University of Derby Nursing Programmes (2026)
Derby’s nursing portfolio spans three undergraduate fields, Children’s foundation and direct-entry routes, two-year pre-registration MSc Adult and Mental Health awards, leadership MSci routes including Child B703, and four dual-registration combinations. Regulator: Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Derby’s nursing portfolio spans three undergraduate fields, Children’s foundation and direct-entry routes, two-year pre-registration MSc Adult and Mental Health awards, leadership MSci routes including Child B703, and four dual-registration combinations.
Overview & Why Students Choose University of Derby
University of Derby is a UK higher-education provider offering pre-registration nursing degree routes in Derby, England (Derbyshire). This guide focuses on NMC field programmes, UCAS entry points, fees, and practice learning partners from official university sources reviewed for 2026.
Derby’s nursing portfolio spans three undergraduate fields, Children’s foundation and direct-entry routes, two-year pre-registration MSc Adult and Mental Health awards, leadership MSci routes including Child B703, and four dual-registration combinations.
Successful completion of an approved pre-registration nursing programme leads to eligibility to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in your chosen field of practice.
Reasons students choose University of Derby
NMC field routes
Adult Nursing, Children's Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Learning Disabilities Nursing and Dual-field / multiple-registration routes — choose the field that matches your intended area of practice.
Campus & city
Teaching linked to Derby, England (Derbyshire). Campuses: Derby Kedleston Road campus; Chesterfield St Helena site.
NHS practice learning
Regional NHS and care placement partners supporting Derby and Chesterfield nursing routes. Confirm the current placement network for your campus and field on derby.ac.uk.
Nursing Programmes Offered
UK nursing degrees are organised by NMC field of practice: Adult, Children’s, Mental Health, and Learning Disabilities (plus dual-field or integrated master’s routes where offered). Below are the field routes confirmed as offered for University of Derby in sources reviewed for this guide.
Pre-registration
Adult Nursing
Offered — Adult Nursing BSc B770, with foundation-year B77F and direct-entry B77D routes; two-year pre-registration MSc Nursing (Adult) with published 2026/27 home tuition of £9,790/year and international tuition of £17,500/year. Dual MSci Adult+Mental Health B705 and Adult+Child B706, plus Adult Leadership MSci B701.
Children's Nursing
Offered — Children's Nursing BSc B710; Children's Nursing with Foundation Year (four years, Kedleston Road; confirm the live UCAS listing — no code is invented here); Children's Direct Entry BSc B71D (18 months); Children's Nursing and Leadership MSci B703. Dual MSci Adult+Child B706 and Learning Disabilities+Child dual-award provision are also listed.
Mental Health Nursing
Offered — Mental Health Nursing BSc B780, with foundation-year B78F and direct-entry B78D (18 months); two-year pre-registration MSc Nursing (Mental Health) with published 2026/27 home tuition of £9,790/year and international tuition of £17,500/year. Dual MSci Adult+Mental Health B705, Mental Health Leadership MSci B702, and Mental Health+Learning Disabilities dual-award provision are listed.
Learning Disabilities Nursing
Offered within dual-award MSci combinations (Mental Health and Learning Disabilities; Learning Disabilities and Child). Confirm the current application codes on the selected Derby dual-award page before applying. Closed-course note: Nursing (Learning Disabilities) with Foundation Year still appears in Derby’s A–Z directory, but the individual course page states the course is now closed — treat it as closed, not as an active application route.
