Nursing BN (Hons) | September 2027 entry | Courses

About this course

Studying Nursing at Liverpool offers a strong foundation for a rewarding healthcare career, combining lifelong learning opportunities with a clear emphasis on nursing leadership. You will develop robust theoretical knowledge alongside extensive clinical experience across a range of healthcare settings, preparing you to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care in today’s complex health services.

Introduction

Adult Nursing at Liverpool blends academic study with extensive clinical practice across the Merseyside and Cheshire region, equipping you for modern health and social care environments.

Throughout the course, you will be supported to become a confident, critical, and evidence-informed practitioner. You will learn to evaluate and enhance clinical practice while consistently delivering high-quality, person-centred care.

You will also develop into a culturally aware, digitally fluent, and highly employable graduate, with strong leadership potential and a commitment to global health perspectives.

On successful completion of the programme, you will be eligible to apply for registration as an Adult Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

What you'll learn

Deliver safe, compassionate care to individuals with a wide range of physical and mental health needs
Support families and carers as part of holistic, person-centred care
Develop professional, ethical, and legally accountable nursing practice
Plan, coordinate, and manage effective care delivery
Engage in continuous personal and professional development
Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams
Identify, assess, and respond to the public health needs of local and wider communities.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

Building the foundations of your nursing career. In your first year, you will begin your journey towards becoming a confident and compassionate nurse. You will develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional values needed to provide safe, effective and person-centred care.

From the start of the programme, you will gain valuable practical experience through clinical placements. You will undertake an initial four-week placement in an acute healthcare setting, followed by two additional placements in a range of practice environments. These experiences will help you apply your learning in real-world settings, develop confidence in caring for patients and build the professional skills expected of a registered nurse.

Alongside your placements, you will learn the fundamental clinical skills required for nursing practice and explore the role of the nurse within today’s healthcare system. You will develop effective communication and interpersonal skills, learn about the history and evolution of nursing, and begin to understand the professional responsibilities of the nursing profession.

A dedicated practice module will support your development throughout the year, helping you reflect on your experiences, build professional confidence and prepare for future placements.

You will also explore how the human body works, how illness affects health and wellbeing, and how behavioural, legal and ethical factors influence nursing care. Together, these modules will provide the strong foundation needed for success throughout the programme and your future nursing career.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.

Year two

In your second year, you will build on the foundations established in year one, developing the knowledge, skills and confidence required to care for people with increasingly complex health needs across a range of healthcare settings. You will also explore the role of public health and the wider determinants of health, gaining an understanding of how social, economic and environmental factors influence health and wellbeing. You will strengthen your ability to assess, plan, deliver and evaluate care for individuals across the lifespan, supporting people experiencing a wide variety of physical and mental health conditions. Through a combination of academic learning and clinical practice, you will develop greater clinical judgement, critical thinking and confidence in your decision-making.

A key focus of the year is caring for individuals with serious and complex illnesses. You will learn how to undertake holistic assessments, prioritise care effectively and work collaboratively with patients, families and multidisciplinary teams to achieve the best possible outcomes. These experiences will help you develop the professional skills needed to respond to the challenges and complexities of contemporary healthcare, while beginning to build the leadership and teamwork skills required to coordinate care and contribute effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

You will also explore the role of evidence and research in professional nursing practice, gaining an understanding of research methods, data collection and analysis, and the ethical principles that underpin healthcare research. This will enable you to critically evaluate evidence and apply research-informed approaches to improve patient care and outcomes.

Practice learning continues to play a central role in your development. Through a range of placements, you will gain experience in diverse healthcare environments, further developing your clinical skills, professional confidence and understanding of the nurse’s role. You may also have the opportunity to undertake an elective placement, allowing you to explore an area of nursing that particularly interests you and broaden your experience of healthcare practice.

By the end of year two, you will be able to deliver and coordinate care with increasing confidence, apply evidence to support your decision-making, demonstrate emerging leadership skills, and contribute to improving health outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

Year three

Prepare for professional practice and leadership. Your final year is designed to prepare you for the transition from student nurse to registered professional, building the confidence, leadership skills and clinical expertise needed to thrive in contemporary health and social care settings.

