Course Comparison

Course
MSc Pre-registration Nursing (Adult Health) MNurs (Hons) Nursing (Child Health and Mental Health)
Award
Master of Science - MSc Master of Nursing - MNurs (Hons)
Duration
2 years 4 years
Assessment breakdown
- -
Course type
Full-time Full-time
Placement
(with placements) (with placements)
Location
Plymouth Plymouth
Provider
School of Nursing and Midwifery School of Nursing and Midwifery
Entry requirements
Student selection is via UCAS and includes:
  • A personal statement
  • References
  • Confirmation of academic attainment
Applicants are initially screened to ensure you have the required academic qualifications, and given information on how to make a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) claim. The Faculty has well-established mechanisms and procedures for approving RPL. Programme outcomes and requirements are mapped following QAA Guidelines, and NMC requirements prior to acceptance on the programme.
When applying through UCAS you should:
  • Have a strong GCSE profile of five GCSE or O level subjects at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).
  • Have taken subjects that include English, Mathematics and a Science.
  • Have a Bachelor (honours) degree from an Institution of Higher Education usually at a 2:2 or above.
  • Usually have an A level or equivalent in a science or social science.
  • Be currently employed in a relevant clinical practice area with achievement of a minimum of 750 verified hours in this role. Individuals with recent healthcare experience will be considered in some circumstances. Relevant experience includes, for example hospitals, GP surgeries, hospices, and other community settings (subject to RPL). Evidence of clinical hours are to be confirmed by a registered nurse and will be mapped against the stage one values and proficiencies for the Nursing programme.
  • A copy of the your job description will be obtained to establish the appropriateness of the clinical experience.
  • If the individual confirming practice hours is not registered as a nurse in the UK, additional evidence of the verifier’s registration credentials will be required.
  • Evidence of academic study within the last 5 years.
  • Please note you will be asked to provide a CV at the assessment stage of this process
If you have not achieved mathematics GCSE at grade C/4 or above on application you may be offered a free online mathematics support package and an examination equivalent to C grade/grade 4 or above GCSE to enable the achievement of appropriate entry requirements prior to commencing the programme. This examination is offered during the recruitment cycle to all eligible candidates. 
If you have have not been educated in the UK or if English is not your first language will be required to undertake a recognised English language qualification which must include reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
IELTS: 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in all sections. 
Recruitment of international students will comply with UKVI Compliance Tier 4 requirements in line with the University Internationalisation Strategy.

Deferred entry

Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please contact the admissions team who will be able to explain the application process in more detail at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
GCSEs
5 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above to include Mathematics, English, and Science. Consideration may be given to Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics. Please note we do not accept Functional Skills Level 2 in English, or Key Skills in Maths or English, or Adult Literacy/Numeracy.
Plus one of the following:
A levels
128 Tariff points to include a minimum of two A levels. Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered. General Studies excluded.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass an Access to HE Diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction, including 15 in Science or Social Science. The remaining 15 Level 3 credits must be at Merit.
T level
Accepted pathway: Health. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.
BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DDM – Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered.
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall. Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered. English, Mathematics, and Science accepted within as GCSE equivalent at higher level = 4, standard level = 5
Degrees
Previous degrees are considered at a 2:1 or above. Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary. 
If you are unsure whether you meet this criteria, or you have qualifications not listed here, please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
 

Extended entry requirements

  • In addition to the above, evidence of academic study within the last five years is required. Ideally this should be one of the qualifications listed here, but the admissions team will assess on a case-by-case basis.
  • Meeting the academic minimum is the first stage of an application being considered. Applicants must also submit a strong personal statement in order to be considered further.
  • We will require an academic reference and an employer reference as part of the application process.
  • Attend an interview 
  • You must pass disclosure and barring service and occupational health checks satisfactorily in order to be able to start this course.
  • If English is not your first language and you do not have GCSE English grade C/4 or above you will have to achieve an IELTS (or equivalent qualification) at the grade of at least 7.0 (at least 6.5 in all elements sections). English language requirements. 
  • Students must be 18 years old or over by 31 December in the first year of the programme. 
 

Further information

Deferred entry

Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please contact the admissions team who will be able to explain the application process in more detail at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
 

Direct entry to year 2

If you have achieved certificated learning in addition to the entry criteria required for your programme of study, it may be possible to accredit this learning towards your chosen course. Full details on how to make an application are available on our open access MOODLE site (download details on how to access the site and submit your claim and supporting evidence). Your application will then be assessed and you will receive confirmation by email on the status of your claim. Please contact the admissions team in the first instance who will be able to advise whether you are eligible at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.