What Qualifications Do I Need to Be a Nurse?

Nursing is one of the most rewarding careers you can choose and one of the most in-demand. Whether you're a school leaver mapping out your future, an adult looking to retrain, or someone educated overseas hoping to work in the UK, there is a clear path into nursing for you. This guide walks you through every stage of the qualification journey, from your foundational GCSEs right through to applying for your first nursing role.

Starting Point: Level 2 Qualifications (GCSEs and Functional Skills)

Before you can apply for a nursing degree, you'll need to demonstrate a solid foundation in literacy and numeracy. Universities offering nursing programmes typically require applicants to hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths.

What if I don't have GCSEs?

Don't worry, GCSEs are not the only route. Functional Skills qualifications at Level 2 are accepted by universities as an equivalent, and are a practical, flexible option for adult learners or those who didn't achieve the required grades at school.

Functional Skills in English and Maths can be studied:

• Online, at your own pace with Pass Functional Skills
• Alongside an Access to Higher Education course (more on this below)

Many Access to HE providers such as Pass Learn include Functional Skills as part of their programme, so you can achieve your Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications simultaneously, making this a very efficient route into nursing.

Not sure if your existing qualifications meet the requirements? Check your qualifications with this free dedicated service:

Level 3 Qualifications: Your Route to University

To apply for a nursing degree through UCAS, you will need a Level 3 qualification, the equivalent of A levels. This demonstrates that you are ready for degree-level study. There are two main routes to achieving this:

Route 1: A Levels

A Levels are the traditional post-16 qualification taken in sixth form or college, typically over two years. For nursing, universities may look favourably on subjects such as:

• Biology
• Psychology
• Health and Social Care
• Chemistry
• Sociology

Most nursing degree programmes require BBB to BCC at A level, though entry requirements vary between universities. You can study for your A Levels online using services as per below

• Online A levels
• A Level Online Courses

Route 2: Access to Higher Education Diploma: The Most Popular Route for Adult Learners

If you didn't take A Levels at school, or if you're returning to education as an adult, the Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is widely regarded as the most popular and well-supported route into nursing. In fact, it is specifically designed with career changers and adult learners in mind and is the number one entry route into nursing degrees for students aged 19 and over.

For those educated overseas whose qualifications may not be directly recognised by UK universities, an Access to HE Nursing Diploma provides an ideal way to demonstrate UK-standard academic readiness.

Access to Higher Education Courses: Your Clear Route into Nursing

What is an Access to Higher Education Course?

An Access to Higher Education Diploma (commonly called an Access course or Access to HE) is a Level 3 qualification specifically designed to prepare adults for university study. Developed in partnership with universities, these courses are recognised by higher education institutions across the UK as equivalent to A Levels.

Access courses typically take one year to complete, either full-time or part-time, and are available through further education colleges and a growing number of online providers.

What does an Access to Nursing course cover?

An Access to HE Diploma in Nursing (or Nursing and Midwifery) is tailored to the knowledge and skills you'll need for a nursing degree. Modules commonly include:

• Human Biology and Anatomy
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Health and Social Care
• Research and Study Skills
• English and Communication

These subjects are carefully chosen to align with what universities expect nursing applicants to have studied, giving you a significant head start when you begin your degree.

Who is an Access to Nursing course for?

Access courses are ideal for:

• Adult learners (typically aged 19+) who do not have the required A Levels.
• Career changers from any background; healthcare support workers, teaching assistants, retail workers, parents returning to work etc.
• International applicants or those educated overseas whose home-country qualifications are not recognised by UK universities
• Anyone who wants a structured, supported pathway into higher education.

There are no formal entry requirements for most Access to HE courses beyond a commitment to learning. You will need Level 2 English and Maths, but some specialist providers such as Pass Learn can help you achieve these alongside the diploma.

How long does an Access to Nursing course take?

Most Access to HE Nursing diplomas take one academic year when studied full-time. Part-time routes are also available and typically span two years, making them suitable for those balancing work, caring responsibilities or other commitments.

