PhD Nursing (4 years) / Entry requirements

We require:

• An honours degree (minimum Upper Second (2:1)) or the overseas equivalent in a relevant subject
• AND a very good MSc/MPhil/MRes degree from a recognised institution
• OR satisfactory work at postgraduate level (which must include some research training) undertaken for the equivalent of at least one year full-time.

NB In exceptional circumstances, we may consider an application from a student without both an undergraduate and post-graduate degree. For example, if they have a first/distinction and research experience. 

The four-year programme is strongly recommended for anyone who:

• has not studied in the UK before;
• has not completed specific research methods training at master's level and received 'very good' grades;
• has not completed a research dissertation at master's level and received 'very good' grades;
• has not scored at least 6.5 in all areas of the IELTS (or equivalent) if English is not their first language.

For students who which to study via distance learning there are additional criteria to support effective communication, for more information please see entry requirements section.

For applicants whose first language is not English, or if you have not studied recently in the UK, you must provide evidence of how you meet the English Language requirement.

We mainly accept IELTS or TOEFL tests. Please note IELTS and TOEFL are only valid for two years.

We require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT 90. For each of the components of the English test you should meet the minimum requirement of 6.0 (IELTS) or 22 (iBT).

English language requirements for our distance learning programme are:

• IELTS 7.0, with a score of 6.5 or above in each component
• TOEFL IBT with an overall score of 100 (with a minimum score of 25 in each component)

For more information about English language tests see English language requirements .

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements, including English language, see entry requirements from your country .

Additional requirements for distance learning students

The distance learning PhD maximises flexibility and decreases the need for travel and to have an actual presence on campus (apart from the annual intensive study week), but it does not decrease the time and commitment required for serious and successful PhD study.

As well as the academic and language entry requirements outlined above, distance learning students must also prove that they have the time, commitment and language ability and facilities available needed to work remotely.

As part of their application, students should demonstrate that they have:

• full-time hours availability;
• access to study sites and research participants;
• if seconded from employment to undertake the programme,approval and support from your employer for study time;
• adherence to University and home environment ethics and research governance procedures;
• consistent computer and IT access;
• a broadband connection: minimum downstream 2 Mb, upstream 256k;
• up-to-date Windows software;
• a webcam and microphone.

Students must maintain the expected virtual presence and communication to remain registered on the distance learning PhD programme.

Please note: When applying, distance learning students should clearly indicate their interest in the distance learning PhD on the application form.

Additional requirements for distance learning students

The distance learning PhD maximises flexibility and decreases the need for travel and to have an actual presence on campus (apart from the annual intensive study week), but it does not decrease the time and commitment required for serious and successful PhD study.

As well as the academic and language entry requirements outlined above, distance learning students must also prove that they have the time, commitment and language ability and facilities available needed to work remotely.

As part of their application, students should demonstrate that they have:

• at least two days per week minimum study time (part-time students) or full-time hours availability (full-time students);
• access to study sites and research participants;
• if seconded from employment to undertake the programme, approval and support from your employer for study time;
• adherence to University and home environment ethics and research governance procedures;
• consistent computer and IT access;
• a broadband connection: minimum downstream 2 Mb, upstream 256k;
• up-to-date Windows software;
• a webcam and microphone.

Students must maintain the expected virtual presence and communication to remain registered on the distance learning PhD programme.

Please note: When applying, distance learning students should clearly indicate their interest in the distance learning PhD on the application form.