School of Nursing and Midwifery

BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health) with Integrated Foundation Year

UCAS tariff 32 - 48 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code B749
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years

(with placements)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
Register for open day
Apply at UCAS.com

Our Integrated foundation course prepares you for the undergraduate degree in nursing. Through a focussed learning experience, you will examine the science and practice of modern human biology, biomedical/healthcare and nursing science. With a focus on experiential learning, intensive and early assessment with rapid feedback this course will support your learning and understanding of the broad spectrum of health services and how they interlink across the NHS.

Careers with this subject
Adult nurses provide nursing care for adults of all ages with acute or long-term illness. They prioritise the needs of the patient, building trusting relationships to play a vital role in health promotion and disease prevention. Adult nurses work closely with healthcare professionals, patients and their families, to support recovery using evidence-based practice.
Adult nurses work with a wide range of conditions to help to improve patient’s health and overall quality of life, where possible. These can be grouped into five main categories:
  • Cardio respiratory
    This relates to the action of both the heart and lungs. Some of the conditions you might work with in this category are: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, care after organ transplants, pneumonia and shortness of breath, asthma and cardiac arrests.
  • Musculoskeletal
    This relates to the muscles and the skeleton. Disorders that you might see frequently are fractures, people that have fallen, and persistent pain conditions.
  • Neurological
    This relates to the anatomy, functions and disorders of the nerves and nervous system. Some of these conditions include Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, and people with potential head or brain injuries.
  • Long-term conditions
    Adult nurses work on a number of specialist wards to help patients with long-term conditions related to cancer, gastroenterological, sexual health, ear, nose and throat, renal and many more. You may work with people that have physical and mental health conditions, and people with a range of learning difficulties.
  • Physical problems
    Some of the conditions adult nurses might treat or help patients with include burns or scalds, broken bones, spinal injuries, minor injuries, loss of consciousness, fits that are not stopping, sepsis, severe bleeding, severe allergic reactions, those recovering from surgery and many more.
Within the nursing profession there are many job opportunities across a variety of sectors. These include:
  • NHS hospitals
  • GP surgeries
  • Outpatient units
  • Specialist departments such as A&E, trauma and cancer wards
  • Care and nursing homes
  • Patients' homes
  • Public health and policy making
  • Private practice
  • Prisons
  • Armed Forces
  • Events
  • Education and academia
  • Research
  • Leadership roles

Key features
Achieve a bachelors honours degree and register as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in Adult Health enabling you to progress on to a rewarding career and work in a range of healthcare settings nationally or internationally.
  • Taught by University lecturers on campus, you’ll be part of the University from day one.
  • Ignite your passion for life-long learning with our evidence-informed modules, on a course designed to meet a diverse range of nursing career pathways.
  • Experience nursing practice in a variety of clinical settings, whilst learning collaboratively within dynamic healthcare teams.
  • Enhance and develop your nursing skills in the safe environment of the Clinical Skills Resource Centre under the supervision of nurse lecturers and clinical demonstrators.
  • Train and practice your professional healthcare skills in an inspiring purpose-built environment, InterCity Place.
  • Boost your employability by joining the 1000s of adult nursing students who have realised their dreams by successfully graduating from the University of Plymouth.
  • Learn from experienced Doctors and Professors in their field.

Course details

  • Year 0

  • This programme offers an opportunity to gain a Bachelor of Nursing starting at year zero as an Integrated Foundation Year.
    Students undertaking the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health) with Integrated Foundation Year programme will normally progress to BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health) .

    Core modules

    BHCS001
    Infection, Immunity and Therapeutics 20 credits

    This module will provide an introduction to microbiology and the human immune system. Students will learn the fundamental biology relating to bacteria, helminths, viruses and fungi. And also develop an understanding of how our immune system has evolved to combat infection. The module will also explore methods to control microbial contamination and therapeutic strategies to prevent disease.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    BHCS002
    Current Developments in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences 20 credits

    This module examines the role of science in addressing key contemporary issues in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences. The module aims to take an integrative approach, aiming to develop in students both a critical appreciation of the ways in which issues in Human Biology can be approached and resolved, and to develop an understanding of the skills and attributes needed for effective study of such issues at undergraduate level.

    100% Practicals

    FMD001
    Molecules to Cells 20 credits

    This module introduces key concepts involved in cell regulation including genetic inheritance, metabolism and protein expression. The important role of enzymes in the control of biochemical pathways will be introduced, as will an introduction to cell signalling. Cellular organisation within different tissues will also be outlined, enabling students to recognise links between structure and function. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    FMD002
    Introduction to Human Physiology 20 credits

    This module will provide a foundation of knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Using example systems, it will emphasise relationships between structure and function and examine homeostatic regulation in these systems. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.