You will further enhance your knowledge and understanding of complex and advanced nursing care, enabling you to assess needs, plan, deliver and evaluate care for individuals with a wide range of acute, long-term and complex health conditions. Particular emphasis is placed on caring for people with advanced clinical needs, including those requiring palliative and end-of-life care, ensuring you are equipped to provide compassionate, person-centred support during some of life’s most challenging circumstances.

As you progress through the year, you will strengthen your leadership, decision-making and care coordination skills, preparing you to take increasing responsibility for managing and delivering care. You will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, contribute to service delivery, and develop the confidence to support newer learners as part of your preparation for professional practice.

A key feature of the final year is undertaking a dissertation focused on an area of nursing practice that interests you. With guidance and support from experienced academic staff, you will develop a research project that enables you to critically evaluate evidence, explore an area of professional interest and contribute to the future development of nursing care.

Practice learning remains central to your final year. Through two extended placements, you will consolidate your clinical skills, demonstrate increasing independence and apply your learning in real-world healthcare environments. These experiences will help prepare you for the responsibilities of registered practice and the next stage of your nursing career.

By the end of Year Three, you will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, professional values and leadership capabilities needed to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care and begin your career as a confident and compassionate registered nurse.

Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

Our Nursing programme combines academic study with practical experience, helping you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to succeed as a future registered nurse.

You will learn through a variety of engaging teaching methods designed to support your development as an independent and lifelong learner. Teaching is delivered through interactive lectures, seminars, tutorials, small-group discussions, role-play activities and guided independent study.

Practical learning is a key feature of the programme. You will develop and refine your clinical skills in our specialist skills facilities, including the Florence Nightingale Simulation Suites, where realistic scenarios provide a safe and supportive environment to practise and build confidence before applying your learning in clinical settings.

From your first year, you will apply your learning in practice through a range of placements across health and social care settings. These experiences will enable you to develop your clinical skills, build professional confidence and gain valuable insight into the realities of contemporary nursing practice.

You will also benefit from interprofessional learning opportunities alongside students from other healthcare disciplines, helping you develop an understanding of different professional roles and the collaborative approaches that are essential to delivering high-quality patient care.

How you're assessed

Our assessment strategy is designed to reflect the diverse knowledge, skills and professional attributes required of contemporary nurses.

Throughout the programme, you will be assessed using a variety of methods that enable you to demonstrate your academic achievement, clinical competence and professional development. Assessment methods include written examinations, coursework assignments, essays, presentations, multiple-choice tests, video-based assessments and practical examinations.

Practice learning is an integral part of the programme, and your progress in clinical placements is assessed against professional standards and nursing proficiencies. You will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, apply evidence to practice, make informed clinical decisions, and evaluate the care you provide in a range of healthcare settings.

Using a range of assessment methods ensures you have multiple opportunities to showcase your strengths and demonstrate your readiness for professional practice as a registered nurse.

Liverpool Learning Framework

At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.

You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:

Digital fluency
Confidence
Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

Research-connected teaching - learning informed by the latest ideas and discoveries
Active learning - taking part, applying knowledge and learning by doing
Authentic assessment - assessments designed around real-world tasks and challenges

We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.

We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

A dedicated languages degree
A language as a joint or major/minor degree
Language modules (selected degrees)
Language classes alongside your studies

Your experience

The School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing provides you with every opportunity to hone your practical skills, with facilities including a virtual reality teaching suite, imaging suite, and a range of clinical practice rooms to facilitate simulated teaching. Our curriculum is developed and assessed by leading healthcare providers throughout the North West, who also provide exciting placement opportunities.

Explore where you'll study

The courtyard of the Greenbank Halls of residence. — Accommodation

Cyclist passing the Liverpool Guild of Students — Liverpool Guild of Students

Health Sciences students undertaking practical work — Practical learning

North Campus view of the Victoria Gallery and Museum — The Quadrangle behind the VGM

Photograph of the Victoria Gallery and Museum from across University Square — Victoria Gallery and Museum

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.

An exciting place to study

Major centre for education and research in health sciences
State-of-the-art facilities
Opportunities for in-depth study and development of advanced clinical skills
Flexible programmes for postgraduate study
Active research environment
Provides specialist training with taught and clinical placement components.

