Diploma or Degree?

Students wishing to train as a nurse undertake either a pre-registration diploma or degree at university. This is normally a three year programme designed to combine classroom theory with real, practical nursing experience in hospital or community settings. There is also an accelerated Diploma for graduates who already hold a health related degree.

Diploma and degree courses are run at different academic levels, however there is an element of overlap, as diploma level students can transfer to degree courses or can opt to come back and 'top up' their diploma in nursing to a degree at a later stage.

For more details on Nursing Diplomas and Degrees visit the NHS Careers Website.

Applications for degree level pre-registration nursing and midwifery programmes should be made via UCAS.

Applications for diploma level pre-registration nursing and midwifery programmes should be made via the Nursing and Midwifery Admissions Service (NMAS).

The entry requirements for the diploma and the degree course differ and prospective students should contact the University of their choice for details. Click here for a list of contact numbers for universities in the UK.

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