BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) [Bolton NHS Foundation Trust]
Award
BSc (Hons)
Start Date
To be confirmed
Duration
3 years
Mode
Full-time
Location
University of Bolton
UCAS Points
104
UCAS Code
B741
As a nurse, you can make a huge difference to people's health and wellbeing. Offered in partnership with the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, the University of Greater Manchester's BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) degree aims to give you the experience and skills to join this demanding yet deeply rewarding career.
Course Overview
The University of Greater Manchester's BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) degree, offered in partnership with Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, is designed to prepare you for a successful career caring for people over 18. There is a shortage of qualified nurses in the UK, so the career opportunities are excellent.You'll spend 50% of your time in practice learning experience at our partner trust, and studying at the University will complement and enhance your learning in the workplace. We'll support you as you learn to care for adults with acute and long-term illnesses, in hospital and at home, and gain expertise in health promotion and disease prevention.
Together with our partner trust, we'll work to prepare you to become a confident, professional nurse able to deliver and lead adult care within an ever-changing health and social care environment. On successfully completing the nursing qualification, you'll possess the knowledge and skills you need to perform as an independent, highly competent, compassionate nurse who can be trusted to maintain professional standards and protect the public.
If you're an ambitious nursing associate or assistant practitioner, you may be able to join this course at Level 2 (HE5) and top-up your existing foundation degree to achieve the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) in two years or less. This is a popular route for healthcare practitioners that recognises and values prior learning and experience. The top-up option is a well-recognised pathway to career advancement.
Limited places available for international students for September 2025 and January 2026
Please note the following conditions of application and enrolment for international students:
- Applicants must have fully completed all required qualifications, including Level 3 equivalency to a minimum of 104 plus standalone Maths and English qualification at Level 2 before applying. Please note English and Maths as part of an integrated qualification are not accepted. We may consider international qualifications which are deemed equivalent by ECCTIS.
- Applicants must have IELTS 6.0 overall score with no element below 5.5 or equivalent.
- Applicants will undertake an online interview led by the University and the NHS Trust. Offers will be made based academic achievement and scores at interview.
- Fees for international applicants are £17,500 per year for three years (total £52,500).
- Placements will take place at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Bolton Foundation Trust.
- Students will be expected to bring or purchase their own laptop.
- For September start, students must be in the UK and ready to start the course by 8 September 2025.
- For January start, students must be in the UK and ready to start the course by 19 January 2026.
- Further information will be provided closer to the time.
Highlights
- The University of Greater Manchester's BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) course is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Once you've successfully completed this degree, you'll be eligible to register as a qualified nurse.
- After successfully completing and gaining the nursing qualification, you'll have the opportunity to apply for a Band 5 Nursing post with Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.
- Your practice learning experience may be in a range of clinical environments within Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, which has busy accident and emergency, acute medicine and critical care departments, as well as cancer and maternity services, cardiology, gastroenterology, gynaecology, ophthalmology, radiology and urology departments.
- Our expert team deliver teaching across the University's sites, which includes the modern state-of-the-art facilities in Bolton One. We currently have a number of clinical skills suites and plan to expand this provision further across the University's sites. We take a blended learning approach using a range of different teaching and learning methods, including lectures, seminars, problem/enquiry-based learning, e-learning, and peer learning and assessment. Clinical skills and simulated learning are also embedded throughout the programme.
Key Features
- We'll work to enable you to learn an extensive range of nursing skills and techniques so that you can care effectively for adult patients in a variety of healthcare environments. Our ambition is for you to become a nurse leader of the future.
- You'll gain first-hand work experience and have the opportunity to develop an invaluable network of professional contacts during your extensive time (50%) gaining practice learning experience at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.
- Professional expert academic tutors from a wide range of clinical and academic backgrounds deliver the theory elements of the course.
- Qualified healthcare practitioners contribute to many of the modules and are invited as guest speakers so that you have the opportunity to learn from their first-hand examples of current practice.
- We also work to help you appreciate the views of health and social care service users and carers by involving them throughout the course.
- By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Nearby Manchester is one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, and the Northwest of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline, and heritage.
Entry Requirements
- 104 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels, BTECs and T-levels. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications.
- If you're an international applicant, please also see the list of conditions of application and enrolment in the Course Details section above.
- The entry requirements detailed in this section apply to all applicants, whether home or international.
- Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Health and social care and biology-related subjects are preferred.
- You must also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English, Mathematics and, preferably, a Science subject. Please contact us for a list of acceptable GCSE equivalents.
- Qualifications gained outside England and Wales will be assessed on an individual basis according to guidance by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
- If you have successfully completed an FdSc Nursing Associate programme approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council or FdA Health and Social Care (Assistant Practitioner) qualification, you may be eligible to apply for exemptions toward the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult). If you apply to join the degree at Level 2 (HE5), you may make a claim for recognition of prior learning (RPL) up to a maximum of 50% of the programme. Please note that you'll be required to produce a portfolio of evidence for this RPL claim.
