Nursing BN
As the largest group within the healthcare workforce, nurses have a pivotal role in providing, leading and coordinating care. Nurses work within the multidisciplinary team, across a range of health and social care environments, supporting service-users to make informed decisions about their holistic healthcare requirements.
The programme is science based, with anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology taught by subject specialists in years 1 and 2.
We offer a supportive environment for learning within a small class size, with an intake each year of around 50 to 60 students.
The Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) programme is consistently ranked at the top of the University league tables: for 2024 Nursing at Glasgow is ranked 1st in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2nd in the UK in the Complete University Guide and 2nd in the UK for General Nursing in the Guardian University Guide.
- September start
- Session dates
- Nursing BN (Hons): B700 4 year degree
- Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
- Professionally accredited
Programme structure
The BN (Hons) programme is a four-year professional degree. Learning is equally divided between University and practice learning environments.
Year 1
In year 1, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of the professional and wider social context of nursing and health. In addition, you will study a range of sciences, including social sciences, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry. You will also develop fundamental care skills and undertake clinical placements in hospital and community settings.
Year 2
In year 2, you will study adult nursing and deepen your knowledge and understanding of biomedical sciences and ethics. Biomedical science subjects include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, and pharmacology. Your core nursing courses will include the study of nursing theory, social policy, and research methods. The focus of your study in second year is to provide a biological basis for linking health with ill health and disease processes. You will undertake more clinical placements and further develop your communication skills, relationship skillsand knowledge of nursing procedures.
Year 3
In year 3, you will advance your study of adult nursing, research for evidence-informed practice, pharmacotherapy and human disease and pathology. The focus of year 3 is on developing a holistic and integrated approach to the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of evidence-informed nursing care and therapeutic interventions for people with a range of health conditions. You will advance your study of clinical skills providing an opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills for holistic person-centred assessment. Looking forward to your career as a registered nurse, you will learn the skills required to supervise nursing students and to consolidate your learning in relation to communication and relationship skills, preparing you for an array of opportunities on your clinical placements.
Year 4
In year 4 you will advance your study of health and social care policy, leadership, professionalism in nursing and global health challenges. The focus of year 4 is to advance your understanding of the wider societal, environmental, economic, and political factors that impact on the health of people and populations and the ways in which you can influence healthcare. You will have the opportunity to investigate an area of interest related to nursing and healthcare through a written dissertation. The final clinical placement is also incorporated into this year.
Practice placements
During this programme, you will be required to attend placements anywhere within the Greater Glasgow area.
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University of Glasgow Scottish Practice Assessment Document (PAD)
All Scottish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have worked collaboratively to produce a single Practice Assessment Document (PAD) for Scotland, which must be completed by all nursing students undertaking a pre-registration nursing programme.
The purpose of the PAD is to provide a record of the student’s practice learning progress and achievement of learning outcomes throughout each practice learning experience (PLE). This allows current and future Practice Supervisors, Practice Assessors and Academic Assessors to see an overview of student progress from the first PLE through to the last.
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Programme flow
The programme flow is very carefully planned to ensure that students meet the regulatory requirements. Students must adhere to this programme flow and holidays must only be arranged for the scheduled vacation weeks.
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Practice Learning Experience handbook
The Practice Learning Handbook provides provide guidance and information for students and practice learning staff involved in supporting University of Glasgow Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) (BN Hons) students. It contains an outline of the BN Hons programme, details of role expectations of students and staff who support students on practice learning experience (PLE), university guidelines for the assessment of students and staff contact details. This handbook should be used in conjunction with the student’s Scottish Practice Assessment Document (PAD).
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Grading of practice
Students will be supervised and assessed in practice in accordance with the NMC (2018) Standards for student supervision and assessment (SSSA). During each placement, students will work closely with a Practice Supervisor who will provide guidance and direction. The Practice Supervisor will work closely with a nominated Practice Assessor. Together, the Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor will discuss the student’s performance in relation to each of the platform proficiencies. The outcome of this assessment will be documented in the student’s Scottish Practice Assesment Document (PAD) before being reviewed and confirmed by the student’s Academic Assessor.
Within the BN (Hons) programme, practice learning is credited and graded in the same way as any academic work the student undertakes. The assessment of practice learning is both formative and summative, with the formal stages of assessment being the interim(s) and then final discussion and assessment. The student should first be assessed for achievement of the proficiencies and communication and relationship skills/nursing procedures, for the relevant part of the programme. The student’s overall performance should then be rated using the grading scale in the PAD (based on Schedule B of the University of Glasgow’s Code of Assessment).
The student’s performance is given a grade from A to F. A grade ‘D’ (satisfactory) meets the minimum threshold requirement to pass a practice learning placement. However, when grading a student, it is essential to consider the Part of study, the level descriptor and the learning outcomes listed in the PAD (Part 1 p. 38 Part 2 p. 58 and Part 3 p. 99). In other words, students are assessed in context of their stage of education and what can be reasonably expected of them at that stage. Therefore, it is possible for a Part 1 student to achieve an A grade if these components are considered together.
Any student who attracts a fail grade (E, F) will be required to repeat the PLE, in keeping with the University of Glasgow’s Code of Assessment. Any questions or queries about grading practice should be directed to the student’s academic assessor (or Part Lead in their absence).
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Raising a concern
Concerns about a student’s clinical performance, conduct or professionalism should be raised as soon as possible to allow discussion and learning development planning. This will normally take place in the PLE and may involve the student, the Practice Supervisor and/or Assessor, the Academic Assessor and Practice Education Facilitator/Care Home Education Facilitator (where applicable). An interim review sheet will be completed by the practice supervisor/assessor identifying the areas of concern clearly so that a learning development plan can be created which sets out how these areas of concern may be addressed. The Academic Assessor may also make an entry in the “additional notes” section of the student’s PAD. This allows ongoing assessment of the student’s learning development which can be recorded in the development support plan in the PAD. For more information, please refer to the Practice Learning Support Protocol in Section 3 of the student’s Scottish PAD.
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Key contacts
Admissions Officer: Jane Joy
- Jane.Joy@glasgow.ac.uk
- 0141 330 3254
Programme Lead: Louise McCallum
- Louise.McCallum@glasgow.ac.uk
- 0141 330 2071
If your query relates to Part 1 (Year) 1 of the programme, please contact the Part 1 Lead: Dr Rosemary Mullen
- Rosemary.Mullen.2@glasgow.ac.uk
- 0141 330 7153
If your query relates to a Part 2 (Year) 2 student, please contact the Part 2 Lead: Mandy Allen
If your query relates to a Part 3 (Year) 3 student, please contact the Part 3 Lead: Liz Simpson
- Liz.Simpson@glasgow.ac.uk
- 0141 330 2972
If your query relates to a Part 3/Year 4 student, please contact the Part 3 (Year 4) Lead: Dr Anne Rowat
- Anne.Rowat@glasgow.ac.uk
- 0141 330 3605
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Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2025
Summary of entry requirements for Nursing
SQA Higher entry requirements (by end of S6)
- AABBB
- Additional requirements: Two Highers from Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Physics, Mathematics. National 5 Mathematics, English at Grade B. Interview.
SQA Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)
- MD20: BBBB (also other target groups*)
- MD40: AABB*
- Additional requirements: Two Highers from Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Physics, Mathematics. National 5 Mathematics, English at Grade B. Interview. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.
A-level standard entry requirements
- ABB – BBB
- Additional requirements: two A-levels from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics. GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade B or 5. Interview.
Irish Leaving Certificate
- H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
- Additional requirements: Two Higher Level subjects from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics. Plus English and Mathematics at minimum H4/O4. Interview.
IB standard entry requirements
- 34 (6,5,5)
- Additional requirements: Additional requirements: Two HL subjects from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics. SL English and Mathematics at 4. Interview.
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Alternative routes
We welcome applicants who have/are currently studying at Colleges of Further Education or are existing graduates.
- HNC/HND in Applied Science or similar science based programme
- Additional requirements: Grade B in graded unit. Interview. Successful completion and grades in either Top-Up or Summer School/OPENS.
- HNC Care and Administrative Practice
- Additional requirements: HNC Care and Administrative Practice students will only be considered if candidates also have two Highers, at B grade or above, in science subjects (Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Biology/Human Biology). If Chemistry is not one of the two science Highers, candidates must have this at Nat 5 (grade B) or above. Grade B in graded unit. Interview. Successful completion and grades in either Top-Up or Summer School/OPENS.
