Adult Nursing (Registered Nursing Associate Pathway)

OVERVIEW
This pathway to the nursing degree course enables Registered Nursing Associates with a foundation degree to continue their nursing education and complete the Adult Nursing degree. Studied over 18 months, it is 50% theory and 50% practice, so students can meet the degree requirements, plus Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requirements, to become a Registered Nurse (Adult) at the end of the course.

Designed to prepare nurses for modern healthcare, the course develops the knowledge, skills and confidence to deliver and lead safe, effective and compassionate care for adults across a range of settings.

Students benefit from hands-on training in outstanding facilities, including a replica hospital ward, Accident and Emergency department, and GP and community consultation rooms, alongside placements with NHS trusts and health and social care organisations.

Teaching is delivered by experienced clinical practitioners and covers human development, body systems, pharmacology, medicines management, and the personal and technical skills needed to provide person-centred care.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
- EDUCATION PROVIDER OF THE YEAR – The university was named Nurse Education Provider of the Year 2025 (pre-registration) at the Student Nursing Times Awards in recognition of outstanding commitment to nurturing student development and preparing future nurses to deliver compassionate, person-centred, and holistic care.


- AWARD WINNING PLACEMENTS – The university received the Student Placement of the Year: Hospital 2022 award at the Nursing Times Awards for 'authentic' placements, where nursing students manage real patient bays, and shortlisted for Best Student Experience and Nurse Education Provider of the Year in 2023


- STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES – £44 million investment offers nursing students exceptional facilities, including a six-bed simulation ward and immersive VR technology, providing some of the best nursing training in the UK


- PERSONALISED APPROACH – Experienced lecturers promote a focused and supportive learning environment, ensuring students benefit from a personalised teaching experience


FACILITIES
As a student on our adult nursing degree course at University College Birmingham, you will have access to our Health Skills and Simulation Suite, featuring a purpose-built, simulated clinical environment to help you practise your physical health skills and enhance your practical training. Our 360° immersive video room provides access to 200 interactive health and social care backgrounds, while we also have virtual reality software and a range of health-focused online case studies and scenarios, helping you grow in confidence in your nursing practice during your nurse degree.

PLACEMENTS
Our course features multiple placements in different environments throughout your studies, ranging in duration from four weeks to 14 weeks.

Participating in care delivered over 24 hours a day and 7 days per week is an integral part of the course, so you will be expected to adopt various shift patterns. Some placements may also be some distance from your home to enable you to experience different settings.

Employers we have worked with include Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust, Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Trust, Cygnet Healthcare, Practice Plus Group – Health in Justice, Birmingham City Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.

CAREERS AND PROGRESSION
Examples of careers you could pursue following this course:
• Band 5 Registered Nurse


You could also progress onto one of our postgraduate courses at University College Birmingham.


- Please refer to our website www.ucb.ac.uk for the latest updates to this course

Investing £300 million in its campuses, University College Birmingham is all about degrees that get you hired and practical support to get you through.

Its higher education qualifications are hands-on and shaped by the needs of industry, all taught by experienced industry experts across its seven campuses in the heart of Birmingham, a hub of business districts, nightlife, cultural attractions, parks and entertainment.

Some courses have a 2 Day Degree option, meaning you only have to be on-campus two consecutive days a week, freeing up the rest of the week for work, caring responsibilities and other commitments.

The university works with over 1,000 employers to benefit students, is accredited by top industry bodies and organisations, and is a centre for excellence across a range of subjects. As well as a £6,000 Cost of Living Allowance, it also offers Kick-Start funding of up to £800 a year to help pay for expenses such as uniform, food and drink.

Register your interest today and secure your place at University College Birmingham!