BSc Nursing (three-year ordinary degree)*

We offer three routes to a Nursing degree – a four-year BSc (Hons) route, a four-year Master of Nursing (MNurse) route and a three-year BSc Nursing route (this page).

Structure

This is a three-year BSc degree course. Over the three years you will complete a total of 4,600 hours of theory and practice experience which is split equally. The main difference from our Master of Nursing is the credit level of the academic work, which will be higher in the master’s to allow for a higher level final qualification. At the end of year two you have the opportunity to transition to the Master of Nursing course.

Teaching, learning and assessment

Our aim in developing this course has been to use a range of creative ways of teaching and learning to promote self-development and the skills for interacting with others. You will be facilitated to learn in lectures, seminars, practical laboratories and have practice learning experiences. Outside of timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning through self-study.

We encourage you to complement your theoretical learning by participating in opportunities, such as volunteering, which could be done in the summer break.

We aim to include creative ways of assessment such as practical and written exams, assignments and group work.

Placements (Practice Learning Experience)

A Practice Learning Experience (PLE) is offered each year. PLEs provide the opportunity to integrate theory and practice by working directly with people in whichever setting they are.

PLEs can be in a variety of settings such as the community area, a hospital or care home. These may be in the Lothians and Borders. Edinburgh Napier University manages the sourcing of PLEs for each student on this course. Lecturing staff at ҹɫֱ²¥ manage the allocation of PLEs.

The teams are always looking at widening opportunities for students and we are increasing the variety of available PLEs. Opportunities to work with specialist research nurses are being developed.

To enhance future employability PLEs take place across the south-east region of Scotland. It is therefore likely that you will have to relocate for at least some of your practice-based learning.

Please note that there are additional costs associated with placements. Please see the ‘Other fees’ section under the ‘Entry requirements’ tab for more details.

Teaching staff, class sizes and timetables

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

For more information, please also visit ‘How we teach and how you’ll learn’.

Year One

You will:

• describe the principles of person-centred practice and understand the contribution of self in developing relationships with persons, families, colleagues, and communities;
• understand principles of reflection and communication in order to work collaboratively and effectively with people to promote health and wellbeing;
• understand the concepts of health and well-being across the lifespan in/for persons, families, and communities; 
• identify and explore a range of theories, science, and knowledge to support the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care;
• safely participate in practice learning under supervision and reflect on a range of learning experiences;
• understand the importance of evidence-based practice and research that informs and advances nursing care;
• recognise the importance of effective partnerships with people, families, carers, and colleagues;
• understand the concept of health improvement at local, national, and global levels; and
• recognise the contribution of other health and social care professions to enable safe and effective person-centred care.Ìý

You will study the following modules:

• Applied Biosciences for Nursing Practice 1:ÌýThis year-long module allows you to develop key knowledge of the principles of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology and applied nursing skills for practice. You will develop and apply an understanding of the principles of health and illness to gain the basic knowledge and skills to support assessment of patients’ health and well-being needs for optimal person-centred nursing care.
• Exploring the Theories and Art of Nursing:ÌýIn this module, you will start to explore the theoretical concepts that inform your practice with people across the lifespan. You will also explore your professional identity considering accountability, communication, reflection and being a lifelong learner.
• Nursing Research 1 - Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing: This module will explore the importance of research and evidence to enhance nursing practice and it will support you to develop your academic skills.
• Introduction to Active Learning Communities 1:ÌýThe module will introduce the concept of active learning communities and explore different learning methods. It will support you to develop your learning skills by integrating your knowledge from other modules and practice learning experiences.

Year Two

You will:

• apply the principles of person-centred practice and understand the contribution of self and others in developing intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships;
• apply principles of reflection and communication to work collaboratively and effectively with people to promote health and wellbeing;
• explore the role of the nurse in maintaining health, preventing ill health and health inequalities;
• use a range of theories, science, and knowledge to support the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care;
• safely contribute to care within practice learning environments, including demonstrating situational awareness and communication of escalation of potential risk;
• describe how evidence-based and research practice informs nursing care;
• demonstrate effective connections and partnerships with people, families, carers, and colleagues;
• demonstrate how health improvement can be applied at local, national, and global contexts through collaborative care; and
• demonstrate knowledge of other health and social care professions to deliver safe and effective person-centred care.Ìý

You will study the following modules:

• Analysing the Theories and Art of Nursing:ÌýYou will further develop a critical understanding of the theoretical concepts that underpin our practice, challenging assumptions and learning from other disciplines. You will consider the range of skills required to support the ongoing development of nursing as a safety critical profession, reflecting on perspectives from political, media and practice arenas
• Nursing Research 2 - Understanding and Critiquing Evidence and Knowledge to Develop Nursing Practice: This module enables you to develop your understanding of evidence and knowledge in relation to developing nursing practice.
• Active Learning Communities 2:ÌýThe module will support you to further explore the concept of active learning communities, critically explore different learning methods, and develop confidence in facilitation skills. You will expand your knowledge and application of reflective models and frameworks. It will support you to critically reflect on your learning from other modules and practice learning experiences.
• Applied Biosciences for Nursing Practice 2:ÌýThis year-long module allows you to develop key knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and related pharmacology of identified body systems. It will build on current knowledge and skills in order to enable assessment, planning and implementation of high quality, holistic person-centred care. The module will enable you to develop and apply an understanding of the principles of individual and population-based health and illness, to support assessment of health, well-being and health promotion needs for optimal person-centred nursing care.