Dual-field / multiple-registration routes
Offered — four dual-award combinations are published: Adult and Mental Health B705; Adult and Child B706; Mental Health and Learning Disabilities; and Learning Disabilities and Child. Exact UCAS codes for the Learning Disabilities dual combinations should be confirmed on the live Derby dual-award pages.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| UCAS course codes | Adult Nursing B770; Children's Nursing B710; Mental Health Nursing B780; Adult foundation B77F; Mental Health foundation B78F; Adult direct entry B77D; Children's direct entry B71D; Mental Health direct entry B78D; MSci Adult+Mental Health B705; MSci Adult+Child B706; MSci Leadership Adult B701; MSci Leadership Mental Health B702; MSci Leadership Child B703. Children's Nursing with Foundation Year is published (Kedleston Road) — confirm its current UCAS listing on derby.ac.uk without inventing a code. Pre-registration MSc Nursing (Adult) and MSc Nursing (Mental Health) use the university’s postgraduate application routes. Mental Health+Learning Disabilities and Learning Disabilities+Child dual awards are published — confirm their current UCAS codes on derby.ac.uk. |
| Degree apprenticeship | Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship routes are published at BSc and MSc level where employer places exist, alongside a Nursing Associate FdSc apprenticeship. Confirm current employer-sponsored availability with the University of Derby and the sponsoring organisation. |
| Delivery | campus |
This guide lists field routes offered in sources reviewed for 2026. See the official University of Derby course page and the NMC for any later changes.
NMC Registration & Programme Status
Graduates of approved pre-registration programmes apply to join the NMC register in their field of practice.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) |
| Registration pathway | Complete an approved pre-registration programme, then apply to join the NMC register |
| Fields listed on this guide | Adult Nursing, Children's Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Learning Disabilities Nursing and Dual-field / multiple-registration routes |
| Source / next step | nmc.org.uk · Joining the register |
Figures and course details on this page reflect official university and UCAS sources checked on 24 July 2026. Awards, fees, codes and intake openness can change — verify the live course page before you apply.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and nurses educated outside the UK differ from home applicants. Use this as a checklist — not immigration or licensing advice.
For University of Derby: International applicants should confirm English-language requirements, fees, visa status and placement arrangements with the University of Derby. CAS applications may not be accepted for Chesterfield-taught nursing courses; Derby campus may be the alternative.
- English-language proficiency: Many UK nursing courses require IELTS 7.0 overall (often with minimum component scores); check the exact standard on the University of Derby course page.
- Academic credentials: Overseas qualifications may need evaluation; follow university admissions guidance.
- NMC (overseas-qualified nurses): If you already trained abroad and want UK registration, follow the NMC’s overseas route (which may include CBT/OSCE). That path is separate from starting a UK student nursing degree.
- Student visa: The course must be eligible for a Student visa and practice placements must meet visa conditions.
Policies change. Use University of Derby’s international office and the NMC for final checks.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Pre-registration nursing at University of Derby is typically competitive. Applications for most full-time undergraduate routes go through UCAS. Expect academic thresholds plus values-based interview, occupational health, and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Application route
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Application system | UCAS (Clearing / alternative routes may open later in the cycle) |
| UCAS course codes | Adult Nursing B770; Children's Nursing B710; Mental Health Nursing B780; Adult foundation B77F; Mental Health foundation B78F; Adult direct entry B77D; Children's direct entry B71D; Mental Health direct entry B78D; MSci Adult+Mental Health B705; MSci Adult+Child B706; MSci Leadership Adult B701; MSci Leadership Mental Health B702; MSci Leadership Child B703. Children's Nursing with Foundation Year is published (Kedleston Road) — confirm its current UCAS listing on derby.ac.uk without inventing a code. Pre-registration MSc Nursing (Adult) and MSc Nursing (Mental Health) use the university’s postgraduate application routes. Mental Health+Learning Disabilities and Learning Disabilities+Child dual awards are published — confirm their current UCAS codes on derby.ac.uk. |
| Typical entry requirements | Adult Nursing typically asks for around 112 UCAS tariff points, plus interview, occupational-health clearance and DBS checks. The Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship may be accepted in lieu of UCAS points or Level 3 qualifications on some routes. Confirm the current requirements on the selected Derby course page. |
| Additional checks | Interview, occupational health, enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
UK nursing fees differ for home and international students. Figures below come from sources reviewed for this guide; universities update fees by academic year.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Home tuition | £9,790/year home tuition for 2026/27 on Adult, dual-field and updated nursing course pages. Confirm the selected Derby course page if a legacy fee still appears. |
| International tuition | About £17,500/year international tuition is published for dual-field and Adult nursing pages. Confirm the exact overseas fee and campus eligibility (Chesterfield CAS limits may apply) on derby.ac.uk. |
| NHS Learning Support Fund | Eligible home students on qualifying courses in England may apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund (training grant and related support). Confirm eligibility on NHSBSA pages — support is not guaranteed for every applicant. See NHS Learning Support Fund |
| Source | University of Derby course / fees pages (checked 24 July 2026) |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
After completing an approved programme, graduates apply for NMC registration in their field and typically seek NHS Band 5 (or equivalent) roles. Where graduate-outcome figures were sourced for University of Derby, they are shown below with attribution; otherwise see university and Discover Uni / Graduate Outcomes publications.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Graduate / satisfaction snapshot | See Discover Uni and University of Derby graduate-outcomes information for the latest course-level employment and further-study results. |
| Registration pathway | Apply to join the NMC register after an approved pre-registration programme |
| Source | University publications / Discover Uni / Graduate Outcomes where cited |
Is University of Derby the Right Fit for You?
