What A Levels Do You Need to Be a Nurse (+ All the Entry Requirements)

Nursing is a cornerstone of healthcare, offering a wide range of career paths from general practice to specialised fields like paediatric or psychiatric nursing. With a constant demand for skilled nurses in the UK, it's a stable and rewarding profession.

Choosing the right A-Levels is crucial for aspiring nurses, as they lay the foundation for university studies and future success in the field. Subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology not only meet the entry requirements for most nursing programs but also equip students with essential knowledge and skills.

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Why choose a career in nursing? Key takeaways

What are the best A levels to take for nursing? Must-have subjects

Biology

Biology provides a deep understanding of the human body, including cell structure, genetics, and the functioning of various bodily systems. It also covers important topics like disease mechanisms, immunity, and microbiology, crucial to understanding patient health and disease management. Taking Biology A-Level equips students with the scientific knowledge to grasp complex medical concepts and procedures they'll later encounter in nursing school.

Chemistry

A-Level Chemistry covers topics like chemical reactions, the properties of elements and compounds, and organic chemistry, which are particularly relevant when understanding drug interactions, pharmacology, and the body's biochemical processes. This subject helps build the analytical skills and scientific understanding needed for medication administration and interpreting lab results, which are critical in nursing practice.

Psychology

A-Level Psychology covers topics such as developmental psychology, cognitive functions, and social behaviour, providing a broad understanding of how people think, feel, and behave. This knowledge is crucial for nurses in managing patient care, as it helps them understand patient needs, communicate effectively, and support those with mental health issues.

Sociology

Sociology A Level explores social structures, inequalities, and cultural influences, all relevant to understanding patient backgrounds and their societal contexts. Nurses often work with people from diverse environments, and Sociology helps future nurses develop a broader perspective on the social determinants of health.

Which A Level subject combination is best for nursing?

Top combination: Biology + Chemistry + Psychology

This winning combination provides a comprehensive foundation for aspiring nurses, essential for succeeding in a nursing degree.

1. Biology offers insights into the human body and its functions, crucial for understanding patient health and disease management.
2. Chemistry complements this by explaining the chemical processes and substances affecting the body, which is vital for grasping medication interactions and interpreting lab results.
3. Psychology adds depth by exploring human behaviour and mental processes, equipping future nurses with the skills to manage patient interactions and address mental health issues compassionately.

Together, these subjects form a well-rounded academic base, ensuring students are well-prepared for the diverse challenges of the healthcare field. This combination fosters critical thinking, analytical abilities, and a deep understanding of both the physiological and emotional aspects of patient care.

Evaluating options from a monetary point of view? Learn more about the cost of taking A-levels privately.

Based on nursing specialisations

If you're wondering, 'What A-levels do you need to be a paediatric nurse?' or 'What A-levels do you need to be a veterinary nurse?', here's the answer to your questions. Most nursing fields require a master's degree pursued after completing an undergraduate course, so your A-level choices remain the same regardless of the specialisation you pursue later in your career.

Even at institutions like Kingston University, where you can choose a children's nursing undergraduate course, the entry requirements are very similar across programmes and don't demand specific A-levels.

What are the minimum requirements for nursing?

Type	Minimum requirements
UCAS Points	Typically ranging between 112 and 136
GCSE	Minimum of C/4 in English and Maths
A Level	Ranging from BBC to ABB
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma	DMM is the minimum in most cases
International Baccalaureate	Around 30 points minimum
Others	IELTS with a minimum of 7.0 for foreign students

Looking to start a healthcare career? Here are some other options you may want to take a look at:

• A-levels to be a Psychologist
• A-levels needed for Pharmacy
• A-level requirements for Medicine

Which course is best for becoming a nurse?

Several universities throughout the UK offer courses in nursing, but these are the top 5 according to The Guardian's University Ranking:

#1 The University of Edinburgh

• Degree: Bachelor of Nursing (with honours)
• UCAS Code: B700
• Duration: 4 years full-time

#2 The University of Glasgow

• Degree: Bachelor of Nursing (with honours)
• UCAS Code: B700
• Duration: 4 years full-time

#3 Kingston University

• Degree: Adult Nursing BSc (Hons)
• UCAS Code: B740
• Duration: 3 years full time

• Degree: Children's Nursing BSc (Hons)
• UCAS Code: B732
• Duration: 3 years full time

#4 The University of Sheffield

• Degree: Adult Nursing BMedSci course
• UCAS Code: B740
• Duration: 3 years full time

#5 The University of Liverpool

• Degree: Nursing BN (Hons)
• UCAS Code: B700
• Duration: 3 years full time

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Aspiring nurses FAQs

What GCSEs do you need to be a nurse?

To pursue a nursing degree in the UK, you typically need at least five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including English, Maths, and Science. These subjects provide the foundational skills necessary for nursing studies and are often required for entry into nursing programs at universities.

What grades do you need for a nursing degree UK?

Most UK universities require A-level grades ranging from BBC to ABB for entry into nursing programs. Alternatively, equivalent qualifications like BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas (typically DMM to DDM) may also be accepted.

Can you become a nurse without A levels?

Yes, you can become a nurse without A-Levels. Universities often accept alternative qualifications like BTEC Level 3 Diplomas, Access to Higher Education Diplomas, or relevant work experience combined with qualifications such as NVQs or SVQs.

How many years is nursing?

A typical nursing degree in the UK is three years long, covering both theoretical study and practical placements. Some programs, especially those with an integrated master's or extended placements, may take four years. To specialise in a particular area, you may want to take on a master's course, which takes another few years.

What A levels do you need to be a midwife?

For midwifery, universities generally prefer A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry, or Psychology, with grades typically ranging from BBC to ABB, as in nursing courses. These subjects provide the essential knowledge needed for understanding human biology, patient care, and psychological well-being.

Can you become a nurse without a degree?

In the UK, becoming a registered nurse requires a nursing degree. However, you can work in healthcare roles such as a healthcare assistant or nursing associate, which may provide pathways to a nursing degree through further study or apprenticeships.