Why Now Is the Ideal Time to Study Nursing with Us

The recent BBC article on nursing roles within the NHS underscores a vital national truth: our health service is in critical need of well-trained, compassionate, and agile professionals. At the University of Chester, we recognise that the future of healthcare depends on fostering exceptional nurses – nurses who are clinically adept, emotionally resilient, and ready to lead.

We believe that our Nursing courses offer exactly the blend of academic excellence, innovative practice, and student support needed to meet this moment with confidence.

Here are a few reasons why you should study Nursing at the University of Chester.

1. Our Students Give Us Excellent Feedback

We've consistently heard directly from the students in regard to the high quality of our courses. In the most recent National Student Survey, our students gave us excellent feedback in a range of areas. We were voted first in the North West for 'teaching on my course' and 'learning opportunities', along with second in the North West for 'assessment and feedback' and third in the North West for 'academic support', 'learning resources' and 'student voice'.

2. State-of-the-Art Simulation and Clinical Training

Our sites in Chester, Birkenhead and Warrington house cutting-edge simulation suites that mirror real hospital environments, complete with simulated wards, triage areas, and high-fidelity patient manikins. These facilities give students the chance to practise vital clinical skills in a safe, supportive setting before they step into real-world care. This is not just about technical proficiency; it's about building confidence, critical thinking, and readiness.

3. Extensive and Diverse Placement Opportunities

We understand that excellence in nursing comes from experience. That's why our Nursing students benefit from real-world work placements – where students learn under supervision, apply theory in practice, and develop professional judgement in real NHS settings. We have excellent links with practice learning providers, such as local NHS Trusts, the independent sector and primary care. You will gain a wide variety of learning experiences in a range of practice learning environments and clinical and healthcare settings. This ensures our graduates are confident and prepared with direct experience of working in the field of nursing.

4. Strong Careers Support and Employer Engagement

The journey from classroom to profession is fully supported by our Careers and Employability services. From day one, students have access to expert career consultants, CV and interview preparation, employer networking events, and the CareerHub platform, offering job and internship listings. We connect students directly with NHS employers and healthcare organisations, helping to bridge education, practice, and employment.

5. We Offer a Variety of Options

Alongside giving students the option of studying at one of our three sites in Chester, Warrington and Birkenhead, we also offer a wide range of Nursing courses to suit your career aspirations. Students at Chester can choose to specialise in Adult, Children's, Mental Health and Learning Disability Nursing. Alongside this, there is also the option for students to study on an Integrated Master's MNurs – a Dual Field Qualification course that allows students to specialise in two of the aforementioned fields.

6. Financial Support Through Your Studies

At the University of Chester, we firmly support our Nursing students, not just academically, but financially too.

Students enrolling in pre-registration Nursing and Midwifery programmes are eligible to receive up to £5,000 per academic year, non-repayable, to support living expenses while studying and undertaking crucial placement hours. This grant is available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels for courses like Nursing, Midwifery, and similar allied health subjects.

This funding can make a profound difference – helping students cover accommodation, travel, equipment, and daily essentials during placement weeks when paid work isn't feasible.

There is a growing demand for nurses within the NHS, but it's not just about quantity; it's about quality, preparedness, and adaptability. The University of Chester stands ready to meet this need.

We believe that our graduates are not only ready for NHS roles, but they also excel within them. We build nurses who are technically capable, compassionate, resilient, and ready on day one.

Together, we can help shape the next generation of NHS nursing professionals and strengthen our health service from within.

We still have places available on select courses during Clearing. Find out more about studying Nursing at Chester and apply now.