- University of Glasgow Access Course (Chemistry & Biology)
- Additional requirements: Interview.
- SWAP Access to Health and Biological Sciences
- Additional requirements: Grade ABB (minimum). Interview. Successful completion and grades in either Top-Up or Summer School/OPENS.
- SWAP Access to Medical Studies
- Additional requirements: Grade ABB (minimum). Interview. Successful completion and grades in either Top-Up or Summer School/OPENS.
- Graduates
- Additional requirements: The degree must include Chemistry or Biology. If not, these must be obtained at high school level (Highers or A Level) within the last 7 years, before applying for admission. A minimum of Grade B is required in both subjects. Interview. Successful completion and grades in either Top-Up or Summer School/OPENS.
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Important information
Fitness to Practise
Fitness to practise guidance exists for those who wish to become nurses.
Please refer to the Higher Educational Occupational Physicians/Practitioners (HEOPS) website and access the HEOPS Fitness to Practise Standards for Nursing Students 2015 before applying.
The Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) programme requires students to act during their education in a quasi-professional role in relation to service users, therefore the University has a duty to ensure that students are fit to practise. Fitness to practise is assessed not only in terms of academic attainment, but also in accordance with relevant professional expectations. A copy of the Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise procedures will be available to Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) students on commencement of the programme, thereafter, annually.
Practice placements
During this programme you will be required to attend placements anywhere within Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
Disclosure Scotland: Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme
Successful applicants are required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme provided by Disclosure Scotland on commencement of the Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) programme.
Health check
Offer holders must undergo health screening checks as a condition of entry. On commencement of the Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) programme, you must complete a full course of immunisation against the Hepatitis B virus. The University’s Occupational Health Unit provide Hepatitis B vaccinations. You are required to meet any NHS Scotland vaccination requirements.
Digital & technological literacy
Applicants are required to demonstrate capability in digital and technological literacy necessary to meet programme outcomes.
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Admissions guidance
English language
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
- Overall IELTS score 7.0
- At least 6.5 in the writing domain and at least 7 in the reading, listening, and speaking domains
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
- School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
- BALEAP guide to accredited courses
FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
Career prospects
The Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) programme, with its strong scientific basis, prepares our graduates for all areas of care. On qualifying, our graduates have been employed throughout the UK and the rest of the world.
Accreditation
The Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) recognises this programme for the purpose of registration as an Adult Nurse.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
BN (Hons)
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
Ann Hart Buchanan Student Scholarship
The University of Glasgow has been the recipient of a bequest from the estate of Mrs Ann Hart Buchanan for the purpose of nurse education and training.
It is proposed that a scholarship should be endowed to benefit a nursing student(s) on the BN (Hons) programme or student/nurse accepted for a postgraduate course of study in the Nursing & Health Care School at the University of Glasgow.
This scholarship will be awarded annually for the purposes of:
- Travel in connection with study or research that will enhance the student’s learning and learning experience (undergraduate or postgraduate)
- Supporting tuition fees for a graduate with BN (Hons) [1st or 2:1] to undertake a postgraduate course of study in the Nursing & Health Care School at the University of Glasgow within 2 years of graduation
- Support undergraduate student(s) with a minimum of one-third of the funds in any three-year period ie allocating £600 to an undergraduate student(s) within each 3 year period.
World Changers Global Excellence Scholarship
The University of Glasgow has a number of World Changers Global Excellence Scholarships available to new International and EU students for 2025 entry. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £7,000 per year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study.
World Changers Glasgow Scholarship UG (EU)
The University of Glasgow continues to be committed to ensuring a strong relationship with our existing and future EU students, and supporting EU talent to make their home at the University of Glasgow.
We appreciate the challenging financial implications that have arisen for our European applicants, and are therefore delighted to offer the World Changers Glasgow Scholarship UG (EU) to new incoming EU students starting an undergraduate programme for Academic Session 2025-26. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount of £5,000 for every year of study and is subject to satisfactory progress for consecutive years of study. This discount cannot be combined with another University scholarship.
Applicants that completed a Study Abroad year, Exchange programme or International Summer School at the University of Glasgow and therefore eligible for the Alumni discount could be granted the EU Welcome Award as well.
