Typical GCSE Requirements:

• Number of GCSEs: A minimum of five GCSEs at grades A-C* or 9-4 is generally required. If you don't have these, many universities accept Functional Skills instead (see below)

Mandatory Subjects:

• English Language: Grade C/4 or above.
• Mathematics: Grade C/4 or above.
• Science: Grade C/4 or above in at least one science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Combined Science). Many universities, however, will allow students without GCSE science if they have science at level 3 (e.g., If they do an Access to Higher Education Diploma that includes science units)

Why These Subjects Matter:

• English Language: Essential for effective communication, critical in patient care, and record-keeping.
• Mathematics: Important for medication calculations, dosage measurements, and interpreting statistical data.
• Science: Provides foundational knowledge of human biology and physiology, crucial for understanding medical conditions and treatments.

Additional Considerations:

• Higher Grades: Some universities may prefer higher grades due to the competitive nature of nursing programs.
• Functional Skills Level 2: In many cases, Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths will be accepted instead of GCSEs.

Typical A-Level Requirements:

• Number of A-Levels: At least two to three A-levels are required, depending on the university.
• Grades: Offers usually range from BCC to ABB, but competitive programs may ask for AAB or higher.

Subject Preferences:

• Biology/Human Biology: Highly preferred and sometimes mandatory, as it directly relates to nursing.
• Other Sciences: Chemistry, Physics, or Psychology may strengthen your application.
• Health and Social Care: Accepted by some universities in place of or alongside science subjects.
• Excluded Subjects: General Studies and Critical Thinking are often not accepted.

Examples of University Requirements:

• University A: Requires BBB, including Biology or another science subject.
• University B: Requires ABB, with at least one science subject.
• University C: Requires BCC, with no specific subject requirements but prefers applicants with a science background.

Why A-Level Subjects Matter:

• Biology: Provides an in-depth understanding of the human body, diseases, and treatments.
• Psychology: Offers insights into human behavior, beneficial for mental health nursing.
• Chemistry and Physics: Useful for understanding pharmacology and medical technology.

Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma (Nursing):

• Who It's For: Adults (19+) who lack formal qualifications but wish to enter higher education.
• Duration: Typically one year full-time or two years part-time.
• Content: Core subjects include Human Biology, Health Studies, Psychology, and Sociology. It also covers study skills such as academic writing and research methods.
• Assessment: Combination of coursework and exams, although some online courses such as Academy Online Learning's Access to Nursing course have no exams and are entirely coursework based.
• Typical Offer: Pass with 45 credits at Level 3, with a certain number of credits at Merit or Distinction in science-related units.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma:

• Relevant Courses: Health and Social Care, Applied Science.
• Typical Offer: DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) to DDD (Distinction, Distinction, Distinction).
• Content: Practical and theoretical knowledge in health and science.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma:

• Points Required: 28 to 32 points.
• Higher Level Subjects: Should include Biology or another science.

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers:

• Highers: Typically require BBBBB grades.
• Advanced Highers: May require BBB, especially in science subjects.

Irish Leaving Certificate:

• Requirements: Grades H2, H2, H3, H3, H3 at Higher Level, including a science subject.

T-Levels:

• Emerging Qualifications: Technical qualifications equivalent to A-levels.
• Relevant T-Level: Health (Nursing specialism).
• Acceptance: Some universities accept T-Levels; check with individual institutions.