Use this as a practical fit check for studying nursing at University of Derby in Derby, England (Derbyshire).
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a UK pre-registration degree leading toward NMC registration in Adult Nursing, Children's Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Learning Disabilities Nursing and Dual-field / multiple-registration routes.
- Can commit to academic study plus substantial NHS / practice placement hours.
- Prefer studying in or near Derby, England (Derbyshire).
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Cannot commit to the full-time study and placement pattern of a pre-registration nursing degree.
- Cannot meet interview, DBS, or occupational health requirements.
- Are seeking a field of practice University of Derby does not currently offer.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
UK nursing degrees rely on practice learning with NHS trusts and other approved placement providers around Derby, England (Derbyshire) and the wider region.
| Partner / setting | Details |
|---|---|
| Practice placement partners | Regional NHS and care placement partners supporting Derby and Chesterfield nursing routes. Confirm the current placement network for your campus and field on derby.ac.uk. |
| Region | Derbyshire, England |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing at University of Derby is taught from the campuses/sites noted below, with time split between university learning and practice placements.
Main campus(es)
Derby and Chesterfield support Adult, Children's and Mental Health Nursing, with foundation (including Children's foundation at Kedleston Road), 18-month direct-entry, two-year pre-registration MSc Adult and Mental Health routes, leadership MSci, four dual-award combinations and apprenticeship options. Closed-course note: Learning Disabilities with Foundation Year is listed as closed on its individual Derby course page.
Open days are useful for seeing simulation facilities, placement travel times, and nursing-specific student support.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Primary city / campus
- Derby, England (Derbyshire)
- County / area
- Derbyshire, England
- Website
- https://www.derby.ac.uk/undergraduate/nursing-courses/nursing-adult-bsc-hons/
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Open the official University of Derby nursing page and note which NMC field you will apply for.
- Match the UCAS course code(s) and entry tariff/GCSE requirements for your chosen field.
- Check the course remains an approved pre-registration route via the university and NMC resources.
- Plan interview preparation and gather care-experience evidence if the course asks for it.
- Compare home vs international fees and NHS Learning Support Fund eligibility for your nation of study.
- Map travel time from campus to likely placement areas around Derby, England (Derbyshire).
- Set a reminder for the UCAS deadline for your target entry year.
Figures and course details on this page reflect official university and UCAS sources checked on 24 July 2026. Awards, fees, codes and intake openness can change — verify the live course page before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does nursing at University of Derby cost?
Home tuition in sources checked for this guide: £9,790/year home tuition for 2026/27 on Adult, dual-field and updated nursing course pages. Confirm the selected Derby course page if a legacy fee still appears. International: About £17,500/year international tuition is published for dual-field and Adult nursing pages. Confirm the exact overseas fee and campus eligibility (Chesterfield CAS limits may apply) on derby.ac.uk. Eligible home students on qualifying courses in England may apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund (training grant and related support). Confirm eligibility on NHSBSA pages — support is not guaranteed for every applicant. See NHS Learning Support Fund. Figures and course details on this page reflect official university and UCAS sources checked on 24 July 2026. Awards, fees, codes and intake openness can change — verify the live course page before you apply.
