Entry requirements
Keele is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. On that basis we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria.
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United Kingdom and International students.
If you are interested in becoming an Adult Nurse and already have a degree you may qualify for our MSc Adult Nursing course programme.
If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, Foundation Year offers an alternative route to study for this degree.
UK / EU ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Please note in addition to the below academic entry requirements, to be accepted onto a Nursing or Midwifery programme at Keele you must also fulfil a range of additional requirements. Details of these additional requirements and expectations can be found here.
GCSEs: GCSE English and Maths at grade C (or 4) or above or equivalent qualifications (e.g. Functional Skills Level 2 / Key Skills Level 2). Maths and English qualifications must have been achieved prior to application.
If English is not your first language, normally applicants will have IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 7.0, including at least 6.5 in the writing section and at least 7.0 in the reading, listening and speaking sections. The University may be able to accept alternative English Language qualifications from applicants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) on a case by case basis in line with the appropriate Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) guidelines.
Plus one of the following level 3 qualifications:
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Qualification
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Required Grade Profile
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Further Information
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A levels (Full A2)
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BBC
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GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 or above is required. |
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Access to Higher Education Diploma
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At least 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 Level 3 credits at Merit.
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Health / Science related
Maths and English Language at Grade C/ Grade 4 or above or equivalent, or 12 credits at Level 2 or 3 in English and 12 credits at Level 2 or 3 in Maths.
Maths and English qualifications can be pending if studied alongside a pending Access to Higher Education Diploma
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Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma / Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
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DMM
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Any subjects accepted.
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BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (QCF) and National Extended Certificate (previously known as the Subsidiary Diploma) (QCF) are acceptable combined with additional A level or equivalent Level 3 qualification(s).
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112 UCAS Tariff points from the equivalent of 3 A level qualifications.
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma/Technical Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care
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Grade B
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma/ Technical Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education
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Grade B
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for the Children & Young People's Workforce
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Grade B
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Open University K101/K102 - An Introduction to Health and Social Care
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Pass - 60 points at Level 1
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Previous degree
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Pass
Applicants with a previous degree at 2:2 or above and healthcare experience may be interested in MSc Nursing
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Any subject accepted.
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International Baccalaureate
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29 IB points
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One science subject is required (Higher or Standard level – Biology preferred)
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Irish Leaving Certificate
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112 UCAS tariff points from 4 Highers.
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Ordinary level English Language and Maths grades O1-O4 (or A-C / A1-C3 up to ands including 2016) are required in lieu of GCSEs.
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma (core) is acceptable combined with additional A level or equivalent Level 3 qualification(s).
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112 UCAS Tariff points from the equivalent of 3 A Level qualifications.
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The School will also consider applicants who hold a relevant Higher National Diploma, Foundation Degree or other health related higher education qualifications. Please contact nursing.admissions@keele.ac.uk for advice.
Vocational qualifications: NVQ or equivalent qualifications are not accepted.
If your qualifications are not listed here please contact nursing.admissions@keele.ac.uk for advice.
We recognise that applicants have different backgrounds and experiences and that some applicants may not have had the same opportunities to demonstrate their suitability for HE. Therefore, we will consider the additional data and information provided on your application (the contextual data) as part of the selection process to help identify applicants whose academic performance to date may not be a true reflection of their potential to succeed at University. Our offer will reflect our recognition of individual circumstances.
We recognise the skills and knowledge acquired whilst studying an EPQ qualification and therefore will take this into consideration when assessing your application. If your EPQ is in a relevant subject to the course you have applied for, it will be included in your offer. If you are also eligible for another offer scheme, for example our Contextual Data Offer Scheme, your offer will reflect this and your EPQ qualification will not form part of your offer.
Further entry requirements
Offers are subject to Occupational Health clearances and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.
The University follows the DBS Code of Practice in these issues and can provide a copy of the Code on request.
A reference for the applicant will be completed on the UCAS form by the referee. This is normally from an academic tutor. For applicants invited for interview, a second reference may be required. Friends, relatives or neighbours are not eligible to act as referees. All offers are subject to satisfactory references.
All candidates for pre-registration Nursing and Midwifery programmes are required to meet or exceed NMC requirements, including literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills.
Application Process: Application is via UCAS. The UCAS application is scored. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. This can be either in person or remotely as appropriate.
International entry requirements
The following information is for applicants with Overseas qualifications and / or classed as Overseas for fees.
If you are unsure of your fee status, please check the guidance on the fee assessment pages.
Academic requirements
Please view equivalent entry criteria for your country.
If the qualifications you have are not listed, or you are unsure whether you meet our criteria, please contact the admissions office for advice: nursing.admissions@keele.ac.uk
English language requirements
All students must provide evidence of a recognised qualification in English Language, such as:
- GCSE (first language) English Language – Grade C (Grade 4 for applicants taking the reformed GCSE qualifications in England)
- International English Language Testing Service (IELTS, academic) - 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 in the writing section and at least 7.0 in the reading, listening and speaking sections
- Pearson (PTE) Academic - 65 (components 55)
- Cambridge English First (foundations) and Advanced - 185 (subtests 176)
If you have taken a school qualification in English we may be able to accept this: please email nursing.admissions@keele.ac.uk for advice.
PREPARATION PROGRAMMES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.
These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.
