BSc

BSc (Hons) Nursing & Health Sciences

Compassionate, evidence-based nursing practice

Online only

3 years full-time360 creditsEnglish

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Overview

This programme prepares compassionate practitioners for modern healthcare environments. Campus simulation wards develop clinical skills; placements with NHS and private partners provide real-world experience. You will study anatomy, pharmacology, mental health nursing, and public health. Interprofessional education sessions build collaboration skills with midwifery, physiotherapy, and medical students where available.

Clinical placements are arranged across Lothian health boards with dedicated placement educators.

Who This Programme Is For

Caring individuals committed to patient-centred practice
Healthcare assistants progressing to registered nursing
Students seeking NMC-aligned academic preparation

Faculty spotlight

Professor Anne Fraser RN, PhD leads Clinical Practice; Dr. Michael Osei coordinates simulation education.

How you can study

Digital only

Study online

100% tuition-free online

Every programme can be completed fully online with zero tuition fees — study from anywhere in the world.

✦ Tuition: £0 / $0
✦ Course exams from $45 — 95% sponsorship rate
✦ Learn from anywhere · Live online seminars

Apply online →

What You Will Learn

Deliver safe, evidence-based nursing interventions
Communicate effectively with patients and multidisciplinary teams
Apply clinical reasoning in simulated and placement settings
Reflect on practice using professional frameworks

Curriculum

Year 1

Code	Course	Credits
NUR101	Foundations of Nursing Foundations of Nursing — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Foundations of Nursing Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
NUR102	Anatomy & Physiology Anatomy & Physiology — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Anatomy & Physiology Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
NUR103	Communication & Care Communication & Care — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Communication & Care Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
NUR104	Practice Placement I Practice Placement I — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Practice Placement I Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20

Year 2

Code	Course	Credits
NUR201	Medical-Surgical Nursing Medical-Surgical Nursing — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Medical-Surgical Nursing Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
NUR202	Pharmacology Pharmacology — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Pharmacology Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
NUR203	Mental Health Nursing Mental Health Nursing — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Mental Health Nursing Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
NUR204	Practice Placement II Practice Placement II — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Practice Placement II Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20

Year 3

Code

Course

Credits

NUR301

Leadership in Nursing

Leadership in Nursing — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.

Core concepts and frameworks in Leadership in Nursing
Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases
Methods, tools, and professional standards
Ethics, risk, and responsible practice
Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project

NUR302

Public Health & Policy

Public Health & Policy — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.

Core concepts and frameworks in Public Health & Policy
Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases
Methods, tools, and professional standards
Ethics, risk, and responsible practice
Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project

NUR303

Practice Placement III & Portfolio

Practice Placement III & Portfolio — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.

Core concepts and frameworks in Practice Placement III & Portfolio
Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases
Methods, tools, and professional standards
Ethics, risk, and responsible practice
Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project

Career Paths

Staff Nurse
Community Nurse
Clinical Research Nurse
Health Educator
Further Study (MSc)

Programme Highlights

Simulation wards with high-fidelity manikins
NHS placement network across Lothian
Interprofessional education sessions
Pathway to MSc Health Informatics or Public Health

Admission Requirements

A-levels BBB (or equivalent) in relevant subjects, or an Access to HE Diploma with Merit profile
International Baccalaureate 28 points, or high school diploma with GPA 3.0/4.0 minimum
Personal statement (400–600 words) explaining your academic interests and career goals
One academic reference from a teacher, tutor, or school counsellor
English proficiency: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 46, or equivalent (waived for prior English-medium study)
Optional: portfolio or interview for creative and professional programmes
Enhanced DBS check and occupational health clearance required before placement

Recognised & Accredited

Ready to begin?BSc (Hons) Nursing & Health Sciences

Apply now

Overview

Clinical placements are arranged across Lothian health boards with dedicated placement educators.

Curriculum

Year 1

Code	Course	Credits
NUR101	Foundations of Nursing Foundations of Nursing — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Foundations of Nursing Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
NUR102	Anatomy & Physiology Anatomy & Physiology — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Anatomy & Physiology Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
NUR103	Communication & Care Communication & Care — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Communication & Care Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
NUR104	Practice Placement I Practice Placement I — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Practice Placement I Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20

Year 2

Code	Course	Credits
NUR201	Medical-Surgical Nursing Medical-Surgical Nursing — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Medical-Surgical Nursing Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
NUR202	Pharmacology Pharmacology — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Pharmacology Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
NUR203	Mental Health Nursing Mental Health Nursing — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Mental Health Nursing Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20
NUR204	Practice Placement II Practice Placement II — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Practice Placement II Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	20

Year 3

Code

Course

Credits

NUR301

Leadership in Nursing

Leadership in Nursing — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.

Core concepts and frameworks in Leadership in Nursing
Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases
Methods, tools, and professional standards
Ethics, risk, and responsible practice
Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project

NUR302

Public Health & Policy

Public Health & Policy — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.

Core concepts and frameworks in Public Health & Policy
Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases
Methods, tools, and professional standards
Ethics, risk, and responsible practice
Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project

NUR303

Practice Placement III & Portfolio

Practice Placement III & Portfolio — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.

Core concepts and frameworks in Practice Placement III & Portfolio
Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases
Methods, tools, and professional standards
Ethics, risk, and responsible practice
Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project

Admission Requirements

A-levels BBB (or equivalent) in relevant subjects, or an Access to HE Diploma with Merit profile

International Baccalaureate 28 points, or high school diploma with GPA 3.0/4.0 minimum

Personal statement (400–600 words) explaining your academic interests and career goals

One academic reference from a teacher, tutor, or school counsellor

English proficiency: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 46, or equivalent (waived for prior English-medium study)

Optional: portfolio or interview for creative and professional programmes

Enhanced DBS check and occupational health clearance required before placement

Recognised & Accredited