I chose this course because it has an excellent reputation – it was a simple choice for me to make! I’m trained by the best academics who are always there to help me achieve my goal.

Ceri Taylor, BN (Hons) Nursing

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Careers and employability

As a Nursing graduate from the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

You can look forward to a career in the National Health Service, Social Services or the private sector. You may also choose to pursue a career in teaching, research, or management.

Typical employers include:

the National Health Service (NHS)
private sector clinics and hospitals
voluntary organisations
local authorities (for work in nursing and residential homes)
schools, further and higher education institutions
prisons and the armed forces
private sector organisations, such as leisure cruise companies and private nursing homes.

99% of School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

(Graduates Outcomes, 2018-19.)

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £10,050
Year in industry fee - £2,010
Year abroad fee - £1,508 (applies to year in China)

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £32,000
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £16,000 (applies to year in China)

The UK fees shown are for the academic year 2027/28. The international fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27 and will be subject for change for the academic year 2027/28. Please be advised that tuition fees may increase each year for both UK and international students. For UK students, this will be subject to the government’s regulated fee limits.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.

We’re showing the scholarships available to students from United Kingdom.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

The Bloomberg Scholarship

4 scholarships are available each year to support undergraduate applicants from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds who permanently reside in the Liverpool City Region. Successful applicants will receive a stipend of £5,000 per year for 3 years. Applications open in August 2026.

Ruth Cannell Scholarship Fund

This scholarship will support undergraduate students from widening participation backgrounds in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film with their year abroad.

Whiteley Award

This award offers £3,000 per year for a UK undergraduate student from an under-represented background who has successfully completed the Liverpool Scholars or Pathways to Medicine programme.

The Liverpool Bursary

If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary

If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Estranged Students Bursary

If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship

Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.

Nolan Scholarships

Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.

Rigby Enterprise Award

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.

ROLABOTIC Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a household income of £26,500 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship

Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.

The Holt Award

Joining a Nursing, Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy degree? If you’re a UK student with a Merseyside connection and a household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for a £2,500 payment for each year of your course. Six awards are available per year.

Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary

If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.

Discover our full range of scholarships and bursaries.

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

NHS Values will be assessed in all areas of an application, including UCAS Personal Statement and at interview. For more details, please download our explanation of Value Based Recruitment.

Previous certificated /experiential learning is recognised and may be accepted as meeting some programme outcomes. This may include both theory and practice achievement. The Nursing and Midwifery Council states that recognition of prior learning that is capable of being mapped to the Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses and programme outcomes should be permitted for up to a maximum of fifty percent of the programme.

However, the University of Liverpool’s Policy on Recognition on Prior Learning states that the maximum amount of prior certificated/ experiential learning that will be recognised is normally one third of the programme. Therefore, in accordance with the University’s policy, the maximum amount of credit for which a claim of recognition of prior learning can be made should equate to no more than one third of the BN programme.

Opportunities are available for those who may be eligible for recognition of prior learning: the award of credits on the basis of demonstrated learning which has taken place in the past and was at the higher education level. Support will be offered throughout the application process and assessment for recognition. Any queries relating to potential eligibility for recognition of prior learning should be forwarded to the admissions tutor for the BN programme.

