Study Nursing in UK: FAQs
I do not have a nursing background. Can I study for an MSc in nursing?
To study for an MSc in nursing in the UK, you usually have to demonstrate that you meet the academic and experential requirements. This means that you have to have previously studied a nursing or health related degree and have gained some experience working in a caring role, for instance, as a healthcare assistant or support worker. This is particularly the case for those seeking to enrol in 2-year MSc programmes. However, some universities like the University of Hertfordshire advertise that a 2.1 honours degree in any course is sufficient. Some other universities like Oxford Brookes offer 3-year MSc options to students without health-related backgrounds.
What about BSc in nursing?
This is a 3-year undergraduate programme and is most suitable for people who have not previously studied at university. It is also suitable for people who may lack the confidence to enrol into the MSc programme. Unlike the MSc programme that is assessed at level 7 with regards to assignments, this pathway to joining the NMC register as a qualified nurse is assessed at level 6 and so, is relatively easier. It is important to note that upon graduation, graduates of both BSc and MSc programmes are equal and if they join the NHS, will start on band 5. So, while the MSc is a postgraduate program, at the point of joining the register, it does not confer any advantages over the BSc programme.
How much does it cost to study nursing?
When thinking about the cost of studying in the UK, it is important to consider tuition and living expenses. The cost of studying nursing in the UK will depend on the university you eventually go to as tuition varies between universities. Additionally, the cost of living varies between the 4 nations in the UK. There are also differences in the cost of living between the north and south of England — the north is relatively cheaper to live in. However, a very conservative budget is £26,000 per annum. This assumes tuition of £13,000 and living expenses of £10,000 for one person living in shared accommodation without dependants. Of course, this is only an estimate and the reality may be significantly different. For visa purposes, UKVI assumes living costs of £1334 per month within London and £1023 per month outside London.
You may also want to consider other costs associated with the nursing programme. As part of the programme, you will be expected to complete months of placements that will be split into placement blocks lasting 6–12 weeks at a time. These placements will be full time, i.e. 37.5 hours per week and unpaid. You will incur travel costs that will be non-refundable to you as an international student as your visa specifies that you do not have recourse to public funds.
Can I work to support myself and pay my fees while I study?
Well, your student visa permits you to work up to 20 hours during term time. This means that you can work as much as you like during holidays. However, it is important to note that as a nursing student, you will not be getting a lot of holidays. You will probably get 2–3 weeks of holidays every couple of months. Furthermore, the intensity and demands of the programme may mean that you are unable to even work up to 20 hours per week. So, while you can work to support yourself with some living costs, it is unlikely that you will be able to work and pay fees. Additionally, depending on where you go to study, it may be difficult to find a part time job that suits you and your commitments. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, part time work may not even be readily available. So, please be aware. My advice would be to secure your tuition fees and funding to cover your living expenses for at least the first 4–6 months. This will give you sufficient time to find your footing and will take the pressure of juggling too many things off your shoulder. Nevertheless, if you will be moving here with your spouse, they will be able to work full time and that will make a lot of difference.
Are there scholarships available? What about student loans?
I am sorry I am unable to really advise on this as it is not my forte. I am aware that most universities have scholarship pages on their websites and so I encourage you to go through what they have available and to apply for whatever you are eligible for. It may help to know that these scholarships are usually very competitive and often have strict guidelines.
Regarding student loans, again, I am unable to advise. As an international student, you are not eligible for ‘student finance’. Maybe explore accessing loans from your family and friends.
Having said these, universities often offer discounts to international students. Check their website for these. Some of them are applied automatically — for instance, many universities give Nigerian students £1000 off. You may also be eligible for merit-based scholarships, e.g. some universities will offer £5000 off to postgraduate students with first class undergraduate degrees and £2000 off to postgraduate students with 2.1 undergraduate degrees.
What is the timeframe for applications? I have not heard back from the university.
For most universities, it takes a couple of months from when you apply to when you enrol as a student in the UK. Following your application, you should receive an email of acknowledgement. If the admission team okays your application, you should receive an email to schedule a video interview. This can take up to 4 weeks.
Following your interview, if you are successful, you should receive an offer from the university. Whether or not the offer is conditional will depend on your personal circumstances. Once you fulfil the conditions of your offer such as paying deposit, you should receive your CAS document with which you can proceed to apply for your visa. This could take up to 10 weeks.
Your visa application is up to you, not the university. You can pay for super priority to have it processed faster or wait the standard 3-week period.
Be aware that during peak application periods, April — July, universities may take more time to respond or revert because of the volume of applications they will be dealing with. This also applies to the UKVI and your visa. It is not unusual for visa processing to take longer in August and September. So, it may help you to plan for this.
Do I need IELTS?
I am aware that the NMC stipulates that those who want to join their register must demonstrate proficiency in English language. By studying in the UK, you will meet this requirement by the time you graduate. So, while some schools demand IELTS, some others do not. For many schools, passing English language in WASSCE is sufficient. If your school demands IELTS, contact them to ask whether your WASSCE is sufficient and if you are applying for the MSc programme, it may help you to inform them that your undergraduate degree was taught and assessed in English language. Additionally, most schools have their own English language tests that you can explore as a last resort.
I am already a nurse. Do I need to study nursing again?
I do not think so, except you want to gain that extra knowledge. However, you can apply for nursing roles in the UK. In my personal opinion, you may be better served by working and earning, and then exploring training opportunities than opting for the significantly more expensive study route. You can apply for nursing roles in the NHS here. Let me know if you need further help. Best wishes.
I have some other questions, how do I find answers?
All the answers you seek are online. Most of them are on the websites of the universities you will be applying to. If you google ‘MSc nursing UK’, you will see UK universities that offer the course. You may then visit their websites for information relevant to the course and programme.
Alternatively, you may leave a comment below or contact me via the form attached to this post.
Do I need an agent?
Honestly, no. You are able to apply to schools directly and to do everything else on your own. However, some people benefit from having an agent to manage their applications as it frees up their time for other matters.
I am an agent. As an agent, I am able to assist you with your application and provide guidance even as you apply for your visa. I am able to answer your questions quicker and signpost you if necessary. Furthermore, I can support you in writing a winning personal statement and prepare you for your interview. As one who has gone through the same process, I am also able to support you with your RPL portfolio which may be expected of you.
As your agent, I can help you sort out accommodation before you arrive and connect you to other students in your university. As an extra, I can arrange to visit you when you arrive to personally welcome you to the UK lol.
I will do all these for free. Yes, at no cost to you. So, the choice is yours. Do you need an agent?
Ok, so how do I proceed?
Please complete this form so that I can have your details and I will pass it on to our team who will contact you to better understand your needs and to support you.
I hope you have found this helpful. If I receive more questions, I will do my best to provide answers. I wish you the best in your journey to nursing.
