Nursing Studies
Factfile
| Typical Entry Requirements | Degree: A level grades BBB-BBC (300-280 points) |
|---|---|
| Required Subjects | Degree: A science A level is desirable. |
| English Language Requirements | An IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent for non-native-English speaking applicants. |
| Other Entry Requirements | Admission to this programme is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) Section 4 (2) (Exemptions) Order 1975 and DHSS Circular HC (88)9 guidelines regarding police checks and child protection. Offers are conditional upon satisfactory health and fitness for practice screening, references, successful Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) clearance, and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) clearance. Admission is also subject to eligibility for an NHS bursary. Information is available online: International students should contact the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences to check their eligibility for the NHS bursary. Candidates should have the ability to follow a shift pattern covering 24 hours a day and seven days a week, and be able to meet travel requirements. Candidates are encouraged to gain practical work experience in a care setting prior to undertaking the programme. All programmes and places are subject to commissioning numbers from the local Strategic Health Authority. All applicants should be able to demonstrate evidence of study within the last five years. |
|---|---|
| Other Suitable Qualifications | A wide range of other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis such as BTEC National Diploma (in a health-related subject), HNC/HND, International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish qualifications, Access Diplomas and Foundation courses (preferably science or health-related). |
| Planned Intake | Adult Nursing: Degree 45, Diploma 270 |
| Selection Process | NHS nursing staff, as well as University staff, are involved in selection. We do not include General Studies in our offers. Suitable candidates will be invited for an interview. During the visit to the University the candidate can find out more about the programme and meet staff and students. Applications from mature students are welcomed. |
Please note that we are no longer able to offer the Diploma of Higher Education/BSc (Ordinary) Degree in Child Nursing (UCAS code 3360). However we are still offering the BSc (Hons) Degree in Child Nursing.
Our programmes offer you the opportunity to gain professional registration in a branch of nursing, together with a BSc (Hons) Degree or a Diploma of Higher Education. Whichever pathway you choose to follow, the programme combines theory and practice elements, and is delivered in a supportive and stimulating learning environment.
As a student nurse at Surrey, you will have all the benefits of studying in one of the UK’s leading universities, as well as those which result from joining one of our local NHS Trusts for your practice experience.
A video introduction to mental health nursing
If you're interested in mental health nursing, watch our video introduction.
Further information
Degree Programmes
BSc (Hons) Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing | B744 | 3 years |
| BSc (Hons) Child Nursing | B745 | 3 years |
| BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing | B760 | 3 years |
Diploma of Higher Education/BSc (Ordinary) Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma of Higher Education/BSc (Ordinary) Adult Nursing | 3060 | 3 years |
| Diploma of Higher Education/BSc (Ordinary) Mental Health Nursing | 3160 | 3 years |
Our Degrees
Both our Degree and Diploma programmes lead to professional nurse registration. Both are equally divided between academic study and practical experience. The BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies programme also has an extended project within the third year, further developing research skills, an understanding of the scientific basis of nursing, and management and communication skills.
Opportunities exist for Diploma students who perform well in both academic study and practice to proceed to a BSc with the agreement of the programme team.
Our Nursing programmes are taught by experienced nurse tutors and academics from a variety of disciplines. To ensure seamless links between theory and practice, all staff work very closely with colleagues in local NHS Trusts and related services. Each student has a personal tutor to support them during their programme.
We have nationally recognised leaders and researchers, and all our teaching staff are committed to ensuring that you have the best possible experience, enabling you to emerge as confident, competent professionals.
You are allocated a specific NHS Trust area for your practice placements. You will therefore benefit from consistent support from registered nurses qualified to be student mentors. They will guide your learning on a day-to-day basis, helping you to achieve your learning targets. Very positive experiences in practice lead many of our students to obtain employment in their Trusts at the end of the programme.
Programme dates and holidays
The programmes run over 45 weeks each year with seven weeks’ holiday, usually at Christmas, Easter and during the summer. The length of the programme year and the holiday entitlement is a requirement of the professional regulation for nurse education.
Programme Overview
Working in the caring professions is exciting and challenging and opens the door to a variety of career prospects. We aim to develop articulate and confident practitioners who are able to use information and research to make professional judgements and deliver best practice to clients. We will ensure that you are prepared to practise safely and effectively, meeting the competencies required by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
The Nursing programmes are 50 per cent theory and 50 per cent practice. Our Common Foundation Programme will provide you with a solid grounding in all the key areas necessary for successful completion of your chosen branch programme. You will be introduced to the key sciences in nursing (biosciences, sociology and psychology) as well as topics such as assessment, care planning and communication, and law and ethics. Additional study skills are available to help support your learning, such as library skills and electronic searching, essay writing and mathematics.
