Nursing is an enduring profession that is always in demand and respected globally. This medical profession comes with assorted job options along with career security. Indian students who are aspiring to pursue nursing in UK, this will be your dream guide to the nursing study and career options in UK
Why study nursing in UK
If you are not aware of the tremendous benefits of study nursing, here are a few points that will change your idea about nursing forever:
Vibrant career options: Nursing is not only about hospitals but this profession has flexible and versatile career options. Prison nursing, teaching, research, forensic nursing, homecare, and more, students can choose any nursing career path that interests them the most.
Highly respected profession: Nursing is rewarding career options that involve caring for patients when they are in poor health condition. This is a profession of healing and saving lives. Thus, along with money this profession receives the respect and blessing of people. Nurses have a significant role in shaping the healthcare domain.
Job security: Nursing is a stable career option that is well paid worldwide. Registered nurses in UK on average earn between 33,000 GBP to 35,000 GBP. The nursing career in NHS offers you 100% job security with benefits like fixed work hours, paid holidays, payable training programs, and more.
High in Demand: Unfortunately, U.K is unable to fulfill the highly increasing demand for nurses in the healthcare sector. Thus, UK is inviting skilled nurses throughout the globe to serve the country. Students aspiring to pursue nursing in UK can expect high career growth.
Required skills for nurses in UK
To pursue this fast-paced and rewarding profession you need to be highly skilled and passionate about your nursing occupation. Some of the skills that you must possess for having a successful nursing career are:
- Communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Technical skills
- Clinical skills
During your Bachelor’s and Master’s nursing programs the institute will focus on incorporating these skills in you. Additionally, you must be morally and ethically sophisticated.
Nursing Career option in UK
Nursing is a vast profile that can take you anywhere. You can think of pursuing nursing career in numerous fields like
- Adult nurse
- Health visitor
- High-intensity therapist
- Learning disability nurse
- Paramedic
- Mental Health nurse
- Midwife
- Children’s nurse
UG and PG level nursing programs in UK
There are hundreds of nursing course options international students can study in UK. Some of the common nursing areas that can interest you are:
- Mental health nursing
- Adult nursing
- Child nursing
- Learning disability nursing
Nursing programs for international students
Indian students interested in getting a UK nursing degree must complete Overseas Nursing Program during their study course. On completing the ONP program international students become registered Nurses in UK. Students must remember that you cannot practice nursing in UK without registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). ONP can be an integrated part of your Bachelor’s of nursing or Master courses as the international nursing program.
A few of the top universities in UK that offer nursing programs to international students are:
- King’s College London
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Liverpool
- University of Surrey
- The University of Glasgow
UG level nursing in UK – Entry Requirement, cost, and duration
Most of the undergraduate level nursing programs in UK are of 3 years. Yet, the duration of a Bachelor’s of Nursing can also extend to 4 years depending upon the course type.
A few of the courses that you can pursue after completing your 12th in science stream are:
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Adult Nursing
- Sc. in nursing
- Bachelor in Medical Science
- Sc. in professional and adult nursing
- Bachelors of Midwifery
Nursing is a vocational type course which means students get enough exposure in their field of work. Students can also expect to enroll into paid training which helps in reducing financial stress.
The course fee for nursing programs can range from 14,000 GBP to 30,000 GBP.
On completing undergraduate level nursing, students can expect to earn anywhere from 22,000 to 30,112 GBP in the initial years of their training.
Entry requirement to study UG level nursing in UK
- 10th and 12th mark sheet with minimum 65% score in science-based subjects
- Proof of IELTS score with overall 6 and no less than 5.5 in each of the module
- Students can also show TOEFL and PTE scores equivalent to IELTS
The entry requirement for each university may vary. The students must consult with an interested university for complete admission detail.
On completing a Bachelor’s of nursing in the UK Indian student can either chose to do a job in a relevant field or they can opt for a Masters level program to gain specialization in their field of nursing.
PG level nursing in UK- Entry requirement, cost, duration, and career scope
Masters level nursing in UK for international students can offer you the opportunity to gain advanced development in your career. Having a Master’s degree in nursing will increase your level and salary compare to nursing at the graduate level.
M.Sc. nursing in UK can be a 1 to 3 years program depending upon the field of specialization. A few of the master’s programs that you chose with relevancy to your Bachelor’s program are:
- MSc in clinical science
- MSc in research nursing
- MSc in advance nursing
- MSc of medical science in nursing studies
- MSc in Adult nursing
The course fee for Msc nursing can range from 10,000 GBP to 40,000 GBP. Your study expenses for M.sc Nursing in UK completely rely on course type, its duration, university, and location.
On completing your Master of nursing in UK, international students can expect to get a band 5 to band 7 level jobs. The average salary for PG level nurses in UK can fall anywhere between 24,000 GBP to 100,000 GBP per year.
General Msc nursing entry requirements for study in UK
- Proof of UG level degree in the relevant field with scores no less than 70%
- Transcripts of UG and 12 standards
- IELTS score – overall 7 with no less than 6.5 in any of the module
- 1 to 2 years of experience (if required)
- Registration proof with respective country from where Bachelor of nursing is obtained
- 2 to 3 recommendation letter
- Statement of purpose
The entry requirement for each university can drastically vary. Thus, students are advised to check the entry requirement with the concerned university.
Scholarship for nursing in UK
UK government offers a range of scholarships and financial aid to international students from different countries. A few institutes also provide financial assistance at the individual level. Below is the list of a few of the Scholarship programs UK provide to international students:
- Scotland’s Saltire Scholarship
- Queen’s Loyalty Scholarship
- Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship
- International Excellence Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
Scope of nursing in UK
Nurses in UK have incredible job opportunities and career scope. On becoming a registered UK nurse, you can explore a range of Job prospects depending upon your skills and interest. Below is a list of job opportunities you can look at in your nursing career:
- Nursing counselor
- Management
- Care assistant
- Clinic navigator
- Clinical application specialist
- Critical care Nurse
- Nurse Educator
- Director
- Midwife nurse
- Nursing coordinator
- Nursing Supervisor
- Nursing service instructor
Practice requirement
International students who want to practice nursing in UK must obtain registration from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) of UK. Completing your UG or PG level nursing study intergraded with the Overseas nursing program in UK gets you registered as UK nurse on finishing your course.
Interested in study nursing in UK? Get a detailed idea about nursing options, career opportunities, and entry requirements in UK from pioneer UK study visa consultant. West Highlander is a British council certified education consultant agency that can assist you with a free profile assessment and can consult you about study options and visa processing in UK.