James McCune Smith Undergraduate Scholarship
The University of Glasgow has up to 30 undergraduate scholarships available for students of African/African-Caribbean backgrounds. The scholarship supports students who could face financial difficulties taking up their place to study at the university. The value of the scholarship is £2,000, paid in instalments for year one of undergraduate study. The scholarship is open to new applicants to the university for 2025 entry. Current students who have previously been in receipt of the award may reapply, however, preference will be given to applicants entering their first year of study.
Care Experienced and Estranged Student Bursary
The University of Glasgow is offering five bursaries specifically for Care Experienced and Estranged Students. These bursaries aim to support students who have been in care or are living independently due to family estrangement. Definitions of these terms are provided below, and further details are available here.
Care Experienced
"Care-experienced" refers to anyone who has ever been in care, regardless of the duration. This includes individuals who have been in the care of a local authority at any stage, whether through residential care, foster care, kinship care, or under a supervision requirement at home. This category also includes those who have been adopted from care.
Estranged
Estranged students are young people studying independently without family support due to a breakdown in family relationships. These students often have limited or no contact with their families, and any contact that does occur is usually infrequent or strained. Causes of estrangement may include emotional or physical abuse, conflicting family expectations, personality clashes, or differing values.
Each bursary is typically valued at £1,500 per year for each consecutive year of the degree programme.
Beaconhouse Schools
The University of Glasgow offer a 15% discount on the first year of tuition fee to students from Beaconhouse Schools and who enrol on an undergraduate programme at the University of Glasgow. The discount does not apply to Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Dentistry programmes.
Undergraduate Talent Scholarships
The University of Glasgow is awarding c.50 undergraduate Talent Scholarships to support students who could face financial difficulties in taking up their place to study at the University for 2025 entry. The value of each scholarship is typically £1,500 p.a. for each year of the degree programme, subject to satisfactory progress. Talent Scholarships are available to students entering any of the University's Colleges.
Dental School students are eligible for a Talent Scholarship in their first year of study only. They are eligible for the NHS Dental Student Support Grant in the following years.
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
The University of Glasgow and The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation (CSF) will offer a scholarship to support Black African and Caribbean heritage applicants from socio-economically challenged backgrounds. Applicants must be ordinarily resident in the UK and commencing an undergraduate study programme.
The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation wants to fund 100 Black British students through UK universities in the next decade. More information on the Foundation can be found here.
Sanctuary Scholarships
The University of Glasgow is offering up to 30 Sanctuary Scholarships for applicants to the University, who have been forced to travel to the UK for humanitarian reasons and are facing challenges in progressing onto Higher Education. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught students at the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2025/26. Please note that you must have applied to the University before submitting an application for this scholarship.
The scholarship will meet the cost of tuition fees for the duration of your programme, for applicants who are unable to access mainstream funding through Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) or Student Finance. The Sanctuary Scholarship also provides a £5,000 per year stipend, to assist with study costs. In addition, if the eligibility criteria for university accommodation is met, this will also be provided for the duration of your degree, if required. For more information on the accommodation criteria, please see the Accommodation Services section on the website.
Undergraduate students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs only, if successful.
Postgraduate Taught Masters students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs and a partial tuition fee waiver, to cover any shortfall not met by your Postgraduate Masters tuition fee loan.
The Dima Alhaj Scholarship
The Dima Alhaj Scholarship was set up in 2024 in memory of a University of Glasgow alumna. After graduating, Dima worked in Gaza with the World Health Organization as a patient administrator at the limb reconstruction centre, as part of the trauma and emergency team and was tragically killed in Gaza in November 2023. The Scholarship is open to a Palestinian National who is living in or has been forced to leave the State of Palestine due to humanitarian reasons. The chosen applicant may be domiciled in any country but must be a Palestinian National. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught applicants to the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2025/26.
The Clan Gregor Society Prize
The Clan Gregor Society is offering an award to new entrants to the University of Glasgow who descend from Clan Gregor. Prospective students will be asked to submit an application highlighting areas of consideration such as academic excellence and financial need. The award is open to both Undergraduate and Postgraduate applicants for 2024 entry.
The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 29 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
Subject league tables
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Nursing]
Related programmes
Nursing & Health Care
Undergraduate events
