- IELTS 6.0 or (equivalent) with no element below 5.5 (NMC require 7 for reading, listening, and speaking and 7 for writing)
- All applicants must be qualified nurses (Diploma at Level 5 or equivalent)
- Be registered with the appropriate in-country regulatory body, and have current experience.
Nursing Studies (International Top-up) BSc (Hons)
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Course Summary
This course provides academic and professional development for nurses who have a Diploma of Nursing from outside the UK and wish to enhance their career opportunities by attaining an honours degree qualification. The course has been specifically designed to build on your skills as a registered nurse in your home country and will help you to develop the skills and knowledge required of UK registrants.
Completion of this course will enable you to demonstrate that your nursing skills and experience are at the required level to undertake the Nursing and Midwifery Council Test of Competence for registration.
The course is delivered at our Birkenhead site ideally located close to Liverpool city centre with excellent public transport links.
*We welcome applications from nurses registered overseas wishing to come to the UK to study as well as individuals living in the UK whilst registered as a nurse elsewhere wanting to prepare for their NMC registration.
Nursing at the University of Chester
What You'll Study
This level 6 top-up year further develops your skills as a registered nurse in your home country and helps you to develop the skills and knowledge required of UK registrants.
MODULES
- Context of UK Healthcare for International Nurses (20 credits) Core
- Advancing Leadership and Supervision (20 credits) Core
- Promoting Health and wellbeing in Nursing Practice (20 credits) Core
- Evidence-Based Nursing Practice (20 credits) Core
- Clinical Skills For Nursing in the UK (40 credits) Core
The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.
This course utilises a diverse range of teaching and learning strategies including small group seminars, field trips and face-to-face taught sessions with interactive group work. Students will be required to engage in independent study and work with their peers throughout the programme.
You will also learn clinical skills and decision-making in our state-of-the-art simulation labs which replicate clinical hospital settings and community settings. This is designed to enable you to hone your clinical skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Each module of study is assessed via a variety of methods including written essays, presentations and an Observed Clinical Skills Examination. These approaches are specifically designed to replicate the approach used in the NMC Test of Competence.
Study skills support sessions are embedded throughout the programme to enable you to gradually build up your academic skills with clear guidance and expert support.
Clinical Skills and Simulation Facilities Tour
Entry Requirements
Fees and Funding
£14,450*per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £14,450 per year for a full-time course. This fee is set for each year of study.
The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.
For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £10,750 and £14,200 for Years 2-4 in 2025/26.
For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.
Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.
Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.
If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.
Marriss House
Dedicated health and nursing education facility
Your Future Career
Job Prospects
Graduates will be well placed to undertake the NMC Test of Competence for registration in the UK. This will enable them to apply for Band 5 posts in the NHS or Social Care or to seek employment in a wider range of countries where this qualification is recognised.
Progression Options
The University of Chester includes a range of CPD programmes to enable our Graduates to continue their education with us. This includes a MSc Advanced Clinical Practice and a suite of Specialist Community Nursing Programmes.
Careers Service
The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, and extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.