Your Future in Nursing Starts Here

Nurses assess, plan, and deliver care to patients across hospitals, GP surgeries, community settings, and care homes. They monitor patients, administer treatments, and provide emotional support to patients and families. It's one of the most in-demand and rewarding careers in the UK.

You need a nursing degree approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). To get onto a nursing degree, you typically need A-levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification — such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing, which is specifically designed for adult learners without traditional qualifications.

NHS nurses start at Band 5, earning £28,407 per year. With experience, specialist nurses (Band 6) earn £35,392–£42,618, and advanced nurse practitioners (Band 7+) earn £43,742–£50,056. Agency and private sector nurses can earn significantly more.

Absolutely not. The Access to HE Diploma has no upper age limit — you just need to be 19 or over. Thousands of people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s retrain as nurses every year. Life experience is valued in healthcare, and universities actively welcome mature students.

Yes. If you're 19 or over and studying an Access to HE Diploma for the first time, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan. The best part? The loan is written off completely when you go on to finish a higher education course, such as a nursing degree.