There are many things to consider and different routes to take. Below, you can read about a range of factors to consider when making your application.

Do you want to stay close to home or move away? Consider:

• Whether you get homesick
• Whether you are independent
• Cost of travel
• Accommodation costs

Know where you are applying.

• Check out university rankings
  • Complete University Guide Nursing Rankings
  • Best UK universities for general nursing – The Guardian
• Consider what grade/UCAS points the university requires; is this achievable for you?

University open days are your opportunity to get a feel for the place and determine if it is a good fit for you.

• Attend as many open days as possible. If you can’t attend in person, explore virtual tours.
• Consider how the university feels, impressions of staff, the course delivery style, and facilities.
• Check out their additional learning needs support.
• What is the pastoral care like?
• Evaluate accommodation options—distance from campus, costs, and availability.
• Research placements/experiences offered and their locations.
• Prepare questions to ask during open days.
• Talk to student ambassadors to gain insight into student life.

Don't get caught out by hidden costs.

• Check uniform policies—are they included? If not, how much do they cost?
• Consider placement distances—are there funds to help with these costs?

What do other students say about their experience at the university?

• Student experience feedback, such as National Student Survey results, can provide insights.
• Ask about lecturers maintaining clinical practice during open days or via course administrators.
• Consider post-qualification job prospects—will you stay in the training location or move elsewhere?

When applying to university, your personal statement is critical. Reflect on experiences like the cadet program and related care work. Here’s an example:

UCAS Personal Statement: Nursing

From a young age, I have been driven by a strong desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives, and my experience on the RCN King's Nursing Cadet programme has strengthened my ambition to pursue a career in nursing...

As part of the programme, I completed 20 hours of observational placements in my local NHS Trust which gave me a unique insight into the daily responsibilities of nurses. I was able to observe patient care, a multi-disciplinary meeting and talk to a student nurse on the ward. I witnessed key nursing skills such as effective communication, empathy, and the ability to work under pressure. I learned the importance of maintaining patient dignity and the critical role nurses play in multidisciplinary teams. By observing basic care tasks such as monitoring vital signs and supporting patients with personal care, I saw first-hand how compassionate care can positively impact patient outcomes.

Alongside these practical experiences, the RCN King's Nursing Cadet programme provided me with a strong theoretical foundation in healthcare. I completed coursework in infection control, safeguarding, and patient safety, which opened my eyes to the complexities of nursing. This experience sparked my interest in evidence-based practice, and I am particularly drawn to the holistic approach of nursing, which involves addressing a patient’s physical, emotional, and social needs.

Outside of the programme, I have been eager to expand my understanding of health and social care further. I volunteered at a local care home, where I supported elderly residents in their daily activities. This experience, particularly when working with individuals living with dementia, taught me the importance of patience, adaptability, and compassionate care. Seeing how small acts of kindness could improve someone’s day only reinforced my desire to pursue a career in nursing.

In my academic studies, I have developed a solid grounding in biology and health and social care. These subjects have provided me with a good understanding of human anatomy and physiology, alongside the wider healthcare system. I have particularly enjoyed learning about the body’s response to illness, how diseases spread, and the role of public health initiatives. This academic background has further fuelled my passion for nursing and equipped me with the knowledge needed to succeed in a healthcare environment.

I am especially excited about pursuing adult nursing, as it offers the opportunity to work across diverse healthcare settings. I am fascinated by the wide range of responsibilities that adult nurses have, from providing acute care in hospitals to promoting long-term health in the community. Nursing’s dynamic and ever-evolving nature appeals to me, and I am eager to embrace the challenge of continuing my professional development throughout my career.

Throughout my experiences, I have come to understand the importance of emotional resilience and teamwork in nursing. I have seen how nurses can truly make a difference, not just in patients’ physical health but also by providing emotional support to them and their families. I am committed to becoming a nurse who delivers both high-quality clinical care and compassionate support during difficult times.

The cadet programme, alongside my volunteer work and academic studies, has strengthened my resolve to become a dedicated and compassionate nurse. I believe that my experiences have provided me with a solid foundation, and I am confident that I possess the skills, dedication, and passion to succeed in this rewarding profession. Nursing is a career that demands both technical skill and emotional intelligence, and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that a nursing degree will offer. I am excited to contribute to improving the health and well-being of individuals in my care, and I am committed to making a meaningful impact in the field of nursing.