- You'll be asked to attend an interview if your application is successfully short-listed. The interview process will involve face-to-face or online interviews with academic staff, practice staff and possibly people with lived experience and carers (PLECs). You'll also be assessed on your values, behaviours, communication and problem-solving skills. We're seeking students who can demonstrate commitment to a nursing career, have excellent communication skills, and are caring, compassionate, and courageous.
- If successful at the interview stage, you'll be asked to undergo occupational health screening and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
- You'll be required to satisfactorily pass occupational health screening.
- You'll need to demonstrate that you are of good health and good character prior to enrolment and on an ongoing basis throughout your studies and career. You must also declare immediately any police charges, cautions, convictions, conditional discharges or determinations that your fitness to practice is impaired.
- This course involves working unsupervised with vulnerable adults and you must gain an Enhanced Disclosure certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before starting your studies. Charges are payable to cover the cost of the DBS Enhanced Disclosure application and annual registration with the online Update Service.
- If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
- The University recognises prior learning, whether gained through academic credit and qualifications or through your professional and employment experience. Previous learning may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for this programme or for exemption from part of this programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning, and each claim will be considered in accordance with the University’s policy and regulations for the recognition of prior learning.
- Please note that it's not possible to join this course at Level 3 (HE6). Applications to join the course at Level 2 (HE5) will be considered.
- You'll need to ascertain if you're eligible for a student loan via Student Finance England or will need to be able to self-fund.
- Please note that this course is subject to the University's Fitness to Practice declaration.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
On successfully completing the University of Greater Manchester's adult nursing degree, you'll possess the knowledge and skills you need to perform as an independent, highly competent, compassionate nurse and work within the field of adult nursing.
As a graduate of this degree, you'll possess key transferable skills, including the ability to work independently, adapt to changing circumstances, work in teams and groups, and listen and respond to customers and their needs. You'll become adept at planning and time management, rational decision-making, critical thinking, and physical assessment and develop excellent communication skills during your time in both university and practice settings.
Our BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) programme also offers a well-recognised career advancement pathway for qualified nursing associates and assistant practitioners. If you already hold an appropriate foundation degree, you may be able to top up your qualification and become an adult nurse in two years or less (the maximum possible exemption is 50% of the programme). This popular option recognises your prior learning and experience and allows you to take on full nursing responsibilities more quickly. It also opens the door to postgraduate study and provides a route to achieve your career ambitions.
What can I do with this qualification?
Alternative career options
Graduates can use this qualification as a stepping-stone into many other careers. Some of these roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. Possible areas include:
- Public health and health promotion
- Management
- Armed forces
- Schools
- FE and HE teaching
- Clinical research
- Occupational health
- Overseas aid and development
- Prisons
- Universities
- Holiday companies
- Voluntary organisations
Professional Recognition
The University of Greater Manchester's BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) course is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
On successfully completing this degree, you'll be eligible to apply for professional registration with the NMC.
Fees & Funding
Healthcare students starting and continuing their course from 1 September 2020 onwards can apply for additional funding support from the NHS Learning Support Fund. Please visit NHS Learning Support Fund web page for details.
Home/EU Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Greater Manchester’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@greatermanchester.ac.uk for more information.
International Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Greater Manchester’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@greatermanchester.ac.uk for more information.
Bursaries
Important note regarding tuition fees: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.
How to apply
Home Applicants
If you wish to apply for multiple institutions or multiple courses at the University of Greater Manchester for September entry, then apply through UCAS
You can apply for up to 5 courses through UCAS (at the same or different institutions) for a fee of £27. Alternatively, if you only wish to apply for a single course at a single institution then a reduced applicant's fee of £22.50 is applicable.
The online application form and guidance notes are available on the UCAS website.
You will need the following information to complete your UCAS application form:
Institution Code Name: BOLTN
Institution Code Number: B44
Tel: 0870 1122211
Web: www.ucas.com
If you wish to apply for a single course offered by the University of Greater Manchester for any intake, you can apply directly
If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply directly to the University using our online application form shown below.
A direct application to the University of Greater Manchester provides the following features:
Free of charge to apply
Secure, simple and streamlined
Contact us directly for any admissions queries
Regular updates on your application directly from the University
Invites to offer holder events and taster sessions where you can meet your future tutors and get a flavour of university life
NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to the University of Greater Manchester. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to the University of Greater Manchester.
For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Greater Manchester, you agree to these terms.
If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.
Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.
If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.
Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:
Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including e-mail addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference
Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.
Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.