Qualification	Details
A levels	BBC with a science subject, e.g. biology or a social science. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work. Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers. If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course. Available foundation years: Foundation to Nursing (Year 0) BN (Hons)
T levels	T Levels in Health preferably with occupational specialism (supporting the adult nursing team) is accepted with an overall grade of Merit to include in the core. Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism.
GCSE	3 GCSE subjects graded A*-C (grade 4) in English, Mathematics and a Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics). Dual or Combined Science is also accepted.
BTEC	DDM
BTEC Level 3 Diploma	BTEC nationals are considered in addition to 3 GCSEs grades C/4, which must include English, Maths and a Science. BTEC National Extended Certificate: We will accept one National Extended Certificate at a minimum of Distinction. This must be accompanied by two A2 Levels at grade B. One A2 subject should preferably include a Biological Science. In total, between the two qualifications, three separate subjects must be taken.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma	BTEC National Diploma We will accept in Health and Social Care or Applied Science graded at DM. This must be accompanied by one A2 level subject at grade B. In total between the two qualifications, two separate subjects must be taken. BTEC National Extended Diploma We will accept in Health and Social Care or Applied Science at a minimum of DDM.
International Baccalaureate	26 points overall with no score less than 4 or pass the IB Diploma plus 5,4,4 in 3 HL subjects.
European Baccalaureate	74% overall with a minimum mark of 8 in Biology and no subject mark below 6.
Irish Leaving Certificate	H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher	BBCCC – accepted in addition to five National 5s graded upper A-C which must include English Language, Mathematics and a Science. A minimum of 5 Bs from any combination of Advanced Higher and Higher subjects; preferably one subject to be a Biological Science. Duplicate subjects are not accepted. Higher grades may be required from re-sit students. Duplicate subjects are not accepted. Higher grades may be required from re-sit students. Scottish Advanced Higher: BBC – 6 subjects to include Science, Mathematics and English Language at Credit level Grade 2 or Intermediate 2. (These will not accrue tariff points). Accepted in addition to five National 5s graded upper A-C which must include English Language, Mathematics and a Science. A minimum of 5 Bs from any combination of Advanced Higher and Higher subjects; preferably one subject to be a Biological Science. Duplicate subjects are not accepted. Higher grades may be required from re-sit students.
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced	B in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus BB at A level to include one of the following: Maths, Psychology, Biology, Physics or Chemistry
Cambridge Pre-U Diploma	M2, M2, M2
AQA Baccalaureate	Will be considered.
Graduate application	We welcome applications from graduates holding a minimum of a 2:2 classification. If your degree is not in a science-related subject, please contact the admissions tutor to discuss this further: mailto:shs@liverpool.ac.uk. The degree qualification should be supported by a sound academic background, with a minimum of 5 GCSE subjects graded A* – C, which must include English Language, Mathematics and Science. There are no shortened courses for graduates. Partially completed degrees will not be considered.
Access	We consider Access Courses to be suitable for adult learners. It is required that all applicants attain 45 credits at Level 3 in Science or Health-Science related subjects. 27 credits must be at Distinction grade, the remaining 18 credits graded at merit or above. Will also require English and Maths at GCSE grade 4/C. Functional skills in Maths will be accepted. (Equivalents are not considered i.e. it is a requirement that GCSE awards should not be Applied against the Diploma.) Edge Hill literacy and numeracy at level 2 is also accepted.
Academic Reference	An academic reference must be included within the UCAS application. If the applicant is a graduate and has been working since graduating (within three years), an employer reference is acceptable.
Profession-specific knowledge and skills required	As well as a strong academic background, we also look for frontline caring experience in accordance with the values and behaviours of the NHS constitution.
Declaration of criminal background	You will understand that as an allied health professions and nursing student, and when you qualify, you will be asked to treat children and other vulnerable people. We therefore need information about any criminal offences of which you may have been convicted, or with which you have been charged. The information you provide may later be checked with the police. If selected for interview you will be provided with the appropriate form to complete.
Health screening	The University and the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing has an obligation to undertake health screening on all prospective healthcare students. Any offer of a place to study is conditional on completion of a health questionnaire and a satisfactory assessment of fitness to train from the University’s Occupational Health Service. This will include some obligatory immunisations and blood tests.
Disability information	If you have, or think you have dyslexia or a long term health condition or impairment that may have the potential to impact upon your studies and/or your Fitness to Practice duty, please complete the Disability form. We will contact you to discuss your support needs.
International qualifications	The IELTS requirement is an overall score of 7 with at least 6.5 in writing and no less than 7 in the reading, listening and speaking elements. This is a professional regulatory requirement. Please note – whilst we do accept IELTS qualifications, we do not accept IELTS qualifications that have been sat and gained online. We only accept qualifications that have been sat and gained in person.

Alternative entry requirements

If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
Applications from mature students are welcome.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

Qualification	Details
IELTS	7.0 overall, with no component below 7.0
International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature	Grade 6 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate English B	Grade 7 at Higher Level

Contact us

Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.

Send us a message Phone: +44 (0)151 795 6000

Last updated 16 July 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions