Are you full of life and professional experience? Maybe you’re in your 40s, 50s, or older, and you’re looking for a new, meaningful career that allows you to make a real difference in people’s lives. If nursing is on your mind, then good news — age is no barrier to getting into nursing!
In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about Mature Student Nursing Courses UK, including how to use your life and work experience to gain entry into top universities. We’ll cover entry requirements, funding opportunities, and the different routes available to help you start your nursing career confidently — no matter your age.
Why mature students are increasingly choosing nursing)
The UK’s health care system (NHS) is facing an unprecedented staffing shortage. And mature students’ second careerin nursing is becoming increasingly important in addressing this shortage. Mature students not only fill the gap, they bring qualities that are often missing from younger students.
Life Experience & Professional Skills
Various studies have shown that mature students (those who have already gained a lot of experience in their career or family life) can use these experiences to succeed in nursing:
- Communication Skills: Working with a variety of people over many years has given them a high level of communication and empathy, which is essential in building relationships with patients and their families.
- Problem-Solving Ability: Their experience in facing various challenges in lifeIn Clinical SettingsHelps solve problems quickly and effectively.
- Stability and professionalism: They are less likely to change careers and are more stable in their profession, which is very valuable to the NHS. A recent study found that older nursing students have lower drop-out rates than younger students.
If you want to explore similar topics, check out our guide on what support is available for mature students in the UK.
Growing demand and employment security
According to an NHS report, the UK’s health sector is currently facing a severe shortage of staff, which will increase in the future due to an “ageing population”
- There were still over 10,000 nursing vacancies in areas like London at the end of 2023.
- Due to the high demand in the healthcare sector, it is almost certain that you will find a job quickly after completing your undergraduate degree in nursing. Around 94% of nursing graduates find work within six months of graduating.
- As there is no upper age limit to start nurse training in nursing, there are fewer concerns about age in this field. If you have the right motivation and experience, this is a great opportunity for you to “career change nursing UK”.
Clearly highlight in your Personal Statement how your past experience (such as caregiving, team management, or customer service) will help you become a better nurse. Our team of experts at Just Educated can guide you through this — just like we do for students pursuing HND in Healthcare Practice or BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care.
What entry requirements look like for mature students
When applying for nursing courses, many people think that it is difficult to get a place without a formal higher education (A-levels). However, for mature students, UK universities offer alternative Routes and Flexible Requirements.
Requirements for General Undergraduate Courses (UG)
What is usually required for a Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) in Nursing course:
- GCSEs: Minimum grades in English and Maths 4 (previously grade C). It is almost mandatory to have a GCSE in science or another related subject (such as social science).
- A-levels: Typically requires a score between AAA and BCC. It is advantageous if a science-based subject or a health-related subject is included.
Alternative pathways for mature students
Even if you don’t have traditional A-levels, there are several alternative routes to entry into nursing, which universities particularly consider:
Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma (Nursing):
- This is the most popular route for mature students in the UK. It is an intensive one-year course that gives you the knowledge and skills you need to study at university.
- Over 90% of students who successfully complete the Access to Nursing course UK progress to universities.
- Eligibility generally requires being 19 years of age or older and having GCSE equivalent English and maths qualifications.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
- Some universities (such as Middlesex) may consider your previous professional experience, training, or any other degree/diploma as course credit.
- If you already have experience in Healthcare (such as a healthcare assistant), it makes your application much stronger.
If you already work in healthcare, explore our HND in Health and Social Care course — a great foundation for your nursing degree.
Conversion/Postgraduate Route
If you already have a non-nursing degree (such as biology, psychology, or social science), you can apply for an accelerated program. You can consider a Nursing conversion course UK
- This route is usually 2 years long(one year less than the 3-year regular course).
- Generally, for entrance qualification2:1 or 2:2 Honours Degree is needed, and in clinical settings, at least 500 hours of experience are necessary.
Scotland & Other UK Nations
Entry requirements for nursing courses in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland may differ slightly:
- Scotland: Some courses can be reduced to 2 years for adult nursing degree Scotland mature students, especially if you have previous health experience. There is a special nursing and midwifery bursary available from SAAS.
- Wales: Financial support is available through the NHS Wales Bursary Scheme.
If you’re planning to study elsewhere in the UK, see our guide on how to apply to university at 30 in the UK for more insights.
Routes into nursing for mature students
There are three main routes for mature students to become a nurses in the UK. You can choose one of these routes based on your current academic qualifications, financial situation and personal responsibilities.