If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@greatermanchester.ac.uk
-
Apply online: University of Greater Manchester BSc(Hons) Nursing (Adult) Bolton Foundation Trust - 15 September 2025
-
Apply online: University of Greater Manchester BSc(Hons) Nursing (Adult) Bolton Foundation Trust - 19 January 2026
International Applicants
Thank you for your interest
In order to determine your suitability for this course as an international student and also to confirm you meet any initial eligibility criteria, we need you to answer a few short questions.
Partner Organisation Applicants
University of Greater Manchester Group Partners
Bolton College
University Collegiate School
Alliance Learning
University of Greater Manchester
For valued members of the University of Greater Manchester Group and progressing students, we try to make our application process as simple and as fast as possible.
If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply free of charge to the University. By selecting the appropriate link from the list shown below, you will be taken directly to our online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this, and ensure you upload all supporting documents such as certificates and your personal statement when you apply.
When you are asked to add a contact email address, please ensure you add your college/university email account address as well as your personal address. If you do not add your college address as your contact address, we will be unable to identify you as a partner and offer you the benefits of being part of our group.
NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to the University of Greater Manchester. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to the University of Greater Manchester.
For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Greater Manchester, you agree to these terms.
If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.
Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.
If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.
Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:
Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including email addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference
Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.
Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.
If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@greatermanchester.ac.uk
-
Apply online: University of Greater Manchester BSc(Hons) Nursing (Adult) Bolton Foundation Trust - 15 September 2025
-
Apply online: University of Greater Manchester BSc(Hons) Nursing (Adult) Bolton Foundation Trust - 19 January 2026
We look forward to receiving your application and you continuing your academic journey with us!
Teaching & Assessment
Modern healthcare professionals require a range of skills and values. Our practice partners and tutors will help you gain experience in a range of clinical scenarios designed to develop your skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Your studies will be split with 50% dedicated to theory and 50% committed to practice learning experience at our partner Bolton NHS Foundation Trust (at the Royal Bolton Hospital and health centres and clinics in the trust's catchment area – please note, considerable travelling may be required). As you progress through the course, we'll guide and encourage you to draw on your practice learning experience while studying theory and apply the theory you've learned to your practice so you can understand how the two complement each other.
The course explores the concepts of health and ill health in the adult population and the key sciences in nursing, including the biosciences, psychology and sociology. Topics such as assessment, care planning, law, ethics and the importance of communication with service users and healthcare colleagues are covered. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the importance of research and how its application in healthcare can transform the lives of patients and their carers, how to access and assess the latest research, and how to incorporate your findings into care plans and intervention strategies.
We'll support you in gaining key transferable skills, including the ability to work independently, adapt to changing circumstances, work in teams and groups, and listen and respond to customers and their needs. During your studies, we'll also encourage you to develop planning and time management, rational decision-making, critical thinking, physical assessment and communication skills. We aim for you to develop into a compassionate, kind and empathetic practitioner who respects and supports the patient's privacy, dignity and individuality, and makes safe and effective clinical decisions.
For theory-based modules, we use a blended learning approach that includes lectures, presentations, simulations delivered by tutors, seminar discussions, small group workshops, small group and one-to-one tutorials, virtual learning environments (VLE) and e-learning packages. You'll also need to undertake a significant amount of personal study, including general background reading, preparing for seminar activities, working on assignments and revising for examinations.
To help support your learning, the University also offers additional study skills sessions, such as essay writing, library skills and electronic searching, and numeracy.
We use a range of assessment methods, including essays, reports, presentations, portfolios, set exercises via multiple choice questions, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), traditional examinations and assessment of practice in the practice setting. The assessment of practice and theory are equally weighted in their contribution to the degree award as a whole.
We adopt a blended teaching and learning style, including online delivery and engagement where appropriate.
Modules
The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.
- Principles of Nursing Practice
- Anatomy and Physiology and Medicines Management
- Managing Health Through All Stages of Life
- Wider Approaches to Global Health
- Enhancing Clinical Skills: Assessing, Planning and Providing Evidenced Based Care Procedures
- Medicines Management
- Coordinating Integrated Healthcare
- Embedding Person Centred Care and Evidence Based Approaches
- Advanced Clinical Skills and Procedures
- Leadership, Management and Quality in Healthcare
- Mandatory Training and Preparation for HE4 Placement
- Mandatory Training and Preparation for HE5 Placement
- Mandatory Training and Preparation for HE6 Placement
Assessment methods
| Level | Assessment method |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Coursework 60% Practical exams 7% Written exams 33% |
| Level 2 | Coursework 62% Practical exams 25% Written exams 13% |
| Level 3 | Coursework 60% Practical exams 33% Written exams 7% |
Learning Activities
| Level | Activity |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Guided independent study 20% Placement/study abroad 50% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 30% |
| Level 2 | Guided independent study 20% Placement/study abroad 50% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 30% |
| Level 3 | Guided independent study 20% Placement/study abroad 50% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 30% |
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.
