All students

You need a first degree recognised in the UK at 2:2 or above and

GCSE's in

• English Language or Literature at grade C or 4 or equivalents*
• Maths at grade D or 4 or equivalents*
• Science at grade C or 4 or equivalents*

*GCSE Maths equivalents

• Level 2 Key Skills/Application of Number/Grade D at GCSE Maths/ Level 2 Maths credits from an Access course

• maths equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk

*GCSE English equivalents

• Level 2 Literacy

• Level 2 Key Skills

*GCSE Science equivalents

• OCR Science Level 2

• science units gained on a Level 3 BTEC or OCR National Diploma or Extended Diploma Qualification

• science credits gained on Access to Higher Education Diplomas (at least 12 credits gained at level 2 or 6 credits gained at level 3)

• science equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk

IELTS

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking and 6.5 in writing, or a recognised equivalent. If your level of English language is currently below IELTS 7.0 we recommend you consider an appropriate Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve the required level of English.

Helping your application succeed

Experience

Experience of interacting with members of the public from a range of backgrounds in different settings is essential when applying to a health or social care course. This is so you will have an understanding of the diversity of the population who access health and social care.  It is important to be able to understand and explain how your experiences relate to the activities and qualities which are required for the profession at your interview.

Reference

You must provide a reference from a current or recent employer or educational institution with your UCAS application.

Interview

If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to an online interview. To confirm your identity on the day please bring a valid form of photo ID with you, preferably a passport or photo driving licence.

View our interview guidance to ensure you understand the interviews process and how you can prepare for this.   

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Usually nurse education lasts three years. However, completion of your first degree and relevant health or social care experience within the last five years allows you to 'credit against' the first year of nurse education. A condition of starting a place on the MSc Nursing programme is a submission of evidence of how your first degree and prior experience relates to nursing. The evidence will demonstrate that you meet the same standard of a student nurse completing their first year of the nursing programme. Your RPL will include a written narrative about your knowledge and experience against the 7 NMC Platforms, with the use of supporting literature and the completion of a total of 600 hours worked in a relevant health or social care setting.

Guidance and support will be offered on how to complete your RPL following a successful interview.

Course enrolment - professional requirements

Before enrolling you must fully declare the following information on the pre-admission declaration forms provided during the admissions process:

• unfiltered criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings. For further information on unfiltered offences please see the Disclosure and Barring Service website.
• involvement in disciplinary proceedings during paid or voluntary employment or education establishments
• involvement with safeguarding proceedings, social services or related organisations
• enrolment on a health or social work professional course at another University

In addition

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Criminal Record Check

• you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal record check prior to or during the enrolment week of your course. This will be provided by the University free of charge.
• you will need to present valid identity documents (PDF) (PDF, 38.1KB) as part of the application process
• if you have lived outside of the UK for more than six consecutive months in the last five years you must provide an overseas criminal record check. Further information on obtaining an overseas criminal record check.
• where your DBS Enhanced Disclosure certificate contains any recorded information you must present this to the Professional Issues Team within ten working days of receipt of the certificate.

Occupational Health Screening

• You must undertake occupational health screening to determine your suitability to undertake the course. This will be provided by the University free of charge.

Immunisations

• You must undertake a programme of immunisations as required by the Department of Health and meet the immunisation and immunity requirements of placement providers. This will be provided by the University free of charge.

Other professional suitability information

Your full enrolment on your course will be confirmed when the Professional Issues Team have verified that your Enhanced DBS Disclosure (and overseas criminal record check where relevant) indicates that you are suitable to work with vulnerable groups including children and clearance from your health screening has been received.

If your personal circumstances change in relation to any of the professional requirements, from when you apply to the end of your course, you must tell the Professional Issues team immediately by calling 0114 225 5637 or emailing HWB-Professional-Issues@shu.ac.uk

Disability support

We strongly recommend that you tell us about any long term health conditions, learning difficulty or disability you may have. This is so we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards for education and training and take part without disadvantage both in University and on placement.

You can contact our University student support staff and explore any issues you may have.

The Disability Disclosure booklet provides information for students on health and social care courses and will help you understand the importance of disclosing your disability at the earliest possible stage. This is so you can be assessed for the support you may require to succeed on the course.

Open day

Our online open days give you an opportunity to chat live to our teaching staff and current students. You can explore the campus and view our facilities virtually as well as asking any questions you may have. To book your place at one of our online open days please follow this link: University open days.

Home students

Our tuition fee for UK students studying full-time in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years.

If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.