Online Access to Nursing courses offer the greatest flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace from home with the same nationally recognised qualification at the end.

Access to Nursing and Midwifery

If you're interested in pursuing midwifery rather than (or as well as) nursing, many Access to HE providers offer a combined Nursing and Midwifery pathway. This gives you the flexibility to apply to either nursing or midwifery degree programmes or both once you've completed the course. You can read more about Access to Midwifery diploma’s here.

From Access Course to Nursing Degree

Applying to university with an Access to HE Diploma

Once you've successfully completed your Access to HE Diploma, you apply to university through UCAS in the same way as any other applicant. Universities actively welcome Access to HE graduates, with many institutions reserving places specifically for Access course students, recognising that adult learners with an Access qualification are often among the most motivated and committed students.

When applying, you'll typically need:

• A completed UCAS application with a strong personal statement
• Your Access to HE Diploma (with the grades achieved in your units)
• Evidence of Level 2 Maths and English (GCSE or Functional Skills)

Relevant work or voluntary experience in a caring or health-related setting (highly recommended but not essential).

What is a nursing degree like?

A nursing degree in the UK is typically a three-year BSc (Hons) in Nursing, split equally between academic study and clinical placements. By the time you graduate, you will have completed a minimum of 2,300 hours of clinical practice alongside your academic work.

During your degree you can expect to cover subjects including:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Patient Assessment and Care Planning
• Leadership and Management
• Professional Ethics and Law

Clinical placements take you into real healthcare environments such as hospitals, GP surgeries, community health settings, care homes and more.

NHS Learning Support Fund

Student nurses in England are eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund, which provides a non-repayable grant of at least £5,000 per year. Additional payments may be available for those with dependants, those on lower incomes, or those studying certain specialisms. This funding is separate from your student loan and does not need to be repaid.

Graduating and Applying for Nursing Jobs

NMC Registration

Once you've successfully completed your nursing degree, you'll apply to join the NMC register as a qualified Registered Nurse (RN). This is a legal requirement to practise nursing in the UK. The process involves:

• Submitting your degree results to the NMC
• Completing a declaration of good character
• Paying the NMC registration fee
• Providing evidence of your English language ability (if applicable)

Registration typically takes a few weeks after graduation, and many employers will offer conditional start dates while your registration is being processed.

Where can newly qualified nurses work?

The UK has a significant and well-documented demand for nurses across all settings. As a newly qualified Registered Nurse, you can apply for roles in:

• NHS Trusts — hospitals, community services, mental health trusts
• GP and primary care settings
• Private hospitals and independent sector providers
• Care homes and nursing homes
• Occupational Health services
• Schools and universities (as school or university nurses)
• Charities and voluntary sector organisations
• Armed forces nursing
• International opportunities — UK nursing qualifications are recognised in many countries

NHS Band 5: Your Starting Point

Most newly qualified nurses in the NHS begin at Band 5 on the Agenda for Change pay scale.

Building your nursing career

Nursing offers extraordinary scope for career development. Once you have a few years of post-registration experience, you can pursue:

• Specialist nursing roles — such as Theatre Nurse, Intensive Care Nurse, or Neonatal Nurse
• Advanced Clinical Practice — including Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Nurse Practitioner roles
• Nurse Prescribing qualifications
• Management and leadership pathways
• Nurse Consultant level positions
• Education and academia — teaching the next generation of nurses
• Research roles within NHS or university settings

The nursing career ladder is long, and the opportunities are genuinely wide-ranging. Many nurses go on to become Nurse Consultants, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, or Heads of Nursing, with salaries reflecting their senior expertise and responsibility.

You can read more about the different nursing jobs and related salaries here.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Whether you're just starting to explore a career in nursing or you're ready to enrol on an Access course tomorrow, the pathway is clear:

1. Achieve Level 2 in English and Maths — via GCSE or Functional Skills
2. Complete a Level 3 qualification — an Access to HE Diploma in Nursing is the recommended route for adult learners
3. Apply to a nursing degree through UCAS
4. Graduate and register with the NMC
5. Start your nursing career