Following completion of the Common Foundation Programme, the second- and third-year modules which you will study vary depending on your chosen branch of nursing.
Within the third year students on the nursing diploma programme will complete a four-week ‘elective enquiry’, which provides an opportunity to explore an aspect of care which is of particular interest.
Professional Training
You will be allocated a specific NHS Trust (in Surrey, West Sussex, Middlesex or North Hampshire) in which you will undertake your practice experience. You will be prepared for this at the beginning of the programme by time spent in the safe environment of our skills laboratory, only going out to nurse patients and clients when you have satisfactorily completed instruction in fundamental clinical skills. As you progress through the programme and your skills and confidence develop, you will be encouraged to perform increasingly complex activities in practice until you are considered by your mentors and teachers to be competent for registration at the end of your third year.
Ten reasons to study Nursing Studies at Surrey
- We are a leading UK academic centre for the education of health professionals
- Our state-of-the-art academic building is one of the country’s best equipped educational centres
- Our purpose-designed skills laboratories facilitate a range of teaching and learning techniques
- We provide high quality teaching and research
- You will gain theoretical and practical knowledge to become a competent registered nurse
- Strong scientific and clinical foundations prepare you to practise with confidence
- Our programmes lead to career opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings
- University accommodation is normally available for all first year students
- Placements will be in both hospital and community settings
- A mixture of continuous assessment and examinations is used for both theoretical and practical experience
Top for Jobs
Of all known graduates and diplomates in 2008, none were still seeking employment six months after completion. Our Nursing students have gone on to work all over the world as well as in the UK.
Career Opportunities
Nursing is the largest healthcare profession in the country and nurses play a role in the delivery of most healthcare services. Although many qualified nurses work in hospitals, nurses can also work in general practice surgeries, community settings, home healthcare, outpatient day surgeries, nursing homes, schools, mental health agencies, hospices, the military and industry. Many of our graduates and diplomates are initially employed by the NHS Trust where they had their practice experiences, before going on to further studies and employment opportunities. Some nurses develop careers in education or in research, promoting advances in many areas of healthcare and health promotion practice. For more information about careers, visit: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
Teaching
We know students learn most effectively when a variety of teaching methods are used. You will spend some time in formal lecture theatre settings as part of a large group, but also in smaller groups in classrooms. Student-led learning is an important component of our programmes and uses techniques such as enquiry-based learning and seminars. We also use e-learning techniques for further support. Discussion groups, presentations and demonstrations are also used to enhance your learning.
The branch programmes are led by registered nurses who are qualified teachers and highly experienced in their specialised areas. Up-to-date lectures and other classroom learning, as well as personal tutor groups, will support and enhance your knowledge and understanding of what happens in practice.
Assessment
We use a variety of methods to assess you at various points in the programme. As well as written work, there are multiple choice questions, student presentations, examinations and case study work. In practice you are required to build a portfolio of your experiences, demonstrating how you have met your learning agreement and the particular learning outcomes for the module. You are also required to show an understanding of and development towards the professional behaviour expected of a registered nurse.
Contact Details
T: 0800 980 3200 or +44 (0)1483 681681
What our students say
Graduate Profile: Rebecca Tolmon
BSc Adult Nursing
I chose to come to Surrey because the University seemed welcoming and friendly from my very first visit. There is an air of encouragement and professionalism, the facilities are excellent, and the building and equipment are all easily accessible. Surrey gives the impression that it means business, and expects high standards from its students.
Everything you could possibly need is available on campus, from writing paper to fresh fruit. There is also a really nice community spirit on campus, and always help at hand if you should need it. The Security Department is like having a ‘dad’ on campus; they really look out for you.
My training has been varied and well structured which allowed me to explore new experiences whilst having the safety net of my tutors, who are always available with help, advice or a shoulder to cry on. Nothing can prepare you for your first trauma call, or losing a patient, but your personal tutor will help you make sense of the situation.
My programme has given me flexibility, professionalism and pride in being a Surrey nurse. I feel I have an excellent starting point in adult nursing, from which I can build my skills and experiences.
When I started the course I just wanted to be a qualified nurse, and I wasn’t interested in further studies and qualifications. Now I can’t wait to continue with professional courses and more studying. I am going to miss university so much!
