel free to post in this forum...
Subject: Applying to UCAS 
Sat Feb 13, 2010 1:12 pm