Nursing applications up by 32 per cent at Bradford

Nursing applications up by 32 per cent at Bradford University for its nursing courses from 2020 to 2021. This compares to an increase of 20 per cent between 2019 and 2020. The increase mirrors a national rise of around 32 per cent as reported by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

Danielle Woods, lecturer in adult nursing in the Faculty of Health Studies at the University of Bradford, who is also a registered nurse, said the increase in applications at Bradford was partly influenced by the covid pandemic but was also due to innovations in teaching implemented by the University of Bradford.

She said: “All our prospective nursing students undergo an interview as part of our rigorous admissions process, and we are seeing evidence that people are being motivated to pursue a career in nursing by the impact of the covid pandemic to immediate and longer term health outcomes. However, we were seeing an increase in applications even before the pandemic, thanks to our close working partnerships with local healthcare trusts and innovative teaching methods.”

Major incident training

She went on: “These methods have been particularly tested during the pandemic. One example of where we have used technology to innovate during this time is in creating an online simulated major incident, which tests student nurses with realistic medical scenarios and puts them under constant pressure, having to work out problems as they occur.”

She added: “Bradford serves one of the most diverse communities in the UK, so we are particularly proud to see a large number of applications from people of a South Asian origin, in addition to an increase in applications from males, which we want to encourage. Additionally, many of our staff are still clinically active and the links we maintain with healthcare trusts remain strong.”

Career options

The University runs three BSc Nursing programmes, including an Adult Nursing programme specifically for Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust on the Dewsbury and District Hospital site, as well as a variety of postgraduate courses.

In addition, the government has outlined new funding for nursing, midwifery and other allied health professions courses. From September 2020, UK/EU students at English universities can receive up to £8,000 (with a minimum of £5,000 a yea​r) in funding.

Dr Pam Bagley, Dean of the Faculty of Health Studies, said: “It is great to see the level of interest from people wanting to study nursing. It is a fantastic profession that offers an incredibly diverse range of employment settings and opens the door to a host of career directions.

“The University is working closely with our partners in health and social care to create more opportunities for people to study nursing and allied health careers.

“Nursing is a profession that appeals to students progressing straight from school and those who are seeking to change careers. It is a profession that is enhanced by diversity across gender, race and culture, something our university is committed to.”