Year Three

You will:

• critically reflect on the impact of teams and cultures on the implementation of person-centred practice;Ìý ÌýÌý
• practice critical reflection and reflexivity and communication to work collaboratively and effectively with people to promote health and wellbeing;ÌýÌý
• critically analyse approaches to local, national, and global health, and contribute to the support and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals and groups;
• appraise theories, science, and knowledge to contribute to judgement and decision making in/of contemporary nursing care;
• critically reflect on practice and appraise own and others practice and care delivery;Ìý Ìý
• analyse and evaluate the importance of evidence-based practice and healthcare research in delivering safe nursing care;ÌýÌý
• analyse facilitation approaches to establishing effective partnerships with people, families, carers and colleagues;
• examine and analyse the contribution of health improvement at local, national, and global contexts through collaborative care across a range of health and social care disciplines;ÌýÌý
• critically analyse the skills and expertise of other health and social care professions to implement safe and effective person-centred care.Ìý
• be a reflexive practitioner and practice person-centred communication skills to work collaboratively and effectively with people to promote health and wellbeing; and
• exercise autonomous professional and evidence informed judgement and decision making in multidisciplinary contexts.Ìý

You will study the following modules:

• Applied Biosciences for Nursing Practice 3:ÌýThis year-long module allows you to enhance and critically apply knowledge of normal anatomy, physiology and pharmacology to develop their understanding of the pathophysiological processes and treatment of serious and critical illness and identify person-centred nursing implications. Development of advanced clinical nursing skills will enable you to plan, assess, escalate, implement and evaluate person-centered care
• Applying the Theories and Art of Nursing:ÌýYou will use the knowledge you have developed in years one and two, to critically evaluate nursing theory and philosophy alongside theories from other disciplines to promote rights based, person-centred care in all fields of practice and in a variety of contexts.
• Nursing Research 3 - Understanding and Critiquing Evidence and Knowledge to Develop Nursing Practice: This module is about applying research knowledge and skills in relation to advancing nursing practice.

This course will give you the confidence and expertise you need to succeed in the field of nursing that you choose. Your professional and graduate prospects will be excellent. You will have a diverse range of career options in the UK and overseas. 

ҹɫֱ²¥ nursing graduates are working in a range of diverse clinical practice settings, for example, acute medical and surgical areas, long term, community and rehabilitation contexts. Many have forged careers outside of the traditional hospital setting by working in the Armed Forces, in research, leadership and education roles. You can also advance your nursing career through postgraduate studies, although postgraduate courses typically require some time in practice first.

Successful completion leads to eligibility to register (Registered Nurse {Adult}) with the Nursing and Midwifery Council) NMC.

Entry requirements

Scottish Higher: Standard - BBC Minimum - BCC

A Level: BB/CDD

Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H3 H3

International Baccalaureate: 24 points

International: IELTS of 7.0 (with no component below 7.0 for reading, speaking and listening, and 6.5 for writing)

Required subjects: It would be preferred that all combinations of qualifications include a science and discursive subject at the higher level such as Scottish Higher or A Level.  Applicants without this, must have achieved National 5 English and a Science subject at grade C or above. Mathematics is also required at National 5 C or above or equivalent. We can also accept National 5 Application of Mathematics or Lifeskills at the same grade.

Mature/Access: Applicants with Access qualifications must demonstrate a strong academic profile. We welcome applications from mature students with other relevant experience and qualifications. More information on related Access courses.

Am I a Widening Access student?: We apply the minimum entry criteria to applicants who meet one or more contextual factor. To see if this would apply to you, please refer to the access and application page.

Direct Entry: 

Applicants with prior learning (eg HNC Healthcare Practice or equivalent) may be considered for advanced standing, subject to: 

• Evidence of 120 SCQF Level 7 credits 
• Completion of required bridging modules (eg asynchronous Biosciences module and Study Skills module) 
• Evidence of 600 practice learning hours, but applications will be considered on an individual case-by-case basis 

For further details of related HNC and HND courses, visit our College Leavers and Mature Students Advice page. 

Other requirements

• You will be offered immunisation against Hepatitis B. 
• A satisfactory criminal records check from the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme, an occupational health check and personal indemnity insurance (normally through membership of the professional body) are required. 
• The NMC requires you to complete a declaration of good health and good character each year. 
• Applications will be required to participate in a selection event as part of the application process. 

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at ҹɫֱ²¥. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the Disability Service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Fee information

Fees: Please follow the link in the 'Course Overview' box for information on fees for 2027 entry.

Other costs:

• The cost of professional indemnity insurance is your responsibility.
• You will be required to pay any additional costs associated with placement travel and accommodation. If you receive SAAS funding you may be able to claim for some of these expenses to be reimbursed.
• Uniform, PVG and name badge costs.

For more information on other costs, please visit the UG 2027 fees page.

Application information

How to apply: Application for this course should be made through . More application information is available in the 'Start your Application' box at the top right of this page.

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Email Admissions

• The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2027/28 Entry Terms and Conditions (Undergraduate).
• The course information on this page is correct at the time of publication (Feb 2026) but it subject to change. Please check back here for updates.