Where do University of Derby nursing students go on placement?
Placement partners noted for University of Derby: Regional NHS and care placement partners supporting Derby and Chesterfield nursing routes. Confirm the current placement network for your campus and field on derby.ac.uk. Trust allocation can vary by cohort and field.
Does University of Derby accept international applicants for nursing?
International applicants should confirm English-language requirements, fees, visa status and placement arrangements with the University of Derby. CAS applications may not be accepted for Chesterfield-taught nursing courses; Derby campus may be the alternative. Expect English-language requirements and Student visa rules where applicable.
What is the difference between Adult and Mental Health Nursing at University of Derby?
NMC field routes prepare you for registration in a specific field of practice. At University of Derby, offered fields include: Adult Nursing, Children’s Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Learning Disabilities Nursing and Dual-field / multiple-registration routes. Choose the field that matches the patient group and care setting you want to work in after registration.
Does University of Derby offer a nursing degree apprenticeship?
Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship routes are published at BSc and MSc level where employer places exist, alongside a Nursing Associate FdSc apprenticeship. Confirm current employer-sponsored availability with the University of Derby and the sponsoring organisation.
Where is University of Derby nursing taught?
Derby, England (Derbyshire). Derby Kedleston Road campus; Chesterfield St Helena site.
Are there NHS bursaries or grants for University of Derby nursing students?
Eligible home students on qualifying courses in England may apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund (training grant and related support). Confirm eligibility on NHSBSA pages — support is not guaranteed for every applicant. See NHS Learning Support Fund.
What nursing fields does University of Derby offer?
University of Derby lists the following NMC field routes in sources reviewed for this guide: Adult Nursing, Children’s Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Learning Disabilities Nursing and Dual-field / multiple-registration routes. Check approved programmes on the university site and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) resources.
How do I apply to University of Derby nursing?
Most UK pre-registration nursing degrees are applied for via UCAS. For University of Derby, course codes in sources checked for this guide include: Adult Nursing B770; Children's Nursing B710; Mental Health Nursing B780; Adult foundation B77F; Mental Health foundation B78F; Adult direct entry B77D; Children's direct entry B71D; Mental Health direct entry B78D; MSci Adult+Mental Health B705; MSci Adult+Child B706; MSci Leadership Adult B701; MSci Leadership Mental Health B702; MSci Leadership Child B703. Children's Nursing with Foundation Year is published (Kedleston Road) — confirm its current UCAS listing on derby.ac.uk without inventing a code. Pre-registration MSc Nursing (Adult) and MSc Nursing (Mental Health) use the university’s postgraduate application routes. Mental Health+Learning Disabilities and Learning Disabilities+Child dual awards are published — confirm their current UCAS codes on derby.ac.uk. Deadlines and entry criteria are on the official course page.
What are the entry requirements for University of Derby nursing?
Typical requirements noted for University of Derby: Adult Nursing typically asks for around 112 UCAS tariff points, plus interview, occupational-health clearance and DBS checks. The Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship may be accepted in lieu of UCAS points or Level 3 qualifications on some routes. Confirm the current requirements on the selected Derby course page. Nursing applications usually also involve interview, occupational health clearance, and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
References
- University of Derby — official course / provider pagehttps://www.derby.ac.uk/undergraduate/nursing-courses/nursing-adult-bsc-hons/
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)nmc.org.uk
- NMC — joining the registerRegistration guidance
- UCASucas.com
- NHS Learning Support Fundhttps://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund-lsf
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for clarity and alignment with publicly available university, UCAS, and NMC information for UK pre-registration nursing.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, immigration, or financial advice. Programme approval, fees, deadlines, and entry criteria change; always verify with University of Derby and the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Last reviewed: 25 July 2026· Review Process · Editorial Policy