Undergraduate Bachelor Route – 3 Years Full-Time
This is the most common and traditional path to entry into nursing.
- Timeliness: Usually 3-year full-time course
- Advantages: It is well-established in terms of course design, placement, and theory. It is suitable for beginners who have little or no experience in nursing.
- Useful for mature students: If you don’t have a previous degree, this is the best place to start. Even if you’re 40 or 50, your life experience will help you meet academic challenges.
Postgraduate Conversion Route – 2 Years Accelerated
This route is ideal for those who already have a degree (in any subject) and want to become a nurse quickly.
- Timeliness: This is an “accelerated nursing for mature students UK” route, which typically lasts 2 years full-time.
- Advantages: You can qualify in nursing quickly if you have a previous degree. However, this course is very intensive and requires a high level of dedication.
- Useful for mature students: You should be able to handle this fast-paced course due to your academic qualifications and maturity. However, keep in mind that the clinical and theoretical hour requirements are the same as for a 3-year course, so the workload is higher.
Apprenticeships & Work-based Learning
This is a very effective and financially secure path for working adult students.
Nursing Degree Apprenticeships – NDA
- Duration: Can last up to 4 years.
- Benefits: You will be paid as an employee on this route and your tuition fees will be paid by your employer.
- Suitability for mature students: Data shows that over four-fifths (80%+) of nursing apprentices are aged 25 or over – a much higher proportion than the average undergraduate nursing course.
- Important: This route is particularly suitable for mature workers who are less geographically mobile in their workplace.
Nursing Associate – NA
This is a 2-year higher education degree-level apprenticeship course, which can help you enter the Nursing Degree Apprenticeship (NDA) or the 2nd year of a Nursing Degree (BSc 2nd Year).
If you prefer a blended learning route, UK business degrees for adult learners may offer insight into flexible study models.
Funding, Support & Practical Considerations
Financial support and work-life balance are major challenges for mature students, but the UK government and universities offer special support for these students.
Funding & Financial Support
There are multiple financial resources for nursing students in the UK:
Student Loan:
- Tuition Fee Loan: This loan is provided by the government to help you pay for your course tuition fees as a UK citizen. There is no upper age limit for tuition fee loans.
- Maintenance Loan: It is given to help with your living expenses. If you are 60 or older, the amount of this loan may be limited, but for other mature students, it is an income-tested loan available.
NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF):
- Students on healthcare courses in the UK can receive this non-refundable grant. It includes a grant of at least £5,000 per year.
Especially for mature age:
- Childcare Allowance (CCA): This grant is very important for those who have dependent children.
- Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses (TDAE): This is provided to cover additional travel or accommodation costs during clinical placements.
Work, life and study balance
This is the most significant challenge for mature students. 35% of nursing students have children and 14% have other caring responsibilities.
- Time Management: It is essential to maintain a balance between placement and academic work.
- Emotional support: Institutions like the University of South Wales, which supports mature nursing students UK, provide personal tutoring, counselling, and mental health services.
Practical & Clinical Placements
About 50% of the total time of a nursing course is spent on clinical placements.
- Physical Demands: Nursing is also a physically demanding job. This is something to keep in mind as you get older.
- Placement Timing: Placement schedules can conflict with your family or work schedule. Some universities have introduced blended learning courses, where some of the practical hours are completed in simulation labs, which offers some flexibility.
Book a free consultation with JustEducated today to discuss your financial situation and life responsibilities in detail.
How to choose the right university/course – checklist for mature students
There are some specific things to consider for mature students when choosing a nursing course. Follow the checklist below to make the second chapter of your career a success:
Essential checklist:
- NMC Accreditation
- Mature Student Support
- Flexible Learning Options
- Location and Commute
- Age-Diversity Culture:
This checklist will help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
Why work with Just Educated
The right guidance is essential when choosing a new and challenging career path. At JustEducated, we are committed to helping mature students in particular with the process of applying to nursing courses in the UK.
Our expertise
- We are not just general education consultants; we are experienced UK education consultant nursing mature students who connect your life experience with your academic profile.
- Valuing your experience: We know that your 40+ or 50+ years of experience are no less important than your A-levels or GCSEs. Our team works with you to ensure that your work, volunteer experience.
- Data-driven course selection: We analyse data to help you choose the most suitable course based on your geographical location, financial situation, and educational background.
- Application Support: We optimise your Personal Statement so that the university admissions team can appreciate your motivation and maturity.
- Funding Guidance: NHS LSF, Maintenance Loan, or Bursary—which one are you eligible for? We help you navigate this complex funding landscape.
