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Southampton Solent University logo

BSc (Hons)Adult Nursing Practice

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Starting in2025
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Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps

Why study adult nursing practice with a foundation year

Change lives and become a confident and caring nurse with our NMC-accredited Adult Nursing Practice degree. Working with partner NHS Trusts, gain the skills for a fulfilling and successful career.

  • Top0
    in the UK for teaching in adult nursing studies, out of 78 institutions (NSS 2024)
  • Top0
    in the UK for learning opportunities in adult nursing studies, out of 78 institutions (NSS 2024)
  • Top0
    in the UK for academic support in adult nursing studies, out of 78 institutions (NSS 2024)
  • If you're not quite ready to study the Adult Nursing Practice undergraduate degree, you can undertake the Social Sciences Foundation Year before progressing onto the full degree here at Solent.
  • Solent ranked 2nd in the UK for satisfaction with assessment in general nursing (out of 78 institutions) (The Guardian University Guide 2025).
  • Students have access to our specialist nursing facilities, including a nursing simulation suite with a six-bed ward, GP consulting room, nurse's treatment room, care home bedroom, and a range of clinical equipment including simulation mannequins. You'll also have access to our nutrition laboratories and biomedical science laboratories.
  • Case-based approach to teaching and learning the course combines three strands of learning: applied theory, nursing simulation and action learning, and nursing practice.
  • As part of your studies, you will undertake 2,300 hours of clinical practice as a work experience placement.
  • You will be supervised by a team of practice supervisors and assessed by a practice assessor.
  • Teaching on campus takes place one day a week so you can earn and learn.
  • As a widening participation university we are proud of the diversity of our students.
  • Get work experience with our partner NHS trusts, hospice services, wider community primary care, prison service, nursing homes and the private sector.
  • You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.

Course overview

During the foundation year, you'll study a range of topics that are central or highly relevant to the study of the social sciences. You’ll explore areas such as mental health and wellbeing, contemporary issues in social sciences, and professional practice to help prepare for undergraduate study.

The foundation year has an applied focus – students are encouraged and enabled to apply their theoretical knowledge to real world problems, such as mental health, psychological wellbeing and everyday problem-solving

In collaboration with health and care providers, BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing Practice undergraduate pre-registration nursing programme supports the growth of nursing in the region. The course is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). This accreditation will mean that on successful completion of the programme you’ll be entitled to register with the NMC.

The course is designed to help you progress from a novice practitioner towards the skills of competent registered nurse. High emphasis is given to clinical skills training, nursing assessment and care planning, inter-agency and inter-professional working, evidence-based practice, and public health initiatives.

The course features a case-based approach to teaching and learning and key elements such as pharmacology, physiology and holistic practice are threaded throughout the modules. Upon completion of your training you will have gained a range of skills and experience and will be ready to transition into the role of a qualified nurse.

You'll be taught by a combination of academic staff with practice and/or research experience, alongside clinical educators from our partner NHS Trusts. You'll also have the opportunity to learn and work alongside other students and staff from a range of disciplines.

The course combines three strands of learning:

  • Applied theory. Developing your awareness of values for nurses and being an accountable professional nurse. You’ll build skills in evidence-based and person-centred decision making to support and deliver best clinical practice. You’ll also develop critical thinking, resilience and coaching skills. This will help to enable you to become a proficient nurse capable of leading care teams in a complex and pressurised health and social care sector.
  • Nursing simulation and action learning. Using the simulation facilities to develop and refine your clinical skills and support your developing knowledge of physiology and pharmacology. You’ll reflect on your practice and share experiences in peer groups to draw out critical incidences, discuss sensitive issues and identify solutions.
  • Nursing practice. Undertaking clinical placements to observe, examine, assess and engage with adult patients and service users. This takes place across community, primary care and hospital settings under appropriate supervision. A key aspect of this course is patient involvement and patient centred care. You‘ll have regular contact with patients, service users and public members who all have experience and expertise as patients or carers.

Using our simulated practice placements, we pride ourselves on culturally preparing our students for clinical practice by supporting them through scenarios such as how to challenge hierarchy, how to manage ward environments, and common cultural practices within our local trusts. As a widening participation university, we are proud of the diversity of our students. We welcome many international students, those with learning differences, first generation university goers, and mature students. It encourages vibrant conversations and helps everyone understand different perspectives and ways of life. Through these discussions, we learn unjudgmental acceptance and, most importantly, learn how to nurse a diverse patient group.

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Accredited by:

Nursing and Midwifery Council logo

Course features

  • Specialist facilities

    This course has access to specialist facilities

  • Professional accreditation

    This course has been accredited by a professional body

  • Built-in work experience placement

    As part of your studies you will have the opportunity to undertake a work experience placement

  • Foundation year available

    If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years

Who is this course for?

The course is specifically designed for those wanting to study social sciences but who do not meet the entry requirements. It is also suitable for those who wish to refresh their academic skills and subject specific knowledge before starting an undergraduate degree.  

What does this course lead to?

Studying this foundation degree can help you on to the path of studying the full adult nursing practice undergraduate degree.

Qualified nurses can undertake nursing roles in primary or secondary care, both in the UK and overseas. Graduates could also pursue a career in charity or aid work, or within the armed forces or prison service. With further experience, future careers can include advanced practice nursing, nurse education and mentoring, and healthcare management, such as ward sister or matron.

Graduate stories

Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.

Read more stories
Effective communication is a vital aspect of my role, as I interact with patients and their families.

A nursing student looking at a blood pressure monitor

Jake Rogers

Emergency Department Nurse

Meet the team

Our adult nursing degree is delivered by an academic team with extensive practice and/or research experience. The course is in the UK's top 15 for teaching (NSS 2022).

The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

Facilities

You’ll have access to a range of our specialist facilities, including a nursing simulation suite, nutrition labs and biomedical science labs. Through our partnership working with local NHS trusts you are likely to also have access to nursing simulation suites and professional spaces.

Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.

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