    50% Practicals

    50% Examinations

    FMD004
    Interdisciplinary Learning and Team Based Learning (Enquiry learning) 20 credits

    This module is designed to enable learners to develop key skills required for working in multidisciplinary teams. Students will be encouraged to work with their colleagues to manage tasks and tailor learning according to their own particular discipline

    100% Coursework

    SOHP001
    Learning Skills for Health and Social Care Professions 20 credits

    This module is designed to enable learners to adapt to the learning environment of higher education by developing an independent, reflective and managed approach to learning and professional development.

    100% Coursework

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

32 - 48

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

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
32-48 Tariff points to include a minimum of two A levels.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass an Access to HE Diploma – Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered..
BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
PPP – Science, Health, or Social Science profile is preferred but any subject considered.
International Baccalaureate
24 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
T level
Pass overall. Health or Science pathway is preferred but any subject considered.
Other
Applications from students with non-standard qualifications, including those without science qualifications at level 3, are welcomed and are assessed on an individual basis. This course is also suitable for those returning to study who can offer work or other related experience in place of formal qualifications and who have the equivalent of basic mathematical, English and science skills (i.e. the equivalent of a grade C at GCSE level).
English language
Applicants where English is not their first language must also provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English and a minimum IELTS score of at least 7.0, with a minimum score of 6.5 in any section. English language requirements .
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
Extended entry requirements
  • 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.
All students must be 18 or over at the start of the programme.

Further information

Enhancing your application

Meeting the academic minimum does not guarantee you a place, you need to make sure that you are strong across all sections of your application form. Read more about enhancing your application

Interview days

Once your application has been received, we will consider your application to help us reach a decision. If successful at the initial screening stage, you will be invited to an interview. The majority of health courses interview applicants, as this is a requirement of many health regulatory bodies. This applies to all Universities and is vital to the progression of applications.
Interviews enable:
  • you to give the best account of your skills, experience and character.
  • us to decide whether you will thrive in the University of Plymouth’s culture.
  • us to explain more about the University, programme and how we work with our students.
Find out more about interview days: pre-work tasks, what to expect on the day of the interview and what happens after.

Screening

All offers are subject to satisfactory screening in terms of your health, welfare and disclosure and barring processes, before the start of your course.
Find out more about the screening

NHS constitution

University pre-registration programmes for health professionals are required to select their applicants using a ‘values based’ approach. As part of this process, your UCAS personal statement should include evidence of your personal commitment to NHS values laid out in the NHS constitution.

Fees, costs and funding
Student 2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,250
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £770
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024 the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to Parliamentary procedure. The University will give further details to both prospective and current students as soon as more information becomes available.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery and more details of any additional costs associated with our courses are listed on the following page: Additional costs for nursing and midwifery students .

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website. The deadline for the receipt of international applications is 30 May 2025 for entry in September 2025.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office .

Deferred entry

Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please refer to an experienced admissions administrator who will be able to explain the UCAS application process in more detail admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
The School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Plymouth recognise that people may act out of character in times of trouble or distress. However, we will not tolerate inappropriate behaviour or language towards any of our staff during the admissions process. Hostile, aggressive, or otherwise inappropriate behaviour or language, whether expressed verbally or in writing, will be viewed seriously and may adversely affect the consideration of an application, appeal, or complaint. We reserve the right to reject an application from, or withdraw an offer to, an applicant who has behaved in an inappropriate manner.

The moment I realised... I wanted to be a nurse

Rachael Palmer explains the moment she realised she wanted to make a difference to patients when they need it most.

“I decided to become a nurse because I wanted to be that person a patient remembers was there for them on every step of their journey and made a difference, big or small.”

Find out more about Rachael's story

Clinical Skills Resources

Placement experience and simulated practice will work hand-in-hand to enable you to become the best professional you can be.
At Plymouth, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art clinical simulation wards and equipment to allow you to develop a range of skills that are specific to the profession you are entering, in addition to a variety of basic health related skills, including:
  • physical examinations
  • patient and family interviews
  • diagnostic skills
  • washing hands
  • manual handling
  • observing and monitoring
  • blood pressure reading
  • injections
  • medication administration.

Placements

Experience nursing practice in a variety of clinical settings, whilst learning collaboratively within dynamic healthcare teams.
Practical experience is an integral part of the nursing course. In placements you will learn with a wide range of practice partners gaining clinical experience in the full range of healthcare conditions that affect people everyday.
Student nurse

Advancing your career

Through evidence-informed theoretical study and a variety of clinical practice opportunities, our alumni have gained the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to succeed in the nursing profession. We also provide a range of post-registration courses to further develop your aspirations in nursing.
"Adult nursing gave me a broad base and has been a great foundation to facilitate many different career pathways."
Angela Foulds, Staff Nurse in Cardiology for the South Devon Health Care NHS Foundation Trust
Bethany Calloway, BSc (Hons) Nursing

Lecturers