Personal statement

Personal statements will be reviewed. Please read the course details before completing your application.  

Your statement is your opportunity to show us your passion, enthusiasm, and your personality.  

Here's what we want to see in your personal statement: 

• Your interest in nursing: Tell us why you are interested in adult nursing. Take time to learn about some of the big conversations happening in healthcare. We like to see that you are engaging in the world of adult health care and nursing. 
• Understanding the role: Demonstrate your comprehension of the specialist responsibilities and the fulfilling aspects of being a clinical nurse. Why have you applied to study adult nursing as opposed to mental health, child or learning disability nursing, or psychology? 
• Transferable skills and work experience: Highlight transferable skills gained from work experience, explaining how you have gained the skills and attributes expected of an adult nurse.
• Work experience: Explain how your past work experiences have equipped you with the necessary skills to progress as a nurse. Demonstrate a commitment to delivering kind, compassionate and competent care.

Personal statement guide

Work experience 

We recommend that you undertake as much work experience as possible. A caring environment is preferred. Work experience should give you a feel for the personal and professional attributes necessary for your chosen career, highlighting the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills required. 

Any experience in the below settings will strengthen your application: 

• NHS hospitals 
• Community setting, for example, working with vulnerable groups, community groups, dementia care 
• Special schools private practice 
• Working in a shop/café, volunteering, or school leadership positions (where you can demonstrate transferable skills such as communicating with people in a non-clinical environment) 

Interview selection 

For 2025 entry, we are expecting all interviews will be online using Microsoft Teams.

You'll need access to IT equipment with a webcam and microphone, reliable Wi-Fi and a private and quiet space where you'll be alone and not interrupted.

The interview is designed to assess the personal qualities usually considered important for the practice of Nursing. These qualities are based on the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Practice. We will also be evaluating if you are applying with a clear understanding and commitment to the course and the profession. You'll be expected to demonstrate:

• Research the field of adult nursing: Show your interest and understanding of the nursing field you wish to join. Be familiar with the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards that come with adult nursing.  
• Practice self-reflection: Be ready to talk about yourself and your accomplishments. Highlight experiences that demonstrate your dedication, compassion, and resilience.  
• Showcase teamwork skills: Nursing involves collaborating with various healthcare professionals. Give evidence of your ability to work effectively in a team, emphasising your adaptability, cooperation, and respect for others' contributions. 
• Apply your knowledge: Showcase your ability to apply theoretical knowledge and transferable skills to the role of an adult nurse. Discuss how you would handle different scenarios of interacting with children, young people, and parents or families.  
• Your communication skills: Practice expressing yourself clearly and confidently. Focus on active listening and empathy. 
• Display professionalism: Demonstrate a professional attitude throughout the interview.  
• Stay informed on health issues: Be knowledgeable about current developments in adult health- watch the news, read, search the internet/ social media. 

The interview will consist of five questions. The interview will last up to 30 minutes. Your responses will be assessed against our criteria. Please be aware that the interviewers will not have seen your personal statement which allows for consistency and fairness across all interviews. You are encouraged to include information from your personal statement in the interview where relevant.  

You'll receive more information about your interview if selected.

We will contact you from time to time using the following email addresses:

• mhssupport@nottingham.ac.uk
• UGAdmissionsMHS@nottingham.ac.uk
• feestatus@nottingham.ac.uk

To make sure that emails from the university are not filtered into your junk or spam folders, please add these addresses to your contact list.

Please do still continually check your junk/spam folders so you don’t miss out on any important information from us.

Before the interview

• Make sure you familiarise yourself with the Microsoft Teams application.
• Test sound and microphone settings. Please be aware we are unable to undertake the interview without a working camera.
• Find a quiet room free from distractions. 
• Log in at least 10 minutes before the interview and take care of any last-minute issues. 

If you require adjustments to be put in place for your interview, please get in touch with as much detail as you can before your interview. We may need you to provide us with some supporting evidence. We require at least five working days' notice before your interview to consider your request. We cannot guarantee we will be able to meet every requirement, but we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Receiving an offer

All offers for Nursing (Adult) BSc are subject to achieving the academic and non-academic offer conditions. This includes:

• Achievement of academic qualifications stipulated in the offer
• Occupational health clearance 
• Enhanced clearance with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

In accordance with the university's policy relating to equal opportunities, there will be no discrimination on the basis of race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, and religious belief. 

As part of your course, you will undertake supervised clinical practice placements. 

Find out more about your placements

Preparing for your interview; Ella Guerin, Mental Health Nursing Admissions Tutor, explains the nursing application interview process and gives hints and tips on how to prepare.